KTM 790 Duke Spy Shots: What’s New In Design?
It now looks similar to the 1390 Super Duke R
Quick News Highlights:
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The styling has been updated
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The engine could have some changes
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It could be unveiled at EICMA 2026
The updated 790 Duke has been spotted testing overseas. Its design is now similar to the KTM 1390 Super Duke R and 990 Duke – with the headlight being quite similar. While the fuel tank has been reshaped, the tank shrouds and side panels are completely new. All of this gives the bike a more muscular appearance. The exhaust has also been redesigned, now with a larger muffler.
Same Engine, Familiar Performance
The KTM 790 Duke will likely use an updated version of the current 799cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin cylinder engine. Depending on the market, it currently makes between 95PS to 105PS and 87Nm. It will be paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a bidirectional quickshifter, slip-and-assist clutch. That said, we can expect slight changes to engine performance.
Underpinning Updates
From the spy shots, it looks to have the same steel trellis frame, swingarm, and alloy wheels as the existing bike. However, the rear subframe is revised. Another noticeable hardware change is the WP-branded brake calipers. WP is KTM’s in-house suspension brand, now also making brakes. WP calipers were recently seen for the first time on the latest international-spec 390 Duke.
The suspension setup is expected to receive minor revisions. Ergonomics are likely to remain similar, like the seat height of 825mm – with an option for a lower seat. The bike should continue to have a ground clearance of 185mm and fuel tank capacity of 14 litres.
Features Likely To Continue
The updated KTM Duke 790 is expected to retain its feature set: a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, phone alerts, music controls, and a USB-C charging port. It will also have switchable ABS and traction control, lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, engine brake control, and multiple ride modes: Street, Sport, Rain, Performance, and Track.
India Launch Details
In India, the 790 Duke was previously sold in limited numbers. KTM currently offers the KTM 890 Duke R at Rs 14.5 lakh (ex-showroom). If the 790 is reintroduced, it could be positioned below the 890, maybe at around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). The near-production-ready test bike suggests that it could be unveiled at EICMA 2026. It's expected to launch in India a few months after the global launch.
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