The Best KTM Motorcycle For New Riders Who Want Performance On A Budget

KTMs have a reputation for being fire-breathing, temperamental orange dragons that will suffer no fools. However, in the last decade or so, the brand has been focusing on numbers as well, with low-displacement models manufactured to a cost and more reliability than the high-capacity models. To appeal to a larger audience means the ability to appeal to beginners as well, and KTM has managed to do this admirably, especially with its naked bikes.

The small Duke series comes to mind. This starts with the 200 Duke, and you have the option of the 250 Duke and 390 Duke as well in the US market. The latter is a fun little motorcycle with an amazing amount of features and electronic assists. But we feel neither of these will keep a beginner entertained if the beginner is serious about riding. What’s the option then if you want something punchy yet future-proof without costing an arm and a leg? Allow us to help.

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The KTM 790 Duke Is The Best KTM Motorcycle For New Riders Who Want Performance On A Budget

Power: 105 horsepower

KTM

KTM 790 Duke engine specs

Let’s start with the engine: the 790 Duke has a 799 cc parallel twin engine with liquid cooling, double overhead cams, and fuel injection. It has a by-wire throttle, which means you get ride modes. To be specific, you get four ride modes: Sport, Street, Rain, and Track. Rain mode smoothens out throttle response and lowers peak output, so if the 790 Duke is your first bike, you can default to Rain mode until you’re comfortable with it. The engine has a linear torque delivery through the rev range, which should make it easy if you’re just on your second motorcycle.

The ride modes are also linked to other systems like traction control and wheelie control. A two-way quickshifter is on the options list, and a PASC anti-hopping clutch (or slipper clutch) is standard. That means as you progress, gearshifting and engine braking will be easier to get to grips with on the 790 Duke. This engine is also available in a 94 horsepower state of tune for A2 motorcycle licence requirements in the EU, further indicating that this can be a good learner bike.

How Fast Does The KTM 790 Duke Go?

0-60 MPH: >3.5 Seconds

KTM via Rudi Schedl

KTM 790 Duke Performance Numbers

The 790 Duke is fast. That’s why it’s a “performance beast”. All KTMs aim to be the last word in performance in their respective categories, and this Duke is no different. Let it have its way, and it will get you to 60 miles per hour in just over 3 seconds, and on to a top speed of over 140 miles per hour. That isn’t slow at all, so you’ll be glad to know there is a full electronics suite that will keep things in check. This includes cornering traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS – the works. The ride modes smooth out throttle response, the engine’s torque delivery is linear, and there is a two-way quickshifter you can get to make life easier.

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Here’s What Makes This KTM Ideal For Beginners

Low Weight And Great Safety

KTM via Rudi Schedl

The 790 Duke has a few things going for it that make it great for beginners. First, it is a compact machine, especially for the class. The seat height is an accessible 32.5 inches, especially considering how narrow it is. There is a PowerParts accessory seat that can drop the seat height to 31.7 inches as well, making it more accessible to shorter riders. A light curb weight of 372.6 pounds (no fuel) means that it is easy to handle in tight spaces, too.

The suspension is basic by the other standards of the bike, with only preload adjustment available at the rear. But that is another thing that makes it good for beginners. Should you need replacement, it will be affordable. It is a similar story with the brakes. They have been developed with J.Juan, although they are in-house parts. So affordable pads and other elements.

KTM via Rudi Schedl

Finally, you already know about the array of electronics to help you stay right side up. These are all accessed by a large, legible 5-inch TFT display that changes its layout with different modes. We also appreciate optional parts like the softer seat and adjustable footpegs that will make life easier for owners, whether just starting out or progressing in their riding career.

This 790 Duke has been designed to be a low-cost alternative to the rest of the Dukes from the outset. Therefore, it is manufactured and assembled by CFMoto in China. That means costs will be low, and it also won’t suffer from the quality issues that have recently plagued motorcycles coming out of Mattighofen. KTM is making efforts to alleviate that problem now, though.

Hardware Specs And Weight

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A Polarizing Design Rounds Off The Package

You’re Either Going To Love It Or Hate It

KTM via Rudi Schedl

KTM calls the 790 Duke ‘The Scalpel’, which explains all the sharp edges and straight lines. It has the signature Duke design elements like the extremely orange tank with the shoulder extensions, the swingarm that looks like it is inside out, and the split-down-the-middle LED headlamp. Globally, it is available in only two colors, no doubt to keep costs in check, and in the US market, it is available only in the orange/black combination. There are a few very nice touches, but overall the design isn’t anything we haven’t seen before from KTM, and it will polarize opinion. You’ll either love it or hate it, because the one thing it isn’t, is bland.

Notable Design Features

• Aluminum subframe
• Exposed latticework on swingarm
• All-LED lights
• Limited colors available

Dimensions

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The KTM 790 Duke Has No Shortage Of Rivals

But It Competes With Them Well

KTM

We can’t talk about the 790 Duke’s rivals without mentioning the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 and Vitpilen 801. These are essentially the same motorcycle as the 790 Duke but sit a step above it in the hierarchy. They offer unique styling and if the Duke is too loud for you, the Svartpilen in particular might appeal. They offer adjustable suspension where the Duke does not. However, for this price, it opens up further premium options like the Triumph Street Triple 765 and Yamaha MT-09, both of which offer three-cylinder power to the mix. Sticking to cost-effect options, there is the CFMoto 800 NK, which again uses the same LC8C mill but offers a lot more value. It is not only priced lower, but also has J.Juan brakes with slightly larger front brake discs, KYB fully adjustable suspension, and ABS and traction control by Bosch. Venturing further afield, the Triumph Trident 660 offers its unique three-cylinder take on the middleweight streetfighter, while Yamaha’s MT-07, Suzuki’s GSX-8S, and Honda’s CB650R are all more reliable but not at the same level of performance as the 790 Duke.

KTM 790 Duke Vs Rivals