2023 KTM 790 Duke [Specs, Features, Photos]

Engine
Built for torque, this liquid cooled 8 valve, DOHC unit delivers 87 Nm at 8000 rpm, almost immediately followed by a roaring 103 hp finale. Meanwhile, an advanced ride-by-wire system guarantees great refinement as well as low fuel consumption and emission figures.

Cylinder head
The 8 valve DOHC cylinder head contains twin chain-driven camshafts and one sparkplug per cylinder. Additionally, the camshafts in the790 DUKE are assembled, which makes them even lighter than forged camshafts. DLC coated finger followers, steel valves and a hydraulic chain tensioner complete the cylinder head assembly.

Balancer shafts
No one enjoys unpleasant vibes. That is why the KTM 790 DUKE employs the use of balancer shafts placed in front of the crankshaft and in the cylinder head to ensure the smoothest power delivery and minimal vibration.

Cylinders
Nikasil coated aluminum cylinders are an integral part of the sleeveless engine casing design of this 799 cc parallel twin. This open deck cylinder construction allows for optimal cooling, improved production tolerances and reliability.

Frame
The incredible handling characteristics of the KTM 790 DUKE are founded on the dynamic, loadbearing design of the tubular chassis. Engineers had one goal in mind, and that was to keep the chassis as rigid and compact as possible for sharper turn-in and greater lean angles, allowing it to slice through the turns with extreme responsiveness.

Subframe
The subframe is cast aluminum and houses the airbox. No plastic covers, no additional brackets – everything is cast into two connected pieces to reduce complexity and weight. The triangular shapes in the subframe were inspired by KTM’s trellis subframes, as this allows for a strong and simple construction.

Swingarm
The die-cast, open-lattice swingarm is meticulously manufactured and has been optimized for stiffness and stability while still offering excellent flex characteristics. By using a direct link for the rear shock, complexity and parts are reduced.

Handlebar
A tapered aluminum, 810 mm wide handlebar puts you in full control. Adjustable in 4 positions on the triple clamp, which can also be rotated by a further three positions, it allows for that perfect riding position.

TFT dashboard
A multicolor combination of relevant information, presented in an uncluttered way. As you rev the engine, the display bars change color, either spurring you on or warning you that the engine’s still cold. The display also automatically adapts its illumination to the ambient light and gets racy when the optional TRACK MODE is selected.

LED lights
Instantly recognizable and 100% DUKE, the KTM 790 DUKE rips into the darkness with a unique LED headlight and LED taillight following the design direction started by the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R. The high-performance LED headlight, flanked by two LED strips that function as daytime running lights, ensures maximum illumination and instant street-cred.

Rider aids
The KTM 790 DUKE has taken electronic riders aids to another level for a bike in this class, with an electronics package that is comparable to the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R. The secret is minimal interference with the rider experience, meaning all electronic wizardry feels natural, improves performance, power delivery and, most importantly, adds safety.

Track mode
When the urge takes you to the track, we give you, TRACK MODE. Available as an optional addition to the KTM 790 DUKE, TRACK MODE unlocks several track-ready adjustments, such as Traction Control slip adjuster, Anti-wheelie mode, Launch Control, and 3-levels of Throttle Response variation.

Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC)
Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is a mouthful, but it’s an important part of the KTM 790 DUKE. MTC is a lean-angle sensitive traction control system, which reduces engine output extremely smooth, barely perceptible. MTC intervention will intervene depending on the selected ride mode, MTC also allows for several levels of traction slip at the rear wheel. But that’s not the end of it – Daredevils, we give you: the off-switch!

Quickshifter +
The KTM 790 DUKE can be equipped with the optional, race-derived Quickshifter+. This makes shifting gears as fun as it is fast, with upshifts and downshifts being made without using the clutch. The benefits are equally impressive, with shorter shift times, more precision, and improved rear-wheel traction.