Motorcycle specifications KTM790 Duke 2026 Twins but not sisters

The 790 Duke initially viewed the arrival of the 990 with suspicion. More power, more technology... and a much higher price tag. As a result, it is less concerned about its place in the range and is reinvigorated for 2025.

On the menu: Euro5+ approval, an extended rear fender, a slightly sharper headlight, a new dashboard positioned closer to the rider, a new interface, automatic adjustment to ambient light, a telemetry screen, 6-level wheelie control, and DEMO Mode, allowing you to try out all the bike's electronic options for a good thousand kilometers. After that, you have to pay or say goodbye.

This "mid-Duke" has had a two-stage career. Launched at the end of 2017, it was replaced by the 890 in 2021... then waited a while... and returned to the market in mid-2022.
KTM has brought it back with other arguments. While coexistence with the 890 proved difficult, this is no longer the case since the latter has given way to a more generous Duke. The sisters no longer play in the same neighborhood.

The Austrian manufacturer has quietly consolidated its position in Matighoffen's range. The 790 Duke as we rediscover it is a revival of the old L version, which was designed at the time to comply with A2 licenses. Apart from a few extra pounds, it differs little from the first model, except that it is now produced in China. This is one of the fruits of the partnership with CF Moto.
From there, we begin to understand why it is taking its place among Katoche's naked bikes. This powerful machine offers 105 horsepower in most parts of the world, except in Europe, where its power is reduced to 95 horsepower. With this level of power, it forms a sort of bridge between the 390 and the 990.

It's not quite the perfect middle ground. There's a 51 horsepower difference between the little Duke and the 790, while the latter only yields 28 horsepower to its "big" sister. So we can't really call it a beginner's bike, except when it's limited to 35 kW.

It's a kind of musical chairs game punctuated by a striking argument: the price! Between the two roadsters, the match will be played out in terms of horsepower, but also in terms of the significant difference in price. There's a difference of almost €6,000—in exchange for a less powerful engine, a good deal less electronics, and less rigorous suspension. It's not that they're made of foam. It's just that the first 790 Duke didn't offer as much precision as hoped. The bike encouraged aggressive, motivated, fun, and energetic riding, but the suspension could struggle to keep up.

So what does this "revival" 790 Duke offer us? A 43 mm WP inverted fork with no adjustments, a WP shock absorber with preload adjustment, 4-piston radial calipers around 300 mm discs, a rigid tubular steel frame, and well-balanced electronics. It also comes with an inertial unit, cornering ABS + Supermoto function, three riding modes (Rain, Street, Sport), angle-sensitive traction control, LEDs everywhere, and a 5-inch color TFT screen. As for the shifter, no change there: you'll have to get it from the options.

This is also where you'll find Track and Performance riding modes, engine brake control, cruise control, the KTM My Ride smartphone app, and tire pressure monitoring. Right next to it, the Powerparts section offers a whole host of additional parts.

The 790 Duke is looking to make a comeback in the big poker game played by mid-size streetfighters. Not an easy task, given the tough competition already in place and the aggressive atmosphere in the sector. But with its price tag, it's certainly worth considering. It's almost identical to that of a 750 Hornet,a 660 Trident, or an F 900 R.
In any case, it's not certain that the 790 and 990 will remain friends for very long at the KTM table. Two sisters, two hearts, on the verge of resentment.

M.B - Manufacturer photos