2023 KTM 790 Duke First Look

KTM has interestingly reintroduced the original 790 Duke for the 2023 model year following a short hiatus. The middleweight Duke was first brought to the United States market as a 2019 model, only to be discontinued and replaced by the 890 Duke in 2021 to increase power output while meeting tightening emissions standards. The “Original Scalpel” is back to fill the middle ground of the Duke lineup, now replacing the 890 Duke—although the up-spec 890 Duke R remains.

The revival of the 790 Duke comes with KTM’s partnership with Chinese manufacturer CFMoto, who will be tasked with production of the 799cc LC8c parallel-twin engine. Claimed power output remains 105 hp at 9,000 rpm and 64 lb.-ft. of torque at 8,000 rpm, which means the 95 hp and 58 lb.-ft. recorded on the Cycle World dyno should still hold true.

There are a number of updates and additional options that add excitement to the rejuvenation of the 790 Duke, including the addition of an add-on Track riding mode. The new mode accompanies the existing Sport, Street, and Rain settings, and adds nine levels of lean-angle-sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), an independent anti-wheelie mode, launch control, and three levels of throttle response settings. Another option is Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) which slightly opens the butterflies to ensure smooth deceleration in tricky conditions and Supermoto mode allows the rear ABS to be deactivated. A bidirectional quickshifter is also available.

The chassis remains unchanged for 2023, meaning that it comes fitted with a nonadjustable 43mm WP Apex fork and spring-preload-adjustable Apex shock. Maxxis Supermaxx ST tires provide grip and a pair of radial-mount four-piston calipers help bring the KTM to a halt.

We have no word or pricing yet available for the 2023 KTM 790 Duke.