The KTM 790 Duke Returns From the Dead As The Naked Motorcycle Standard. Even If Updates Aren't Big

A lot of people probably didn’t even know it was gone, but the 790 Duke is back for 2027, filling a vacancy in the KTM naked bike lineup left open when the 890 Duke exited in 2023. KTM offered the 990 Duke as its replacement, which was basically the same bike, only badged differently.

So, what is the 790 Duke, and how does it fit into the naked bike offerings from the Austrian brand?

Adopting the same aggressive stance found on the 990 Duke and 1390 SUPER Duke R EVO, the new 790 features a redesigned headlight, fancy bodywork, including a larger front fairing, as well as a reshaped fuel tank. Powered by a 799 cc LC8c parallel-twin, the new 790 offers 105 hp at 9,500 rpm and 64 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm.

Photo by: KTM

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The new 790 Duke also features updated WP braking components - twin 300mm floating front discs with 4-piston radially mounted calipers - while WP APEX suspension hardware received an update at both ends of the bike. According to KTM, “The WP APEX 43 mm open-cartridge upside-down front fork features 150 mm of suspension travel and implements split-function technology with adjustable compression and rebound damping.”

At the back end you’ll find an adjustable, gas-assisted WP APEX Monotube shock providing some 170 mm of travel, which is adjustable for both rebound damping and preload. The suspension is also adjustable via a 5-click dial.

Power is put to the ground thanks to all-new Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, which are wrapped around a 3.50 x 17-in wheel at the front and a 5.50 x 17-in wheel at the rear.

Most importantly, perhaps, is the reworked rider triangle found on the new 790 Duke. KTM says “a new handlebar shape featuring a more open angle, repositioned rider and passenger footpegs, and an improved seat all work together to deliver a more natural, connected riding position.” Which sounds great, on paper.

One thing I know about naked bikes is that they’re always more comfortable to ride than their fully-faired siblings. So, with KTM updating the rider triangle to provide a more natural position, I have to imagine the new Duke is a damn sight more comfortable than it’s fully clothed cousin, the 990 RC R.

Photo by: KTM

KTM also says the 790 Duke shed 4.4 pounds from its previous iteration, which coupled with a new cast-aluminum subframe, triple clamps, and tank design are sure to improve handling and ergonomics.

As expected of a modern naked bike, the 790 Duke features an amalgamation of tech, to include lean-angle sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) and selectable Supermoto ABS. There’s also selectable ride modes (Sport, Street, Rain and Track) and an optional Quickshifter+ enables clutchless up-and-down shifts. All of this technology is fed to you through a five-inch TFT display with new graphics and menus.

So, is this the Duke we’ve been missing? Did you even know it was gone? What it looks like to me is that KTM has updated an already well-loved model with new tech, better ergonomics, a familiar powerplant and the aggressive eye appeal of the bigger iterations. And considering the 2027 KTM 790 Duke has a starting MSRP of $9,799, I suspect there’s plenty of potential naked bike buyers that will be grateful for its return.

The 2027 KTM 790 Duke will be available at authorized KTM dealers from late summer 2026 onward.

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