The Scalpel is back and how! After a long string of testing and teasers, the 2027 790 Duke has finally arrived. While we are yet to figure out if it’s sharper than before, there is quite a lot that we need to uncover about this bike.

KTM has been struggling financially for a while. Earlier this year, Indian bikemaker Bajaj Auto, which now owns KTM, reported a 46% drop in revenue and 28% drop in sales for 2025. However, the new 790 should generate some much-needed interest in the bikemaker.

It’s easy to tell the new 790 Duke draws inspiration from the larger 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke, featuring a similar headlamp and a thoroughly redesigned bodywork that also focuses on rider comfort.

KTM says that the fuel tank has been reshaped so the rider can lock their knee against it easily while cornering. However, the tank capacity has been reduced to 13.5 litres.

In the press release, KTM reveals that the rider triangle has also been worked upon, featuring a reshaped handlebar and repositioned footpegs, and a flatter surface on the top of the tank, which should enable crouching more easily.

It’s not like the previous-gen 790 was a pain to ride; far from it, but the revisions should aid in even better control.

Underneath the new bodywork, the hardware has also been worked on. The WP Apex suspension, as always, makes its appearance here; 43mm USD forks now feature five-click compression and rebound adjustability, along with a rebound and preload-adjustable monoshock. 

Interestingly, the new 790 Duke is among the first to feature WP Apex radial braking setup, which is a departure from the J.Juan setup of the previous 790. 

The 799cc LC8c parallel-twin engine has been retained, which is Euro-5 compliant. It continues to produce 105hp at 9500 rpm and 87Nm of torque at 8000 rpm, paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a quickshifter. 

The electronic aids on offer include wheelie control, cornering ABS, launch control, track mode, and various ride modes. Additionally, it has also finally removed the criticized Demo mode. 

But for those who wanted something a bit more extreme than the 790, you probably missed your chance. 

The first Super Duke meant exclusively for the track

Not too long ago, Team Orange had also unveiled the 1390 Super Duke RR Track, which was based on the road-going Super Duke, but did away with everything not needed on the track, such as the headlamp, tail lamp, turn indicators, mirrors, etc. 

It also used lightweight components wherever possible. According to KTM, this bike weighed nine kg less than the Super Duke RR and 20 kg less than the Super Duke R. The bodywork used carbon fibre extensively, along with a custom frame with the unnecessary mounting points removed.

The fire-breathing LC8 V-twin, now no longer curbed by road regulations, saw itself produce 196 hp at 10,000rpm and 151Nm of torque at 8,000rpm; a significant boost up from the road-going Super Duke RR. 

It also featured a smaller 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster, with just about enough information that’s useful on a racetrack. Basically, no connected tech or navigation to be seen here. 

Only 100 units were made, so if you got your hands on one, lucky you!

Read more at Motor Culture!  

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Yash Kotak