Return of the scalpel. Errrrm

[weeksy]

https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/ ... -790-duke/

The KTM 790 Duke Surprisingly Returns for the 2022 Model Year

The KTM 790 Duke is coming back as a 2022 model year machine, so says the Austrian brand. That might come as a bit of surprise, since the KTM 890 Duke R replaced its smaller sibling in late-2019.

This curious move seems to come for the benefit of the European market, where a 95hp version of the KTM 790 Duke will be made available for A2 license holders, with a price tag of €8,999.

The rest of the world’s markets will get the 2022 KTM 790 Duke with its full pop of 105hp, though it’s not clear if the 790 will come to North American soil.

Even with the ability to offer a peppy sport bike for territories with graduated license schemes, the reintroduction of the KTM 790 Duke is a curious one.

Sitting next to the KTM 890 Duke and KTM 890 Duke R (we will ignore the KTM 890 Duke GP for a minute), the KTM 790 Duke comes as quite the bargain for its €9,000 price tag, as the 890 base model costs closer €12,000 in most European countries.

The move could also be the first step in seeing the 890 models graduating into a 990cc displacement, with a KTM 990 Duke tipped to be coming for the 2023 model year.

Having bikes on either end of the “middleweight” segment could make for a good strategy for the Austrian brand, especially as homologation requirements lean towards growing engine sizes.

Business positioning aside, the 2022 KTM 790 Duke comes with IMU-assisted traction control, cornering ABS, three riding modes (standard), a 5″ TFT dash, and LED lighting.

Meanwhile, optional equipment includes an up/down quickshifter, a “track” riding mode, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring system, and a phone connectivity system.

Considering the price tag, the available features, and the ever-important note that its a hoot to ride, you can tell why the KTM 790 Duke was one of our favorite bikes on the market when it debuted. Therefore, it’s return is welcomed…though still a bit curious.

[Skub]

Was this the one that gave a lot of bother? I remember Tricky buying a new KTM which ate an engine.

[mangocrazy]

Wasn't that piece written in March 2022? KTM list the 790 and 890R for 2023 in their model line-up, along with a 2022 890, but no mention of a 990. So is 2023 a transitional year for the parallel twin line-up?

[tricol]

So my eyes weren't playing tricks on me. I thought I glanced at one on the KTM stand at Motorcycle Live.

[weeksy]

Wasn't that piece written in March 2022? KTM list the 790 and 890R for 2023 in their model line-up, along with a 2022 890, but no mention of a 990. So is 2023 a transitional year for the parallel twin line-up?

Maybe, dunno. But I just got it in a mail from KTM today

https://www.ktm.com/en-int/models/naked ... content=EN

[ChrisW]

This was meant to be in the range this year wasn't it? It never showed at my nearest KTM dealer, they only had the 890s for 2022.

[weeksy]

Was this the one that gave a lot of bother? I remember Tricky buying a new KTM which ate an engine.

Nah, that was an 890. The 790s we're reliable if a little leaky

[KungFooBob]

You checked the date on the article, right?

viewtopic.php?p=149860

[weeksy]

You checked the date on the article, right?

viewtopic.php?p=149860

And you checked the link I got from KTM today?

[KungFooBob]

Of course not.

[Dodgy69]

I like them, but i like the 890 more.

[The Spin Doctor]

Tis the season to pretend there are new bikes!

[ChrisW]

Read an article this morning which mentions that the re-launched 790 is being produced in China, presumably by CFMoto, rather than Austria.

So perhaps, with the 890 only available in R and GP versions for 2023, the 790 is their model to compete with all the budget parallel twins being launched? Have to see when the prices are announced.

[weeksy]

Read an article this morning which mentions that the re-launched 790 is being produced in China, presumably by CFMoto, rather than Austria.

So perhaps, with the 890 only available in R and GP versions for 2023, the 790 is their model to compete with all the budget parallel twins being launched? Have to see when the prices are announced.

It also doesn't seem to have the QS etc enabled as default.. which isn't a shock as the 890/1290 etc don't... but still would irritate as the first 790 did.

[ChrisW]

Read an article this morning which mentions that the re-launched 790 is being produced in China, presumably by CFMoto, rather than Austria.

So perhaps, with the 890 only available in R and GP versions for 2023, the 790 is their model to compete with all the budget parallel twins being launched? Have to see when the prices are announced.

It also doesn't seem to have the QS etc enabled as default.. which isn't a shock as the 890/1290 etc don't... but still would irritate as the first 790 did.

Yep - these are all optional extras apparently:

// Quickshifter+, allowing for clutchless up and downshifts
// Motor Slip Regulation (MSR)
// TRACK mode
// Cruise Control
// Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

[matt]

There are some cheap lightly used 790s around! Very tempted to try and pick one up over winter but weren't they plagued with problems?

[weeksy]

There are some cheap lightly used 790s around! Very tempted to try and pick one up over winter but weren't they plagued with problems?

Not really. Many of us have owned one.

Sprocket output shaft seal, easy fixed and likely already done. Rocker gasket seal, the same.

Other than that, they're golden

I'd buy one

[mangocrazy]

53 for sale on eBay...!

[Skub]

53 for sale on eBay...!

Either very popular or......

[mangocrazy]

At the right price a 790 could be suitable replacement for the old VFR. It's a lot lighter and would comfortably outgun the old girl in every department. Worth thinking about...

I'd probably go for one that wasn't made in the first model year (2018), just so the niggles had been dealt with.