By Justin Hayzelden Updated: Yesterday 16:02
Dubbed ‘The Scalpel’ on its release in 2018, the KTM 790 Duke struck a near-perfect balance between handling, performance and useability. Agile on the street, capable on the track, and friendly enough for the daily commute, it was priced to punch hard in the middleweight naked class , which it did, even scooping up MCN’s Best Naked award in its launch year.
After bowing out in 2021 to allow the 890 Duke to take the spotlight, it was resurrected in 2023 as an updated A2 licence -friendly option in the Austrian firm’s range. It’s been given a significant refresh for 2027, with striking new looks and some useful tweaks in the chassis department, but does it still have an edge, or has the Scalpel’s blade been dulled?
Reasons to buy: + Sharper, more adjustable suspension + Exciting, user-friendly engine + Improved braking and modern styling in keeping with its siblings
Reasons to avoid: – Quickshifter doesnt come as standard – not a massive negative, but an additional cost to be aware of – Reduced fuel capacity, having to stop the fun a little earlier in order to top up the tank – Extra tech costs more
Other than switching from a silver to black finish, the 799cc 94bhp LC8c compact parallel twin remains unchanged, and that’s no bad thing because it’s an absolute peach. With predictable and accurate fuelling, it responds to twistgrip inputs with instant enthusiasm, delivering exactly the amount of drive desired with an addictive rising howl from its redesigned flank-mounted air intakes.
A broad spread of power means that you’re not constantly flicking through gears to chase the 64lb.ft of peak torque, but even so it should be noted that a quickshifter still isn’t standard.
Worried about camshaft reliability ? KTM tell us any issues were dealt with back in 2023, when production switched to CFMoto in China, and the four-year warranty should provide ample peace of mind.
A hallmark of the 790 Duke has always been its nimble and precise handling, and we’re thankful that KTM have decided to leave the bike’s geometry as is, with rake, trail and wheelbase all remaining the same.
That’s not to say there haven’t been chassis improvements, though, as the 43mm WP Apex forks have gained full adjustability and an increase in travel by 10mm. Rebound and compression can be tweaked by hand, with five steps of widely spaced increments designed to encourage riders to experiment with settings without getting overwhelmed.
The rear shock has had a similar upgrade too, gaining an extra 20mm of travel in the process. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres as OE fitment adds to the overarching sensation of deftness through the twisties.
A new complex LED headlight unit sees the 790 aligned with the 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R , giving it greater presence and a boost in kerb appeal. The reshaped fuel tank is wider at the front, creating a big-bike feel from the rider’s eye view, and tapers towards the back for an easier standover when stationary – however, that does come at a cost of 0.5 litre less fuel capacity.
A one-piece subframe unit tidies up the back end, and KTM have done away with a dedicated taillight, letting the LED multi-function indicators do all the work and saving an impressive 2kg of weight over the old bike in the process. There’s also a smart new 5in TFT dash.
The reshaped tank and new subframe has allowed for the seat to be flatter and wider than the previous, forward-canted saddle, improving comfort.