KTM has just launched one of the most anticipated motorcycles of the year – the 790 Duke. Priced at Rs 8.64 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India), the Duke finds itself in a segment that includes some other very capable naked motorcycles. The 790 Duke will be the manufacturer’s flagship motorcycle in the country, and a big jump – in terms of performance and price – when compared to KTM’s existing India line-up. We’ve pit it against some other high-performance sport-nakeds in our market, like the Triumph Street Triple S, Suzuki GSX-S750, Kawasaki Z900 and Ducati Monster 821, to see how they stack up on paper.
Powertrain
Powered by a 799cc, parallel-twin motor that makes 105hp and 87Nm, the 790 Duke is a manic machine, especially considering its low 169kg dry weight, which makes it one of the lightest motorcycles in this comparison. The KTM is just 3kg heavier than the Triumph Street Triple S. While the Street Triple S makes more 10hp more and has highest revving engine, torque is down 10Nm in comparison to the Duke. The manufacturers of the aforementioned two motorcycles haven’t revealed the kerb weights so we can’t compare those figures or the power-to-weight ratios to the other two motorcycles – the Kawasaki Z900 and the Ducati Monster 821. However, it’s safe to say that even with all the fluids and fuel, the Street Triple S and the 790 Duke should be a good 20kg lighter.
Where the Ducati and the Kawasaki do have an advantage is in terms of engine capacity. The Z900 has a near-litre-size engine that also makes the most power and torque here. The output figures on the Monster, meanwhile, are more in line with the rest of the competition. While the Kawasaki Z900 is the winner in terms of higher numbers on paper, things can be very different out in the real world.
Features and electronics
This is where the bikes are as different as apples and oranges – the Kawasaki Z900, for instance, features no electronic rider aids apart from ABS. The Suzuki GSX-S750, meanwhile, gets ABS and a three-level traction control system. On the other hand, the 790 Duke comes with one of the most comprehensive electronic packages in the segment, featuring some tech that you won’t find even on more expensive, track-focused machines. The 790 Duke offers four riding modes, traction control, wheelie control, Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), cornering ABS and a bi-directional quickshifter. The four ride modes are Sport, Street, Rain and Track. Track mode activates the launch control system, which provides the option of disengaging wheelie control while amping throttle response. Track mode also lets you choose from nine different levels of spin adjustment in the traction control system and gives you the option to turn the rear ABS off.
The Street Triple also features a decent electronics package, but one that isn’t as comprehensive as the 790 Duke’s. It includes two modes – Road and Rain –which alter the traction control system. There’s also a better equipped Street Triple RS available that features added electronics and better hardware, but at Rs 11.13 lakh (an increase of Rs 1.94 lakh), it’s also significantly more expensive.
Chassis
The 790 Duke differs from most KTMs – the flagship uses a tubular steel frame instead of a trellis frame, with the engine acting as a stressed member. The Z900 and the Monster, meanwhile, use a trellis frame. The suspension on the KTM is sourced from WP – the wide 43mm USD fork at the front is as wide as the one on the Ducati. The Triple’s USD fork and monoshock are courtesy of Showa. Meanwhile, the suspension on the Suzuki is from KYB and offers pre-load adjustability at either end. Take a look at our table to see the different suspension travels these motorcycles offer.
Summing it up
The 790 Duke, at Rs 8.64 lakh, is priced slightly higher than what we expected. Nevertheless, it’s still a very well-equipped and capable package for the price. The Street Triple S is priced at Rs 9.19 lakh and is the 790’s closest rival. The GSX-S750 and Z900 are more affordable at Rs 7.52 lakh and Rs 7.70 lakh, respectively. However, they don’t feature as much technology as the KTM. The Ducati is the most expensive motorcycle here at Rs 10.99 lakh, but comes from the house of a desirable Italian manufacture. Until we do get to ride the new KTM 790 Duke, it looks like it has its hands full with its competition. Stay tuned!
*ex-showroom, Delhi
Ved Janve
Dinshaw Magol
