KTM 790 Duke launched in Malaysia at RM64,800

KUALA LUMPUR: Breaking a series of speculations regarding its latest offering, KTM has finally launched the 790 Duke in Malaysia. The Austrian bike manufacturer has introduced an array of features in its latest offering like cornering ABS, quickshifter +, Colour TFT screen, traction control and has placed a mouth-watering price tag of RM64,800 with zero-rated GST, excluding insurance and road tax.

Dubbed as ‘The Scalpel’, the 2018 KTM 790 Duke draws power from a 799cc, LC8c DOHC,  liquid-cooled, eight-valve, single-cylinder, parallel-twin engine with a 75 degree crankpin offset which is used particularly to replicate the firing of its elder sibling, the 1290 Super Duke R. It produces a max power of 105 hp at 9,000 rpm and peak torque of 87 Nm at 8,000 rpm. Power is transmitted to the wheels via a six-speed gearbox and KTM’s Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC) which helps in a smooth downshifting.

The latest 790 Duke also gets a new frame that has a few unique sections featuring thinner-walls with molybdenum steel sections. According to KTM, the frame has a finely tuned rigidity distribution so that the riders can experience a sporty feel while driving. Also, the seat height of the 790 Duke is only 825mm owing to its new frame, which means most of the riders can drive it with two-feet down confidence. With a kerb weight of 169kg, it's very lightweight and easy to handle.

Suspension setup on the KTM 790 Duke comprises WP 43mm open-cartridge upside-down front forks with a stroke of 140mm and a gas-assisted WP shock absorber, adjustable for preload at the rear. Furthermore, it comes fitted with a WP steering damper which maintains the front end movements. Braking is handled by a 300 mm disc with KTM OEM brand callipers at the front and a single-piston 240mm disc at the rear.

In terms of electronics, the 790 Duke features ride-by-wire technology (RBW), Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) for composed braking, Quickshifter + for faster shifts, a full-colour TFT display, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) and cornering ABS with four ride modes. One of the modes, called the “Supermoto” mode lets the rider switch off the rear wheel ABS. This frees the rear wheel which can then be locked as per the rider's will.

 

The KTM Duke 790 will be sold in Malaysia as a CBU unit and will stand to compete against the likes of the Triumph 765RS priced at RM62,900, the Kawasaki Z900 priced at RM47,901 and the Ducati Monster 821 which costs RM67,830.