Triumph 765 Street Triple RS - A classic in the making!

By Réhann Coetzee

There were a number of surprises at the launch of the KTM 790 Duke in May this year and they were all related to KTM’s move from their traditional and almost iconic 75-degree V-configuration to a parallel twin engine.

KTM 790 Duke

V-twins are iconic. They growl and burble and give off quite the don’t-mess-with-me vibe. But the configuration might be getting dated for motorcycles. Although narrow, the engines take up quite a bit of space in the frame. The concept of what is in effect two engines sharing a crankshaft – like BMW’s boxer -  doesn’t make much sense on paper, because at some stage too much power might make it pull itself apart.

The trend to inline-configurations is boring, as far as I’m concerned, but an inline-four is the most efficient way to make lots of power and high speed. Thankfully, the parallel twin is getting better and better.

Bigger cylinders give stump-pulling torque and power delivery with a 270-degree crank – or 75-degree in the case of the 790 Duke – is similar to that of a V-twin, but typically better and more tractable.

The 790 Duke was a shoo-in as a finalist for the 2018 Pirelli SA Bike of The Year. The engine is not only a departure for KTM in configuration, it is also shorter and more compact and we were all wondering how that would work in the eagerly awaited Adventure version.

Riding the new Duke at the BoTY judging at Gerotek was a good re-acquaintance. The bike’s handling is as crisp as I remember it – KTM does call it the scalpel after all. The sound from the standard exhaust is addictive and the power delivery is smooth right through the rev range. It is a fun bike to ride and it rewards the rider, making you feel more competent than you probably are.

The quick-shifter is the best in its class and one of the best in any bike on the market. The only slight disappointment was in the brakes that felt like they were fading a little. Although, this might have been due to brake fluid at too low a level, or just the (unintended) comparison to bikes such as the Ducati Panigale V4, basically a racing bike with a number plate.

The 790 Duke is a bit of a hooligan bike, as most Dukes are. But it also supremely rideable in every-day use. Although you can ride it like you stole it, or on the track, it has a proper torque spread that makes it a very practical commuter.

The challenge, of course, would be in riding it sensibly. A challenge that would be beyond me.

Technically speaking: KTM 790 Duke

Engine: 799cc, inline-2-cylinder engine, single-overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder

Power: 77kW @ 9 000rpm / 86Nm @ 8 000rpm

Gears: 6 speed, chain

Fuel tank: 14 litres

Seat height: 825mm

Tyres: 120/70/17 front, 180/55/17 rear

Brakes: 300mm double disks (front); 240mm single disk (rear)

Wet weight: 174kg

Price: R147 999