Fresh looks, upgraded suspension and a new in-house braking system for KTM’s middleweight naked parallel twin means a new Scalpel for 2027 – and there’s no more demo mode on the electronics…
The 790 Duke was the first of KTM’s modern parallel twin powered machines, and the naked roadsters made a big impression when it first appeared in 2018. A typically punchy KTM engine in a skinny, sharp, sporty chassis made it an instant hit, especially amongst more hardcore supernaked fans, and it gained a solid reputation early on.
It suffered a little from some reliability woes though, and like the rest of the KTM lineup, was a victim of the Austrian firm’s financial catastrophe nearly two years ago, when massive debts and a post-Covid crisis almost closed the brand for good.
Now though, under new ownership by the massive Indian Bajaj company, KTM is heading back to the mainstream, and bikes like the 790 Duke should be a big part of its future success.
For 2027 then, this perky middleweight gets a bit of a makeover, with fresh bodywork, updated tech, fancier suspension parts, and a new braking system from KTM’s in-house suspension firm WP. Yes – WP has started making discs, calipers and master cylinders, expanding its remit, and giving KTM a new supply chain option instead of the near-ubiquitous Brembo brake empire.
The LC8c engine is largely as you were, with the 799cc 75-degree crankpin offset, parallel twin, 8-valve DOHC unit, delivering 105bhp@9,500rpm and 87 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. The new 790 Duke is also available in a special L variant to meet A2 license legal requirements (once it’s been restricted to 47bhp), with 87 Nm at 8,000 rpm and 95bhp at 8,000 rpm stock.
Claimed fuel consumption is 61mpg or 4.6l/100 km for both engine specs. There is also a tweak to the exhaust system for Euro 5+ emissions compliance, with three lambda sensors, a new muffler and updated construction. The new pipe eliminates visible welds by using a rolled construction that requires only one welding seam, and there’s also a new cast aluminium end cap.
Away from the motor, the chrome-molybdenum steel trellis main frame is as before, but there’s a new cast aluminium subframe, saving a bit of weight (the bike is a full 2kg lighter overall).
That subframe is cast as one single unit, and also incorporates the airbox and side air intakes into its construction. KTM says this not only streamlines the assembly but also enhances overall rigidity and durability.
The entire airbox is housed within the subframe, optimizing packaging and lowering the centre of gravity, while large, aggressive air intake openings improve airflow by channelling cool air directly into the engine. Nice.
The suspension is by in-house supplier WP, with an APEX 43mm open-cartridge upside-down front fork that has 150 mm of suspension travel and utilises split function technology: that means the compression and rebound damping are handled by separate fork legs.
A progressive fork spring design ensures smooth operation throughout the stroke: softer at the beginning for comfort and becoming firmer deeper into the travel to prevent bottoming out. Improved hardware with the latest development introduces adjustable functionality, derived from the bigger KTM 990 Duke, with the front fork now offering five-click adjustability for both compression damping (left fork) and rebound damping (right fork).
Out back, the WP Apex rear shock is 5mm longer than before, giving 20mm more wheel travel, with five-way rebound and manual preload adjusters.
WP is also the name on the brake system, which is a first. The 790 DUKE gets an all-new offering from WP which is a complete in-house development, drawing from years of experience at the highest level of racing competition.
There are twin 300mm floating disks and four-piston radially-mounted calipers operated by a radial master cylinder. This is supported by a 240mm disc and single piston caliper on the rear. The rear brake lever has also been repositioned to improve accessibility, especially for newer riders, without compromising the lean angle.
KTM says the WP brake system marks a major step forward in rider-focused performance, offering improved braking power with less effort at the lever, a smooth, linear response without harsh initial bite, and enhanced control and feel.
Those brakes also benefit from a cornering ABS setup, part of a refreshed electronics package. There’s a newly developed LED headlight and an advanced 5-inch TFT LCD display with upgraded housing and coating.
Combined with multiple ride modes, including a Track mode, and premium features such as the IMU-assisted ABS, anti-wheelie control, and launch control, it delivers a well-proven yet enhanced rider experience.
KTM has also cancelled the widely-hated ‘Demo Mode’ on all upcoming KTM models: so you get all the electronics for free without any extra costs later on. Well done KTM we say!
Finally, there’s new bodywork and a revised riding position, with a bigger front fairing, closer resemblance to the bigger Duke and Super Duke family models.
The price for all this is a decent £7,999 on the road, and the new 790 Duke will be available in dealers in July. More info: www.ktm.com
TECH HIGHLIGHTS
- New rider triangle
- Updated front suspension, with easy to use five-way click adjusters
- New 5mm longer, rebound damping and preload adjustable rear shock
- New 13.5 L steel fuel tank with a flatter top for improved ergonomics and visual look.
- Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.
- New WP brake system developed in-house: 300mm dual discs with four-piston radial-mount calipers
- All-new styling
- Four year manufacturer’s warranty
Wider range of factory accessories:
- Titanium Akrapovič and stainless-steel Remus slip-on silencers are available. These dramatically change the sound of the KTM 790 DUKE, along with weight saving, and heat dissipation benefits.
- Anodised aluminium Silencer Bracket can be used when removing the pillion foot pegs,
- Pillion Seat Cover, which effectively converts the KTM 790 DUKE into a single-seater, with more streamlined race bike styling.
- Ergo Rider Seat is easy to fit, with three height options available – standard, 14mm lower, or 20mm taller.
- Alternative CNC-machined aluminium Mirror Kits
- Handlebar-end Mirror Kit
- Windshield and Fly Screen options derived from the 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R. The Windshield Kit improves wind protection, providing more comfort over longer rides, while the Fly Screen adds sport visual styling, and is available in tinted or carbon options.