KTM  Duke Prototype

EICMA 2016 : KTM 790 Duke Prototype Unleashed, Vows to Redefine Segment   

KTM has revealed its all-new 790 DUKE at the ongoing 2016 EICMA Milan Show. The 790 Duke is the first member of the hitherto non-existent KTM middleweight family and is looked upon by brand’s fans with great anticipation. The 790 Duke features an all-new parallel-twin engine of about 800cc. KTM is calling the new engine the LC8c. While we don’t know for sure, we think that the c here stands for compact.

The 790 Duke is very important, not just because it’s an all-new model. It’s because it spearheads a whole new family of motorcycles not just for KTM, but also for the sister brand Husqvarna. We are pretty sure that a new Husqvarna, based on hardware similar to the 790 Duke will debut in Milan shortly.

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The new KTM , apart from getting an all-new parallel twin engine will also benefit from an fresh new freame and a bevy of electronic aids including traction control and many rider modes. KTM is claiming the moon with the new model, and insists that the 790 Duke will break new ground for its segment. Among the most highly touted features of the new model are its alleged throttle response and unmatched lightness.

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While we cannot attest to those claims, what we know to a great degree of certainty is that the 790 Duke will get ride-by-wire throttle, traction control and integrated ‘MY RIDE’ connectivity. The bike may just get quickshifter as well.

Expect the production ready version of the 790 Duke to hit the EICMA floor in 2017 with bike actually hitting the showrooms by early 2018.

Check out an image gallery of the new 790 Duke prototype below (click on thumbnails to expand)

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