- KTM 790 Duke spotted with higher-spec components
- Features ‘R’ decals on the fuel tank
- Engine is likely to be a higher displacement 890cc unit
After recently launching the 790 Duke in India, KTM is testing what could be a higher displacement and more powerful version of the Scalpel. Spotted on the roads around Austria, the motorcycle looks closely similar to the existing 790 Duke, albeit with a bunch of major changes.
The most prominent change on the test mule is the presence of ‘R’ decals on the fuel tank along with white-coloured chassis, as opposed to the blacked-out frame on the standard model. Furthermore, it also features higher-spec components including Brembo Stylema brakes, WP Apex Pro suspension at both ends along with billet triple clamps. Furthermore, the Maxxis Supermaxx ST tyres have also made way for Michelin Power Cup rubbers. Although these fitments point towards an R version of the 790 Duke, all of it is available as after-market components for the bike. Also, the ‘R’ badging seems to be borrowed from the 2017 Super Duke R model.
The aforementioned elements might suggest of the test mule being an accessorised version of the standard 790 Duke. However, the engine of the test mule narrates a different story. A close inspection reveals that the exhaust headers integrate sensors which are different from conventional O2 sensors. Through wire channeled under the sear, these units are connected with the test equipment mounted on the rear carrier. While the engine looks identical to the existing 790 Duke’s mill, KTM is perhaps testing different map settings to achieve a better balance between more power and lesser emissions. The test box at the rear is believed to be carrying a data logging set up along with GSM module to transmit the data to the company’s R&D centre. 
In other new, rumours are rife about KTM developing an 890 Duke with higher power figures and lesser emissions, only to meet the ever-tightening emission norms. And, there are high possibilities that this test mule could be the same 890cc derivation of the Duke. With no information about the timeline of its official unveiling, all we could do is sit back and wait for KTM to surprise us.
Source – CycleWorld
