New 2023 KTM 790 Duke Review: A Bargain Scalpel?

[@motobob]

Go to brilliant.org/MOTOBOB to get a 30-day free trial + the first 200 people will get 20% off their annual subscription.

[@Microphunktv-jb3kj]

I dont think anyone cares what the stock exhaust is... :D most will get Akra lol

[@ya2121]

i got the 105bhp 790. great bike, absolute hooligan on the streets and just so well balanced. its super easy to ride.

[@nooblifter390]

Can you daily it?

[@thebronextdoor3583]

How do you know the difference. What can I look out for ? In the model number

[@P67R_Nick]

I was once a KTM man through and through but now, I'm more a Yamaha man. KTM seem to be more interested in selling bikes than selling good bikes. Sorry KTM, but I'll not be buying another KTM unless things change.

[@daviddowse5372]

Just picked one up yesterday. First 2023 on the road in Ireland apparently. First proper ride today and was impressed.

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Congratulations man!

[@scottbailey5644]

I too had the earlier 790 Duke with full electronics for £7,500. I loved it but had to get rid due to poor quality: engine paint chipped, decals peeled. Seat was was so hard and that ergo seat is no softer, don't know why KTM stick with hard seats generally on their bikes. Also had ABS light that would intermittently flash which they couldn't fix and it cut out on me twice. Just lost confidence in it, shame! Got 2022 Street Triple now, better on every level.

[@abhisheknigam80]

I have the full 105bhp version. 2 years of ownership, zero issues and an absolute hooligan. I'm sure CFmoto is following proper quality standards so quality shudnt be an issue.

[@scottie2wheels542]

It’s true some of the early models did have issues, including my 2018 model, but KTM fixed all the issues under warranty. My girlfriend’s 2019 model is over 2 years old 20,000 kms still going strong. My mates brand new Honda CBR 650 had a oil pump failure took 8 weeks to get it fixed, I never had that issue. This latest 790 Duke should be free of the well known issues of the first release.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

Careful Motobob, that 790 looks like it’s about to piss oil all over that pristine floor. 😂

[@P67R_Nick]

The original 790 duke came with the full electronics package as standard. I bought my 2020 bike new for £6995. The new bike is £1000 more, with 10 less hp,, it's built in china and you have to pay extra for the exciting bits. Way to go KTM. You are shining so brightly.

[@wiktor88]

The prices of all bikes have skyrocket. Comparing prices from three years ago can only bring tears to your eyes. Currently, Chinese bikes are starting to cost as much as Japanese did three years ago.

[@pasiutrial]

I remember seeing 2018 one second hand for £2,6k. Still regretting I didn't pull the trigger.

[@smaze1782]

I think we all need to start getting used to China assembling some manufacturers bikes moving forward. This move saves money for the bike companies which doesn't always transpire to money savings for us the consumers.

[@P67R_Nick]

@@smaze1782 you are right so we may as well buy a Chinese bike and reap the savings 😂

[@chriswest2290]

I have the same situation here in the Philippines. How has your 790 been?

[@yahoodlums]

I’ve owned 6 KTMs. They are amazing bikes and IMO no worse in reliability than other Euro brands. The 790 is a brilliant bike, so well balanced and nimble. I haven’t ridden a Hornet but I’d be surprised if it feels anywhere near as responsive.

[@Surpriseify]

6 KTM's How many miles on each? Just wondering Because 6x indicate that you probably did not do 50k miles on each? :)

[@aryencas]

I am in love with this Duke 790. The only thing which make me doubt is that many riders say that KTM is not reliable. Is that true? Thanks a lot.

[@ashriffshnr]

@@aryencas ive owned 2, i can tell u its not bulletproof bike, but its fun honestly, just test ride 790 yesterday, too raw for me now tho, not great for pillion for sure

[@davidsandilands1285]

Good review, interesting development, cfmoto build could prove to be more reliable than a KTM build 🤔

[@llueras]

My thought exactly…

[@kugangles9860]

Same engine, gearbox, swingarm, in the CFMoto so same reliability.

[@davidsandilands1285]

@@kugangles9860 Fair point, but reliability can be down in part at least to quality of build, time will tell. Most will agree KTM reliably is questionable, anything that may improve that is a positive.

[@zepcertoxic]

So I wonder if this "new one" also leaks oil and coolant like the original one...

[@maxwellfluckiger6829]

Lols..they all do...but easy fix under warranty

[@aubscr3143]

So a CF moto built over priced unreliable machine hmmmm

[@beer3029]

I bought a 790 Duke brand new and it was an absolute POS!!!....oil leaks, radiator hose leaks, smelled like fuel (vapor leaks from fuel tank) and electrical problems. This was all within 600 miles. I sold it for a loss and was glad to get rid of it. I have had several KTM dirtbikes, 640LC variants and they were all reliable, but that 790 motor is absolute garbage regarding reliability.

[@Frank_SB]

Did you ever consider you had a faulty bike right out of the box?

[@soupdragon1]

I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole had the 2018 and it was brilliant to ride but god the amount of recalls i had plus ongoing issues didn't make me confident of it lasting so sold it off. Purchased @£7500 new with all rider aids enabled as well

[@thesixtyeightwhiskey]

2019 KTM 790 still going strong. Broke it in properly. MotoRex oil changes every 3500 miles, and the oil comes out clean like golden honey. Had no issues so far other than a stock squeaky chain.

[@Reppyboyo]

Test rode one of these last week and LOVED IT. The only thing stopping me pulling the trigger is KTM's reliability track record.

[@T3-RIDER]

100% right, such a shame, ktms look awesome, but iv owned one for 2 years and sold it when the warranty expired, 2 engine rebuilds and loads of other issues not worth it

[@Alex75990]

​@@T3-RIDERyou had 2 engine rebuilds within the first 2 years?

[@bootross255]

You're right to be hesitant about the reliability

[@T3-RIDER]

@@Alex75990 1st rebuild was a product recall due to gaskets not holding enough pressure, that was at 900 miles 2nd rebuild at 7600 miles due to exhaust valve hitting the piston and blew the engine, all under warranty though, I don't own that scrap bike no more thank god

[@Alex75990]

@@T3-RIDER wow that really sounds scary. I was thinking about getting one but I m 188cm tall (6,2") and it was kinda too small for me. now I m waiting for my gsx-8s and hope it was the better choice (or at least the longer lasting one)

[@bootross255]

I couldn't ever buy another KTM after my experience with them. They do great in road tests but owning 1 for a few years is an altogether different thing.

[@Kodreanu23]

What broke on your KTM?

[@T3-RIDER]

Iv owned 1 ktm for 2 years finally sold it 3 weeks ago, spent 5 months getting repaired, after 2 engine rebuilds and over 10 other warranty repairs I had to get rid

[@Kodreanu23]

@@T3-RIDER which KTM model was that?

[@chriswest2290]

Examples

[@T3-RIDER]

@@Kodreanu23 125 duke 2021 model 1st rebuild due to gaskets not holding sufficient engine pressure at 900 miles 2nd rebuild at 7300 miles due to exhaust valve hitting the piston and blew up, 1 whole headlight unit due to faulty electrical wiring 1 new ecu due to failure 1 new wiring loom due to rusting 1 new dash due to water leaking inside 1 HT leads due to premature failure 1 timing chain tensioner at 3400 due to being loose 1 new kickstand bolts due it being rusted stiff when I went on holiday for a week and I keep my bike in a garage

[@saifmohammad4840]

Ktm should make v4 engine super bikes like their powerful motogp v4 bike

[@marxteven]

I hope this bike comes in that neo-retro Husqvarna XXXpilen flavor

[@georgekrpan3181]

I second that.

[@phoenix3580]

KTM makes great motorcycles that look absolutely ugly.

[@ryanpatrick4813]

2020 Duke 790 owner here. Great houligan, Supermoto type ride. Too busy for a consistent commuter.

[@barracuda017]

Traded a 2022 striple rs for the 790 and though the striple was a very good bike, for me it doesn't come close to the 790 for agility & slightly hooligan fun riding

[@Steve-motorcycles]

Ready to Repair

[@T3-RIDER]

Keep Taking Money...ktm stands for 😅

[@257796]

Keep the manual

[@VFactory-vl5fi]

That’s something only boring Japanese motorcycle “Fan Boi’s” say. 😂

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@VFactory-vl5fi grow up

[@VFactory-vl5fi]

@@Steve-motorcycles There’s not much to touch a KTM in any displacement category for fun and engagement on the road.

[@richardbentham3275]

A good review thanks. I rode the new hornet & 790 Duke 2 weeks ago and ordered the ktm. I just felt it was a better bike in lots of respects, ride, engine performance, throttle reaction, fun factor. I gave the Honda back after 45 minutes but rode the ktm for an hour and a half. With the quick shifter offer and low rate financing the difference in cost is minimal. As for reliability then time will tell. A 2 year warranty and a local dealer will be the test of ownership. Chinese build does not bother me, my iPhone is made there and my Kawasaki z900 was made in Thailand.

[@smaze1782]

The fun factor is off the charts for sure.

[@gerrybailey447]

I always think of the first set of Goodyear F1 Eagles I had fitted to my car, made in Germany and were absolutely fantastic, wet or dry. Replaced them with another set and couldn't understand why they were nowhere near as good as the first set, in fact they were rubbish. Then had a closer look only to discover that they were MADE IN CHINA. Oh the pain, what a waste of money, never again, unless it's tea or a takeaway, forget it!

[@deployeddan]

Keep Taking my Money.... Never again! The deal breaker for me was the dealer tried blaming me for warped rotors and software issues after 1000km. Sold 9 months after ownership and promised myself to never fall for the hype again. Too bad since I've owned 7 of them over the years

[@maxwellfluckiger6829]

They replaced my rotors without any questions..even put new pads on free too! Dealers at Hemel Hempstead have been great!

[@paultaylorduke]

Sounds like KTM fixed the jerky throttle from the previous model years. lol

[@nickthegriffin]

Back when I was racing mx it was the same story the KTM was always a bit sharper out of the box but would always have reliability issues build quality problems I mean even the bolts were sh1t & unless you had a sponsor with deep pockets it was just easier & cheaper to buy the Japanese bike. Unfortunately it's the same with the road bikes yes they have a little edge but it's not worth it when you just want to jump on it on Sunday & blast around for fun especially the China ones 😂 I'd buy the 8s for the same price

[@mar-b9e]

Bought an A2 model and keeped it for 2 years and a half and done 43000km with it. I had unrestricted it after 2 years. I had some small issues but globally it was reliable.

[@MEKIT-b4w]

is it possible to unrestritct it? here the KTM dealer said that 2023 KTM790 L is not possible to unrestrict only by KTM but they wont do it

[@gregic123]

huge duke fan.. but made in china no thanks! i rather pay 1500€ moore for eu made one than 1500€ less for china garbage.. dissapointed by ktm

[@weirdchamp7790]

good thing about KTM is they all feel like complete in stock version, there is not a whole lot to modify they are kinda made perfect thats why they are expensive

[@ver2cal2010]

MT09 all day

[@stephenchapman8344]

The throttle mapping on my 790 was horrendous going through town. Probably the main reason I sold it.

[@nsturge11]

I have a 2019 here in the US. I've owned a bunch of Bonnevilles and a few adventure bikes. The Duke is amazing! Super light, easy to ride and perfect amount of power for the road. If you're on the fence, get it. You will not be disappointed.

[@drbigmix7752]

I’m picking up mine in 2 weeks. Deposit is paid. If it breaks down, I’ll be covered by the warranty. When the warranty runs out I’ll get a new bike.

[@nokneedownian8521]

I bought a brand new one in2018 and loved it however there were issues over heating , corrosion and a tft that developed cracks all sorted under warranty but when your going for a ride and concerned you may not get Home it's time to get rid. Love the quickshifter up and down track pack and anti wheel control etc etc was all part of the price for £8799 now its optional for £7999 hmm

[@kloppskalli]

5 years past ... the price of beer at my kiosk went up by 20 percent in one week

[@nokneedownian8521]

@@kloppskalli go to a different kiosk

[@Fittednocap]

I never understand how reviewers talk about seat height but never sit on the bike. Show us viewers! Let us see you tip toe, flat footing whatever the case may be

[@lomate1963]

Hopefully they cured the warping discs and the rocker cover gaskets leaks 👍🏻

[@kugangles9860]

Not a big fan that this bike is almost exclusively made in China now. You also pay a Euro bike price for a Chinese made machine.

[@philippepoirier2885]

hello, I bought the duke 790 of 2023 1 month and I am convinced of the quality of manufacture I had a street twin before and I find no difference in quality! except more plastic. we put a duke 890 on the side and frankly it's hard to tell the difference (the noise and 20 more ch is clear) and the price! ! otherwise I had a street triple again before A2 and I really find myself in the best of worlds. I have more torque more power and it's lege.

[@mateXone]

All great but it is no longer an Austrian KTM but Chinese Cfmoto bike :(

[@davmanlop333]

Did they address the oil and coolant leaks. My 2019 790 was awful

[@netvietvtc10]

this is really good combination KTM + Chinese made = perfection. Good luck to those guys who dare to purchase this.

[@houseofroos]

I appreciate your comments about the fun throttle. Applies to my 390 too.

[@ribbonrides886]

i tried the new Duke 790 today and I thought it was brilliant. I'm coming from CP2 in yamaha's tracer 7 and this was certainly even more fun. but one thing I was not happy about at all was the throttle which when held at steady 50km/h in town was rather jerky. I do agree that when opening the throttle it is super smooth which is unusual for a twin...

[@lovetolearn5929]

Overpriced junk

[@Brpower83]

There is 3 different Ergo seats -20mm / Standard / +20mm

[@kevskibiz]

Bob your reviews are pro mate !! absolutely top notch 👊 I do like the ktm great bikes 👍

[@geoffbroderick403]

the best of middleweights a lot lighter ,more power than hornet, mto7,suzuki ,easy bike to ride even for beginners ,great review

[@malachylawless4947]

Still riding my 2018 model with 33000km now and still loving it. It always does whatever I ask of it 😊

[@ryanthailand]

Too unreliable

[@freebehindbars8654]

Parroting what someone else said on the internet. Put 12k hard miles on an 890R, over 5k on a 690 and 15k on a 1090 Adventure. Only issue I had was a leak on a seal, 14k miles into the Adventures life.

[@pasiutrial]

@@freebehindbars8654 Almost every single negative comment here comes from a former owner. What are you talking about?

[@freebehindbars8654]

@@pasiutrial You do know most comments are bs, right. You new to the internet? KTM have had their issues, but we’re really close to the family that owns the local dealership, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Indian all under the same roof. I hear first hand sitting around the table drinking coffee. I visit the shop often and actually see what’s in. Keep parroting everything you read on the internet, it’s doesn’t make you look foolish at all.

[@darrylredmill4376]

Everything I have seen about cf moto points to them being well built and reliable , probably more so than ktm !

[@caspianprince]

I've got a 2020 790 and it has the very worst throttle response I have ever had the misfortune to use, of any of the 30 odd bikes I've owned over the last 35 years. As in so bad it's almost unrideable. I'd like to think it was just my bike, except I also road a demo bike that was exactly the same. So what gives? Why do some people find the throttle response acceptable? I mean, it's truly diabolically awful. The absolute worst. It's a massive shame because the rest of it is really nice.

[@maxwellfluckiger6829]

Is only a ball ache at very low speed. I just use the clutch more and doesn't bother me. And avoid Sport mode in heavy traffic.

[@longshanks4833]

I'm not buying a bike from the Chinese no matter what the price. The Suzuki Gsx8 is looking favourite.

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

So is CFM Chinese built the real bonus vs the orig 790? Better assembled than previous Austrian and Indian predecessors?

[@chriswest2290]

When was it built in india?

[@georgekrpan3181]

I have a Bajaj built Vitpilen. The quality and fit and finish is really good and the reliability is good, so far.

[@MotoGoato]

790 was never built in India .. only Austria and now China

[@chriswest2290]

@George Krpan me too. I got the 390 Duke v2. But 30k hard kilometres on it in a hot tropical country. Changed the oil every 3.5k, and I've not had a single issue with her.. It's an awesome fun bike.

[@chriswest2290]

@MotoGoat exactly. Only single cylinders were built in bahja factor , India.

[@ragerider6283]

Nice review. This is a bit of a sleeper in the class imo I think as everyone's going on about the Hornet vs the GSX8S etc. However it's the same price as the Suzuki, looks very similar if that's your thing, & also has 5 bhp & 9 lbs/ft more than the Hornet as well as being the same weight. It should kill off everything else in the class except the Tuono for peak power, but has bags more torque than that as well as being about £1500 cheaper. Only possible fly in the ointment for the KTM is reliability & dealer network....maybe?

[@Steve-motorcycles]

Definitely ready to repair

[@ragerider6283]

@@Steve-motorcycles Lol. Clever. : )

[@mikethompson7046]

Yeah the KTM owner experience is shit. Great fun Bikes good price to performance but yeah. I owned one for 2 years it was in the shop for 4-5 months of those 2 years

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@mikethompson7046 mine was in the shop under warranty for four months out of 12. I traded it with an oil leak after a year

[@mikeglick3507]

I bought a 2023 790 about three weeks ago. I got it for $6,899 + shipping, assembly CA tax bla bla bla. Out the door it was under $10,000. Pretty good for CA. I love love love this bike! The brakes are awesome for unbranded. It is super light, or at least it feels super light. The handling is like riding my 325lbs Duke 690 but with power. Throw it into a turn and it just wants more. The power is enough. After adjusting the bars and levers I find it comfortable, and the seat is good. It may be built in Cina but who cares because it rides like a magic carpet. Overall, with only 600 miles I give it a 9 for fun to value. I will have to see about reliability, too soon to tell. Just a few picks on it. The tires are ok but riding it hard it has been odd downhill, on the brakes if there are any bumps. They kind of squeal like they are not happy. Tire are replaced constantly so that is no big deal. They are just ok. It started leaking oil after the first hard ride (not taking it over the 6,500 rpm break in limit). The leak is from the oil filter cover, so I am not too worried. The bike sat for two years so the rubber was probably dry. Lastly the seat lock will not open. It opened when I put the registration under the seat, but I doesn't work now. Other than that I have never owned a bike that was this much fun for so cheap.

[@Brabobiker.]

I just came for the comments 😂👌

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

It's a tricky decision. I mean I've ridden KTM 390's on track many times (hire bikes) and they are so much fun. They cop an absolute hiding. However they don't have any of the instrument panel or lights. And because they are not yours you don't look as hard at the plastics. I've owned KTM V twins and they have been fantastic bikes to own. But I do wonder if this new breed of Katos will have more problems both electrical and mechanical. And that only going off from what I've seen on the net and heard from a local dealer. I can see myself going the GSX8S. I don't like that it doesn't have tail lights as part of the body, and I don't like the look of the instrument panel above the headlight. It looks like a star wars character. But apart from that it sounds and looks like a solid bike. I feel for long ownership it will be a sold bike.

[@swiss889]

Until it breaks down again and again

[@T3-RIDER]

100% right, I was going to buy one until I did 5 minutes of research 😂 it's basically a Chinese ktm made by CFmoto

[@cp4512]

👍😂😂

[@rapufanatyk2196]

I wouldn't say the 2023 is the same... the previous for sure. Google it one more time :)

[@T3-RIDER]

@@rapufanatyk2196 I don't believe it, these bikes a ticking time bomb, you need break down van to follow you whenever you ride 😂

[@lourenco_ss]

Yep! And that does not comes from the fact it is chinese built. It is just a KTM thing: the best and most exciting bikes but with the trade off of always being at the shop…what a shame😢

[@lockpinos]

So this is kinda like when Ducati reintroduce monster 696 as 795 but made in thailand with super cheap price tag.

[@JohnnieV]

Anyone ? Serious question. This 790 duke vs MT 07? Differences? KTM better bike?

[@ribalderr6052]

.. an whats the first thing peeps do to a naked?. windscreen. on the bike itself?.. sorry, ktm's on the never-buy list. they junk about 3rd 4th on list, above triumph

[@ruysk]

These LC8c engines in 790/890s are not 270 degree crankshaft offset engines. They are 285 degrees like the 75 degree V2's in Super Duke 1290 etc.

[@CLAUDIO_KTM]

Ktm hafe a PLASTIK efect... ! i agree 100% Its very realibe bike for made in china ... Must be a chiper...7K ..

[@Dansk55]

Reliability.... the one thing keeping me from this bike. I need a long term review

[@yoog]

At this price point with all the extras being much more money. I'd just get a second hand 890R. This deals very pointless KTM

[@ruysk]

The most expensive problem with the 790/890 LC8c engine is the cam lobe wear even on many low mileage bikes.

[@jesseondrumsjd]

I have a scrambler. Never had a single issue love that bike. I would try the z900 or street triple for a more powerful bike

[@stephenmitchum5864]

I don’t understand the marketing of the Pierer Mobilty group, this should be a Gas Gas.

[@Maoshung]

Im trying to decide on the 790 or the new 990.... Besides the price difference does anyone have any opinions or experience on both??

[@bfarm44]

Muffler looks like a polished salmon. Prefer the 690. Something about that massive single make me all warm and fuzzy

[@johnDukemaster]

I've got the 690 Duke. 2017 so with the newer better balanced engine. No need for an "upgrade"! I've done 43000km and it's sooo fuuun! LeoVince midpipe, Mivv endcan, DNA stage 2 airfilter, SAS delete and PC5 on the Dyno. Foookin' fast!

[@pasiutrial]

Rode both. 790 is a blast, where 690 feels like a toy.

[@falkbrosgen221]

Since abt 10year KTM has a huge "styling problem" - at least for me. This one is "okish" bit more often than not bikes are close to ugly.

[@jonathanalfred9847]

WOW all these comments make me never want to buy a KTM.

[@stuarthall2523]

Cracking bike. I’ve had mine 3 years and always puts a smile on me juice

[@stevieneilson2451]

Don't like the idea of ownership then having to pay extra for the exiting parts. To me, this is ridiculous ... 😢

[@mstelios4259]

Interesting. Defenitely going to check this bike out, as soon as someone drops his off at the local repair shop.

[@cottleful]

It’s built to KTM spec in China not made by China. There is a world of difference lol

[@sneekysmurf2084]

i thought ktms were built in india i am no expert tho

[@amogusus7695]

390,200,125 are built in India

[@69nites]

Really, just buy the older model used. The only change is them gouging you on the electronics packages that used to be included as standard.

[@maxwellfluckiger6829]

And down 10hp on the new one.

[@captainron7904]

Does it still have the cold start problem that the 790 adventure R has it takes like 3-4 times to get it to start

[@chriswest2290]

The original austiran version is available discouted and new in my counrty. It seems to be a better bike than this china version.

[@georgekrpan3181]

790 or Hornet, or 8s? Reliability is a factor, at least in people's minds if not in reality. I have a '22 Vitpilen and the reliability is good so far. There were a lot of critics of the first gen 790. Looks like the new gen is in reality a new bike.

[@pasiutrial]

Why not used 890? Even better deal.

[@SigmaJAD]

Its not where its built. Its the quality control

[@hugodm7414]

CF Moto 800NK is half price same engine and frame geometry

[@ykevin0607]

The cfmoto nk800 just got released.

[@TommyMakalele]

i made my licence on duke 790....super fun bike but i buyed ninja

[@rhoodj]

Is it better than the Honda Africa Twin 1100XL?

[@roberthowell3737]

Hmm Husky 801 looking good from the same stable.

[@johnnyboy1586]

I wonder if the reliability issues with ktm is the fact there being made in China?

[@FoiMal123]

I think 790 is redundant when there's 890..

[@Kimsand520]

Not when this one is almost 3-4000$ cheaper than the 890 when bougth new. It`s a lot of bike for your money.

[@georgekrpan3181]

I was wondering about that. How much less does the 790 cost to build? Probably not much. KTM had to do it to compete in the middle weight class.

[@loztagain8278]

a lot of repairs for your warranty

[@FoiMal123]

@@Kimsand520 Where did you get that price? It's 2100 USD diff. So not worth at all.

[@Kimsand520]

@@FoiMal123 ​ Other countries have different pricing. In Norway the 790 is 134 000NOK and the 890 is 165 000NOK new. Im with you that i myself would have paid the extra for a non-chinese engine.

[@greatkingrat]

KTM makes the hardest seats of all bikes.

[@ddmytrenko]

Where did you get that info about 10hp less?

[@josephlawrence6873]

Is this a adventure bike.. disguised to look like a street bike?

[@Mr.Bearded.Mechanic]

Nice review! I have a 2019 790 DUKE, and I really enjoy riding it. This model as you say -10 Hp from the previous generation (due to EURO norm change) but I am sure it is plenty for it. I put on some PowerParts, custom and 3rd party parts and SC-Project S1 slip-on. Fortunately, my bike came with a quick shifter as standard, it is a must, really helps the quick shift up and down. Oh and put on decent tires. The factory one (Maxxis) is garbage, you really have to heat them up to grip, It is slippery you cannot rely on it. Fairly easy to maintain yourself as do on mine. The only thing I miss from my bike is a cruise control. There is no way to retrofit the current generation CC.

[@bensmith7536]

My 1290s 21 model started to drop its electronics about 6000km in. Constant failures. Oil leak off the heads. Took a huge loss switching to a BMW GS ADV. Never again will I waste money on this brand.

[@veeken777]

It's alright. Throw in sum Flies Lice and it's a deal

[@georgekrpan3181]

Oh shit! LOL

[@stevebrown2646]

I currently have a Ducati 1100 scrambler and a KTM 390 Duke which I use for commuting. Im thinking of trading in for the Duke 790 because i am nearly sixty and would like a lighter bike that retains similar performance to the Ducati. Just wondered if anyone has any thoughts or insight? I love the lightness of the 390 which has got me thinking about getting one bike for all use. What are they like on rough south east England roads?

[@nihonkokusai]

Overpriced tho, I have the mt09 finally after 40000km this year. Had total 68000km before I sold it. a lot small issues.

[@wazreba5859]

Do you have in GB, Cfmoto 800 NK? In fact, this is sister bike to KTM 790 but cheaper of course and with all whistles and bells (not sure about cornering ABS). It would be interesting to see your opinion.