Point a KTM 790 Duke toward twisty roads, and you?ll want to keep riding till dark. (Photos by James Martinec.)

What a rider wants from a new motorcycle isn?t always what?s needed. I want a Mustang, but I drive an Accord. I want a KTM 990 Duke, but I?d happily settle for a KTM 790 Duke, which provides about 90% of what makes a 990 Duke great but at a 24% discount.  

Stickering at $9,499, the 790 Duke offers European design and high-tech features for a price only $500 higher than the Suzuki GSX-S8S and $1,200 less than the Aprilia Tuono 660.  

KTM first introduced the 790 Duke in 2017, and the 2024 version proves it?s no fly-by-night operation.

Introduced in 2017 with the LC8c parallel-Twin engine, the 790 Duke was replaced in KTM?s lineup by the 2021 890 Duke before being reintroduced in 2023. The 790 Duke retailed for $10,699 in 2020, but the lower costs of production by CFMoto in China have reduced its MSRP.   
The Duke?s riding position is accommodating for most riders, with a tallish seat (32.5 in.) allowing decent leg space to the marginally rear-set footpegs. Short riders might prefer KTM?s accessory seat, which lowers the height to 31.7 in. The saddle has ample fore/aft space to accommodate taller riders.  

The 790 Duke?s 4-inch TFT instrumentation is relatively small but clearly relays info in a simple and easy-to-navigate arrangement. Here you can see ABS has been set to Supermoto mode, which switches off rea...