KTM DUKE 790- The scalpel ||Launched in India ||Review 2019

   Overview 

KTM has launched its much awaited motorcycle of 2019, the ktm duke 790 Its is a street fighter motorcycle built around a capable 799 cc engine. It is one of the lightest and compact motorcycle in its segment and churning out a lot of power figures from its mill.The motorcycle is fast and can lean good in curves and would just rule the streets.

   Engine & Transmission 

ktm duke 790 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 8-valves DOHC 799cc LC8 parallel twin engine. The engine is compact and produces 103 bhp of power and 87 Nm of torque.These power figures are class leading.The peak torque hits at 8000 rpm while peak power lies at 9000 rpm. 

The engine is mated to a six speed gearbox with a 'PASC hopping clutch' or just an electronic slipper clutch. The engine is aluminium coated for improved cooling.The fueling is being taken care by electronic Fuel injectors

As smaller siblings of Duke started getting side mounted exhaust this one also gets a sound mounted exhaust.The rumble from the stock exhaust is quite good.You can also opt for Akrapovic slip-on from KTM power parts.

   Chassis & Dimensions 

For the chassis KTM has ditched the trellis frame and went with steel perimeter frame for extra stability and agility.This steel used is alloy named chrome molybdenum steel.

The bike 2128 mm long, with a wheelbase of 1475 mm.The motorcycle weights just 169 kgs dry and is lightest.Since there is no belly mounted exhaust the ground clearance of this motorcycle is 186 mm which is more than enough for Indian roads.

The motorcycle is grounded with 17 inch die cast aluminium wheels which are light-weighted and help in easy direction changing. These rims are wrapped with 120 mm front and a fat 180 mm rear tire.

   Suspension & Braking  

The suspension duties are being taken by 43 mm WP upside down (USD) forks in the front and a WP gas assisted  mono-shock for the rear.The USD can be tuned for both compression and rebound while the mono-shock is pre-load adjustable.

A reliable WP steering damper has also been installed to avoid the high speed tank slappers and the motorcycle will remain under your control.

Motorcycle has twin 300 mm discs upfront with four piston fixed type calipers and a 240 mm single disc at rear.The brake-lines are steel braided one with adjustable front brake lever.

   Ergonomics 

The motorcycle is a street-fighter and ergos are quite comfortable. The rider does not dive in but handlebars are not even straight, they are bit lowered to enhance the sportiness.The seat height of 825 mm is also suitable for short as well as tall riders.Foot pegs are center mounted and have a balance between comfort and sporty position. 14 Liters fuel tank is well sculpted for proper thigh grips. Seats are also comfortable enough.

   Electronics &Aesthetics 

Ktm duke 790 features a ton of electronics. Starting with headlamp, it gets a led headlamp whose design has been carried from duke 390 , the split headlamp setup it also gets a led tail lamp and led indicators.The instrumentation is also new with a TFT display.

It even gets a quick-shifter with Auto-blipper which means faster upshifts as well as downshifts.IT even gets 4 riding modes Rain, Street, Sport and Track. These modes varies the engine’s throttle response, ABS intervention, traction control and to a certain extent, the ability of the bike to be on one wheel.The ABS also gets a track mode where we can disable ABS for rear wheel while active on front.Traction control can also be turned off.

In the aesthetic department KTM has never disappointed. The motorcycle looks fleshy and muscular retaining its naked street-fighter look.It has sharp edges all around, front mudguard , tank, tank shrouds all are well edged.The extended rear mudguard and number plate holder makes the motorcycle looks very compact.In terms of design I would give it 9 on 10.

   Pricing 

ktm duke 790 has been priced at 8.64 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi.And it makes sense because there is no direct competitor to it.The one which are have been priced heavily. The price will reduce because currently it is coming through CKD route to India, If sales increase then they will start it assembling here and we may even expect a RC790 or Adventure 790 too. It is the best way to spend your 9 lakhs for a motorcyclists who needs a super-bike for Sunday rides and sometimes daily commuting too.It is available in two colours KTM orange and black.

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