KTM 790 Duke Prototype 2017 — Specifications

Five years ago, KTM unveiled the Superduke 1290 prototype. Once released, the production version lived up to the excitement, becoming the most visceral roadster on the market. And that story might repeat itself with the Duke 790 prototype. But this time, it loses its "super" prefix to better position itself in the market, much to the dismay of the Yamaha MT-09, Kawasaki Z900, and other Suzuki GSX-S 750s. To compete, the newcomer packs all its fury into an ultra-compact and efficient engine and chassis. A concentrated orange joins the over-pressurized orange.

Between the notorious, but no less powerful Superduke 1290 R, and the modest, but no less effective Duke 690, there was clearly a need for a compromise to face the mid-size category leaders. In fact, there was a bit of rationality missing on one side, and 1 cylinder on the other. Traditionally at KTM, when doubling a displacement, it is arranged in a V. Two cylinders are placed in a duel around a crankshaft, and all the quintessence of their confrontation is extracted. But that was before the 790. Now, the pistons work in line, nestled one against the other, hand in hand. Power is drawn from (very narrow) collaboration rather than opposition. It’s beautiful. And audacious, since V engines are known for being more torquey and raucous. But the Austrians are brilliant engine builders, so we have no doubt about their success. And so much the worse for tradition. Let’s burn the custom in favor of bulk and efficiency!

The "LC8 C" inline twin will therefore power the next Duke. While the LC8 designation is already common at KTM (for Liquid Cooled 8-valve), it is adorned here with a C, for "compact." Or for "Get ready," depending on your interpretation… Rumors circulated and made noise about a reuse of the Nuda 900 engine. This is not the case; the brand has since denied it to our colleagues at Moto Station. However, we have no confirmation or denial regarding the power, which could be less than 98 horsepower for A2 eligibility. The hypothesis remains pending.

The engine, as powerful, narrow, and lightweight as possible, was designed following a logic: that of efficiency. The same doctrine was followed to develop the platform designed to house it. A rather inhospitable welcome, since the engine is load-bearing and maintained by a tubular frame. The swingarm, seemingly from the Duke 690, is directly attached to an engine case. The rear frame, extremely fine, is shortened and pierced, reminiscent of the MV Turismo Veloce. WP suspension components complete the whole.

The lines of this prototype are like all KTMs, and as all motorcycle journalists like to say, "scythed." A scythe from the forests of Austria, it seems, so enchanting they are. In 2012, the design of the Superduke concept did not lie to us, since the production version proved to be very close. We are therefore entitled to believe that it will be the same for this 790.

It is also believed that it will be a high-end model. Indeed, the brand states that it will be equipped with ride-by-wire throttle, numerous customizable driving modes, as well as last-generation traction control and even a quickshifter! Not sure that the latter will be retained, as is the 3D printing used for the exhaust and fork production. Either way, we will know more in 2018, the estimated release date.

Whatever the case, the future 790 should be a real human-sized toy. A heady, fun, and lightweight little bomb, with a contained footprint. Where the 1290 and its excess are intimidating. See for yourself:

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