‘The 790 Duke is always up for it’
The new parallel twin KTM has many talents but its ready-for-anything attitude makes it truly special
Ihaven’t taken to avoiding the queue at the printer quite yet, but when yet another colleague slides alongside and asks, “So what is the 790 Duke all about, then? Handling? Engine? Doing really bad stuff?” I can only say, “Um, erm, it’s not a straight forward answer.” Some days it’s all about getting me into work asap. It’s a parallel twin, of course, but an aggressively thin one, with wickedly light steering and nonchalant walking-pace balance. And it’s good for at least 60mpg, no matter how badly it’s ridden. The drive is a bit juddery, as all twins can be at low road speeds, while throttle response is irritatingly abrupt just when it needs to be smooth.
But the 790 is a flowing and commanding commuter that will even hop up a kerb when required. It’s not only efficient but cheeky too.
So it’s a commuter?
Yes and no. I’m growing increasingly frustrated by its bog-basic WP suspension, which needs much more control on bumpy roads, but in all other respects the 790 is the perfect bike for a countryside thrasher like me. The magic ingredient is that new LC8c motor, which pops and gurgles and makes the bike fly. Ignore the relatively humble figures; it has enough low-down shove and freerevving top-end to make rural riding a dream. It’s neither intimidating as some bigger bikes can be, nor slightly worthy like many other parallel twins. Just fun.
So it’s a good old thrasher? Not completely. There is also a neat TFT dash, and within it a bundle of very modern options: front wheelonly ABS, wheelie control, launch control and a lovely full-fat track setting that makes the engine feel lumpier and mightier. So, while the 790 is basic in some departments, it does have an easy-to-understand menu of electronic toys. It’s up for it – every time
So back at the office printer, it’s time for a proper answer. Yes, the 790 Duke is agile, frugal, sporty and extremely versatile. But what it’s actually all about, what infuses every inch of its ride, is its attitude. It took me a while to work this out, but the essence of the 790 Duke isn’t its superb new LC8c engine or lightweight chassis. The way it stops, turns and leans is astonishing too, but that’s not what defines the bike either. It’s its love of life. While sportsbikes spend their days craving racetracks and tourers don’t make sense until they see a long open road, the Duke makes every ride count. It’s up for it every time. Wherever it is and whatever it does, it just loves being a motorbike.