The KTM Duke 790 has been launched in India today and it is the biggest capacity KTM motorcycle you can currently buy in India. So here’s all you need to know about it.
The KTM Duke 790 has finally been launched in India. It was one of the most hotly anticipated new motorcycles coming to India and after months of waiting and spying, we finally have the scalpel here in India. Well, we though you’d want to know this hell of a machine with all its details. Taking over arms from the Duke 390, here’s five things you got to know about the newest and KTM’s flagship motorcycle you can buy in India now.
Styling
It really looks like an orange scalpel, doesn’t it? The mean looking headlamps are much similar to the ones on the Duke 390 and they are nothing like you would see on any other motorcycle. The KTM Duke 790 perhaps comes with the most sculpted fuel tank we have seen on any KTM motorcycle and it really gives a lot of muscle to the bike. Conversely, the tail section is quite neat and the single sided, high mounted exhaust pipe looks very unique.
Powertrain
The KTM Duke 790 will be powered by a 799cc, parallel twin engine churning out 103 bhp of power at 9,000 rpm and 83 Nm torque at 8,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The power may not sound like much from a 799cc engine but this being a KTM, its super light. It weighs only 169kg (dry), which is much lighter than its competitors and gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 621 bhp per tonne.
Features
Some of the highlight features on the Duke 790 include LED DRLs, a fully digital instrument console, disc brakes and Bosch cornering ABS. Also, the handlebar is fully customizable to suit the riding position of the rider. It also packs in a host of electronic nannies. It gets a Bosch IMO engine management system with 4 riding modes – Sport, Street, Rain and a customized Track mode, traction control, launch control, anti-wheelie and cornering ABS with Supermoto mode. The motorcycle also gets a slipper clutch for seamless gearshifts.
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Other Cycle Parts
Other mechanical hardwares include a fly by wire system for improved dynamics and better fuel efficiency. A horizontally split crankcase also helps to keep the overall dimensions compact and weight to a minimum. The Duke 790 uses 43mm open cartridge WP forks at the front and a 12-stage preload-adjustable WP rear monoshock. The brakes are sourced from Spanish brake maker J Juan which also supplies brakes for Moto2 teams. It gets twin 300mm discs at the front and a 240mm rear disc.
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Price and Competition
The KTM Duke 790 has been priced at Rs. 8.64 lakhs, ex-showroom. Unfortunately, KTM will be bringing only 100 units of the Duke 790 initially. Part of the reason is because this motorcycle is not BS-VI complaint. However, KTM is reportedly working on a bigger 890 cc motor that will likely replace this motor altogether. The KTM 790 Duke competes with the likes of the Triumph Street Triple S, Ducati Monster 797, Suzuki GSX-S750 Yamaha MT-09 and the Kawasaki Z900. .
