Update: Image gallery updated with detailed live images from the launch event.
KTM India has launched one of the most anticipated products, the 790 Duke. Priced at INR 8,63,945*, the middleweight naked roadster will be available in limited numbers.
Also read: KTM 125 Duke and RC 125 get price revision to increase the dealer margin
The KTM 790 Duke had started reaching dealerships earlier this month and select dealerships had begun accepting booking unofficially. The Indian-spec 790 Duke features a saree guard (installed next to the pillion footrest on the left side of the bike) and a front number plate (placed above the headlight). The saree guard (for motorcycles) and front number plate are mandatory for all two-wheelers sold in our market.
The feature-packed naked roadster comes with full-LED lighting (headlight, taillight and blinkers) as standard. The US-spec motorcycle features conventional blinkers that are not as appealing as the lean LED units that are seen on European and Indian models. The full-colour TFT instrument console can be added with the optional KTM MY RIDE Bluetooth connectivity package to control music and calls through the switchgear.
The naked roadster styling is complemented by a power-packed motor, premium hardware and a comprehensive electronics package. The BS-IV compliant 799 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled LC8c engine delivers 105 hp of max power at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 87 Nm at 8,000 rpm. The limited details available about BS-VI model indicate that the motorcycle will come with an 890 cc engine next year.
Electronic rider aids include a ride-by-wire throttle system that brings four riding modes – Sport, Street, Rain and Track. Other key electronic safety features include traction control (switchable), ABS (with Supermoto mode – disengages rear ABS), cornering ABS, wheelie control and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR).
The parallel-twin motor is linked to a six-speed gearbox uses PASC slip-assist clutch and features a quickshifter (up and downshifts). The shock absorption hardware on the 790 Duke include a WP-sourced 43 mm inverted forks (non-adjustable) at the front and an adjustable monoshock at the back. Although unconfirmed, we may see adjustable front forks on the Euro-V/BS-VI model.
Also read: Bajaj-KTM to launch performance electric two-wheelers by 2022
The list of rivals includes the Ducati Monster range, the Triumph Street Triple series, the Suzuki GSX-S750 and the Kawasaki Z900.
*Ex-showroom Delhi
