2020 KTM 790 Duke

Bodywork & Graphics

• BODYWORK & GRAPHICS: The hunkered-down aggressive stance of the KTM 790 DUKE is intimidating to all who cross its path. It clearly takes some of its design cues from the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R - most obvious being the unique headlight "face-mask". Its distinctive sharp lines and compact 11/13 proportions are set off by signature KTM graphics, which leave no doubt as to its road-dominating intentions.
• TFT DASHBOARD: A multicolor combination of relevant information, presented in an uncluttered way. As you rev the engine, the display bars change color, either spurring you on or warning you that the engine's still cold. The display also automatically adapts its illumination to the ambient light and gets racy when "Track mode" is selected.
• LED LIGHTS: Form and function are seamlessly integrated in the KTM 790 DUKE. Take the LED headlight for example, a highlight in this bike’s design. It combines optimal illumination of the near field with maximum light output. And the daytime running lights on both sides ensure that the motorcycle is perceived better and is more differentiated by other traffic users, thus offering massive safety benefits. The LED taillight is mounted on the license plate holder to make it easy to remove for trackday use or customization.

Chassis

• CHASSIS: A large dose of the KTM 790 DUKE's agility comes from the deftness of its lightweight chassis. While it uses its compact parallel twin engine as a structural and dynamic pivot point for quick responsiveness – it is the tubular steel frame, innovative cast aluminum subframe and swing arm that conspire with performance-oriented wheels, brakes and WP suspension to unleash a ride unlike any DUKE before it.
• 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.
• SUBFRAME: The subframe is cast aluminum and houses the airbox. No plastic covers, no additional brackets - everything is cast into two connected pieces to reduce complexity and weight. The triangular shapes in the subframe were inspired by KTM’s trellis subframes, as this allows for a strong and simple construction.
• 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.

Engine & Exhaust

• ENGINE & EXHAUST: At the dark core of the KTM 790 DUKE lurks a compact 799 cc parallel-twin powerplant, just waiting to tear up a mountain pass or a short circuit. Boasting exceptional efficiency with class-leading power and torque, this engine is a lightweight force to be reckoned with.
• ENGINE: Built for torque, this liquid cooled 8 valve, DOHC unit delivers peak torque at 8,000 rpm, almost immediately followed by a roaring horsepower finale. Meanwhile, an advanced ride-by-wire system guarantees great refinement as well as low fuel consumption and emission figures.
• CYLINDER HEAD: The 8 valve DOHC cylinder head contains twin chain-driven camshafts and one sparkplug per cylinder. Additionally, the camshafts in the790 DUKE are assembled, which makes them even lighter than forged camshafts. DLC coated finger followers, steel valves and a hydraulic chain tensioner complete the cylinder head assembly.
• BALANCER SHAFTS: No one enjoys unpleasant vibes. That is why the KTM 790 DUKE employs the use of balancer shafts placed in front of the crankshaft and in the cylinder head to ensure the smoothest power delivery and minimal vibration.
• CYLINDERS: Coated aluminum cylinders are an integral part of the sleeveless engine casing design of this 799 cc parallel twin. This open deck cylinder construction allows for optimal cooling, improved production tolerances and reliability.
• PISTONS: Forged pistons with three piston rings, combined with a DLC (Diamond Like Coating) coated piston pin allow for lighter piston construction. This minimizes reciprocating weight, which reduces rotating masses, improving overall handling and maximizing the rev-ceiling of the engine.
• CRANKCASE: The KTM 790 DUKE features horizontally split crankcases, which are aluminum high pressure cast, allowing for reduced wall thickness and less weight.
• PASC CLUTCH: The slipper clutch allows riders to enter corners confidently without locking up the rear wheel under hard deceleration or when downshifting, while remaining feather-light on the clutch finger.
• OIL CIRCULATION: The engine employs a compact, semi-dry sump system with oil being actively pumped out of the crank case, clutch housing, and gearbox. This ensures any unnecessary oil flow through the motor, reducing power loss through friction. To cool down the oil, the engine is equipped with an oil cooler similar to that fitted to the larger LC8 engines.
• RIDE-BY-WIRE: Instead of the electronic injection system's throttle valves being controlled by cables, ride-by-wire processes throttle twist grip movements with the help of electronic sensors and activates the throttle valves accordingly using servo motors. However, our ride-by-wire on the KTM 790 DUKE goes the extra mile: It electronically translates the throttle commands of the rider into the best throttle valve positions for the current riding situation. Choking, jolting and involuntary wheelies are a thing of the past. Voluntary ones, however, could easily be a thing of your future.

Ergonomics & Comfort

• ERGONOMICS & COMFORT: Designed to deliver confidence-inspiring control for a wide range of potential riders, the KTM 790 DUKE’s sleek body offers the ease-of-movement needed to effortlessly direct The Scalpel’s dynamic movements out on the ride, while still allowing fine adjustability for comfort – whatever your skill level.
• HANDLEBAR: A tapered aluminum, 760 mm wide handlebar puts you in full control. It’s adjustable, with 4 positions on the triple clamp and can be rotated in three further positions for that perfect riding position.

Software & Electronics

• SOFTWARE & ELECTRONICS: The KTM 790 DUKE might carry some muscle and grit, but it also comes with some serious brainpower as standard. Delivery of the smile-inducing power is efficiently controlled by advanced electronics and next-generation rider aids. Even when you're flirting with the limit, KTM's combination of the most advanced software and electronics in the world of motorcycling allow you to easily select the level and degree of assistance needed to maximize your thrill factor out on any ride. All you have to do is focus on the road ahead - and hold on tight.
• TRACK MODE: Track mode, as the name suggests, offers unlimited thrills and READY TO RACE characteristics. It features a launch control function for quick getaways, variable slip adjustment, increased throttle response and the ability to pull epic wheelies by disengaging Anti-Wheelie.
• MOTORCYCLE TRACTION CONTROL (MTC): Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is a mouthful, but it's an important part of the KTM 790 DUKE. MTC is a lean-angle sensitive traction control system, which reduces engine output while being extremely smooth and barely perceptible. Depending on the selected ride mode, MTC also allows for several levels of traction slip at the rear wheel. But that's not the end of it - Daredevils, we give you: the off-switch!
• QUICKSHIFTER +: The KTM 790 DUKE allows for slick, clutchless up and downshifts thanks to KTM’s own Quickshifter+ system. It reads and responds to your riding under any load to ensure shift action is as fast as you are. When downshifting, the system matches the engine speed to the speed of the lower gear.
• MOTOR SLIP REGULATION (MSR): The KTM 790 DUKE is equipped with standard MSR (Motor Slip Regulation), which works in the opposite direction of the MTC. This means there is no chance of accidentially locking up the rear wheel under downshifting or abrupt throttling-off. MSR ensures you retain full traction and complements the slipper clutch and is especially effective in low grip situations.
• SUPERMOTO MODE: "Supermoto mode" allows enthusiastic and experienced riders to lock up the rear wheel - a prerequisite for committed supermoto riding and deliberately executed slides. This means ABS is deactivated on the rear wheel, while maintaining ABS function on the front.
• MOTORCYCLE STABILITY CONTROL (MSC) WITH CORNERING ABS: A key component of the comprehensive BOSCH MSC assistance package is the lean-sensitive cornering ABS. In a nutshell, this means riders have increased confidence during hard braking, even at extreme lean angles.
• RIDE MODES: Riders can choose from four ride modes, namely: "Sport" for more aggressive riding, "Street" for comfortable urban riding, "Rain" for when things get a little slippery, and the ultimate attack mode - "Track". This gives KTM 790 DUKE pilots full power output, the ability to dial down the traction control, smooth out the throttle, switch off the anti-wheelie for rear wheel antics.