The KTM 790 Duke has been spied at the company’s Mumbai dealership ahead of its Indian launch later this month. Also, IAB has learnt that pre-bookings in Delhi have opened unofficially, for a token deposit of INR 50,000.
KTM will introduce the 790 Duke in India via the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route. The bike will be assembled at the same Chakan facility where Bajaj-KTM manufactures the smaller-capacity KTM models. However, do not expect the bike to come cheap. In fact, the KTM 790 Duke is expected to carry a sticker price of around INR 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom). The Indian version gains a bulky saree guard and a hideous rear grabrail!
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At the heart of KTM 790 Duke is a 799 cc LC8c parallel twin motor coupled to a 6-speed gearbox. The engine can produce 105 PS of power and 86 Nm of torque. The powerplant boasts two counter-balancer shafts and 270-degree firing order. This lends the 790 Duke’s parallel-twin cylinder mill a V-Twin-like auditory output.
Besides that, the KTM 790 Duke gets traction control, ride-by-wire, riding modes (Street, Rain, Sport and Track). Suspension duties include 43 mm upside-down fork and a monoshock at the rear, both sourced from their subsidiary WP. Brakes include twin 300 mm discs up front with four-piston radially mounted calliper and a 240 mm disc along with Supermoto ABS at the rear. The fuel tank can store 14 litres of petrol and has a dry weight of 169 kg.
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The instrument console is an all-digital TFT unit with Bluetooth connectivity. Also, the KTM 790 Duke will compete with the Suzuki S-750, Ducati Monster 821, Kawasaki Z900 and Triumph Street Triple.
Deliveries of the scalpel KTM 790 Duke are expected to begin this month itself. The Austrian brand is currently revamping the dealership network. These outlets will be utilised to retail the upcoming Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 as well.
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