KTM 790 Duke, KTM’s upcoming bike to join 690 Duke
The Austrian brand Ktm is moving at a great pace in the Indian Automotive market. The KTM will soon be unveiling its beast KTM 790 Duke with a nickname of Scalpel to join KTM 690 Duke.
The name scalpel literally defines and justifies the bike's precision and accuracy in terms of performance and looks. The Austrian brand has worked really hard on the bike’s performance and looks. The bike will be a major rival for Suzuki GSX-S750 and Kawasaki Z900. The main charm of the bike will be its engine aka the heart of a bike, this would be the first time when KTM is powering its bike with a parallel two-cylinder engine. The bike will come with the facility to customize its power and handling according to the rider’s wish which will set the bike ahead of its rivals.
Engine, Performance, and Review
The heart of KTM 790 Duke is unique and stands out of the herd just because of its ability to deliver refined power using various modes like street or sports modes. The heart of the beast is 799 cc which has a power output of 103 hp at 9500 rpm with amazing throttle response and is possible with DOHC engine which is attached with a 6-speed gearbox. This kind of engine produces a torque of 87 Nm at 8000 rpm. The engine of 790 Duke is also lightweight which reduces the overall weight of the ride, which will ultimately improve performance.
The performance of the bike is enhanced by features like a lean-sensitive traction control system, cornering ABS, Wheelie Control, Slipper clutch (which allows 2 way quicker shifts) and the list goes on with electronics.
The 790 Duke is already available in the US and UK, and some experts’ review states that overall the bike’s performance is outstanding but it has got a tendency of stalling below 4000 rpm which could be the outcome of brands' intention to conform emission norms and accordingly designed fueling system. And the Indian version is expected with a remapping of fueling system to solve the stalling issues. Moreover, the position of footpegs close to engine and exhausts may bother some of the riders but this could be overlooked by the performance of the bike.
Looks,
The 790 Duke appears to be in accordance with its nickname Scalpel, sharp and precise. TFT dashboard, LED head and tail lights and carbon fenders add to the looks of the bike. The bike’s headlights similar to KTM 390 Duke but differences in other body parts can be easily recognized.
Pricing
In India, the on-road price of KTM 790 Duke is expected to be in the range of 8-9 lakhs and no official announcements have been done by the KTM but are expected to be taking place in next couple of months.
