The excitement around KTM’s middle weight naked has been growing since the launch of the teaser video a few months back. The Austrian bikemaker has finally taken the covers off this sharp and ‘crazy’ Duke which was shown at the 2016 EICMA as a concept.
The 790 Duke is based on an all new engine platform, thanks to a new generation 799cc, parallel twin unit. KTM has hinted at a new line-up of models, based on this engine. The 790 Duke punches out 104bhp and 86Nm and also gets state of the art electronics. And obviously, being a KTM, it is lightweight at 169kg.
KTM also showcased the 790 Adventure R concept, based on the 790 Duke. It gets a mid range travel suspension, high dashboard tower, single seat, LED headlamps and all this mounted on a lightweight and roboust chassis. KTM has put its Rally machines knowledge into good use here and expect the Adventure to be a fun to ride machine, once its launched in Europe, sometime later next year.
At the launch event In EICMA, KTM CSO, Mr. Trunkenpolz said, “We aimed to design the most performance-focused mid-weight travel enduro of its class, with the dynamism of much bigger engine machines, by giving it a leading power-to-weight ratio. The KTM 790 Adventure R prototype is built from a pure offroad obsession. KTM is the market leader in the dirt; our heritage in this field is something no other motorcycle brand can easily copy and this is another exciting indication of the future.”
KTM also showcased its 2018 Dakar rally contender, the KTM 450 Rally. And for non-factory pilots and enthusiasts, KTM will also launch the KTM 450 Rally Replica in 2018.