The KTM 790 DUKE has a reputation. Not only is it known to be devastatingly accurate, with the unmatched agility you'd expect from a single, merged with the meaty punch of a twin, but for being a no-nonsense street-brawler. Boasting an uncompromised 799 cc LC8c parallel twin motor nestled into one of the lightest and most compact chassis around, the KTM 790 DUKE is all about being fast where it counts - in the corners.

SURGICAL PRECISON

• TFT Display

A multicolor combination of relevant information, presented in an uncluttered way. As you rev the engine, the display bars change color, either spurring you on or warning you that the engine's still cold. The display also automatically adapts its illumination to the ambient light and gets racy when "Track mode" is selected.

• Bodywork

100% DUKE. Purposefully NAKED and proud of it, the KTM 790 DUKE presents an aggressive stance, boasting aggressive lines and clearly obvious intentions. As the original scalpel, it's sharp, to the point, and leaves nothing covered.

CUT AWAY

• Engine

Devloped for torque, this liquid-cooled 8-valve, DOHC unit delivers 87 Nm at 8000 rpm, almost immediately followed by a roaring 103 hp finale. Meanwhile, an advanced ride-by-wire system guarantees great refinement as well as low fuel consumption and emission figures. It roars too.

• Ride Modes

Riders can choose from four ride modes, namely SPORT, STREET, RAIN, and TRACK. Naturally, STREET MODE is the default, making for comfortable urban riding, with RAIN MODE taking care of things when they get a little slippery. SPORT MODE is used when needing to dial things up a notch, with TRACK MODE giving KTM 790 DUKE pilots full power output, and the ability to dial down the traction control, smooth out the throttle, and switch off the anti-wheelie for rear wheel antics.

STYLE AND FUNCTION

• Ergonomics

The KTM 790 DUKE is an aggressive motorcycle with easy rider ergonomics. This is the key to its long-standing success. A narrow chassis and engine, comfortable seat height, upright seating position, and spacious legroom don't sacrifice cornering clearance on the street, while the footpegs allow for extreme lean angles when cutting into the canyons.

• Seat

At 825 mm, both shorter and taller riders can enjoy the bike at full tilt, without losing sight of the daily usability. The seat cover is grippy but still allows the rider to move around the bike easily. It has been developed to work with textile and leather, in keeping with the wide range of riders and riding styles. The pillion seat cover uses the same material and combines sharp looks with passenger comfort. 805 mm is possible with the lower KTM PowerParts seat.

ALL-IN AGILITY

• Frame

The incredible handling characteristics of the KTM 790 DUKE are founded on the dynamic, loadbearing design of the tubular chassis. Engineers had one goal in mind, and that was to keep the chassis as rigid and compact as possible for sharper turn-in and greater lean angles, allowing it to slice through the turns with extreme responsiveness.

• Swingarm

The die-cast, open-lattice swingarm is meticulously manufactured and has been optimized for stiffness and stability while still offering excellent flex characteristics. By using a direct link for the rear shock, complexity and parts are reduced.