KTM is working on a sportier version of the 790 Duke, called the KTM 790 Duke R, which is under testing now in Europe.
The KTM 790 Duke R is expected to debut at the 2018 EICMA alongside the KTM 790 Adventure and the upcoming KTM 390 Adventure. The 790 Duke R is likely to feature technical upgrades and new graphics. The mechanical upgrades, as per reports, include custom engine mappings and electronic settings, which could result in a slight bump in power.
Unlike the 790 Duke, which gets J.Juan brake callipers, the KTM 790 Duke R will feature Brembo brakes with radially mounted callipers. Another addition to the 790 Duke R will be an updated WP suspension setup at front and back, which will be fully adjustable for compression and rebound. The 790 Duke R is also likely to receive an aggressive riding posture with rear set foot pegs, while the motorcycle is likely to feature ergonomic seats.
The standard KTM 790 Duke employs a 799 cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, LC8c engine that comes with fuel injection. The engine is capable of producing 103.5 bhp of maximum power at 8,500 rpm and 86 Nm of peak torque at 8,000 rpm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a PASC anti-hopping slipper clutch as standard. The engine features 270-degree firing order and a secondary balancer shaft to minimalise vibrations. KTM could use forged pistons and lightweight alloy wheels to reduce the weight of the motorcycle.
The KTM 790 Duke features motorcycle stability control (MSC) with cornering ABS, lean-angle sensitive traction control, motor slip regulation (MSR), launch control, and Quickshifter+. The bike gets four riding modes, - Sport, Street, Rain, and Track - to handle various riding conditions. The dedicated track mode provides additional rider controls like anti-wheelie, launch control, traction control spin adjuster, and throttle response.
Also Read: 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R Prototype showcased in Europe
The KTM 790 Duke also gets a ‘Supermoto mode,’ which allows the rider to lock the rear wheel and execute deliberate slides while keeping ABS active on the front wheel. That said, the KTM 790 Duke R could feature CNC parts, lever crash protection, heated grip, and factory triple clamp among others. KTM is unlikely to launch the 790 Duke R in India; however, the company, as per reports, plans to launch the standard 790 Duke in India via the CKD route. In India, the KTM 790 Duke will rival the Suzuki GSX-S750, Triumph Street Triple RS, and the Kawasaki Z900.
[Source: MoreBikes]
