- Likely to be launched in March
- Bookings are being accepted by a few dealers for an amount of Rs 10,000
- Expected to be priced at Rs 8.5 lakhs, ex-showroom
Ever since KTM confirmed the 790 Duke for India, prospective buyers and enthusiasts have been impatiently waiting for the motorcycle to hit the showroom. Upon contacting a couple of KTM dealerships, we learned that the company is expected to officially launch the motorcycle in March. As far is the pricing is concerned, the 790 Duke is likely to bear a sticker price of Rs 8.5 lakhs ex-showroom once launched. Notably, few dealers have also started accepting bookings for the 790 Duke for a token amount of Rs 10,000 which will be refundable.
We also got in touch with our sources close to the company, who told is that the motorcycle kits (brought to India via CKD route) have already reached KTM’s manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune. Moreover, even the spare parts have arrived at the manufacturing facility. Dealer training sessions are expected to be conducted towards the end of February, further cementing the bike’s official launch in March.
The 790 Duke is powered by KTM’s newly-developed LC8 799cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled motor that churns out 105bhp of max power and 86Nm of peak torque. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox assisted by a slipper clutch. On the features-front, the 790 Duke comes with TFT instrument console, bi-directional quickshifter, lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, launch and wheelie control and different riding modes including the ‘Supermoto’ mode provided on the 390 Duke.
Once launched, KTM’s middleweight naked offering will compete against the likes of Kawasaki Z900, Yamaha MT-09, Ducati Monster 821, MV Agusta Brutale 800 and Triumph Street Triple models in its segment.
