KTM 790 Duke (2019): first impression review | Impressive LC8c parallel twin engine (o75)*

#ktm790duke #ktm790 #ktmduke #790duke #ktm
Agility with motorcycles is quite something, but when it's combined with the single 799cc LC8c parallel, which offers the grunt of a twin, could this mid-weight naked pack a punch?
Looking at 2019 KTM 790 Duke I know we'll be in for a bit of a treat even before I get anywhere close as I recently reviewed the 799cc LC8c (Liquid-Cooled 8-valve compact) parallel twin found on the 790 Adventure S.
Aesthetically, the naked dynamic style is perfect and likely to still look modern in a decade.
Starting the bike, the immediate sensory response is to its exhaust note. That is just fulfilling and hits the sweet spot. Have I just completely underestimated the stock can? Indeed a sound I would not have expected to hear from a sub-800cc parallel.
As I ride through the town, it's happy at low-end speeds even though riding over poorly maintained roads, the non-adjustable front shock takes it all in its stride.
Trying the bi-directional quick-shifter, and, at relatively low speeds, it's just instant and smooth - one eyebrow raises followed with a cheeky grin. It's such a comfortable bike to ride around town. My anticipation to get it out on the open road is now more impatient.
Opening up the throttle, and combining the very slick quick-shifter, I swiftly find myself at the national speed limit. The quick-shifter is merely amazing - spot on, in fact. WOW! Even coming down through the 6-speed gearbox is just as perfect as going up with the added exhaust bumbling and popping behind. Is it me or does that exhaust note get better?
Turning onto the A-roads, while being able to position with razor-like predictability, it wants to be let on the leash. I can see why it has been dubbed 'the scalpel'.
As we twist and turn through the bends, the bike feels so precise and planted, and more so as it accelerates boldly out of corners - it starts to inspire confidence.
Everything I have experienced is just fantastic for the roads. I remind myself that this well-balanced and this very stable bike only has a 799cc parallel twin. Amazing. Top marks KTM.
It's practical, playful and dynamically flickable as you put the bike through its paces. I can probably say this is the best of any middle-weight naked bikes.
I am not a naked kind of guy, but this bike has me converted but would I buy one? If I had nine bags of sand and space in my garage - absolutely, however, in daily life mode, the answer is a very reluctant no because I'm fortunate enough to be still having very similar fun on my 2010 KTM 990 SMT which is also a 17"-wheeled beast and I can even go touring on it too.
If you haven't tried a KTM, now's the time to do so. You could be having so much fun that you could also hear that mischievous voice too.
With thanks a gratitude to the team at On The Wheel Superstore, Southwick, Sussex: www.onthewheel...
KTM PRESS PHOTO CREDITS: Sebas Romero, Marco Campelli and Simon Cudby.
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[@Proofman92]

One of the best motorcycles currently available. I love my 790 and don't want to give it away anymore. Have fun :)

[@o75uk]

Just so impressed by that parallel twin in that framework and 17” front... what a great combo.

[@jyexe525]

Proofman hello, do you use the quickshifter even in town in low rpm ?

[@tomrowlands8153]

Subscription done. Great review. You’re nearer that 1000! Well done

[@o75uk]

Thank you for subscribing and for your feedback too, T R. It's appreciated. Yes, slowly but surely we'll cross the 1k mark but hopefully not too long now. #spreadtheword 😉

[@nightflight76]

It was great fun seeing you on this fantastic bike. I traded in my 821 Monster from 2017 for a 2020 Duke 790. Can pick it up in about 3 weeks. The sound of the monster ( no 1 reason for buying it ) is still top class but the duke comes close to it. Apart from that the Duke 790 was a lot more fun to ride, especially in the curves. The best Quickshifter in its class and the engine is a lot smoother compared to the Ducati 821. Nice reviews from you. 👍🏻🏍 Have fun and keep safe !

[@o75uk]

Hey Sascha, thanks for taking the time to comment. All been a bit busy here to respond sooner. Assuming you've now picked it up, how are you getting on?

[@kruisr7449]

Nice bike. Best sound with a stock exhaust. And the best and smoothes Quickshift in his class.

[@o75uk]

I would have to agree! And from a parallel twin too!

[@RandyHartono]

Awesome 😎 review Thanks Bro

[@o75uk]

Just picked up your comment. Pleasure! Appreciated. 👍🏼

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I took my Duke 390 into the newly opened Chiang Rai KTM dealer yesterday. There were a few 790s in. Probably unregistered 2020 models as they have been dropped for 2021. It has made me think. But maybe it's too much for here. Did you find the throttle snatchy in town? Very good review.

[@o75uk]

It's been a while since my review. I can't quite recall the throttle snatching though. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for letting me know.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

@@o75uk Thanks.

[@jyexe525]

Hello nice review ! Any problem with the quickshifter in low rpm in city ?

[@o75uk]

Thank you. I appreciate that. In the hour or so I had with the 790 Duke, the quickshifter is sublime and confident it would be fine. That said, my inherent riding style in lower gears, lower revs at lower speeds, I tend to use the clutch. Take one for a test ride; I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

[@torevenheim9607]

They should never have built other versions of this bike, the original 790 is perfect no more no less 😊

[@o75uk]

Hi Tore, I completely agree with your viewpoint. Having a mere 100cc difference in engine variants can deter potential buyers from making a purchase, as they may wait for a more powerful alternative. It appears that the company lacks a well-defined strategy; as an example, they have recently relaunched the SMT (stroke R) model. As an original SMT owner is, as you say, perfect - no more, no less. However, I am deeply disappointed that the recent model has failed to meet the expectations we had been anticipating for over a decade.

[@thunderclese69]

Still not entirely sold on the tablet dashboard but the colour changing is a nice feature.

[@o75uk]

Well, one benefit is accessing and changing modes which you can't do with an analogue display. Are you sold yet? ;)

[@thunderclese69]

@@o75uk I'm sure the features are 👌. Just the way it looks like having a tablet mounted on your bars 😁

[@JohnCarter-eg4ws]

Tell us what you really think. Lol. Just kidding ,found one left over from last year for $8,100 USD.i watched this because I’m going to get it tomorrow ,this review makes me glad I am !

[@o75uk]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Sounds like you’ve picked up an absolute bargain making the grin even better! Nice. 😁

[@fighterinthewind1400]

Hello from Switzerland, how about jerkyness, I mean, for instance, in traffic jam does it jerk like a Ducati monster for example where you have to play with the clutch? Or is it smoother like a 4 cylinders, because I'm considering getting one but haven't tried it yet( still winter ). Thanks and as we say here Chuss !!!

[@o75uk]

Hello Switzerland!!! 😃 All I can say is take one for a demo! It’s a keen bit of kit. For a mid-range motorbike, it’s one of the best. I own, and have owned for tens years, a KTM 990 SMT, which is slightly larger. Both give you a gut-filled bag of fun! That’s what KTM does. I can’t compare to a Ducati because I’ve never sat in a saddle of one.

[@fighterinthewind1400]

@@o75uk Thanks for the reply, what about you try a Ducati 796 or a 821 and you see what I mean. Well I'm planning to test a 790 but it's cold yet here. But what I've seen from other test of the 790 on you tube some say that is smoother due to the engine L cylinder on the 790 compare to the one's on Ducati's monster engine, besides, the Ducati monsters get horribly hot at low speeds in traffic jam!!! I'm coming from ridding 4 cylinders Japanese for 20 years and looking for something different and more comfortable. Anyway mate, Chuss !!!

[@NovaRay]

Is it a good bike for beginners?

[@o75uk]

The 790 Duke can be restricted for an A2 licence (UK) but if a beginner I would recommend something less potent while you master your road craft. For more information check here: www.ktm.com/gb/news/uk/licence/

[@torevenheim9607]

When starting ski-jumping try a 30meter jump before you take on the big 130m hill 😂

[@kannankichu1997]

Your bike is jerking in between each shift because you are letting go of the gas while quick-shifting. Keep the gas steady and try it.

[@o75uk]

Jumping off my usual bike to this demo show's then? :) Thanks for your comment! Appreciated.

[@markreynolds8630]

Better than a SMT?

[@o75uk]

Easy. No. The SMT you can take touring. It's simple and raw too. That said, I would love to see the SMT updated with a 1000cc variant of this engine combined with quickshift. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@markreynolds8630]

@@o75uk same here. I have a SMT, and looking to upgrade to something with modern electronics. Had my eye on hypermotard 950, but would need some work, as tank is small, and no easy luggage carrying. Or perhaps an 890 ktm. I hear there is a SMT version in the pipeline. Hope so. 120hp, and much lighter than the 990.

[@o75uk]

I've seen pre-production pics of what appears to resemble a KTM SMT with an 890 in situ. Needs to be 990, but KTM have nothing filling that mid-range 800-1300 touring gap now. The SMTs are becoming hard to come by on the second-hand market partly because of its pre-electronic gimzogadgets.

[@mithunkartha]

For thieves here the tft display on the 390 is the biggest attraction 🤣

[@o75uk]

What! Just the TFT? Not the bike? Oh, no 390 here #readthetitle. 🤣

[@christopherdooley9324]

Lost me at "BAD BOY". Boring...

[@o75uk]

You're entitled to your opinion and appreciate your effort to tell me so. 👍🏻