2018 KTM 790 Duke Revealed | 2017 EICMA

by Dhiyanesh Ravichandran · Published November 8, 2017 · Updated August 11, 2023

Powered by all-new 799 cc parallel-twin engine that makes 105 PS max power.

Get ready to burn some tyres for fun, KTM has unveiled the production-version of its aggressive street fighter 790 Duke at the on-going 2017 EICMA bike show at Milan, Italy. It has been a year since the company previewed the concept version of this motorcycle. The 790 Duke is expected to go on sale next year in the international markets, no word on its Indian launch yet. The Austria-based bike maker is tight-lipped on its pricing too. The 790 Duke´s prime rivals are Triumph Street Triple RS and Kawasaki Z900.

Also Read: 2017 KTM RC Cup Race Bike

Design and styling wise, the new 790 Duke has been aggressively conceived, although the production-version is not as brute as the concept. Yet, the all-LED headlamp and the sharp tank spoiler looks energetic, while the straight lines all over the body work pose a thrilling impression on the beholder. The frame of the bike is a light-weight steel-trellis unit and is as compact as possible. The sportbike retains only the bare essential components and no accessories, so as to make it extremely track-pure and ready to race anytime. A full-colour TFT screen takes the place of the instrumentation area.

The 2018 KTM 790 Duke is powered by an all-new “LC8c” 799cc DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel-twin unit that has been compactly integrated into the airbox sub frame. The powertrain generates 105 PS of max power at 9,000 rpm and 86 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm. The 6-speed gearbox with pressure lubricated slipper clutch is in place to transmit the power the rear wheel, while two balancer shafts are employed to reduce vibration levels. Suspension system includes 43 mm WP fork up front that can be adjusted and a gas-filled mono shock with adjustable pre-load at the rear wheel.

Also Read: 2017 Triumph Street Triple Range Gets Fancy Updates

In terms of tech features to aid the rider, KTM has equipped the 790 Duke with cornering ABS, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), and lean-angle sensitive Traction Control, along with `Supermoto´ mode that can disengage rear ABS. A quick-shifter and launch control is available too, along with three riding modes excluding a `Track´ mode that can be customised.

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