We went: why the KTM 790 Duke is not the best for newbies
The Duke was the first road-oriented KTM - in 1994 it was a supermoto based on the LC4 620 enduro model. Today, the Duke is the first KTM with a production two-cylinder engine, but KTM has nothing in common other than the design language. They say it will fill the gap between the Duke 690cc. , we rarely think that the 1290 SMC had to be left behind instead of the Duka 690, but the Austrians probably already know why. In fact, since the birth of the unusual supermoto with a pair of round lights, motorcyclists have changed to this day, and even more so the Austrian KTM, which no longer attracts not only off-road enthusiasts, but also ordinary motorcycle users. Does he really need such a sharp car?
Why a parallel and not a V-shaped engine?
At the expense of space as this profile unit is almost as large (small) as the 390cc KTM engine. The V-engine could have been a little narrower, but due to the clearance between the cylinders, it would not have allowed for such a compact design of the entire motorcycle. For the same reason, the exhaust from under the seat (where it was installed on the concept car) was moved to the side. What is the character of the engine? With the leveling shaft in the head, it works quite quietly and emits only a few vibrations (some are felt on the steering wheel) and reacts very quickly to the addition of gas.
Aggressiveness, of course, depends on the chosen engine program, but I can say without regret that the engine presses much more than the previous generation Honda Hornet 600 comparable in power (2007-2013). It can be used in the city at a speed above about three thousand rpm; for active acceleration at higher speeds, it must be at least still twisted. Then he jostles like a liter and happily, although not necessary, turns to the ignition.
However, the engine, at least in race mode (Track), is so harsh that it can be annoying in the city or on a winding road, especially when the tires are bad (Slovak) road. Despite their orange-colored off-road ancestors, Duke or his driver doesn't like them when the hard seat pushes him in the back and the fuel tank in between his legs.
Narrow between the legs like a motocross car
Moving on to a seated position: there is plenty of room for 181 inches, except for his right heel, if he likes to ride with pedal pads (# 45 boots) then the exhaust shield is broken. It is a pity that Ivanchna Goritsa did not notice this, and the same problem arises when installing an Akrapovič silencer (no, this is not serious, but potential buyers should pay attention in the salon). It is incredibly narrow between the legs, so narrow that when the knees are relaxed, they even protrude from the fuel tank, the whole body hangs forward a little (but not too much for the arms to suffer). It was interesting when I didn’t hesitate to ride it on a twisty supermoto-style go-kart track (with a leg outstretched in a corner), rather than “on my knees” like everyone else. This allows both. However, with this type of driving, when the elbows are set high, mirrors are more suitable for decoration.
Brakes with smart ABS (cornering ABS) are good, but not brutal like on the Superduk, and from smart electronics, Duke also offers a clutchless shifter, a Supermoto ABS variant that allows the rear wheel to move. glide, four engine programs and an optional adjustable selection for the track racetrack and a TFT color screen with slightly fewer colors than the 390 Duke, which I welcome because it really looks like a Christmas tree already. The equipment is so rich that the only adjustable suspension is probably preserved for the R version.
Will they race with Duke? Oh yeah, record holder Chris Fillmore is attacking the notorious Pikes Peak and they are also announcing an attack on the American TV series Flat Track. When will Adventure have such an engine? They did not want to give an exact answer, but, most likely, they will show it this fall in Milan.
As a potential buyer for the 790 Duka, we see someone who was a satisfied user of the smaller (125, 200, 250, 390) Duka at least for the season before, but this car is less suitable for a) complete beginners and b) for those who who sees the meaning of motorsport in a comfortable journey. The duke is naughty!
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