2018 KTM 790 Duke arrives at European dealerships

KTM has announced that its latest middleweight naked motorcycle, the 2018 KTM 790 Duke has started arriving at KTM dealers in Europe.

In the UK market, the 2018 KTM 790 Duke costs GBP 8,499 (manufacturer’s base recommended retail price). The Austrian bike maker is also offering a range of specially developed KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear. The brand has designed over 30 technical accessories specifically for the KTM 790 Duke, allowing for better individualization. There are two suggested pre-defined set-ups- Race and Style. Race setup combines components with the focus on making the motorcycle even sharper. Style set-up enhances the bike’s looks.

Also Read: KTM 790 Adventure R prototype unveiled at 2017 EICMA show

The 790 Duke made its global debut at the 2017 EICMA show held in Milan, Italy. The motorcycle is available in two colours: Black and Orange. The bike draws power from an all-new 799cc parallel twin motor known as the LC8c. This DOHC engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection pushes out 105 PS of power at 9,000 rpm; and 86 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. The powerplant mates with a 6-speed transmission.

Also Read: Production KTM 790 Adventure spotted

Rider aids include Quickshifter+; launch control; three riding modes-Sport, Street and Rain; and an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) with lean-sensitive traction control. There is also a customisable Track mode; and a Supermoto mode for the ABS which disengages the rear wheel’s brake only. There's an optional KTM MY RIDE smartphone connectivity as well.

The 2018 KTM 790 Duke rides on adjustable 43 mm WP Split Function front fork, and a gas-charged rear monoshock with adjustable preload. Dual 300 mm front discs with radial callipers and a single 240 mm rear disc handle the braking responsibility. The motorcycle locks horns with the Triumph Street Triple RS and the Kawasaki Z900.