KTM launched the 790 Duke Prototype at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan and has now produced a great video of the bike in action.
https://youtu.be/azVXkrbPtbo
Meanwhile, an adventure model with the same twin-cylinder engine looks like it will also be coming.
UK magazine MCN has released a spy shot of the adventure model in testing and it looks like a touring adventure version of the much-loved and missed 640 Adventure.
It features WP upside-down forks and monoshock, 21-inch front wheel with an 18-inch rear and dual front brake discs.
It would join the new 1290 Super Adventure S and R and the 1090 Adventure and 1090 Adventure R unveiled at the INTERMOT show in Cologne last month. The R off-road models will arrive in Australia in May.
KTM 790 Adventure MCN spy shotIt’s good news for KTM fans because the appearance of the video and spy shot mean they are serious about this mid-weight twin-cylinder engine and various model versions.
There are no details yet on the engine’s output, but we suspect they will be aiming to beat the popular Yamaha MT-07 which has 55kW of power and 68Nm of torque.
A production version of the 790 Duke (pictured below) is expected late next year and possibly an adventure version at the same time.
The future styling direction of KTM can be seen in the wild-looking Prototype designed, as usual, by Kiska.
It is powered by an LC8c inline twin where the “c” stands for compact.
The compact prototype looks even smaller without mirrors and tail. Speaking of which, how are they going to fit a number plate with the short rear funder and the central tail muffler?
We suspect an isolated rear hugger like on the BMW R 1200 GS.
The prototype is fitted with fly-by-wire technology, a host of electronic rider aids, wireless phone connectivity, quickshifter and customisable rider modes and traction control.
Meanwhile, there have been updates to the KTM Duke range for 2017.
390 Duke
All single-cylinder Duke models get a new, bolt-on rear subframe, a larger 13.4-litre steel fuel tank and steeply rising style lines.
The emissions of the 390 Duke’s 373.2cc engine now conform to Euro 4 but power and torque are not affected.
The 390 Duke also gets an LED headlight and daytime running lights, adjustable brake and clutch levers, new exhaust, a larger 320mm front brake disc and ride-by—wire throttle for smother power delivery.
Riders should enjoy the light display of the new full-colour TFT display. For example, engine revs read-out turn blue during warm-up and change to red when near the limiter.
KTM MY RIDE with hands-free function and audio player is available as an option. It integrates incoming call information and the music program directly into the TFT display. Both functions are operated via a menu switch on the handlebar.
1290 Super Duke R
The 1290 Super Duke R gets wider and lower handlebars, Brembo monobloc brakes, MSC with Bosch cornering ABS, WP suspension, an optional, two-way quickshifter+, a multifunctional colour TFT display and LED headlight with daytime running lights.
It has also had the Euro 4 treatment on the 1301cc engine with a higher 13:6.1 compression ratio. KTM claims it runs smoother, consumes less fuel and cuts down on CO2 emissions by about 10%.
Yet the power has increased 4kW to 131kW.
The Super Duke R has a new cruise control and the key transponder also operates the fuel cap.
It also has stiffer WP fork and rear shock springs and a “sportier setup”.
The latest Metzeler Sportec™ M7 RR super sport rubber are fitted as standard.
The optional “Track Pack” has launch control, a MTC slip adjust, a “Track” ride mode, freely selectable engine maps, My Ride wireless connectivity and anti-wheelie mode that can be switched off for maximum fun.
It comes in two colours, mainly black or mainly white.