THE SCALPEL.
2018 KTM 790 Duke Review on Total Motorcycle:
This is our sharpest tool in the shed, developed with one task in mind: to dominate the street. A true rider knows that here, power needs precision. Feedback. Poise. That’s why KTM combined a light, state-of-the-art chassis with the new LC8c engine. The result: plenty of torque on tap, a 105 horsepower rush blasting out of corners and a huge grin on your face. In order to slingshot this telepathic lightweight even further ahead, advanced ride by wire, integrated connectivity options and next-generation rider aids are here today. But that’s not the end of it. Imagine an up and down quickshifter that takes its name extremely seriously. Customized ride modes. Personalized traction control. And a lean, mean KISKA design that’ll make you learn to love waiting for the others as you raced ahead.
2018 KTM 790 Duke Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
EICMA 2017: NEW POWER GENERATION FOR KTM
KTM pulled the covers off its all-new, production ready KTM 790 DUKE at EICMA, Milan, today (November 7, 2017) along with a KTM 790 ADVENTURE R prototype, hinting how the Austrian firm’s model line-up will further expand, thanks to a completely new engine generation with its 799cc LC8c parallel twin powerplant.
KTM CSO Mr. Hubert Trunkenpolz updated the assembled media and guests on the status of the company, scheduled for another record year of growth and profit in 2017 – underlining its position as the largest European motorcycle manufacturer. With a completely new engine platform, an expanding R&D facility, increased staff globally and now more than 280 World Championships in its trophy cupboard, KTM refuses to shut the throttle on progress.
Last year at the same event, the KTM 790 DUKE prototype – The Scalpel – was unveiled on stage; the exhaust note of its LC8c engine thundering through the halls. This year, KTM returned with the full production version, boasting performance figures and a specification that will blow up the fiercely competitive 600 to 1,000cc naked bike segment.
Formally introduced on stage by Mr. Trunkenpolz, the KTM 790 DUKE punches out 105 hp and 86 Nm of torque from the extremely compact and all-new LC8c parallel twin engine with an unrivaled electronics package. This is a pure KTM – potent and precise, to satisfy the needs of riders who know that power-to-weight ratio and agility can be more important than raw, straight-line brute power. From prototype to production, ‘The Scalpel’ lost none of its edge.
EICMA was also an opportunity for indicating what highly exciting further options to utilize the LC8c parallel twin are looming on the horizon. Just one example: the KTM 790 ADVENTURE R. This is what the ADVENTURE community has been eagerly awaiting; a lightweight, compact midrange travel enduro with outstanding cross-country ability. And that wait is almost over …
The KTM 790 ADVENTURE R prototype fully embraces the Austrian company’s READY TO RACE philosophy. With its high dashboard tower, single seat, tiny LED lights and low-slung fuel tanks, the KTM 790 ADVENTURE R is clearly inspired by the KTM Rally machines that dominate competition the world over. The LC8c punches hard from inside its lightweight and extremely rugged chassis, complete with top-quality WP Suspension components front and rear. Naturally, a production version of this would come with the very best electronic rider assistance package too.
Mr. Trunkenpolz: “We aimed to design the most performance-focused mid-weight travel enduro of its class, with the dynamism of much bigger engine machines, by giving it a leading power-to-weight ratio. The KTM 790 ADVENTURE R prototype is built from a pure offroad obsession. KTM is the market leader in the dirt; our heritage in this field is something no other motorcycle brand can easily copy and this is another exciting indication of the future.”
As a clear example of the relentless push that drives the KTM motorsport division forward and not leaning on past successes, KTM also presented an entirely new generation KTM 450 RALLY in a bid to claim a seventeenth consecutive Rally Dakar victory.
Representing two years of intense development and debuted at the OiLibya Rallye Maroc in October, the bike is faster and lighter while being more agile and stable. Wrapped in new bodywork and housed in a bespoke, freshly developed chassis is a new 450cc single cylinder engine. Controlled by a new engine management system and a revised throttle body, the result is better peak performance and improved throttle response. And in the true KTM style and for non-factory pilots, a customer version KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA will become available during 2018.
2018 KTM 790 Duke Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Engine & Exhaust
Meet KTM’s first inline twin: the LC8c. That ‘c’ stands for compact, ‘LC8’ for good times ahead.
Chassis
Purity is the focus here. All components have been reduced to the bare essentials. There are no unnecessary parts or covers. The engine, for example, doubles as a load bearing element, the frame is made of extra strong CroMo steel so less material is needed, and components were developed to combine functions wherever possible.
Ergonomics & Comfort
The bike has been made to feel as compact as possible while accommodating a wide range of riders. The goal? Confidence.
Bodywork & Graphics
Purity is one of KTM’s brand values, and in a design context it means not using unnecessary design elements when a simpler option is possible. Or when you can combine multiple functions in one part. Take the tank spoiler, which combines the functions of spoiler and ergonomic surface, for example. Or the taillight that’s been mounted on the license plate holder, so it can be easily removed for a day at the track. This is a bike that looks and feels as compact as possible. You’ll find no round shapes, but straight lines, clarity and the promise of a radically thrilling ride.
Software & Electronics
The KTM 790 DUKE comes with some serious brainpower as standard. Even when you’re flirting with the limit, KTM’s combination of the most advanced software and electronics in the world of motorcycling will have your back. All you have to do is focus on the road ahead – and hold on tight.
Accessories & Luggage
KTM know its customers like to modify and to travel, which is why the PowerParts range boasts a huge variety of accessories and luggage options across its Street range of sportmotorcycles – past and present. All PowerParts are developed alongside their chosen machine, meaning that KTM riders only get parts that perfectly complement their ride and provide that important ‘factory fit’ straight from the dealer.
2018 KTM 790 Duke – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in USD
- Frame design
Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
- Front suspension
WP upside-down Ø 43 mm
- Rear suspension
WP shock absorber with preload adjuster
- Suspension travel (front)
5.51 inch
- Front brake disc diameter
300 mm
- Rear brake disc diameter
240 mm
- ABS
Bosch 9MP two-channel ABS (incl. Supermoto mode, diesengageable)
- Chain
520 X-Ring
- Steering head angle
66 °
- Seat height
32.48 inch
- dry weight
372.58
- Tank capacity (approx.)
3.7
- Design
2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin
- Displacement
799 cm³
- Bore
88 mm
- Stroke
65.7 mm
- Power in KW
77 kW
- Starter
Electric starter
- Lubrication
Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
- Transmission
6-speed
- Primary drive
39:75
- Secondary gear ratio
16:41
- Cooling
Liquid cooled
- Clutch
PASC™ antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
- EMS
Bosch EMS with RBW
2018 KTM 790 Duke – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in CDN
- Frame design
Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
- Front suspension
WP upside-down Ø 43 mm
- Rear suspension
WP shock absorber with preload adjuster
- Suspension travel (front)
5.51 inch
- Front brake disc diameter
300 mm
- Rear brake disc diameter
240 mm
- ABS
Bosch 9MP two-channel ABS (incl. Supermoto mode, diesengageable)
- Chain
520 X-Ring
- Steering head angle
66 °
- Seat height
32.48 inch
- dry weight
372.58
- Tank capacity (approx.)
3.7
- Design
2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin
- Displacement
799 cm³
- Bore
88 mm
- Stroke
65.7 mm
- Power in KW
77 kW
- Starter
Electric starter
- Lubrication
Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
- Transmission
6-speed
- Primary drive
39:75
- Secondary gear ratio
16:41
- Cooling
Liquid cooled
- Clutch
PASC™ antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
- EMS
Bosch EMS with RBW
2018 KTM 790 Duke – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
- Frame design
Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
- Front suspension
WP upside-down Ø 43 mm
- Rear suspension
WP shock absorber with preload adjuster
- Suspension travel (front)
140 mm
- Suspension travel (rear)
150 mm
- Front brake
Four-piston radial fixed calliper
- Rear brake
2 piston caliper, brake disc
- Front brake disc diameter
300 mm
- Rear brake disc diameter
240 mm
- ABS
Bosch 9MP two-channel ABS (incl. Supermoto mode, diesengageable)
- Chain
520 X-Ring
- Steering head angle
66 °
- Wheelbase
1475 ± 15 mm
- Ground clearance
186 mm
- Seat height
825 mm
- Tank capacity (approx.)
14 l
- dry weight
169 kg
- Design
2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin
- Displacement
799 cm³
- Bore
88 mm
- Stroke
65.7 mm
- Power in KW
77 kW
- Starter
Electric starter
- Lubrication
Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
- Transmission
6-speed
- Primary drive
39:75
- Secondary gear ratio
16:41
- Cooling
Liquid cooled
- Clutch
PASC™ antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
- EMS
Bosch EMS with RBW
- CO<sub>2</sub> emissions
102.9
- Fuel consumption
4.4
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
