The best KTM motorcycle for new riders who want performance on a budget

KTMs have a reputation for being fire-breathing, temperamental orange dragons that won’t be fooled. However, over the past decade the brand has also focused on numbers, with low-displacement models manufactured more cheaply and reliably than high-capacity models. Appealing to a wider audience also means being able to appeal to beginners, and KTM has succeeded admirably, especially with its Naked Bikes.

I’m thinking of the little Duke series. This starts with the 200 Duke, and in the US market you also have the option of the 250 Duke and 390 Duke. The latter is a nice little motorcycle with an astonishing amount of features and electronic assistance. But we feel that neither will entertain a beginner if the beginner wants to ride seriously. So what is the option if you want something spicy yet future-proof, without it costing you an arm and a leg? Allow us to help.

The KTM 790 Duke is the best KTM motorcycle for new riders who want performance on a budget

Power: 105 hp

KTM 790 Duke Engine Specifications

Let’s start with the engine: the 790 Duke has a 799 cc parallel twin engine with liquid cooling, double overhead camshafts and fuel injection. It has a by-wire throttle, which means you get driving modes. To be specific, you get four driving modes: Sport, Street, Rain and Track. Rain mode softens throttle response and reduces peak power, so if the 790 Duke is your first bike, you can default to Rain mode until you feel comfortable with it. The engine delivers linear torque throughout the rev range, which should make things easy if you’re just on your second motorcycle.

The riding modes are also linked to other systems such as traction control and wheelie control. A two-way quickshifter is on the options list and a PASC anti-hopping clutch (or slipper clutch) is standard. That means that as you progress, shifting and engine braking will become easier to master on the 790 Duke. This bike is also available with a power of 94 hp for the A2 motorcycle license requirements in the EU, further indicating that this can be a good learning bike.

How fast does the KTM 790 Duke go?

0-100 km/h: >3.5 seconds

KTM 790 Duke performance numbers

The 790 Duke does quickly. That’s why it’s a ‘performance beast’. All KTMs strive to be the last word in performance in their respective categories, and this Duke is no different. Let it do its thing and it will take you to 100 kilometers per hour in just over 3 seconds and to a top speed of more than 220 kilometers per hour. That’s not slow at all, so you’ll be happy to know there’s a full electronics suite keeping things under control. This includes cornering traction control, wheelie control and cornering ABS – it works. The driving modes provide smoother throttle response, the engine’s torque delivery is linear and a two-way quickshifter is available to make life easier.

This is what makes this KTM ideal for beginners

Low weight and high safety

The 790 Duke has a few things that make it great for beginners. Firstly, it is a compact machine, especially for the class. Seat height is an accessible 32.5 inches, especially considering how narrow it is. There is a PowerParts accessory saddle that can also lower the seat height to 31.7 inches, making it more accessible for smaller riders. A low curb weight of 372.6 pounds (no fuel) means it’s also easy to handle in tight spaces.

The suspension is basic to the bike’s other standards, only allowing preload adjustment at the rear. But that’s another thing that makes it good for beginners. If you need a replacement, it is affordable. It’s a similar story with the brakes. They were developed in collaboration with J.Juan, although they are internal components. So affordable pads and other elements.

Finally, you are already aware of the range of electronics that help you stay the right way up. These are all accessed via a large, readable 5-inch TFT screen that changes layout with different modes. We also appreciate optional features like the softer seat and adjustable footpegs that will make life easier for owners, whether they’re just starting out or advancing in their driving career.

This 790 Duke was designed from the start as a low-cost alternative to the rest of the Dukes. Therefore, it is manufactured and assembled by CFMoto in China. That means the costs will be low, and the motorcycle will also not suffer from the quality issues that have recently plagued motorcycles coming out of Mattighofen. However, KTM is doing its best to alleviate that problem now.

Hardware specifications and weight

A polarizing design rounds out the package

You’re either going to love it or hate it

KTM calls the 790 Duke ‘The Scalpel’, which explains all the sharp edges and straight lines. It has the signature Duke design elements, such as the extremely orange tank with the shoulder extensions, the swingarm that looks like it is inside out and the center-split LED headlight. Globally it is available in just two colors, no doubt to keep costs in check, and in the US market it is only available in the orange/black combination. There are some really nice details, but overall the design is nothing we haven’t seen from KTM before, and it will polarize opinions. You either love it or hate it because the one thing it isn’t is boring.

Notable design features

• Aluminum subframe

• Exposed grille on the swingarm

• Fully LED lighting

• Limited colors available

Dimensions

The KTM 790 Duke has no shortage of rivals

But it competes well with them

We can’t talk about the 790 Duke’s rivals without mentioning the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 and Vitpilen 801. These are essentially the same motorcycle as the 790 Duke, but one step above it in the hierarchy. They offer unique styling and if the Duke is too loud for you, you may especially like the Svartpilen. They offer adjustable suspension where the Duke does not. However, at this price it offers even more premium options like the Triumph Street Triple 765 and Yamaha MT-09, both of which offer three-cylinder power in the mix. Sticking with cost-effective options there is the CFMoto 800 NK, which again uses the same LC8C reel but offers much more value. Not only is it priced lower, but it also has J.Juan brakes with slightly larger front rotors, a fully adjustable KYB suspension and ABS and traction control from Bosch. The Triumph Trident 660 ventures further afield, offering its unique three-cylinder version of the middleweight street fighter, while Yamaha’s MT-07, Suzuki’s GSX-8S and Honda’s CB650R are all more reliable, but not at the same performance level as the 790 Duke.

KTM 790 Duke vs Rivals