The 2020 KTM 790 Duke is a naked motorcycle that merges “know-how gained in the development of milestones like the 690 Duke and 1290 Super Duke R,” as stated by the manufacturer. This “Scalpel” of the Duke line is powered by a 799cc parallel-twin engine. Its road-slicing features include its lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel frame with aluminum rear subframe, WP suspension, and a clutchless up and down quickshifter. If you are looking for an everyday canyon carver, straightaway slasher, or trackday thrasher, the Scalpel makes quick work of it all.
In our 2019 first ride, Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert stated that the 790 Duke “is a seriously potent motorcycle. The Orange Brigade suggests the middleweight Duke is a steppingstone between the 390 Duke and 1290 Super Duke R, but I’d argue it holds the potential to be a final destination for a KTM buyer.”
Upon running last year’s model on the dyno, the KTM 790 Duke produced 95.1 hp at 9,200 rpm and 58.2 pound-feet of torque at 7,800 rpm.
Competition in the middleweight naked category includes: Kawasaki Z900, Suzuki GSX-S750, Yamaha MT-07, and Husqvarna Svartpilen/Vitpilen 701.
The only update for 2020 is that it has new color, trim, and graphics. It is available in black or orange for a starting MSRP of $10,699.
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