KTM Duke 790 Review 2019

Review of the KTM 790 Duke 2019 which was very kindly lent to me by the guys at Laguna Motorcycles in Maidstone www.laguna.co.uk/
I didn’t really know what to expect when jumping on the KTM 790 Duke as it hasn’t been a bike that was on my radar. However I was very impressed and I think the 790 Duke is a wonderful bike that you can have a lot of fun on.
The seating position of the KTM 790 Duke is what struck me first. You are in a very upright seating position similar to an adventure bike. It’s the sort of bike you could ride for a long time without any aches or pains.
The KTM 790 Duke then has it’s power and delivery with solid torque and handling that is precise and effortless. Cutting it’s way through corners I felt instantly at one with the bike and I was able to enjoy the pleasure of riding.
Relaxed riding on the KTM Duke 790 is also comfortable and enjoyable, no doubt helped by the seating position. Riding through town is as relaxed as you want it to be with great vision ahead and a commanding position on the bike.
It has a few rider modes - street, sport, rain and track. I tried out the street and sport modes and personally preferred street as the throttle in sport was just a little twitchy for me. This could be something you get used to with longer riding.
Styling could be something that divides people though I will say the styling at the front somehow manages to deflect wind at speeds and I felt it was one of the best ‘non screened’ bikes I’ve tested at speed with regards to wind. I would probably be happy with longer motorway stretches on the KTM 790 Duke.
List price of the KTM 790 Duke is £8,799. I test ride the black version here however the orange version is available too.
KTM 790 Duke 2019 Specs
799cc Parallel Twin
103BHP
87NM Torque @ 8,000RPM
Seat Height 825mm
Wet Weight Circa 190KG
Fuel Tank 14.1L
Products used in Making Vid
Helmet Cam - amzn.to/2W2dI6y
Helmet Mic - amzn.to/2VY0cAJ
Walk Around Cam - amzn.to/2W4DmYx
Gimbal - amzn.to/2IcZDhx
Walk Around Mic - amzn.to/2VZGYej
Thank you for watching! Do you have a KTM Duke 790? How did you find it? I would love to hear your views on it. Hitting the Like button and subscribing is massively appreciated as it really helps my channel grow.
Stay safe, and happy riding
Tom
Instagram @thetommybarnez - / thetommybarnez
#KTMDuke790 #KTMDuke #TommyBarnezTV

[@chrisk3754]

I just got a 2020-790 Duke with very little kms. It is great. Light and it is very nice around corners. I agree that this is a really quick and impressive type bike. I am very happy as I understand that all bikes cater to one area, but it is hard to get a bike that is all things to all people. This bike suits me perfectly. Happy riding and thanks for the video.

[@murr2k2]

Single indicator makes perfect sense to me! As an engineer, I would design it this way. One place to look instead of two, to see if your indicators are on. It's up to you to remember if you've indicated left or indicated right. This cuts the glance time in half! =)

[@steamixion]

Old BMW 3 button system for people without telescopic thumbs. Could easily indicate or cancel while using clutch and/or brake.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

@@steamixion That is my favourite system.

[@blitzestridge1831]

I own a 790 duke and love the bike. Like you mentioned the riding position is great. You are more up right. I can ride all day long this way. I' m 5 ft 9 and this is a great mid size bike. best all around bike to ride.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I am watching this because yesterday I was in a new KTM shop getting my Duke 390 rear brake fluid changed. A number of these, probably 2020s, were in: zero miles. It's got me thinking. This is in Southeast Asia, so maybe too fast for here. My 390 is pretty brisk. The engine on the 790 is stunning visually. The indicator set-up is the same on my 390. I don't think it matters. Useful review.

[@mark3863]

You obviously didn’t know that it has a quick shifter up and down and is absolutely superb.

[@TommyBarnezTV]

😂 you're absolutely right! I had no idea! Obviously didnt test it out so thanks for your feedback on it

[@tgk94]

I bought it and it is awesome

[@alq1967]

Love the KTM, since the 80's. They come from enduro and motocross, which explains ergonomics and handling. Engines are superb. I have a 250 2stroke and I would love a duke 790. Used to have a super Duke, too scary for me.

[@TommyBarnezTV]

I've just taken out the Super Adventure S... absolutely awesome piece of kit. Review will be up in a few weeks

[@alq1967]

@@TommyBarnezTV great. Looking forward to the video. Amazing bikes all round. Enjoy!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I had a 950 Adventure in the mid-00s and now have a Duke 390. Great engines.

[@aleloAT]

the indicator light is normal - on the sub 1290 they only have 1 light for it (unlike the SDR) so it just shows you that you got them on, but not which and the sub 1290s dont have hazard lights anyway (unless you use the alarm system which allows you to put them on with a tripple press on the alarm fob

[@TommyBarnezTV]

Thanks for the info. Im sure something youd just get used to however hadn't come across it before so threw me a bit

[@darrenrichards8031]

I brought one second hand last month and love it came with akroprovic pipe and tail tidy I fitted a small screen and it's happy days fast as fuck I,ve got a BMW gs 1150 it makes that feel really slow and it not

[@davewestsk8]

i have a 390 duke awesome fun bike but 790 is the obvious next step.

[@chb1603]

Hi Tom, a good review of an Austrian bike! And as an Austrian patriot I have to say: I also don't really like the style... :-) Maybe the KTM "Adventure" I would accept in my 20 bikes Garage, but the Duke series is not mine… (although I'm sure quality of the bikes and riding fun is on a high level - to be at least a little bit patriotic..) - Have a nice Weekend!

[@TommyBarnezTV]

Haha garage is up to 20 now eh? I'm gonna try more of the ktm range out, next on the list is the super duke 1290 r which I'm pretty excited about after trying this. Looks have grown on me a bit since riding it. Have a ride of one if you get the chance, it's very fun

[@theresonly1truth138]

@@TommyBarnezTV make sure you express vocally your reaction when you give it the beans on the Super Duke

[@TommyBarnezTV]

@@theresonly1truth138 yeah I tend to get pretty vocal on bikes like that, mic is often distorted with the noise. The mt10 I took out actually made me dribble 😂

[@razorrabbit2789]

The Insect face is uniqe. Like it. Everybody knows here comes someone ready to race. And yes - there may be some expectations concerning your riding style.

[@Frag1ty]

had the same on my testride regarding the indicators. Threw me off too.

[@TommyBarnezTV]

Haha yeah was really odd as first time I'd come across it. Have seen on other bikes since then

[@shaxmarax6716]

I do like a KTM looks wise with that style seat - might try one out once I do my training / direct access

[@TommyBarnezTV]

Yeah worth having a go on one, a very good bike

[@darrenrichards8031]

If you're planning as a first big bike it is f,,ING fast it does have a lot of safety aids tho,,try a mt07 ktm is as fast as a mt09

[@MrTrek164]

I own one and it's brilliant

[@fingerscrossed2317]

Hi, can you compare IT to a Hornet 600. IT seems Also a good bike for Highway riding ? because good windprotection for a naked.. Greetz Alexander

[@MrTrek164]

FinGeRs CroSseD I've had an old hornet and it was a good bike in its day with a great 4 cylinder motor but lacked character '.The 790 is far better in every aspect and has all the electronics you'll ever need .I use mine 2 up with luggage and a top box and have done some motorway trips on it with no problems at all combined with great economy even when thrashing about . 60 + mpg is the norm .I fitted a screen for touring and that works great and allows 90 mph + cruising without ripping my head off ,but even without the screen 80mph is know issue .

[@Snotroggel453]

Has the bike been reliable after a year? Any leaks, electronic faults happened?

[@caffeinful]

Great vid, subbed. If you were choosing between this and the Yamaha MT09, which would you consider better?

[@TommyBarnezTV]

Thanks! Very hard to say which is better as I think so much is down to preference. If I compare my test rides on both then i remember the duke having more impact, however the mt09 was tested on the same day I tested the mt10 which would have clouded the image of it slightly. I'd say ride em both, a clear winner for you will be clear then

[@user-kd2of1ed2v]

Having ridden both of those bikes back to back at COTA this year, I would always choose the KTM 790 over the MT09 any day, and that's coming from a fan of triples and Yamaha.

[@caffeinful]

Hmmm sound advice, thanks for the replies. I have ridden both. It seems the fit and finish (everything from exposed wiring to bolts) seems to be better on the KTM. I do like the cast aluminium frame of the MT09. Handlebar switches on the KTM are more premium. Engines...I would say very different but to me the MT09 feels quicker. Filtering (a large part of my daily commute), I would give to the KTM. Yamaha is wider, at the bars and annoyingly the engine (right hand side-this sticks out a lot and sometimes get in the way of my leg. Also when putting the right foot down I have to spread it further from the bike due to its width), and the damn indicators. Turning circle on KTM is better, Yamaha is still good though compared to other bikes I have ridden. Fuel economy, I’m certain the KTM is better. Insurance, Yamaha is a little cheaper. Cost of upkeep, I’m certain the Yamaha is cheaper, oil used, filter costs, service costs. Engine temp in traffic on a hot day, this surprised me having owned a 690 duke, but the KTM managed its temps better! I know right!? Seating position, I think the Yamaha was slightly more comfortable (more upright). Cost is roughly the same when shopping around. Only concern now is reliability of the KTM...?

[@TommyBarnezTV]

@@caffeinful seems like you've given them both good tests and evaluations!

[@boormoboormo9701]

The Dukes of Hazzard lights

[@TommyBarnezTV]

Nice 😂

[@HePants]

nice video... how tall are u ? im 6ft3 and perhaps im slightly too tall for this beauty thanks and keep u the great work !!

[@TommyBarnezTV]

6ft. You might be OK, give it a go

[@krausriggentropp1970]

Thinking of trading in my 990 Superduke -08 for one, good idea?

[@karlbuttler]

Wow, well i think i know what my next Bike will be, where are you? that looks like a Beautiful place to visit.....

[@TommyBarnezTV]

Cheers mate, my test route is round different parts of kent UK. Lots of lovely roads around here

[@Jellywobble89]

i saw you was using the clutch a lot, did this one not have the quick shifter up and down ?

[@TommyBarnezTV]

I think it actually did have a quick shifter however I was a moron and didnt realise 😂

[@benjamincs1]

How does the legroom compare to an SV650? The SV hurt my knees... Thanks for the review!

[@TommyBarnezTV]

I haven't tried an SV650 so difficult to compare like for like however my inside leg is about 33inch and I felt there was loads of room. I think your knee will be bent at a more comfortable angle too so I would guess you will be fine... unless you're some freakishly tall giant :D

[@benjamincs1]

@@TommyBarnezTV Thanks. I couldn't hack the SV so ride a V Strom 1000, it's great, comfy but too heavy. The KTM looks great but could be cramped.

[@TommyBarnezTV]

@@benjamincs1 ah nice, my daily is the v Strom 650 :) seating position felt very similar to my bike.

[@benjamincs1]

@@TommyBarnezTV Ah cool. Thank you

[@ToddHendry]

Because you’ve ridden the Street triple RS, as a daily ride what would you Rather?

[@TommyBarnezTV]

Ooh really hard question actually. Would depend entirely on the riding. Personally I'm in and out of traffic, lots of filtering which I would prefer the more upright seating position of the duke more. However if my daily riding was more open road twisties then the triple RS would probably get it. Both great bikes, ride em both and see which one feels more right to you.

[@_andre_super_6645]

Do you think it is A2 bike?

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

It isn't.

[@user-ub5nz1ne8o]

Having a little trouble with your gears at the end there? 🤣

[@TommyBarnezTV]

Thought I'd leave it in for the comedy value 😄

[@NapoleonDeanomight]

The last bit made me laugh. Ooooh

[@TommyBarnezTV]

Glad you liked 😂

[@pufifa]

Which one would you chose if you'd have to.... 790Duke or MT09? :)

[@TommyBarnezTV]

Duke 790... MT09 was fine but the bike just didnt stand out for me. Though that might have been because I tested a street triple rs before it and then the MT10 after it. Worth riding them both, seeing which fits for you.

[@pufifa]

@@TommyBarnezTV subbed to you, thanks for replying!! Yeah will have to opt for some test rides. Thx again, appreciated, already looking forward new videos!

[@TommyBarnezTV]

@@pufifa thanks! More coming, just trying to get quicker at the editing 😎

[@RealOrbit-Australia]

The indicators! Lol. Why so stumped? The flash like hazards and you look at the switch. If it's on the left the left indicator is on...if it's on the right then it's the right one! That's it! Probably haven't been on many Dukes before this one!

[@TommyBarnezTV]

Haha yeah first time on one! didn't realise the light changes side depending on which way you're indicating.

[@RealOrbit-Australia]

@@TommyBarnezTV Noo! The light is still a hazard light but the actual switch (the button) will be on the left or the right. You look which way or feel which way it's facing! Lol. Good video mate

[@TommyBarnezTV]

@@RealOrbit-Australia lol that's what I thought originally 😂 what happens if you've got your hazard lights on then? Any difference in lights on the dash to signify?

[@notoriousgib]

the indicator lights displays left and right arrows when indicating... Get over it lol

[@TommyBarnezTV]

Lol, still dont like it 😂

[@doctorhelicopter]

@@TommyBarnezTV You havnt ridden many old bikes obviously, or driven many trucks

[@paultanton4307]

Mmm,if I was in the market for a new bike now my Heart would say this KTM790,my Head would say Honda CB650R,but my Wallet might steer me towards the Suzuki SV650X.

[@TommyBarnezTV]

All good choices, worthwhile testing them all and seeing which one fits. I've not tried the sv650x but I hear good things about it

[@alexv5581]

What difference it would make. Obviously you are in the market for 8k-9k price range. So you have the money, choose the one you like the most.