a lack of weather protection from the motard
stylings. But who cares? It’s simply enormous
fun to ride, but what is truly astonishing
about the Duke is the compact nature of the
797cc L8c engine, KTM’s first parallel twin
neatly tucked away beneath the tank. How
they have wrested this amount of power out
of a tiny knob of metal is simply alchemical
genius. A true wolf in sheep’s clothing, at
first glance it looks like nothing more than a
250 single, until you notice the twin headers
sneaking off to join a party at the Akrapovic.
Crackling and spitting on the decelerate,
it sounds and behaves like a superbike.
KTM branded double radial-mount calipers
and 300mm discs up front do sterling stopping
duty, and I was pleased at their confidence
inspiring power when used in earnest. Stoppies
won’t be an issue. There’s little to no suspension
adjustment, but when what arrives out of
the box is exceptional, why mess with it?
100 KIWI RIDER
The superbike comparisons don’t stop there
either, also exceptional to find on a bike of
this size, and to use, is the autoblipper up and
downshifter, which basically renders the clutch
redundant after take off, and it is happiness
itself with the left foot doing all the work on
fast, winding hill roads and long twisting valleys.
The 790 Duke has a nickname, The Scalpel,
and when wielded with strength and fervour
it is exactly that, a fierce, capable, razor on
the roads, but round town can be ridden gently,
quietly and comfortably. On capable Maxxis
tyres I never had a moments doubt, and, if
the price is right, this must rate as a very top
contender in the modern bike stakes.
When you turn the key the KTM legend
comes up on the screen – READY TO
RACE – the only thing lacking after that
statement is a question mark. Delivery,
finish, performance and control – ten tenths.
Bloody good work from the orange crew.