As the complementing model for the KTM 690 Duke, the 2018 KTM 790 Duke, also known as “The Scalpel” was shown to Malaysian media in a special preview at the KTM showroom in Kota Damansara, Selangor. Priced at RM64,800, excluding GST, road tax, insurance and registration, the 790 Duke carries an all-new engine and up-to-date riding technology.
The new engine is a DOHC eight-valve parallel-twin, displacing 799 cc and producing a claimed 105 hp at 9,000 rpm and 87 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. Fuelling is via a DKK Dell’Orto 42 mm diameter throttle body and power gets to the ground via a six-speed gearbox.
Power is modulated via KTM’s Power Assist Slipper Clutch, and the up-and-down quickshifter is built into the gearbox shifter shaft. The Scalpel’s instrument display is TFT-LCD with a full suite of rider aids.
Riding electronics includes traction control, slip regulation and cornering ABS, which KTM calls Motorcycle Stability Control. Dual-channel ABS is standard with Supermoto mode allowing for the rear wheel to be locked with the front wheel still under control.
Available to the rider are Rain, Street and Sport riding modes with anti-wheelie control, and an extra Race mode. Switching to Race mode gives quicker throttle response, nine-level traction control and anti-wheelie mode at the rider’s discretion.
Front brakes are KTM’s own brand, made in Spain by J.Juan, 300 mm diameter discs clamped by radial-mount four-piston callipers, activated by a radial mater cylinder. Rear brake is a single 240 mm with fixed two-piston calliper.
WP Suspension provides the 43 mm diameter upside-down non-adjustable forks, with the right fork for rebound and left fork for compression. Fork travel is 140 mm, with non-adjustable steering damper located behind lower triple clamp.
The rear monoshock is gas-assisted, from WP Suspension, and only adjustable for pre-load. Wet weight is a claimed 174 kg and fuel is carried in a 14-litre steel tank.
Seat is set at 825 mm as standard with a 805 mm tall low seat and 780 mm chassis lowering kit as options from KTM Powerparts. The gear shift is race pattern swappable without extra parts.
The 790 Duke comes with 760 mm wide three-position handlebars mated to four-position adjustable handlebar clamps. The 2018 KTM 790 Duke is meant to slot in above and be sold alongside the single-cylinder 690 Duke and is available from authorised KTM Malaysia dealers immediately.
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well it kinda looks more docile than the 690…
Between this and the 765 RS it’s going to be a tough competition.
I wold prefer RS765 almost the same price range but more HP.
This will not sell. Top up 2k and get a better deal with Street 3 RS. I am more inclined to Duke and been waiting for it enter Msia market but the price is disappointing. It should be marketed 9k cheaper than the Triumph, thats the price gap in other region. 2k different is way too small. Its a unproven engine and badge. Whereby Street Triple have been in the market for decade. KTM Malaysia dont be greedy!
i wonder why is it tag at RM65k. Is it because of the performance parts and the exhaust included is Akrapovic?
The price range should be between mt09 and z900. Sure can penetrate the market.
i’ve bought this bike last year. So far so good. Still performing well.