KTM is reviving a legend with the original ‘Scalpel’, the 790 Duke, returning to the street bike range for 2023.
The manufacturer is also introducing new decals and updating colours, inspired by the 1290 Super Duke RR prototype and Grand Prix teams, for the new model year.
The new 790 Duke is now powered by a Euro 5-compliant 790cc parallel twin engine. Built by Chinese manufacturer and partner CFMOTO, it develops 95hp for the European market and 87Nm of torque. The engine output can be reduced to 48hp to make it A2 licence compliant.
Mark Trench, sales manager, welcomed the return of the 790 Duke which was dropped from the range in 2021.
“It’s spot on to have a motorbike, like the 790 Duke, that is attractive to new and younger riders. It’s a great move by KTM.
“And I really like the idea of being able to try the optional electronic aids, which we often add to our demo KTMS, free of charge for a test period.
“The new 790 Duke is a more affordable entry point into KTM’s bigger, and more powerful, bike range.”
The parallel twin motor is the most compact in its class and the rigid frame one of the lightest. It makes for precise, agile handling, hence the ‘Scalpel’ tag.
The 790 Duke comes well kitted with electronic aids as standard:
- Rain, Street and Sport ride mode to customise traction and throttle response
- Cornering sensitive traction control
- Cornering ABS with Supermoto mode
- Five-inch full-colour TFT display
- LED lights all round
Optional features are available on a demo mode free of charge for 1,500km (932 miles) and customers can then decide which software to buy and have installed by a KTM dealer.
The optional aids are:
- Quickshifter+ for clutchless up and downshifts
- Motor slip regulation
- Track mode
- Cruise control
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- KTM My Ride for hands-free phone and music connection
Pricing is yet to be revealed but the first bikes should be with dealers from January.
Find out more about the full KTM range at orwell.co.uk/ktm/new-ktm-motorcycle-range