KTM 790 Duke Makes A Surprise Comeback

The original scalpel returns with a Euro-5 compliant engine, fresh new liveries and colour schemes 

KTM has re-launched the original scalpel, the 790 Duke, globally. This step was taken after the much-loved naked motorcycle was discontinued and replaced by the super scalpel KTM 890 Duke. The 2022 790 Duke will be introduced in the European markets first and will be priced at Euro 8,999 (around Rs 7.55 lakh), with the bike arriving at the dealerships by June.

When it comes to the design, the new 790 Duke retains the aggressive styling of its successor, 890 Duke; however, it does get fresh liveries and colours. The naked motorcycle now comes in two colour options: traditional KTM orange and a new grey and black colour scheme.

Powering the 790 Duke is the same 799cc LC8 parallel-twin engine, but this time around it is Euro-5 compliant and produces a higher 105PS and 87Nm of torque. A 95PS producing variant is available for EU markets.

Talking about electronics, the updated 790 Duke comes packed with cornering sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), cornering ABS with SUPERMOTO mode, and three standard ride modes: Rain, Street and Sport. Additionally, KTM also adds optional equipment like the: Quickshifter+, Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), TRACK mode, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and KTM MY RIDE.

With the surprise return of the 790 Duke, there is one question to be asked, how does it make much of a difference compared to the slightly more powerful 890 Duke? The  answer is KTM has already started testing the 990 Duke, which is expected to replace the 890 Duke models. With that done, the 790 Duke will be the affordable mid-displacement alternative, sitting between the 390 Duke and 990 Duke models, and competing with the likes of the Triumph Street Triple.

With the new Euro-5 compliance, the bike will be BS-6 compliant too, and it is highly likely that the Austrian bikemaker will bring the 790 Duke to our shores, given the brand’s popularity and the success of the previous Indian model.

Let us know in the comments if you would like to see the original scalpel make a comeback in India!