KTM 790 Duke

The KTM 790 Duke R has been spotted testing overseas and looks near production-ready. Compared to the standard model, the 'R' variant comes equipped with a premium WP Apex Pro suspension setup, adjustable rearset footpegs, updated brakes from Brembo and billet triple clamps. The engine also features additional sensors that hint at a Euro5 compliant engine. It’s likely to be unveiled at the 2019 EICMA motorcycle show.

KTM has launched the 790 Duke in India at Rs 8.64 lakh (ex-showroom India). These are introductory pricing and would increase later. The bike has been brought to India via the CBU route. Bookings for the 790 Duke have officially opened at select KTM dealerships. Booking amount is Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 depending on the dealership. The 790 Duke will only be available in 9 cities for now. KTM’s plans for the BS6-compliant 790 Duke have also been revealed and you can read all about it here.

In terms of styling, the 790 Duke is similar to the 390 Duke but has larger dimensions, a different frame, wheels, exhaust and tail-section. It also gets a full-LED headlamp and colour TFT instrument console. The motorcycle comes loaded with features such as lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, multiple power modes, launch control and even wheelie control!

Powering the motorcycle is a newly developed LC8 799cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor pumping out 105PS at 9500rpm and 86Nm of peak torque at 8000rpm. The DOHC motor is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. It gets 43mm open cartridge WP front fork and a 12-stage preload-adjustable WP rear monoshock. Braking is via twin 300mm front discs with radially-mounted J Juan calipers and a 240mm rear disc. Tyres are MAXXIS Supermaxx ST radials.

It competes against four-cylinder rivals such as the Suzuki GSX-S750 and the Kawasaki Z900, which are priced at Rs 7.46 lakh and Rs 7.68 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) respectively.