New 2023 KTM 790 Duke Review: A Bargain Scalpel?

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0:00 Introduction
0:38 ENGINE
1:23 THROTTLE
2:17 SOUND
3:41 SLIMNESS
5:44 SEAT HEIGHT
6:55 HANDLING
7:12 174KG DRY WEIGHT
7:23 WP-APEX REAR SHOCK PRELOAD ADJUSTABLE
7:48 BRAKES
9:48 BUILD
11:14 PRICE

[ya]

i got the 105bhp 790. great bike, absolute hooligan on the streets and just so well balanced. its super easy to ride.

[daviddowse]

Just picked one up yesterday. First 2023 on the road in Ireland apparently. First proper ride today and was impressed.

[abhisheknigam]

I have the full 105bhp version. 2 years of ownership, zero issues and an absolute hooligan. I'm sure CFmoto is following proper quality standards so quality shudnt be an issue.

[PR_Nick]

The original 790 duke came with the full electronics package as standard. I bought my 2020 bike new for £6995. The new bike is £1000 more, with 10 less hp, , it's built in china and you have to pay extra for the exciting bits. Way to go KTM. You are shining so brightly.

[scottiewheels]

It’s true some of the early models did have issues, including my 2018 model, but KTM fixed all the issues under warranty. My girlfriend’s 2019 model is over 2 years old 20, 000 kms still going strong. My mates brand new Honda CBR 650 had a oil pump failure took 8 weeks to get it fixed, I never had that issue. This latest 790 Duke should be free of the well known issues of the first release.

[Reppyboyo]

Test rode one of these last week and LOVED IT.
The only thing stopping me pulling the trigger is KTM's reliability track record.

[thesixtyeightwhiskey]

2019 KTM 790 still going strong. Broke it in properly. MotoRex oil changes every 3500 miles, and the oil comes out clean like golden honey. Had no issues so far other than a stock squeaky chain.

[yahoodlums]

I’ve owned 6 KTMs. They are amazing bikes and IMO no worse in reliability than other Euro brands. The 790 is a brilliant bike, so well balanced and nimble. I haven’t ridden a Hornet but I’d be surprised if it feels anywhere near as responsive.

[nsturge]

I have a 2019 here in the US. I've owned a bunch of Bonnevilles and a few adventure bikes. The Duke is amazing! Super light, easy to ride and perfect amount of power for the road. If you're on the fence, get it. You will not be disappointed.

[scottbailey]

I too had the earlier 790 Duke with full electronics for £7, 500. I loved it but had to get rid due to poor quality: engine paint chipped, decals peeled. Seat was was so hard and that ergo seat is no softer, don't know why KTM stick with hard seats generally on their bikes. Also had ABS light that would intermittently flash which they couldn't fix and it cut out on me twice. Just lost confidence in it, shame! Got 2022 Street Triple now, better on every level.

[richardbentham]

A good review thanks. I rode the new hornet & 790 Duke 2 weeks ago and ordered the ktm. I just felt it was a better bike in lots of respects, ride, engine performance, throttle reaction, fun factor. I gave the Honda back after 45 minutes but rode the ktm for an hour and a half. With the quick shifter offer and low rate financing the difference in cost is minimal. As for reliability then time will tell. A 2 year warranty and a local dealer will be the test of ownership. Chinese build does not bother me, my iPhone is made there and my Kawasaki z900 was made in Thailand.

[houseofroos]

I appreciate your comments about the fun throttle. Applies to my 390 too.

[malachylawless]

Still riding my 2018 model with 33000km now and still loving it.
It always does whatever I ask of it 😊

[ribbonrides]

i tried the new Duke 790 today and I thought it was brilliant. I'm coming from CP2 in yamaha's tracer 7 and this was certainly even more fun. but one thing I was not happy about at all was the throttle which when held at steady 50km/h in town was rather jerky. I do agree that when opening the throttle it is super smooth which is unusual for a twin...

[mar-be]

Bought an A2 model and keeped it for 2 years and a half and done 43000km with it. I had unrestricted it after 2 years. I had some small issues but globally it was reliable.

[ryanpatrick]

2020 Duke 790 owner here. Great houligan, Supermoto type ride. Too busy for a consistent commuter.

[soupdragon]

I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole had the 2018 and it was brilliant to ride but god the amount of recalls i had plus ongoing issues didn't make me confident of it lasting so sold it off.
Purchased @£7500 new with all rider aids enabled as well

[nokneedownian]

I bought a brand new one in2018 and loved it however there were issues over heating, corrosion and a tft that developed cracks all sorted under warranty but when your going for a ride and concerned you may not get Home it's time to get rid. Love the quickshifter up and down track pack and anti wheel control etc etc was all part of the price for £8799 now its optional for £7999 hmm

[philippepoirier]

hello, I bought the duke 790 of 2023
1 month and I am convinced of the quality of manufacture
I had a street twin before and I find no difference in quality!
except more plastic.
we put a duke 890 on the side and frankly it's hard to tell the difference (the noise and 20 more ch is clear) and the price! !
otherwise I had a street triple again before A2 and I really find myself in the best of worlds. I have more torque more power and it's lege.

[lomate]

Hopefully they cured the warping discs and the rocker cover gaskets leaks 👍🏻