KTM 790 Duke, dubbed ‘the Scalpel’, was first revealed at 2017 EICMA Show. From that day, many enthusiasts have been waiting for the bike’s launch in India. Late last year, it was first reported that KTM India dealers had started accepting bookings for Duke 790. This was soon rubbished by KTM India officials. This made sure that dealers stopped taking bookings.
But, with the bike getting closer to launch, dealers have once again opened bookings of the Duke 790. A few dealers are taking a refundable amount of Rs 10k, as booking fees. They are of the opinion that the launch will take place in March, and price will be in the Rs 8 lakh region.
It will be imported as a CKD unit to be assembled at the company plant at Chakan near Pune. To be the most powerful KTM motorcyles on sale in the country, 790 Duke will boast of an aggressive stance. It will target bikers who love hitting the race track and setting lap times. Compared to the pricing in the segment, KTM Duke 790 is expected to be priced aggressively, which is what has got fans excited.
The performance oriented bike borrows design and styling elements from the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R. KTM 790 Duke will receive a TFT instrument display, LED headlamps, sharp lines and KTM graphics with bare minimum body work. It will get four riding modes of Sport, Street, Rain and Track. It will also be seen with cornering ABS, Supermoto mode, up and down quick shifter and ride by wire besides wheelie, launch and traction control systems. Watch the prototype in action below, in the famous Scalpel TVC.
Riding ergonomics is further enhanced with the 790 Duke commanding 186mm ground clearance, 825mm seat height and dry weight of 169 kgs. The bike will be able to achieve a top speed of 220 kmph. Engine specifications on the KTM 790 Duke includes a 799cc, LC8 parallel twin engine offering 103 hp power and 87 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed transmission with slipper clutch as standard.
Suspension is via 43mm open cartridge upside down fork in the front and gas assisted WP monoshock at the rear. Braking in the front is via dual 300 mm discs, while at the rear there is a 240 mm single disc. Dual channel ABS is standard. This highly anticipated middle weight motorcycle, will rival the Suzuki GSX-S750, Kawasaki Z900, Ducati Monster 821 and Triumph Street Triple upon launch in India.
