KTM 790 DUKE | First Ride Review

The 2018 KTM 790 DUKE is a surprisingly capable ride in every respect.

If I had to sum it up in one word it would be agile. The term KTM have come up with is 'The scalpel'. Both fit the 790 well, and both get the point across. The bike just breezes along effortlessly, nothing feels like a challenge for it, nothing feels out of its reach - within reason obviously.

Let's not forget that it is in essence a naked sports bike. That comes with the regular drawbacks of the class. Obviously it has no wind protection, obviously it has a fairly neutral riding position, with a bit of a super moto bent. But the brilliant thing about choosing this class is that often on domestic roads, with all their complexities, inconsistencies and restrictions naked sports bikes are the fastest and most versatile option. Being a middleweight it is light and effortless to manoeuvre, having super moto routes means that it is flexible, and using a twin cylinder motor means that it has just enough character to keep things interesting.

The KTM 790 DUKE is unlike anything else on the road, and for that reason it's certainly worth a test, if only for curiosities sake.


Full comparison between the 790 DUKE and Triumph Street Triple here:

   • KTM 790 Duke vs Triumph Street Triple...  



My Equipment:

Cameras
GoPro Hero Session / https://amzn.to/2NXQcIC
Panasonic Lumix G7 / https://amzn.to/2RjfuPH
Sigma 19mm Lens / https://amzn.to/2xUkTV4
Yi 4K / https://amzn.to/2DUCqSx

Sound
Sony Digital Recorder / https://amzn.to/2DSC4vR
Sony Lapel Mic / https://amzn.to/2DR6LS8
Rhode Videomicro / https://amzn.to/2RkiUBz

Misc
Samsung Galaxy S7 / https://amzn.to/2IDmbrW
Zhiyun Smooth-Q / https://amzn.to/2IDIMEI
Evo SS / https://amzn.to/2IBcwSm


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