KTM Duke 790

The KTM 790 Duke is a middleweight naked bike that stands out for its exceptional performance and user-friendly nature. Powered by a 799cc parallel-twin engine with a 75-degree crankpin angle, it delivers a unique V-Twin-like sound and a punchy 105 horsepower. The bike features a comprehensive electronics package, including multiple ride modes (Rain, Street, and Sport), 9 levels of traction control, and cornering ABS. The riding position is accommodating, with a tallish seat and marginally rear-set footpegs, making it comfortable for both short and tall riders. The 4-inch color TFT display provides all necessary information, and optional features like Quickshifter and Track mode enhance its performance capabilities. With its slim profile, excellent ground clearance, and compliant suspension, the 790 Duke is as comfortable in city traffic as it is exhilarating on the highways, making it an excellent choice for riders seeking a versatile and thrilling motorcycle.

The KTM 790 Duke is a stellar addition to the middleweight naked bike segment, offering a perfect blend of performance, usability, and features. Its 799cc parallel-twin engine, producing 105 horsepower, is both powerful and refined, making it a joy to ride in various conditions. The bikes electronics package, including 9 levels of traction control, cornering ABS, and multiple ride modes, is unparalleled in its class. While it may have some minor drawbacks like a slightly imprecise gearbox and the need for sharper brakes, these are overshadowed by its overall performance and comfort. The 790 Duke is incredibly easy to maneuver, even in heavy traffic, and transforms into a thrilling machine on the highways. Its comfort and ground clearance make it suitable for daily riding in Indian conditions, making it a top choice for those seeking a fun and capable motorcycle.

The 2024 KTM 790 Duke has been praised for its significant price drop, now costing $9,499, which is $1,000 less than its 2018 price. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a high-performance bike without the hefty price tag. The bike retains its powerful 799cc parallel-twin engine, producing 105 hp and 65 lb-ft of torque, along with advanced electronics like ride-by-wire throttle control and cornering ABS. I think this price reduction is a smart move by KTM to make the 790 Duke more accessible to a wider audience.

The 2024 KTM 790 Duke features a robust set of electronic features, including a 4-inch color TFT display, four riding modes (Track, Sport, Street, and Rain), and Motorcycle Traction Control. The bike also comes with optional features like Quickshifter+ and Track mode, which include an aggressive engine map and customizable traction-control settings. This array of tech makes the 790 Duke both versatile and thrilling to ride.

KTM has highlighted the aggressive design of the 2024 790 Duke, with its sharp lines and menacing LED headlight. The bikes bodywork is designed to be purposefully naked, emphasizing its performance-oriented stance. The LED headlight, flanked by two LED strips, ensures visibility both during the day and night. I believe this design approach really sets the 790 Duke apart from other naked bikes in the market.

The 2024 KTM 790 Duke boasts a lightweight steel-trellis frame and a die-cast aluminum swingarm, paired with WP Apex suspension at both ends. This chassis setup, along with twin four-piston calipers and 300mm discs, provides a high-performance and sporty riding experience. The bikes handling and agility are further enhanced by its cornering ABS and Supermoto mode.

KTMs decision to reintroduce the 790 Duke after it was replaced by the 890 Duke in 2021 has been well-received. The lower production costs, partly due to manufacturing by CFMoto in China, have contributed to the bikes reduced MSRP. This move makes the 790 Duke an appealing choice for riders looking for European design and high-tech features at a relatively affordable price.

In India, the KTM 790 Duke comes with a price tag that reflects its premium features and performance. The ex-showroom price for the 790 Duke is around Rs 8.64 lakh. However, once you factor in the on-road costs, including registration, insurance, and other charges, the price can escalate to approximately Rs 10-11 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. While this may seem steep for some, especially considering KTMs reputation for value-for-money offerings, the 790 Dukes unique blend of power, electronics, and comfort justifies the cost. For those seeking a high-performance motorcycle with advanced features, the 790 Duke is well worth the investment.

The KTM 790 Duke offers decent fuel efficiency, especially considering its performance capabilities. With a mix of city and highway riding, the bike returns around 17-20 kmpl, which is respectable for a motorcycle in its class. This mileage makes it a viable option for daily commuting as well as occasional long rides, keeping running costs relatively manageable.