KTM is working on the next generation of the 790 Duke, and the updated middleweight street-naked motorcycle has been spotted undergoing road tests in Europe in what appears to be near-production form. The new model is set to receive refreshed styling and revised hardware with the brand aiming to make its popular “Scalpel” sharper and more assertive than before
Spy images suggest the motorcycle is well into its development cycle, showcasing substantial exterior and mechanical updates over the outgoing version. Here’s what has been confirmed so far.
KTM 790 Duke New Design
Sharper Front-End Styling and Bodywork
One of the most noticeable changes on the next-gen KTM 790 Duke is the redesigned headlamp unit, which draws inspiration from KTM’s larger naked bikes such as the 990 Duke and the 1390 Super Duke R. The new setup features a more three-dimensional look and is paired with freshly styled side panels that appear sharper and more aggressive than before
The fuel tank has also been reshaped to strengthen the bike’s street-fighter stance. While the new Duke reportedly sheds some of the muscularity of the current model, it compensates with a more angular and edgy design language
Updated Hardware and Cycle Parts
Despite the visual overhaul, the core steel trellis frame continues from the existing 790 Duke. KTM has, however, paired it with a redesigned sub-frame that adopts a more upswept profile, giving the rear section a sportier appearance
Suspension components have also been revised, with the company working on improved damping characteristics and overall riding dynamics for the new generation
Reworked Braking Components
Another important update comes in the braking department. Test mules appear to be running WP-sourced brake calipers instead of the J.Juan units used on the current model. WP is KTM’s in-house hardware brand and already supplies braking systems for several of the company’s smaller-capacity motorcycles. The move is said to help KTM manage production costs through greater vertical integration
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Engine and Performance Expectations
799 cc LC8c Parallel-Twin Continues
Powering the next-generation 790 Duke is expected to be the same LC8c-series parallel-twin engine seen in the current model. The liquid-cooled unit displaces 799 cc and, in its present form, produces 105 bhp and 87 Nm of torque
This suggests KTM is retaining the core mechanical package that has defined the 790 Duke’s performance character while focusing on refinements elsewhere.
Larger Exhaust Silencer Spotted
One visible mechanical change on the test bikes is a revised exhaust system. The prototype features a noticeably larger silencer compared to the outgoing version, although it appears to lose some of the distinctive styling seen earlier. This could hint at updates made to meet upcoming emission requirements, even though no official details have been shared yet
KTM 790 Duke Price
No Official Pricing Announced Yet
As of now, KTM has not revealed any pricing details for the next-generation 790 Duke. The spy report and development information focus on design and hardware updates without confirming launch timelines or market-specific pricing plans
Until KTM makes an official announcement, the exact cost of the updated middleweight naked bike remains unknown.
