The KTM 790 Duke is back, and it’s better than ever. Known as The Scalpel for its razor-sharp handling and thrilling performance, this middleweight naked bike has made a grand return to the global market in 2025. With its aggressive design, responsive parallel-twin engine, and track-inspired dynamics, the KTM 790 Duke continues to set new benchmarks for street performance. Whether you’re an experienced rider seeking adrenaline or a performance enthusiast looking for value, the 790 Duke delivers a perfect mix of power, agility, and control.
Design and Styling:
The KTM 790 Duke continues KTM’s trademark naked design philosophy, sharp, angular, and purposeful. Its LED headlamp cluster, muscular fuel tank, and sleek tail section give it a menacing street presence. The new 2025 update adds refreshed graphics and improved aerodynamics for better airflow and cooling.
The riding posture remains upright yet sporty, ensuring comfort during daily commutes and confidence during aggressive cornering. The minimalist bodywork keeps the focus on performance, while the exposed frame and engine components enhance its raw, mechanical appeal. KTM’s signature orange trellis frame stands out, perfectly complementing the bike’s aggressive personality.
Engine and Performance:
At the heart of the KTM 790 Duke lies a 799cc parallel-twin LC8c engine, delivering 105 horsepower and 87 Nm of torque. This engine is a masterpiece of engineering, lightweight, compact, and immensely powerful.
The ride-by-wire throttle ensures instant response, while the 6-speed gearbox with Quickshifter+ allows seamless upshifts and downshifts without clutch input. KTM has fine-tuned the engine mapping for smoother power delivery and enhanced mid-range torque, making it both city-friendly and thrilling on highways.
The 790 Duke accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just around 3.2 seconds, and it can easily hit a top speed of 220 km/h, positioning it among the most exciting bikes in the middleweight segment.
Ride and Handling:
True to its nickname, The Scalpel, the KTM 790 Duke offers exceptional handling. The bike’s chromoly steel trellis frame ensures superior stiffness while maintaining lightness, resulting in agile and predictable handling through corners.
The WP Apex suspension setup 43mm USD forks at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear delivers a balanced ride that absorbs bumps without compromising on cornering precision.
Weighing just 174 kg (dry), the 790 Duke is incredibly nimble, making it ideal for both urban environments and twisty backroads. KTM’s Cornering ABS, Traction Control, and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) enhance stability, ensuring safety even under aggressive riding conditions.
Electronics and Technology:
KTM has equipped the 790 Duke with a premium electronics package that rivals bigger bikes. The motorcycle features four riding modes: Sport, Street, Rain, and Track, allowing riders to tailor performance to different road conditions.
The TFT full-color display provides all essential information in a sharp, modern layout. Riders can also connect their smartphones via KTM My Ride, enabling music control and turn-by-turn navigation.
Additional electronic aids include:
- Lean-angle sensitive traction control
- Cornering ABS with Supermoto mode
- Launch Control
- Wheelie Control
- Quickshifter+ (up and down)
- Slipper clutch for smoother downshifts
All these features combine to give the 790 Duke unmatched control and adaptability, whether you’re riding in the city or tearing up a racetrack.
Braking and Safety:
Stopping power is handled by twin 300mm front discs with radial-mounted 4-piston calipers and a 240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. The system delivers sharp, progressive braking performance with excellent feedback.
The inclusion of cornering ABS adds confidence during emergency braking on lean angles, while Supermoto mode allows advanced riders to partially disable rear ABS for more control during aggressive riding or track sessions.
Mileage and Practicality:
Despite its performance-oriented nature, the KTM 790 Duke is surprisingly fuel-efficient. The bike delivers around 22–24 km/l, depending on riding conditions, thanks to its efficient twin-cylinder setup and optimized fueling. With a 14-liter fuel tank, it offers a practical range for city rides and weekend getaways alike.
The seat height of 825 mm and ergonomically designed handlebars make it accessible for a wide range of riders. Combined with its lightweight build and manageable power delivery, the 790 Duke is as practical as it is thrilling.
KTM 790 Duke vs KTM 890 Duke: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | KTM 790 Duke | KTM 890 Duke |
| Engine | 799cc parallel-twin | 889cc parallel-twin |
| Power | 105 hp | 115 hp |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Weight (Dry) | 174 kg | 169 kg |
| Top Speed | 220 km/h | 230 km/h |
| Price (Approx.) | ₹8.5 – ₹9 lakh | ₹10.5 – ₹11 lakh |
While the KTM 890 Duke offers more power and updated electronics, the 790 Duke provides nearly the same thrills at a more accessible price point, making it the smarter choice for most riders.
Price and Availability
In 2025, the KTM 790 Duke is priced around ₹8.5 – ₹9 lakh (ex-showroom, India), making it one of the most competitively priced middleweight streetfighters on the market. It is available in multiple color schemes, including the signature KTM Orange and Matte Black variants.
Conclusion:
The KTM 790 Duke stands out as a versatile, performance-oriented naked bike that blends power, precision, and technology in perfect harmony. It’s designed for riders who crave excitement without stepping into the liter-class territory.
With its aggressive looks, powerful engine, and advanced electronics, the 790 Duke is a true rider’s machine, a motorcycle that demands respect and delivers pure adrenaline. If you’re looking for a bike that dominates both city streets and winding roads, the KTM 790 Duke should be at the top of your list.