The KTM Duke 790 has been recently spied at a parking lot in Bangalore. This parking lot belongs to a KTM India dealer based in the same city. Launch of the new KTM Duke 790 is scheduled for 5th Sept as per some dealers. KTM India has not confirmed the launch date.
Unofficial bookings of the Duke 790 have opened at select dealerships. Booking amount ranges from Rss 30k to Rs 50k, depending on the dealer. For 2019, only 100 units are allotted to India. These will be delivered on first come first serve basis.
The middle weight sport naked KTM 790 Duke will be positioned on a light weight chassis. It will command greater rigidity and its compact stance will allow for sharp turn in and better lean angles.
Its on board features could include all LED turn indications, LED head and tail lamps and a high mounted side exhaust. It would get suspension via 43mm, nonadjustable USD fork and preload monoshock sourced from WP and braking via dual front disc brakes.
KTM 790 Duke will also get a multifunction TFT screen and special rider aids such as Track Mode, Motorcycle Traction Control, Quickshifter Plus, Motor Slip Regulation, SuperMoto Mode and Motorcycle Stability Control along with cornering ABS.
It will command dry weight of 174 kgs making it one of the lightest sport naked bikes in its class. KTM is expected to offer the 790 Duke in two color schemes of orange and black. The KTM 790 Duke is already on sale in global markets where it is powered by a 799cc, parallel twin engine offering 105 hp power and 86 Nm torque.
The bike will enter India as a CBU and is hence expected with a higher price tag of around Rs.8.5 lakhs. Duke 790 will not be sold at all KTM India dealers initially. It will only be on sale at select dealerships, in select cities.
This pricing puts it in a higher price range against its competitors in India such as the Suzuki GSX-S750 priced at Rs 7.46 lakhs and the Kawasaki Z900 which carries a price tag of Rs 7.69 lakhs. Its other competitors such as the Street Triple S and Ducati Monster 821 are priced higher at Rs 9.19 lakhs and Rs 10.99 lakhs respectively.
