KTM 790 Duke Returns for 2027: Everything You Need to Know

Quick Highlights:

● Powered by the same 799cc parallel twin engine

● It now gets the modern ‘Duke’ design

● Has a revised frame and updated electronics package

KTM has given the 790 Duke its biggest update yet. It gets an all-new design similar to the 990 Duke and the 1390 Super Duke. It also gets revised ergonomics, along with a slightly tweaked chassis and electronic package. Here’s all you need to know:

Design

KTM has given the Scalpel an all-new design, with an updated headlamp that’s similar to the bigger 990 Duke and 1390 SuperDuke models. It gets a muscular fuel tank with sharper-looking tank extensions. It still has the high-mounted exhaust, but it’s been redesigned. The tail-light has been integrated in the rear indicators now.

Engine

The bike continues to get the 799cc parallel twin engine known for its aggressive power delivery. It makes 105PS and 87Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a bidirectional quickshifter.

Underpinnings

The bike gets the same chassis but an all-new rear subframe and a revised swingarm. It now gets a rebound and compression adjustable 43mm WP Apex inverted fork with 150mm wheel travel and a rebound and preload adjustable WP Apex monoshock with 170mm wheel travel. The braking duties are handled by twin 300mm front discs with radially mounted WP Apex 4-piston calipers, and a 240mm rear disc with a single piston caliper. The bike also gets sticky Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tyres. The bike weighs in at 185kg kerb, which is 2kg lighter than the previous model. That said, the riding posture should be slightly different now since the handlebar is wider, and the rider foot pegs are slightly higher,

Features

The 2027 790 Duke is equipped with a 5-inch TFT console with Bluetooth connectivity. It gets 4 ride modes: Rain, Street, Sport, and Track, along with rider aids like dual channel ABS, switchable traction control, wheelie control, launch control, and much more. KTM claims the ‘Demo’ mode will be done away with eventually – meaning the rider aids should be standard and not an add-on feature as earlier.

Matrixotech Says

The KTM 790 Duke has now stepped into the new design era and looks more menacing. The earlier generation of 790 Duke was known to be quite aggressive and sharp, and now its updated equipment might just take it up a notch. The bike was earlier launched in India, and never came back. We hope KTM India has plans to bring it to our shores, as it would slot in perfectly between the 390 Duke R and the 890 Duke R.