Updated KTM 790 Duke unveiled

KTM has globally unveiled the heavily updated 2027 KTM 790 Duke. This is the biggest overhaul for the middleweight naked motorcycle since it first came out . Known as “The Scalpel” for its sharp handling, the new version gets a more aggressive design, a revised riding position, and better hardware to make cornering even more precise.

Sharper Styling and Design

The 2027 790 Duke adopts a radical new look inspired by its larger siblings, the 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R .

– **New Face**: It gets a striking new LED headlight with fang-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) .

– **Muscular Bodywork**: The fuel tank extensions are sharper, the front cowl is larger, and the tail section is cleaner and upswept . The redesigned exhaust now has a beefier silencer .

– **Despite looking bigger** and more muscular, KTM has actually reduced the bike’s weight by 2 kg through strategic upgrades to the subframe and triple clamps .

Reworked Ergonomics

KTM has completely reworked the rider’s triangle for better comfort and control .

– **New Riding Position**: The handlebar is wider with a more open sweep, the footpegs are repositioned, and the seat has been reshaped for a more natural feel . The passenger footpegs have moved 2mm back and 7mm up .

Upgraded Hardware and Underpinnings

The biggest mechanical changes are in the brakes and suspension.

– **WP Radial Brakes**: KTM has replaced the previous J.Juan units with an all-new, in-house developed WP braking system . It features twin 300mm front discs with 4-piston radial calipers, providing better stopping power and a more progressive feel .

– **Simplified Suspension**: The premium 43mm WP Apex upside-down front fork and rear monoshock now feature a simplified **five-click manual adjustment dial** for easy tuning of compression and rebound damping .

– **Better Tyres**: The bike now comes with premium Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres as standard and includes a factory-fitted WP steering damper .

Intact Powertrain and Electronics

The heart of the bike remains unchanged.

– **Engine**: The 799cc LC8c parallel-twin engine continues to produce 105 hp and 87 Nm of torque . A lower-output 95 hp version is also available for markets with A2 license restrictions .

– **Electronics**: It features a 5-inch color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity. The electronics package includes four ride modes (Rain, Street, Sport, and Track), lean-sensitive traction control, wheelie control, and launch control .

– **End of Demo Mode**: KTM has permanently phased out “Demo Mode” due to poor customer reception. This means optional software features will no longer lock behind a post-trial paywall .

Market Availability

The new 790 Duke will go on sale in international markets at the end of July 2026 . KTM India has not confirmed a launch timeline yet, as the brand currently sells the larger 890 Duke R in a similar performance slot in India . However, there are reports suggesting a potential India launch around February 2027 .