KTM likely to launch 790 Duke soon in India

KTM 790 Duke is all set to hit the Indian roads at an expected price range of around Rs.8.5 lakhs to 9 lakhs. The bike has started reaching a few dealerships too. Bookings for the motorcycle also had begun already for a token amount ranging from Rs.5,000 to Rs.25,000 depending on the dealership.

Mechanically, the 790 Duke comes powered by a 799cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine developing 105bhp power at 9,000rpm and 86Nm of peak torque at 8,000rpm. The engine gets mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slipper assist clutch and bi-directional quick shifter. The stressed-member engine of the 790 Duke makes it one of the light-weight bikes in its segment next to the Triumph Street Triple.

In terms of features, the bike comes equipped with a full-TFT display, Bosch Cornering ABS with Supermoto mode, lean-angle-sensing traction control, launch and wheelie control along with four riding modes that include a customisable Track mode. Suspension duties are handled by a 43mm open cartridge fork at the front and a 12-stage preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear while the brakes offered are 300mm twin discs and 240mm rear disc at the front and rear with dual-channel ABS.

Expect the 790 Duke to be available only in limited numbers. It is likely to be brought to India via the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route and will be assembled at the Bajaj’s Chakan facility. The KTM 790 Duke will toughly compete with the likes of the Suzuki GSX-S750, Kawasaki Z900, Triumph Street Triple S and the Ducati Monster 821.