2027 KTM 790 Duke

Make Model	KTM 790 Duke
Year	2027
Engine	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, set at 285°, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Capacity	799 cc / 48.7 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	88 mm x 65.7 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger
Compression Ratio	12.7:1
Exhaust	Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer
Emission	EURO 5+
Lubrication	Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Induction	DKK Dell’Orto fuel injection with 46mm throttle body
Ignition	Bosch EMS with RBW
Starting	Electric
Max Power	77 kW / 105 hp @ 9000 rpm A2 Licence: 70 kW / 94 hp @ 8000
Max Torque	87 Nm / 63.4 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm
Clutch	PASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
Transmission	6-speed (quickshifter optional)
Final Drive	Chain 520 X-Ring
Primary Drive	39:75
Secondary Gear Ratio	16:41
Frame	Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
Front Suspension	43mm inverted telescopic hydraulic WP APEX fork, compression and rebound adjustment
Front Wheel Travel	140 mm / 5.5 in
Rear Suspension	Linkage-free, cantilevered spring-preload adjustable WP Apex shock, preload and rebound adjustment
Rear Wheel Travel	170 mm / 6.69 in
Front Brakes	2 x 300mm discs WP, radially mounted 4 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single 240mm WP disc, 1 piston floating caliper
ABS	Bosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering-ABS and super moto mode, disengageable)
Wheels	Cast aluminium
Front Wheel	3.50 x 17 in
Rear Wheel	5.50 x 17 in
Front Tyre	120/70 x 17
Rear Tyre	180/55 x 17
Rake	24°
Trail	99 mm / 3.9 in
Steering Head Angle	66°
Dimensions	Length 2062 mm / 81.2 in Width 904 mm / 35.6 in Height 1059 mm / 41.7 in
Wheel base	1475 ± 15 mm / 58 in
Seat Height	825 mm / 32.5 in
Ground Clearance	186 mm / 7.3 in
Dry Weight	167 kg / 368 lbs
Wet Weight	185 kg / 408 lbs
Fuel Capacity	13.5 Litres / 3.57 US gal

From a press release issued by KTM:

The 2027 KTM 790 DUKE marks a bold return of ‘The SCALPEL’, representing the most extensive evolution within the lifecycle of this model to date. With an aggressive styling update, more intuitive tech, and rider focused ergonomic improvements, reinforcing its position as the benchmark in the middleweight Naked bike segment.

For 2027, the KTM 790 DUKE returns to the tarmac with a renewed focus on control.

Known in previous iterations as the sharpest tool for carving up apexes, the 2027 model has evolved to be even more masterful in its approach.

Immediately evident in its styling, the 2027 KTM 790 DUKE adopts the same aggressive stance as the KTM 990 DUKE and KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R. It features a redesigned headlight unit, streamlined bodywork, a larger front fairing, and a reshaped fuel tank.

Under the skin, the 2027 KTM 790 DUKE retains the proven, EURO 5+ compliant 799 cc LC8c parallel-twin powerplant, delivering 105 hp in the standard version and 95 hp in the A2 license compliant variant. A newly designed exhaust and muffler complete the package.

However, the biggest improvements in the 2027 KTM 790 DUKE focus on a completely reworked rider triangle. 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. Despite its larger, more ‘grown-up’ appearance, a 2 kg weight reduction further enhances agility. These, together with a new subframe, new triple clamps, and a new tank design, further improve handling and ergonomics and provide excellent chassis and front-wheel feedback.

Most importantly, we listened and we acted. Rider feedback has been taken on board with intent, leading to the phased withdrawal of Demo Mode from future models. A clear decision, shaped by those who ride. At the same time, the tire specification has been upgraded to Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, further strengthening the bike’s dynamic and rider-focused character.

High-specification components, including a WP steering damper, and all-new WP radial brakes are fitted as standard to further refine overall handling.

The new WP braking is a complete braking system developed in-house, marking a major step forward in rider-focused performance, offering improved braking power with less effort at the lever, a smooth, linear response without a harsh initial bite, and enhanced control and feel.

The suspension hasn’t been left untouched either, with the proven WP APEX hardware receiving an update at both ends. 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 rear, an adjustable, gas-assisted WP APEX Monotube shock absorber features 170 mm of travel, offering adjustable rebound damping and preload for improved control.The suspension is also adjustable via an easy-to-use 5-click dial, giving riders the confidence to fine-tune the bike to their own feel, ensuring a precise and controlled response without unnecessary complexity.

As a riding experience, the 2027 KTM 790 DUKE is steadfast in its ‘Cut on Command’ philosophy. It feels like a natural extension of its pilot, behaving and reacting in perfect synchronization with every input. As a machine, it retains the same apex-hunting agility and sharp handling DNA as before, but with an elevated Naked authority.

Said simply, the 2027 KTM 790 DUKE sets the new standard in the middleweight class.