KTM Duke 790: New spyshots indicate that test rides are on

The most powerful KTM motorcycle India has ever seen is just days away from launch. The Duke 790 has already reached KTM showrooms, and a superbike rider from Bangalore has also managed to take a quick spin on the superbike. The official launch of the KTM Duke 790 is said to be slated for the first week of September, with most rumours putting the launch date as the 5th of September, 2019. The KTM Duke 790 superbike is likely to be priced at Rs. 8.5 lakhs. While previous reports suggested that the Duke 790 would be assembled through the completely knocked down (CKD) kit route at the Bajaj-KTM factory in Chakan, a limited production run of just 100 units does not suggest this. Also, the Rs. 8.5 lakh price tag suggests that this bike would be brought into India through the completely built unit (CBU) route. KTM dealers have already begun taking unofficial bookings for the Duke 790.

Coming to what’s on offer with this high performance machine, the KTM Duke 790 is powered by a 799cc, parallel-twin four stroke engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection. This engine will get four-valve heads and twin overhead camshafts. Peak power is rated at 103.5 BHP while peak torque is 86 Nm. A six speed manual gearbox with slipper clutch is standard with this engine.

The Duke 790 is built to be an agile street fighter, and is known for its terrific performance both on straight and twisted roads. Disc brakes on both wheels, dual channel ABS, traction control, ride modes, wheelie control, launch control and cornering ABS will be the standard safety features on offer. The motorcycle’s biggest selling point will be its light kerb weight of 169 kilograms, which makes it only slightly heavier tha the Duke 390, but with more than double the power and torque. It’s this light weight that gives the Duke 790 so much nimbleness and the bike is a real hooligan on city streets.

In terms of styling, the Duke 790 has all the cuts, creases and slashes that are typical of KTM motorcycles including the smaller engined Dukes. In fact, the Duke 790 looks like a grown up version of the Duke 390, and is larger in size overall. While there has been talk about KTM building a much bigger engined twin cylinder motorcycle in India, to be positioned in between the Duke 390 and 790, the motorcycle is at least a year away from launch. For now, those seeking a high performance KTM motorcycle that goes up against the likes of the Ducati Monster and the Triumph Street Triple will have to opt for the Duke 790. You may have to hurry though, and get onto the waiting list at a nearest KTM dealer as only 100 units of the Duke 790 are said to be allocated for India. It should get sold out pretty soon as a lot of enthusiasts have been waiting for this motorcycle.