2027 KTM 790 Duke unveiled

-Fresh design, new suspension and TFT display

-2Kg lighter than outgoing bike

The 2027 KTM 790 Duke has been unveiled in international markets and the bike has received a comprehensive set of updates.

Starting with the design, the 2027 KTM 790 Duke looks a lot sharper and aggressive than its predecessor, with some inspiration from the KTM 1390 Duke. This is evident from the fang-shaped LED headlight/DRL cluster, the cuts and creases on the fuel tank extensions and the upswept tail section where the indicators and tail lights are one unit. KTM’s choice of adding bold graphics adds to the visual appeal and so does the bright orange colour option, a signature of the Austrian manufacturer. A redesigned exhaust with a larger silencer is another highlight.

Under the bodywork, you’ve got the same Chromium Molybdenum steel frame as on the outgoing bike, however, there’s a brand-new subframe, finished in black. A few tweaks have been made to the swingarm while suspension duties are taken care of by a 43mm WP Apex USD fork at the front and a monoshock at the back. The front suspension can be adjusted for compression and rebound while the monoshock offers adjustability for preload and rebound.

The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and braking is taken care of by 300mm twin discs at the front with WP brake calipers and a WP master cylinder. At the rear, there’s a 240mm single disc setup. The bike tips the scales at 185kg, making it 2kg lighter than before.

Powering the KTM 790 Duke is a 799cc, parallel-twin engine, dubbed the LC8c. It makes 105bhp, 87Nm and is paired with a six-speed gearbox.

KTM has also tweaked the rider’s triangle with an updated seat design, repositioned the footpegs and included a tapered handlebar that can be adjusted for a more committed posture than standard.

In terms of features, the bike gets all-LED lights, a new colour TFT display, ride modes, traction control and more. Lastly, the bike is being offered with a 4-years warranty, which should alleviate some of the concerns with reliability and ownership experience, an issue with the first set of 790 Dukes.

The new KTM 790 will go on sale in international markets soon but we wait to see if KTM reintroduces the bike in India.