Published October 29, 2025 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief
Developed for torque, this liquid-cooled 8-valve, DOHC unit delivers almost immediate power from its compact build featuring a Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC). Meanwhile, an advanced ride-by-wire system guarantees great refinement as well as low fuel consumption and emission figures. It roars too.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 KTM 790 Duke: THE SCALPEL.
Introducing the 2026 KTM 790 Duke…
The KTM 790 DUKE has a reputation. Not only is it known to be devastatingly accurate, with the unmatched agility you’d expect from a single, merged with the meaty punch of a twin, but for being a no-nonsense street-brawler. Boasting an uncompromised 799 cc LC8c parallel twin motor nestled into one of the lightest and most compact chassis around, the KTM 790 DUKE is all about being fast where it counts – in the corners.
2026 KTM 790 Duke Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
2026 KTM 790 Duke Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
TARGET LOCKED
TFT-DISPLAY
An all-new 5″ bonded glass TFT dashboard is upgraded with the latest graphic and information software, making it faster, easier to navigate and designed to give riders faster access to the various features of the bike with far fewer clicks. The TFT also works in conjunction with the optional KTM Connect App, which connected with your smartphone to the dash to access navigation, audio and calls. A USB-C connection is also available for charging your smart device.
NAKED AGGRESSION
Bodywork
100% DUKE. Purposefully NAKED and proud of it, the KTM 790 DUKE presents an aggressive stance, boasting aggressive lines and clearly obvious intentions. As the original scalpel, it’s sharp, to the point, and leaves nothing covered.
LIGHT UP THE DARKNESS
LED Headlight
With a sharper-looking LED headlight adding to the KTM 790 DUKE’s menacing look and subtracting from the darkness, illumination is taken care of when charging into the night. Flanked by two LED strips that function as running lights, being seen during the daylight hours is taken care of too.
POWER HUNGRY
Engine
Developed for torque, this liquid-cooled 8-valve, DOHC unit delivers almost immediate power from its compact build featuring a Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC). Meanwhile, an advanced ride-by-wire system guarantees great refinement as well as low fuel consumption and emission figures. It roars too.
PICK YOUR POWER
Ride Modes
Configurable with up to 5 different ride modes, the KTM 790 DUKE is ready to dominate just about any eventuality. In the default STREET setting, riders have full power, traction control, and limited front wheel lift, with easy throttle response. SPORT steps the experience up with sharper throttle control and some wheel slip, while RAIN mode does what it says on the box, providing maximum traction and reduced power in wet conditions. The optional PERFORMANCE and TRACK Modes crank the KTM 790 DUKE all the way to 11, providing enhanced rider customization and focused sport riding.
RACE TO COMFORT
Ergonomics
The KTM 790 DUKE is an aggressive motorcycle with easy rider ergonomics. This is the key to its long-standing success. A narrow chassis and engine, comfortable seat height, upright seating position, and spacious legroom don’t sacrifice cornering clearance on the street, while the footpegs allow for extreme lean angles when cutting into the canyons.
TAKE A SEAT
Seat
At 32.4 in (825 mm), both shorter and taller riders can enjoy the bike at full tilt, without losing sight of the daily usability. The new seat cover is grippy but still allows the rider to move around the bike easily. It has been developed to work with textile and leather, in keeping with the wide range of riders and riding styles. 31.6 in (805 mm) is possible with the lower KTM PowerParts seat.
FIND YOUR FOOTING
Footpegs
Cast from aluminum, the foot pegs fitted to the KTM 790 DUKE cater to a comfortable riding position, while still creating maximum ground clearance allowing for impressive lean angles. Adjustable foot pegs are also available as a KTM PowerParts option for those who would like to go all out.
THE BACKBONE
Frame
The incredible handling characteristics of the KTM 790 DUKE are founded on the dynamic, loadbearing design of the tubular chassis. Engineers had one goal in mind, and that was to keep the chassis as rigid and compact as possible for sharper turn-in and greater lean angles, allowing it to slice through the turns with extreme responsiveness.
PIVOT POINT
Swingarm
The die-cast, open-lattice swingarm is meticulously manufactured and has been optimized for stiffness and stability while still offering excellent flex characteristics. By using a direct link for the rear shock, complexity and parts are reduced.
SPRING INTO ACTION
Fork
A 43 mm open cartridge upside-down front fork from WP Suspension takes care of any front wheel articulation, using split function technology. This means that compression and rebound damping take place in separate fork legs, allowing for better tuning of the fork behavior. The fork springs are progressive, ensuring a smooth operation throughout the fork stroke, being softer for the initial stroke, and harder further down the stroke to prevent bottoming out.
MAX TRACTION
Rear Shock
Making sure the rear wheel behaves when the going gets fast, is a high-quality gas-assisted WP APEX rear shock, featuring progressive spring and preload adjustment. This means the KTM 790 DUKE maintains a sporty ride quality, while still being comfortable enough for longer trips.
ROLLING THUNDER
Wheels and Tires
The KTM 790 DUKE is fitted with extremely lightweight, light-alloy wheels manufactured using a low-pressure die-casting process. Not only do the lightweight wheels subtract from the overall weight, but they also minimize the unsprung rotating masses and are wrapped in a set of MAXXIS Supermaxx ST tires.
STOPPING POWER
Brakes
Maximum deceleration is ensured at the front wheel on the KTM 790 DUKE by the two radially mounted four-piston fixed calipers and two 300 mm discs. The spacing between front brake lever and handlebar is adjustable so that the lever is within easy reach for every rider. The front brake receives effective support from the disc brake on the rear wheel, which features a single disc and a single piston floating caliper.
PREMIUM MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY
This motorcycle comes with a PREMIUM MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY. Riders enjoy up to 4 years of coverage; ride worry-free and experience the thrill of KTM with added peace of mind. To keep the warranty valid, regular services must be performed according to the service plan at an authorized KTM dealer. More information and details on how to benefit from this offer can be found on the KTM warranty page. Valid for bikes in stock sold from 3.2.2025.
2026 KTM 790 Duke – Totalmotorcycle.com International Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine
Design
2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin
Displacement
799 cm³
Power
105 PS
Torque
87 Nm
Transmission
6-speed
CO2 emissions
108 g/km
Cooling
Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger
Engine cylinder
Twin cylinder
EMS
Bosch EMS with RBW
Engine oil
Motorex Power Synth SAE 10W-50
Engine stroke
4-Stroke
Silencer
Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer
Chassis
Front brake disc diameter
300 mm
Rear brake disc diameter
240 mm
Front brake
2x radially mounted 4 piston caliper
Rear brake
Single-piston floating calliper, brake disc
Chain
520 X-Ring
Frame design
Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
Steering head angle
66 °
Rear subframe design
Aluminium, powder-coated
Trail
100 mm
Wheelbase
1.475 mm
Suspension
Front suspension
WP APEX 43
Rear suspension
WP APEX – Monoshock
Suspension travel (front)
140 mm
Suspension travel (rear)
150 mm
Dimensions
Seat height
825 mm
Tank capacity (approx.)
14 l
Ground clearance
186 mm
Weight fully fueled
187 kg
Front wheel diameter
17 “
Rear wheel diameter
17 “
Front wheel width
3.50 “
Rear wheel width
5.50 “
Wheels
3.50 x 17″; 5.50 x 17″
Wheels
Cast aluminium wheels
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
