Many people probably didn’t even know it was gone, but the 790 Duke is back for 2027, filling a void left in the KTM naked bike lineup when the 890 Duke exits in 2023. KTM offered the 990 Duke as its replacement, which was essentially the same bike, only with different badges.
So, what is the 790 Duke, and how does it fit into the Austrian brand’s naked bike offering?
Adopting the same aggressive stance found on the 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R EVO, the new 790 features a redesigned headlight, fancy bodywork, including a larger front fairing as well as a reshaped fuel tank. Powered by a 799 cc LC8C parallel-twin, the new 790 delivers 105 hp at 9,500 rpm and 64 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm.
Photo by: KTM
The new 790 Duke also features updated WP braking components – twin 300mm floating front discs with 4-piston radial mounted calipers – while the WP APEX suspension hardware has received updates at both ends of the bike. According to KTM“The WP APEX 43mm open-cartridge upside-down front fork features 150mm of suspension travel and applies split-function technology with adjustable compression and rebound damping.”
At the rear you’ll find an adjustable, gas-assisted WP APEX monotube shock that offers approximately 170mm of travel, adjustable for both rebound damping and preload. The suspension can also be adjusted via a 5-click dial.
The power is put to the ground thanks to all-new Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires wrapped around a 3.50 x 17-inch wheel at the front and a 5.50 x 17-inch wheel at the rear.
Most important, perhaps, is the reworked rider triangle found on the new 790 Duke. “A new handlebar shape with a more open angle, repositioned rider and passenger footpegs and an improved seat, all work together to provide a more natural, connected riding position,” says KTM. Which looks great on paper.
One thing I know about naked bikes is that they are always more comfortable to ride than their all-white siblings. So, with KTM updating the rider triangle to provide a more natural position, I have to imagine the new Duke is more comfortable than its fully clad cousin, the 990 RC R.
Photo by: KTM
KTM also says that the 790 Duke has shed 4.4 pounds of weight from its previous version, which combined with a new cast-aluminum subframe, triple clamp and tank design is sure to improve handling and ergonomics.
As would be expected from a modern naked bike, the 790 Duke has a medley of tech, including lean-angle sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) and selectable Supermoto ABS. It also has selectable ride modes (Sport, Street, Rain and Track) and an optional Quickshifter+ enables clutchless up-and-down shifts. All this technology is delivered to you through a five-inch TFT display with new graphics and menus.
So, is this the Duke we’re missing? Did you even know it was gone? I feel like KTM has updated an already beloved model with new technology, better ergonomics, a familiar powerplant, and the aggressive eye appeal of the larger iterations. And given that the 2027 KTM 790 Duke has a starting MSRP of $9,799, I doubt there are a lot of potential naked bike buyers who will be grateful for its return.
The 2027 KTM 790 Duke will be available at authorized KTM dealers from late summer 2026.
