The 2018 KTM 790 Duke, also known as “The Scalpel” was shown to Malaysian media in a special preview at the KTM showroom in Kota Damansara, Selangor. Priced at RM 64,800, excluding GST, road tax, insurance and registration, the 790 Duke carries an all-new engine and up-to-date riding technology.

The new engine is a DOHC eight-valve parallel-twin, displacing 799 cc and producing a claimed 105 hp at 9,000 rpm and 87 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. Fuelling is via a DKK Dell’Orto 42 mm diameter throttle body and power gets to the ground via a six-speed gearbox. Power is modulated via KTM’s Power Assist Slipper Clutch, and the up-and-down quickshifter is built into the gearbox shifter shaft. The Scalpel’s instrument display is TFT-LCD with a full suite of rider aids.


Riding electronics includes traction control, slip regulation and cornering ABS, which KTM calls Motorcycle Stability Control. Dual-channel ABS is standard with Supermoto mode allowing for the rear wheel to be locked with the front wheel still under control. Available to the rider are Rain, Street and Sport riding modes with anti-wheelie control, and an extra Race mode. Switching to Race mode gives quicker throttle response, nine-level traction control and anti-wheelie mode at the rider’s discretion.

Front brakes are KTM’s own brand, made in Spain by J.Juan, 300 mm diameter discs clamped by radial-mount four-piston callipers, activated by a radial mater cylinder. Rear brake is a single 240 mm with fixed two-piston calliper. WP Suspension provides the 43 mm diameter upside-down non-adjustable forks, with the right fork for rebound and left fork for compression. Fork travel is 140 mm, with non-adjustable steering damper located behind lower triple clamp.


The rear monoshock is gas-assisted, from WP Suspension, and only adjustable for pre-load. Wet weight is a claimed 174 kg and fuel is carried in a 14-litre steel tank. Seat is set at 825 mm as standard with a 805 mm tall low seat and 780 mm chassis lowering kit as options from KTM Powerparts. The gear shift is race pattern swappable without extra parts. The 790 Duke comes with 760 mm wide three-position handlebars mated to four-position adjustable handlebar clamps.