KTM 790 DUKE PACKS A PUNCH

strong and stiff while using less mater ial.

As is usual for a KTM, the Scalpel is equipped with WP Suspension’s 43mm open cartridge upside-down fork with progressive springs.

The rear lattice swing-arm is suspended by a state-of-the-ar t gas-assisted WP shock with progressive spring and preload adjustment.

Two radially-mounted four-piston calipers with 300mm twin-discs up front and a disc brake at the rear are developed specifically for the 790 Duke. Seat height is a handy 825mm.

This bike has some serious brainpower as standard. The TFT display features a tachometer bar that changes colour as the revs rise. It also adapts its illumination according to ambient light.

Working in conjunction with the rideby-wire (RBW) throttle are four ride modes: sport, street, rain and track.

The track mode is interesting as it has many features, such as anti-wheelie, launch control and traction control spin adjuster.

A quickshifter is standard on the Duke, as is a blipper. Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) is also a standard feature. The MSR system balances the throttle exactly as much as is needed to ensure controlled deceleration, complementing the slipper clutch in low-grip situations.

More tricks include SuperMoto mode, which disengages the rear ABS for lurid slides. Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) with Cornering ABS is also a feature of The Scalpel.

So much elec-trickery means the 790 Duke is one of the most wellequipped middleweight motorcycles on the mar ket.

The look is typically KTM - aggressive and orange - reminiscent of big brother, the SuperDuke R.

A multitude of accessories is also available in the KTM PowerParts book, and the high-level Akrapovic exhaust is a no-brainer modification for The Scalpel.

KTM Malaysia is launching the 790 Duke at RM64,800 without road tax and insur ance.

Stay tuned for a full “Ready to Race” r oad test soon.