[faster and faster] - KTM unveils 790 Duke prototype, updated 1290 Super Duke R at EI

[Ninjette Newsbot]

The all-new parallel-twin-powered KTM 790 Duke should be one hell of a middleweight supernaked and will probably surprise a lot of people when it hits KTM showrooms next year

KTM have unveiled the new 790 Duke at the EICMA, in Milan. Shown as a prototype machine for now, the bike will go into production next year and will likely remain largely unchanged from the machine we see here. "The Duke brand is how KTM really hit the street 22 years ago and for model year 2017 this sub-brand really comes out fighting. To underline the importance of this range of naked machines, with the 790 Duke prototype we can give you a look into the future and an all-new source of power from KTM," says Stefan Pierer, CEO, KTM Group.

Powered by an all-new parallel-twin engine, the 2017 KTM 790 Duke will be positioned as a light, powerful middleweight supernaked when it hits KTM showrooms next year. "Unparalleled poise. Telepathic levels of feedback. Lightness that’s off the scale. Our engineers are highly motivated to establish a new level of riding sensation. The first proof of these huge efforts - the inspiring 790 Duke prototype," says a press note from KTM.

The KTM 790 Duke is powered by the Austrian company's all-new LC8c compact parallel-twin and the bike has been fitted with top-spec suspension components from WP. There's full ride-by-wire throttle management, along with a quickshifter, customisable riding modes and adjustable traction control. This designed-by-Kiska machine looks rather good and we expect it'll be quite a weapon in KTM's arsenal when it's launched next year.
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