KTM 790 Duke or what else?

[Mr Flaky]

Morning Folks

Currently mulling over buying a 790 Duke, but before I press the button was wondering what else I might consider...over to the great pistonheads hive-mind!

Currently riding a 690 Duke that I have had for just over two years, love it but time for something with a bit more power and pose on longer faster rides. Riding wise it is a broad mix, 30 odd mile commute into central London (bit of motorway), weekend blasts, a few longer trips and the very odd sedate track day!

Unfortunately cant justify to the wife more than one bike (well have a BMW R75 but not up for commuting on that!) so it really is a going to be a bike for everything.

I have test rode the 790 and couple of times and really like it, it feels like the 690 but better in everyway I keep thinking about sports bikes and rode a 675 Daytona, great bike and amazing engine but the position and experience was a bit "full on" I think for my only bike...I know I am pansy! But was wondering what else people would recommend for a test ride?

Cheers

[Birky_41]

I would recommend riding a 790 for a bit. I'm not one to typically test ride bikes before I buy but that 690 is a bloody good bike

The very first 790s had a few oil leak issues, mapping not ironed out and electrical gremlins

I have a mate who rides a 1290 who is often out with a guy who owns a 790 and said its a good bike but it feels 'not complete' he also went from a 690

I think they with a map and setup can be really good but I'm just mentioning what my lot I ride with have noticed. One of my lot worked in a ktm dealership in Essex for a while too

[Cylon2007]

You've ridden the Daytona so know how good the engine is, surely the Street Triple has to be on your list, better bike than the Duke 790 (not knocking the Duke) great fun and can do it all.

[Mr Flaky]

thanks, the street triple is a good shout, just struggling to get a test ride on one currently......I do have an issue with the way the front end looks on the Triumph...but that might just be me! Also cost wise it is significantly more than the deal i can get on a 790, but worth considering spending more if it is that much better...

[carinaman]

I was speaking to a chap that Scrambles and has owned KTMs last year who had ridden a 790 but he went for a Triumph as the twin was a bit too vibey, unrefined for the riding he was looking to do. He was also a fan of the 690.

[sprinter1050]

Cylon2007 said:

You've ridden the Daytona so know how good the engine is, surely the Street Triple has to be on your list, better bike than the Duke 790 (not knocking the Duke) great fun and can do it all.

That was going to be my comment but depends on whether you wanted new or s/h as, as you probably know, the current 765 is a fab machine all round,but significantly dearer than 790 Duke. My biker mate has a 765RS & it goes like stink.

Despite that, as I'm getting older, I had considered the KTM as a lighter, more compact bike than my CB1000R.

Unfortunately, reports I read showed a few issues cropping up,mainly electricals and surprisingly (?) some build quality probs. These together with the thin on the ground dealer network mean that if there were problems I could have a 100 mile trip to sort them & warranty/service work.

[Mr Flaky]

Sounds like I really should pull my finger out and go find a further afield Triumph dealer and see what the 765 or even a later 675 street is like in comparision.

Interesting to hear about the 790 reports, will do a bit more digging and research, those who I have spoken to seem pretty pleased but might be the minority. Luckily I have a great KTM dealer less than 10 miles from me...although having to take it back for warrenty stuff regardless of distance is not great!

I had a brief look at Ducati Monsters and MT 07, but the ducati doesnt actually appeal, not special enough for the money I think and the MT 07 just feels a bit dull to me.

[SMar]

I've got a 790 and have had all the problems that have occurred on a number of 790s. oil leaks, water leaks, new dash. All been sorted under warranty, but that hasn't put me off my first KTM. The bike has more smiles per miles than any other bike I've ridden recently. The electronics package is way better than anything else in its market.

Lean sensitive ABS & Traction control
Up and Down Quickshifter
Launch Control
Track mode that allows you to turn off ABS on rear or front
Adjustable Traction control on the fly
Anti-wheelie
Motor slip regulation (MSR)
Rider modes that actually feel different
WP suspension that is not adjustable, but spot on for British roads

It also has one of the smoothest engines I have ever ridden with balance shafts in the head and on the crank

The Street triple is a great bike but can't match the spec of the 790 for the money, its not difficult to pick one up for less than £8000 new.

Edited by SMar on Tuesday 4th June 12:00

[V1nce Fox]

Friend of mine recently bought an MT09 after looking at both. He really rates it.

[Ho Lee Kau]

I am trying to sell my Daytona 675 to buy Street Triple RS.
Street Triple RS outputs closer to 130hp, Triumph underrated the output of that bike.
A friend of mine has 790, she had electrical problems with that bike.

Edited by Ho Lee Kau on Tuesday 4th June 12:19

[Mr Flaky]

Thanks for the replies guys, will certainly go ride a 765 and see what I think of that, interesting been told that 2021 model year is when the Daytona 765 will be coming out...but take that with a pinch of salt i guess and sure it is old news to most on here!

Will also see if I can get a 790 for a longer test ride...maybe try it into London and then out for a proper ride...the roads around me are fairly tight and twisty country lanes, hence why I have loved the 690.

[carinaman]

Are they built in Austria or India?

[Krikkit]

I know you've said you don't fancy a Monster, but an 1100 Evo is available for very reasonable money, and an air cooled big twin has plenty of character.

Fit and general quality is top notch, plus they hold their value well.

[Esceptico]

Mr Flaky said:

Thanks for the replies guys, will certainly go ride a 765 and see what I think of that, interesting been told that 2021 model year is when the Daytona 765 will be coming out...but take that with a pinch of salt i guess and sure it is old news to most on here!

Will also see if I can get a 790 for a longer test ride...maybe try it into London and then out for a proper ride...the roads around me are fairly tight and twisty country lanes, hence why I have loved the 690.

There is a Truimph dealer in Great Dunmow and a KTM dealer in Braintree (and some great roads nearby). Could do a back-to-back test of both?

[SMar]

carinaman said:

Are they built in Austria or India?

Austria, thats why they have lots of issues. Pity they don't build them like the japanese

[jonindorset]

I bought a spec'ed up MT10 for similar money to a new 790 and have to say its the perfect all-rounder. It may be a 4 but the engine has lots of character and it handles like a lightweight. Not the best if you're worried about fuel economy or are mainly going to ride around town (just gets a bit hot if laboured) but otherwise superb and comparatively bulletproof reliability wise.

[Mr Flaky]

jonindorset said:

I bought a spec'ed up MT10 for similar money to a new 790 and have to say its the perfect all-rounder. It may be a 4 but the engine has lots of character and it handles like a lightweight. Not the best if you're worried about fuel economy or are mainly going to ride around town (just gets a bit hot if laboured) but otherwise superb and comparatively bulletproof reliability wise.

well it cant get as hot as the 690 does in traffic! jesus that thing cooks your legs

[Mr Flaky]

well slight thread resurrection and slight curve ball.

So have a test ride booked on a CBR650R at the weekend.....last week I did a Ron Haslem day at Donnington and really enjoyed the day and the bike...got me thinking it might be a good alternative option.....a non-fat/semi skimmed first sports bike.

Have a hankering to do more track days now and think it might be an interesting option, commute on it, pottle around at the weekend and ride it to the odd gentle track day.

selfish photo of me...

will let you know what I think....any input or thoughts well received!

[squirdan]

what about a Triumph Speed Twin or second hand Thruxton R?

only 100bhp ish but v torquey, practical enough, fun and easily capable of track action. Plenty of electronics and quality components, whilst masquerading as a retro hipster machine. I like the inherent stealthiness of that (sort of opposite of a white or orange KTM !)

the 44 teeth video review of the Speed Twin is amusing

I had a 690 and a 950 SM but really love my thruxton R

[Mr Flaky]

The Thruxton is nice, but have an old BMW R75 at home for my retro ride thrills, also pretty sure I would feel guilty riding it into and out of London in all weathers...too pretty for that.