KTM’s Affordable Middleweight Street Moto Returns with an Even Sharper Edge

Since KTM launched the 790 Duke back in 2017, the naked middleweight has commanded a devoted following because of its versatility. 

Comfortable enough for commuting yet serious enough to be pushed for spirited riding, it’s a true goldilocks bike capable of delivering big on smiles per mile.

For 2027, KTM is leaning into those qualities even more with a series of changes aimed at giving ‘the Scalpel’ still a sharper edge.

KTM

Overhauling the hardware

Just look at the bike. In keeping with its larger KTM 990 and KTM 1390 siblings, the 2027 790 Duke dons some much more aggressive styling. As such, along with an alienesque headlight, it brings further streamlined bodywork and a larger front fairing.

KTM

Now, the differences cut deeper than looks alone. Though the new 790 retains the same 105-horsepower LC8c parallel-twin of its predecessor, you’ll find some key tweaks to the other hardware.

Beyond giving the bike a more refined exhaust and muffler design, this means that KTM has overhauled the brakes and suspension. 

Accordingly, the standard WP steering damper is now complemented by an all-new WP radial setup for stopping power. Moreover, KTM says that the 790 Duke’s Apex forks and rear shock benefit from increases in both travel and adjustability. 

KTM

Together with a set of new shoes in the now-standard Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, they’re all refinements that should yield even more response from an already corner-killing ride. 

Revisiting the rider triangle

And we haven’t even addressed the various ergonomic adjustments. According to KTM’s announcement, the 790 Duke’s biggest improvements for next year focus on a completely redesigned rider triangle.

On the road, the changes are sure to be felt, even if they haven’t made the bike as approachable a steed as the Duke 250. In addition to a new handlebar shape with a wider angle, KTM says that the 2027 model brings repositioned rider and passenger footpegs.

KTM

Alongside a new subframe and a reshaped fuel tank, it promises a flatter seating position with more potential for knee grip. The contact gains alone should improve the sense of rider input.

Towards that end, the 790 Duke still comes with a suite of advanced electronic aids like lean-sensitive ABS, lean-sensitive traction control and selectable modes to help keep things rubber-side down.

However, those who want some of the more advanced features (like Track mode, a quickshifter, Motor Slip Regulation and cruise control) will have to spend up for those separately. KTM is doing away with the Demo mode altogether.

KTM

Availability and pricing

KTM’s 2027 790 Duke will be available at dealers from the end of July. Pricing starts from $9,799, and available colorways include black and orange.

KTM

2027 KTM 790 Duke

• Starts at $9,800

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