Talks about the KTM 790 Duke’s Indian launch have resurfaced. Indian Autos Blog understands from multiple sources that the KTM 790 Duke will be launched in India very soon.
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One of the sources suggested that the Indian launch of the KTM 790 Duke will take place in September, while another (declining from sharing specific details) confirmed that it’s coming very soon. KTM will bring the motorcycle to India via the CKD route and price it at INR 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Previous reports said that the Indian launch of the 790 Duke was postponed due to homologation process. However, the brand seems to be back on track with the launch timeline. Regular readers would remember that select dealerships had started to accept pre-bookings for the motorcycle earlier this year. KTM will most likely localise several components to keep the costs low and the price competitive. Introducing the motorcycle during the festive season should help the company clock good sales figures.
The 790 Duke uses KTM’s newly developed 799 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled LC8c engine that pumps out a peak power of 105 PS at 9,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 86 Nm at 8,000 rpm. The motor benefits from two counter-balancer shafts and features a 270-degree firing order for a V-Twin like character and sound. The six-speed transmission uses PASC slip-assist clutch and quickshifter (both up and down).
Hardware specifications include WP-sourced 43 mm inverted front forks (non-adjustable) and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock to perform the shock absorption tasks. It will be interesting to see if KTM offers an R variant that comes with adjustable front suspension setup. For reference, the 790 Adventure features non-adjustable front forks, while the 790 Adventure R comes with adjustable units. Braking setup on the middleweight roadster includes twin discs at the front and a single disc at the back.
Other key features include full-LED lighting (split style headlamp, taillight and blinkers) as standard, digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity to access incoming calls, messages and control music. The motorcycle, as seen on the international-spec models, packs comprehensive electronic rider aids.
The electronics suite will include switchable ABS (with Supermoto mode), traction control, cornering ABS, ride-by-wire throttle, four-riding modes (sport, street, rain and track), Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) and wheelie control.
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Once launched, the KTM 790 Duke will compete with the Triumph Street Triple series, the Ducati Monster range and the Suzuki GSX-S750.
