Ride Review: 2019 KTM 790 Duke Demo Ride
KTM 790 Duke (aka The Scalpel) Demo Ride The motivation for riding this bike is similar to why I demo rode the MT-07 on Saturday, because the 790 Duke has a motor that will be utilized, with a slightly revised power band for better low/mid performance, in the upcoming 790 Adventure & R later this year. The 790 Duke is another small bike, albeit slightly more accommodating to my 6’ 1” frame than the MT-07, that features a new design parallel twin, sophisticated electronics suite w/multiple ride modes, quick shifter, slipper clutch, cornering ABS & traction control, etc One look at the flat, firm, thinly padded seat & ergos that load my wrists, put my head over the dash (mandating looking down to see it) & view of the front tire meeting the road suggest that this bike’s mission is not hours in the saddle! The optional low hung bar mirrors were all but useless & forced removing your focus from the road then having to refocus to use…not safe! The left was already broken...