KTM 790 Duke - The Review from KNOX

KTM 790 Duke 2019 Review from KNOX
Not a new bike for this season, but the 2019 KTM 790 Duke has been a bike that we have been really interested in since it was first revealed as a concept in EICMA a few years ago.
So, when the opportunity came to get hold of one for a couple of weeks, we jumped at the chance. And we weren’t disappointed. The KTM 790 Duke is a fantastic middle-weight naked motorcycle and in terms of bang for your buck, pure fun on a motorcycle and practicality, in our opinion, one of the absolute best bikes you can own today!
One of the stand out features of the 790 Duke is the engine, it is brilliant and has bags of power and loads of character. In fact, it felt so instantly powerful, I momentarily thought it was a real contender against my very own GSX-R 750! So as part of the review, we thought we would also put the 790 Duke against GSX-R in a straight line drag race.
The Suzuki GSXR 750 was the clear winner in every acceleration test. However, the KTM 790 Dukes’ electronics package and launch control system, allowed it to sprint ahead of the Suzuki up to to 50-60mph in every drag we attempted. The real world speed and acceleration on the KTM 790 Duke is incredible and the engines’ torque for quick overtakes and in gear acceleration brings a big grin to your face everytime! In short we love it and we hope after you watch our full video review, you will too!
In this video, we were wearing:
Knox Urbane Pro Shirt
www.planet-knox.com/category/...
Knox Orsa Leather gloves
www.planet-knox.com/product/o...
Richmond MKII Jeans
www.planet-knox.com/product/r...
Knox Casual T-Shirt
www.planet-knox.com/category/...
Thanks for watching, please like comment and subscribe and we’ll see you next time.
Aaron and Mark,
Knox
www.planet-knox.com/

[@999silverhk]

Thus vid should have 10x viewers at least

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks, really appreciate it!! Aaron - Knox

[@GrtSatan]

I fell in love with this bike the first time I saw a KTM promo vid, put down a deposit and waited an agonizing 6 months for it to arrive. I had the Akrapovic silencer installed from new and in my 46 years of riding the Duke is by far the easiest machine to ride really fast that I have ever experienced. At 5'8" and 165 pounds the non-adjustable suspension is perfectly optimised for my size and weight.This machine has connected me to my inner hooligan and is certain to get me into all sorts of legal trouble and I couldn't care less!

[@KnoxArmour]

Haha! love that "connected me to inner hooligan" That is totally what the bike is about!! Aaron, Knox :)

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Love my 790 Duke! I've added a fair few extra accessories to my one now, but you are right in saying that the 3 things which make the biggest difference to how it looks are: 1) Bar end mirrors 2) Seat cowl 3) Evotech tail tidy Regards only suiting shortish runs... I did the NC500 in a day on my one and it never missed a beat. Comfortable on the slow gnarly single track stuff (Street Mode) and a right laugh in Track Mode on the more open twisties. I definitely wouldn't have enjoyed the challenge so much on any of my previous bikes. I've found the non adjustable suspension pretty much spot on for the roads and my weight etc but agree that the 'R', when it finally breaks cover, will be a weapon!

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks for the feedback and comment. Aaron - Knox :)

[@julyman9]

Awesome and informative video!! Potential next bike! Also Loving the Knox gear as well! Will have to pick some up!

[@mitchr6]

I bought one and have had it for 6 months now. It puts a smile on my face every time I ride, so much fun. Down graded from a Yamaha Fz1 and couldn't be happier 👍

[@weiz4944]

mitchr6 have you got any issue or problem on your bike? Making a very difficult decision to choose between MT 09 and 790...

[@mitchr6]

@@weiz4944 it has had a slight oil leak from the tappet cover which was sorted under warranty. It is a little surgy around town due to the tuning. I will get it dynoed soon and that should sort it out. I do tend to keep it in sport mode though. Other than that I love it. Haven't riden an mt09 so can't compare them myself. I hope you enjoy which ever one you choose 👍

[@KnoxArmour]

Great choice and glad you like it! Aaron Knox

[@nebachiv]

upgraded actually)

[@MrTomannis]

I just this month purchased the 2019 790 Duke to complement my 2016 KTM Superduke R. Yes, I seem to be ate up with KTM engineering at the moment. What a wonderful machine the 790 is. Especially after getting the first dealer service out of the way and unlocking the track mode and anti wheelie police. Now I am having even more fun on this lightweight machine. I did do the CRG bar end mirror swap because those factory mirrors were rubbish (view distortion and looks). I have the rear seat cowl and removed the rear passenger pegs/supports as my only other mods to date. Next mod will be the Evotech tail tidy and then the full Akra Titanium exhaust. If it suits, I may race this in the US in the CCS, AHRMA, and FMRRA Racing orgs where appropriate. It's a fun, lightweight bike that makes all the right noises and has lots going for it electronically... especially the quickshifter/autoblipper. Well produced and informative video guys. Keep it up!

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks for the feedback Tommy, really appreciate it! So glad you like your 790 Duke and hope you get the chance to race it!! Aaron Knox

[@raghubirkullar9227]

We bought this bike in india couldn't ask for more perfect all rounder great review 🤗

[@iamthemobey]

Being a powerlifter and having massive legs compared to my waste I can’t wear normal armoured jeans because I can’t get my leg over a bike. I tried on your Richmond mk 2 jeans at motorcycle live and they fit! The stretch is amazing and I’ll definitely be getting some when the weather gets nicer.

[@Lomv51]

Hi Guy's - Very nice video I liked it a lot. I have a 2019 KTM 790 Duke the mod that has made the my 790 bike spectacular to ride is the WP suspension upgrade, that's a complete adjustable rear shock and adjustable cartridges for the fork. This kit is available at the WP website; and in my opinion it's a must have upgrade. My 790 Duke is the best riding motorcycle I've owned and that covers quite a few bikes. Next to the new suspension I have to say that the engine & quick shifter is pretty darn nice. I too have experienced false naturals but I think that's more me that the quick shifter, just not used to having a quick shifter on the bike, so I think the shifting will get better over time. Oh and another great thing about this bike is the gas mileage I just got back from a week with a friend riding in Oregon on some super fantastic roads and I was getting between 57 and 60 mpg, and we were zipping it up most of the time. The other things you suggested to change I'll probably do over time on my bike as well.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

That's some fantastic economy. Did you check your gas pump fill numbers against the trip meter to find out what your actual numbers were?

[@SpartanReserve870]

Really liking my Urbane Pro shirt...well done Knox!

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks a lot, so glad you like it!! Aaron Knox :)

[@maxkupferschmid5792]

Great Raptor, also easy going, sound incredible.

[@xamaneklopez]

One more reason to love it is that it holds the record for Pikes Peak middle weight ascension with a time of 10:04.038 :) :) :)

[@darrenstone3693]

Hopefully one of these will be my second bike. Absolutely love the 790 Duke

[@chesterfield100]

Nice Vide-Performance !👍 (Drone etc.)

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks very much, appreciate it!! Aaron - Knox 😁

[@cliveevans5755]

Had mine two weeks now, love it❗️cost £8000 new, £138 deposit sub £100 payments, bonkers vfm & bonkers fun😁

[@gsheverything_2716]

I'm not a bike guy, but man this thing is a beautiful to look at.

[@barracuda017]

Thanks for the great review, it pushed me over the edge. After watching it last week, I went out and purchased the new 2023 790 duke , wow what a blast. One of you described it as "Intoxicating", and it sure is

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Sure you'll love the 790 duke, absolutely brilliant bike! Aaron KNOX

[@PvC63-Jan]

Beautiful bike, about to get one!! Good review gents!

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks a lot, appreciate it! Aaron Knox :)

[@MotoMichelle]

Great review :) Iv rode this bike and it's Amazing :)

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Michelle! Aaron Knox :)

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for the review. One of my favourite bikes. It’s a super well balanced machine.

[@MotoMichelle]

Agree :)

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks!! 😁

[@nokneedownian8521]

Great review I've got the 790 and love it. Going up through the quick shifter always makes me smile and does the pops and bangs from the exhaust. The fuel gauge isn't very good but the distant to empty seems accurate. I'm getting around 180 miles till empty

[@MrOnprobation]

I just purchased this bike 2 days ago and the quick shifter seems broken. Will it run better after my first service?

[@KeithCrooks]

@@MrOnprobation What's the problem you are having? I picked mine up on Monday and it seems fine. I did ask the dealer if it was okay to use the quickshifter from the off or wait until after the first service and he said it's fine but you have to use it at the right time. I.E. make sure you're at the right RPM to take advantage of it and don't bother using it at slower speeds, E.G. round town, etc.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Ian!!! Awesome bike! Aaron KNox

[@stenbergskij101]

Great review, im getting one this week

[@KnoxArmour]

Good choice! Enjoy it! Aaron KNOX

[@pirixmartian4457]

Didvv vw u get it i thinking getting one super low price now

[@Against-Modern-Errors]

How is it mate? Is it good as a first bike ?

[@bog1dan]

Great video !

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Bogdan!! Aaron Knox

[@skatman3872]

I just bought this exact bike,its got mods on it good vid

[@falcidi]

Love my 790 Duke. I too like others have made a few mods, changed the mirrors to the KTM bar end mirrors and added a bit of bling from KTM PowerParts including removing the passenger seat and added the plastic pillion cover. Haven't changed the exhaust yet because I actually like it but will change the tail tidy to the one from KTM's PowerParts. The other thing I do want to change but not in a major hurry to do so is change the levers to the KTM shorty ones. By the way you can change out the suspension now. WP Suspension now have a kit for both the front and rear if you want adjustable suspension.

[@KnoxArmour]

Sounds awesome!! Aaron Knox 🤟

[@mrmuncheez374]

Hey Ausmosis... would you say the 790 is too much bike as a first motorcycle? I have ridden plenty of dirt bikes, 4 wheelers etc., but haven't had a street bike yet. I'm not a complete beginner to riding, but I am now looking for my first motorcycle. I'm stuck between 390 duke, z400, ninja 400, cb650r, I'm afraid if I got the 390, I may get bored after 6 months or sooner. Do you have any suggestions when it comes to the KTM's? My local dealer does have a 690 Duke, I believe it's a 2018 for $8499.

[@alq1967]

@@mrmuncheez374 go for it. Your dirt bike experience is just right for the ktm. My first real bike was a Ducati M900. At this level of engineering they are the easiest to ride, and safest too. Depending how you ride, obviously, but I was blasting through 50 miles of London traffic daily and loving it. No need to compromise unless of course you want a 400 cc. which is fine, but I have had the Diavel and Superduke, CRF250R etc. and there is nothing you can't handle, just adapt to your conditions, use the throttle accordingly.

[@yassim0008]

I like the race. Me and my XSR900 want some!

[@KnoxArmour]

Bring it on!! :)

[@The.JZA.]

I have a 390 Duke and recently got my full licence. I think a 790 Duke sounds like the perfect step up and I should be able to find a good low km second hand version if I bide my time.

[@MrTrek164]

Nice review ,I now own one of these and must say it's great so far with no major issues .I found compared to the competition to be great value for money considering what you get with electronics etc .It lacks a little up top compared to the competition but not by much but more than makes up for it in the low and mid range . I have toured on it with a pillion and it's been good with good economy .To me this bike is a modern day buell Fun Fun and more Fun .

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks for the feedback, glad you like yours!! Aaron - Knox

[@jaylepp]

Hi there mr trek You say you have ridden with a pillion , my I ask how comfy it is for your pillion please ? I currently ride a Ducati scrambler cafe racer , and it’s not great the wife . Looking for something fun and comfy . Hoping this may fit the bill .

[@MrTrek164]

@@jaylepp I have just confered with my Mrs who is a regular pillion and she says it is a very comfy bike , however we are not the smallest of people and since fitting a top box this made it a bit akward for her as it forced her to lean forward .I will be rectifing this by moving the fixing plate back 40 mm .Foot peg position is great for the pillion and getting on and off is very easy .

[@jaylepp]

Good evening mr trek Collected a 790 duke today . Took little hitler out for a blast , she’s happy 👍 Bike is amazing . Happy wife , happy riding . Thanks for your valid opinion, sold the deal . The only criticism of the bike is them god damn mirrors , constantly moving . Have you had the same issue ?

[@MrTrek164]

@@jaylepp I have not had this issue ,but it's an easy fix .If the heads moving too easy just pull the rubber sleave back and tighten the screws up to your desired position ,mine I have so that they need effort to move them if needed but not enough to brake them if I've caught them on my wall .If it's the main stem moving again nip the nuts up accordingly .I have not had to touch my mirrors for the last 3 months ,3000 miles .The only thing I will pre warn you is that the rear tyre does not last long 1800 miles and mine needed to be replaced which appears not to be uncommon.

[@oscarmike3835]

Well done, thnx guys!

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Oscar!! 😁 Aaron Knox

[@seizetheday23209]

Great video bias!

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Jonathan!

[@alithejumbo]

Reviewing a bike with an AIRPLANE in the background is dam cool!

[@KnoxArmour]

Yes, one of our cooler locations! Aaron KNOX

[@watchmenptstw9784]

Good review, I'm thinking about buying the bike soon, but as I measure 6 "3 I'm a little worried if it won't be uncomfortable. Can you help me? Do tall person seats really serve and help in this regard? Thank you and good work!

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks! Its not the biggest bike in the world to be fair, but the only way you could tell is by going to a shop and sitting on one. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@michaelstoneman5668]

They are brilliant, 😊

[@steve-wu7jp]

Id go 1 down on the front sprocket on the gixxer to give it some more shove off the line. Its a easy mod that gives you that pull down low

[@nitin6273]

I really like this colour .

[@KnoxArmour]

🔥🔥

[@cranky1812]

KTM announced that they will be launching Duke and RC 500cc 2 cylinder engine motorcycles.

[@KnoxArmour]

Oooohh!! :)

[@liruizhu2146]

托！绝对被充值了。Triumph 765 R 应该对比一下。Opertional weight也要强调一下，that fair.

[@acopernic]

Ah... My duke... This bike is a beast...

[@KnoxArmour]

Agree!! 😁

[@acopernic]

@@KnoxArmour i really need to come by UK for a visit. Your clothes, gloves and stuff look amazing. Bravo.

[@M530H]

What kind of boots are being used in the beginning of the video?

[@KnoxArmour]

Hi, I wear Forma Slam, www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/354499. They are probably not the most protective, but great if you are riding everyday.. thanks, Aaron.

[@darrenstone3693]

The quickshifter on my 790 is epic. Works better higher into the revs

[@thomastometich6767]

I was surprised neither of you mentioned the silver coloured rear frame piece. A KTM traditional trellis frame would have looked 100% better no?

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks for the comment Thomas, although honestly, I prefer the silver! Thanks, Aaron. :)

[@alq1967]

I like the frame piece better in black, myself. Love the orange wheels though. Your bike is not orange enough for me.

[@nitishtw]

This is one of those good reviews I've seen on KZbin, but it got only 300 (approx) likes! Seriously?

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Kumar!! We are growing and appreciate the support! Thanks, Aaron Knox

[@nitishtw]

@@KnoxArmour keep making videos, a long way to go! 👏 I have subscribed to ur channel.

[@Smt890]

It could be comfortable for a passenger? Maybe with a top case?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

More variants of the 790 have been "spied" on the internet rolling around, such as an supermoto or supermoto-touring model. Might want to wait for those.

[@bushmaster4481]

What gloves are those at the beginning?

[@KnoxArmour]

Hi, they are the Handroid Pod MKIV. Thanks :)

[@ashokstrm]

Nice video. Though Suzuki wins the drag, the bike is not shown close up in the video to check what model that is used. Is it Gixxer 600.

[@KnoxArmour]

Hi thanks for feedback. It's a GSXR 750. The 600 would have been much closer. Thanks Aaron

[@KeithCrooks]

Knox Armour I’m picking up a 790 Duke on Monday and currently own a 2011 GSXR 600 L1 so it was a really interesting comparison 👍🏻

[@Rutger27]

Dude! Is this a good beginners bike? Did my lessons on a 650 cc

[@KnoxArmour]

Hi! Well yes in some ways it might be, although to be fair its a bit fast really and you can get yourself in a lot of trouble with this bike, much more than the spec sheet would suggest. Perhaps a better solution would be a KTM 690 duke or a Vitpilen 701 which i personally think would be much better. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@matteomori4330]

Hey guys, I might be a bit late to the party but I was wondering if you would still suggest this bike in 2023? I am looking for my second bike and I am thinking about the 790 duke (there are some good deals on the 2020/21 models!), street triple (~2020) or a newer trident 660

[@KnoxArmour]

Great question, and yes of course, it is awesome! The 890 Duke R is its successor and that bike is a step up... But dont let a few years put you off the 790 is awesome and there isnt anything that has come out that beats it. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@matteomori4330]

@@KnoxArmour hey thanks! I will definitely keep it in mind while bike-hunting 💪

[@ajinkyachavan5743]

is it a good bike to buy in 2023.. I got a sweet deal.. on a 2020 duke which has done like 1800 miles..

[@KnoxArmour]

yes its a brilliant bike, in fact they are releasing them again in 2023 in the UK!

[@ajinkyachavan5743]

@@KnoxArmour Can't expect that in India, due to some emission norms.. There were only 100 units got to India of 790.. so its kind of become a rare bike.

[@Indigowarrior111]

What helmet are you wearing in this video?

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks, I am in an Arai Chaser V all black, Mark is in an AGV, not sure which model, but around the £200 mark. Thanks, Aaron Knox

[@polopauletta9984]

790 very good

[@KnoxArmour]

100% very good and very exciting! Aaron KNOX

[@jgjg8661]

Please do the 1290

[@KnoxArmour]

Would love to! Thanks Aaron Knox

[@morenovanbuynder4947]

how tall are you and how does the bike fit you

[@KnoxArmour]

5'9" and yes the bike fits perfectly! Aaron KNOX

[@neilsmithers6979]

This is indeed a fantastic bike or rather, it almost is... apart from one crucial thing... reliability! It goes well, handles well, sounds great and has every feature you could ask for in a bike of this type, and all at a reasonable price... but it leaks from every orifice and the electronics freak out, namely the quick shifter forgets to work and most of the information on the display is incorrect. If KTM would please concentrate on the details and focus on quality control, they would have a real gem of a bike.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Good post. I wouldn't touch a KTM again. The mid-2000s bikes were far more reliable.

[@Acquaaaa]

I own this bike and I had none of these problems. I believe that the oil leak issue existed only for the first models in 2018. Regarding the electronics I don't know what you are talking about, and for the information on the display If you are talking about the wrong expected range I've read it's an issue only in countries that haven't adopted the SI. the information is actually correct but it's displayed in km, even if you selected miles

[@ScragNath]

Looking for this as a second bike. I regularly tour Europe on my BMW R1200 GSA in total comfort but for a Sunday afternoon blast, this just might do the job.

[@KnoxArmour]

Honestly, it would be a great bike for what you are looking for!! Aaron Knox

[@ScragNath]

@@KnoxArmour Just bought a new 1290 Super duke R in white and orange. A real hooligan.

[@amgmg2521]

Is it Austrian made or Indian made? I don't care much if I had chance to hands on it.

[@KnoxArmour]

Its not Austrian made I dont think, but nevertheless, its a banger of a bike! Aaron KNOX

[@fredstah714]

Which is more hooligan, 790 or the bmw 900?

[@KnoxArmour]

The 790 no questions! 👊 Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@fredstah714]

@@KnoxArmour SOLD!

[@javierc2726]

The ktm has a wrench on the dash and needs a service

[@mrunnizuttan3973]

Off camera guy is sliping in every 5 seconds

[@Aaron-ci4lu]

790 vs mt09

[@KnoxArmour]

Sure, but thats obvious and been done. I thought we'd do something different. Thanks, Aaron Knox.

[@LizardMane]

te 790 is so cheap right now!!

[@borisstupar5147]

it is Lizard, new Triumph trident is more expensive then 790 duke which is ridiculuous :)

[@kornelklinec2777]

How annoying is that both guys are stuttering a lot on a bike review...

[@KnoxArmour]

s s s s sorry... Aaron KNOX :)