How does the Duke 790 shape up against its Japanese middleweight rivals?
The middleweight naked bike space is fiercely competitive, and the KTM Duke 790 is often lined up against Japanese contenders such as the Yamaha MT 07, Kawasaki Z650, and Honda CB650R. Riders often compare each of them and discuss the best features, which include performance, handling, technology features, build quality, and value for money. On one side are the proven reliability and lower cost of its Japanese counterparts, and on the other are the 790's more premium positioning and higher spec components. We also discuss the differences in character and ride each bike brings to the party, ranging from the more aggressive 790 to the smoother delivery of some Japanese models. The comparison also includes brand loyalty, dealer support, and aftermarket options.
In performance and tech, they blow the 790 out of the water. You’re like comparing a smartphone to a flip phone.
The Japanese bikes are cheaper and more reliable to maintain. The 790 might be faster, but you'll pay the price for it in the end.
It all depends on what you are after. The 790 is more of a hooligan bike, and something like the MT 07 is more usable as a bike you can use every day.
The 790's electronics package is way ahead of the Japanese offerings. It’s worth the added expense for the TFT display, cornering ABS, and multiple ride modes.
Any day, I'd take the CB650R over the 790. That inline four is butter smooth and will run forever.
The 790 feels more special. Objective or not, the Japanese bikes lack that X factor that this has.
All of them are plenty fast for the street. On the track the 790 might have an edge, but for most riders it’s overkill.
The Japanese bikes feel a little more refined. It's exciting, but it's also rawer and less polished than the 790.
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Discussions and Questions How Does The Duke 790 Shape Up Against Its Japanese Middleweight Rivals
How does the Duke 790 shape up against its Japanese middleweight rivals?
16 January 2025 06:22
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