SHARP SCALPEL IS A CUT ABOVE
MY first impression as the friendly chap from KTM started to unload the 790 Duke from the van was that they had accidentally sent me the smaller 390 model.
But despite its dinkiness, he assured me it really was the 790. Setting it on the tarmac, we both marvelled at how the designers and engineers have managed to squeeze all 799cc into such a small but perfectly formed amalgamation of metal.
The steel tube frame in which it sits seems equally compact and the aluminium swingarm displays its strengthening ribs on the outside, like this beast has nothing to hide.
There may not be much of the 790 Duke – it weighs in at just 169kg – but that look belies its muscular power. The motor is the Austrian firm’s first parallel twin called the LC8C and it churns out whopping amounts of torque and power.
Jump on board and The Scalpel, as KTM have nicknamed it, immediately seems narrow and comfortable. The colour TFT screen is excellent and shows you which of the four ride modes you have selected – Sport, Street, Rain or Track.
I was pleased to note a steering damper nestled underneath and that both levers are adjustable, along with the handlebar position.
This bike is packed with a host of features, including lean-sensitive Bosch ABS braking and traction control, engine braking control and LED lights.
There’s also a quickshifter which allows for super-slick and super-quick clutchless gear shifting.
The ride position is comfortable – slightly forward leaning and feet back – almost like an off-roader.
Start it up and that engine makes a very pleasing deep rumble. At lower speeds and around town, the 790 behaves very well indeed – smooth and easy, never stuttering or champing at the bit.
Nevertheless, it is out on the open road where that motor really shows what it’s got. The acceleration rivals any sports bike and the power builds beautifully as you blip through the gears. And I loved the gurgle and pop as you come off the throttle.
The WP forks are not adjustable and the rear shock can only be adjusted for pre-load. However, the set-up is pretty much spot-on.
Sailing through bends is a breeze, thanks to that light weight, excellent clearance and the bike’s all-round nimbleness.
Overall, the 790 Duke is an absolute joy – light, agile, with bags of power, well equipped and at a reasonable price. Hats off to KTM, The Scalpel certainly is a cut above. KTM 790 Duke
799cc parallel twin
64 ft lb @ 8,000rpm
105bhp @ 8,000rpm Red/grey; black/grey The 796cc engine is small and compact