KTM will finally enter the middle-weight motorcycle class with the launch of the 790 Duke on 23rd September. When it goes on sale, the 790 Duke will become the most powerful KTM available in India
Since the time the KTM brand entered in India in 2012, they have made their presence felt in the entry-level performance motorcycle segment. The company started with the 200 Duke, then introduced the 390 Duke and gradually expanded with the fully faired iterations of both these motorcycles. Aside from the aforementioned offerings, the Orange brand today offers 250 Duke, 125 Duke and the RC125 as well.
So far, the most powerful offering from the house of KTM has been the 390 Duke. That is about to change with the launch of the new 790 Duke on 23rd September. While the 790 Duke has been on sale in the international market for a while, this is the first time the brand will enter the Indian market in the middle-weight motorcycle space.
Coming to the motorcycle itself, the 790 Duke was first showcased at the 2017 EICMA show in Milan. Powering the motorcycle is a 799cc parallel-twin motor that is good for 105bhp and 86Nm. This engine comes paired with a 6-speed transmission. Needless to say, it comes fitted with a lot of electronic aid including a quick shifter, cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and more. For those who want a bit of adventure, the 790 Duke also comes with track and Supermoto modes. Just like the 390 Duke, this one also gets a TFT colour dashboard with Bluetooth connectivity and a full load of information.
As far as design goes, the 790 lives up to the Duke name. It is razor sharp and has that edgy headlamp. Body work for the most part is minimal – with the exception of the fuel tank and extensions. The upswept exhaust gives it a sporty appeal as does the overall silhouette.
The KTM 790 Duke will come to India via the CKD route. Expect it to be priced in the Rs 8.5 lakh range. With that in mind, it will compete against the likes of the Triumph Street Triple S, Ducati Monster 821, Kawasaki Z900, Suzuki GSX S750, and the Yamaha MT-09.
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