Motorcycle specifications KTM790 Duke prototype 2017 Concentrated orange

five years ago, KTM unveiled the Superduke 1290 prototype, and the production version lived up to the hype, becoming the most erectile roadster on the market. Well, history may be repeating itself with the Duke 790 prototype, but this time it loses its "super" prefix to better position itself in the market, much to the chagrin of the Yamaha MT-09, Kawasaki Z900 and Suzuki GSX-S 750. To compete, the newcomer compresses all its spirit into an ultra-compact, efficient engine and chassis. A concentrated orange supports theover-pressed orange.

between the sultry but no less seductive Superduke 1290 R and the modest but no less efficient Duke 690, a compromise was clearly needed to take on the tenors of the mid-size category... In fact, it lacked a little rationality on the one hand, and 1 cylinder on the other. Traditionally at KTM, when you split a displacement, you arrange it in a V-shape. Two cylinders are placed in a duel around a crankshaft, and the quintessence of their confrontation is extracted. But that was before the 790. From now on, the pistons work in line, huddled together and hand in hand. The power comes from (very close) collaboration rather than opposition. Beautiful. And daring, since V-shaped mills are reputed to be more torquey and racy. But the Austrians are brilliant engine-makers, so there's no doubt about their success. And so much for tradition. Let's burn down tradition for the sake of space and efficiency!

the next Duke will be powered by an in-line twin-cylinder "LC8 C". While the LC8 name is already commonplace at KTM (for Liquid Cooled 8-valve), here it is adorned with a C, for "compact". Or for "Hot in front", as the case may be... There was a rumour that the block from the Nuda 900 would be used again, but this is not the case, and the brand has since denied this to our Moto Station colleagues. On the other hand, we have no confirmation or denial about the power output, which could be less than 98 hp for A2 eligibility. The hypothesis remains open.

the engine, powerful, narrow and as light as possible, has been designed with efficiency in mind. The same doctrine was followed to develop the platform designed to accommodate it. The engine is a load-bearing unit, held in place by a tubular frame. The swingarm, which looks like it came from the Duke 690, clips directly onto a mill housing. The extremely slender rear loop is shortened and perforated, as on the MV Turismo Veloce. WP suspension completes the package.

the lines of this proto are, like all KTMs, and as the motorcycle press likes to say, "cut with a billhook". A druid's tool from the Austrian forests, it seems, so bewitching are they. In 2012, the design of the Superduke concept didn't lie to us, as the production version turned out to be very similar. It's safe to assume that the 790 will be no different.

There's also every reason to believe that it will be a top-of-the-range model. Indeed, the brand confides that it will be equipped with a ride-by-wire throttle, numerous customizable riding modes, as well as the latest-generation anti-skid system and even a shifter! We're not sure whether the latter will be retained, nor the 3D printing process used to produce the exhaust and fork head. In any case, we'll know more in 2018, the estimated release date.

In any case , the future 790 should be a real toy of human proportions. An exhilarating little bomb, fun and light, with a contained size. Where the 1290 and its excessiveness are intimidating. See for yourself :

Remima - Manufacturer media