KTM had hit pay dirt with 690 Duke since its introduction in 2012. But since the middleweight market had grown to sub-800cc engine capacities, it is time KTM continue that legacy with the 790 Duke.
KTM had pumped in large resources into developing the 2018 KTM 790 Duke. Hence, it took four years and some 18 prototypes to get it right.
But here it is, “The Scalpel” has arrived on our shores and Bikes Republic were able to have a first look. Also, please click on the link below for pricing and other details of the bike.
In creating the bike, the giant Austrian manufacturer looked long and hard at a number of criteria. The new bike has to do well as an everyday commuter, a weekend canyon carver and must embody KTM’s READY TO RACE spirit hence be track-ready. Not an easy task.
As such, it has to combine the lightness and agility of a single-cylinder (i.e. 690 Duke) and the immediate punch of a Twin.
Their solution was groundbreaking in their history. In order to achieve the above brief, KTM created an all-new parallel-Twin which they call the LC8c (liquid-cooled, 8-valve, compact). A parallel-Twin (or all inline engines for that matter) is the best compromise between weight-savings, compactness and power.
Please indulge us: A single-cylinder engine is fast-revving but will be too high-strung and vibey if its performance is pushed to the edge of its envelope. On the other hand, a V-Twin like KTM’s 1290 flagship models are powerful but the Vee-angle of the cylinders needs more space fore-to-aft, heavier and are more complex. The 1301cc 75-degree V-Twins are fine in the big bikes as those bikes are meant to be graced with 160 to 180 bhp. Additionally, since a “wide” V-Twin engine is longer, the swingarm had be to made shorter in order to compensate for the quest to achieve an overall short wheelbase. Remember, a shorter wheelbase promotes agility.
Therefore, the LC8c is one of the most compact engines around. The compactness allows for an overall lighter bike, optimal engine placement in the frame for likewise optimal weight distribution, and the swingarm could be made longer (for better road-holding and stability) while still achieving a shorter wheelbase.
The 799cc, DOHC LC8c puts out 105 bhp at 9000 RPM and 87 Nm at 8000 RPM. While it is not the highest figure among its peers in the sub-800cc segment, the KTM 790 Duke has a lithe dry weight of only 169 kg. That equals a weight-to-power ratio of 1.61 kg/1 bhp.
To quell engine vibrations, KTM engineers gave the LC8c two counterbalancers: One in its customary position front of the crankshaft and the other between the cams.
Speaking of cams, they are assembled instead of one-piece forged units for more weight savings. The lifters’ finger followers are coated with DLC (diamond-like coating) for longevity.
Making our way down, the clutch system uses KTM’s signature PASC (Power and Assist Slipper Clutch). As the name suggests, the clutch plates are forced together harder during acceleration allowing the rider to operate the lever with just one finger, while the slipper function separate the plates under hard deceleration of overly excited (or panicky) downshifting to eliminate rear wheel hop or locking up.
In the chassis department, the all-new chrome-molybdenum tube frame is laser-cut and robot-welded for close tolerances. Unlike the steel ladder frames of other KTMs, the 790 Duke’s frame features a beam on either side on top of the engine, while another two extends downwards to hold the front of the engine. This design is strong, simple and lightweight; in fact, this new frame is the among the lightest of all current production motorcycles of the same class. The steering geometry is kept at an aggressive 24 degrees.
The subframe is a single piece cast aluminium unit. This is where the airbox is located, akin to KTM’s dirtbikes. Positioning the airbox here has two benefits: 1) Intake air is removed from engine heat, and 2) The fuel tank is lower for better centre of gravity. KTM have also designed this subframe to allow for a lower seat height of only 825 mm.
As we mentioned earlier, the swingarm is much longer. However, it is still a die-cast, open-lattice design we have grown accustomed to on other KTMs.
Moving on to the suspension, the forks are 43 mm open-cartridge WP Suspension. The compression and rebound damping duties are performed by separate fork legs, while the springs are progressive. The rear shock absorber is also by WP and is gas-assisted.
The front brakes are two 300 mm discs clamped by 4-piston radially-mounted calipers. These calipers were specifically developed for the 790 Duke.
As for the electronics, the 790 Duke boasts a full complement of rider aids. Along with the Ride-by-Wire throttle, the bike has four ride modes i.e. RAIN, STREET, SPORT and TRACK. In TRACK mode, the rider could adjust his preferred level of throttle response among STREET, SPORT, TRACK; turn anti-wheelie and launch control ON/OFF; and traction control level.
Other rider electronic rider assistance include Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) which complements the slipper clutch to deliver controllable hard deceleration; Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) with Cornering ABS; Supermoto mode which turns off the rear wheel’s ABS to allow drifting; and Quick Shifter+ which works for both upshifts and downshifts with auto-blip function. All these functions are equipped as standard and only the KTM MY RIDE function is optional.
Judging from the list of impressive features, the 800cc middleweight segment is about to heat up. Stay tuned for our full review!
It was only a couple of months ago when we heard rumours going around that the new 2018 KTM 790 Duke aka “The Scalpel” will be made available in the Malaysian market very, very soon. It seems that it’s all true when KTM Malaysia posted this photo you see below on their Facebook page. (more…)
The first round of the KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro 2018 saw encouraging participation and a display of high level of skills from the competitors.
Enticed by the call of competition to prove themselves and KTM Malaysia’s offer of a total of RM 10,000 in prize money, 60 riders showed up for the enduro. While most hailed from the northern states there were also those from other states. The number could have been higher due to competing events during the previous week and next week besides being at the middle of the month, however, it was still encouraging to see such good turnout. Additionally, the event is open to competitors on all makes of motorcycles, although only KTM motorcycles are allowed entry into the KTM Enduro category.
The competitors were divided into five categories:
The event got under way with the CKD Open category. The race was allocated 30 minutes +1 lap. Thirteen riders started the race, with 10 finishers.
Hafizudin (#46) battled Muhammad Qusyairi (#42) throughout the proceedings before the latter made a mistake near the end to see the former through to claim the win. In fact, Muhammad Qusyairi had actually posted the best lap time of 3m:15.516s to Hafizudin’s 3m:25.367s. Abdul Hanif (#34) came home third almost a minute behind.
As the name suggests the Cubcross Open category is open to kapchais that have been modified into dirtbikes. The organizers allocated 30 minutes +2 laps to this class. Out of thirteen riders who took to the started, 10 finished.
There was a close fight among four competitors at the drop of the flag, however, they settled down and finished some ways ahead of each other at the end.
Abdul Hanif (#34) who had finished third in CKD Open took top honours this time, followed by Mohd. Zulhairi (#10) and Muhamad Adam (#3) in second and third respectively.
This class is exclusively for KTM dirtbikes and it was also the toughest as the competitors had to ride for 1 hour +1 lap in under the blazing sun. 11 riders took part, but only 9 went the distance.
A fierce fight developed early on and through the midway point but Ahmad Danial Haikal (#9) showed his mettle by finishing well ahead of his rivals. Lai Wai Seng (#148) rode at a steady pace to claim second place, while Mohamad Kharul Afif (#11) finished third.
Gabit Saleh withdrew at the halfway mark due to a technical problem resulting from a fall.
The Veteran category is opened to riders aged 35 and up. Competitors had to complete the race within 35 minutes + 1 lap.
The class saw close competition amongst the top four all the way to end but Poh Ken (117) managed to pull away at the end with a controlled ride to finish 40 seconds ahead of second-placed Mohd. Sanusi (#119) and 45 seconds in front of Nazri Bahari (#67).
This was the main event, featuring the top riders on the best machinery. A time of 45 minutes + 2 laps were allocated.
Ahmad Daniel Haikal (#99) challenged Gabit (#27) early on but soon faded and the latter went on to claim victory at the wave of the flag. Mohamad Khairul Afif (#11) finished in third, a lap back.
Also present during the event were the Northern Dukers KTM onwers, who got to witness the proceedings first hand and lent their support to the KTM riders.
KTM Malaysia plans to hold Round 2 of the Orange Enduro 2018 at the Sungai Buaya Off-Road Track, so stay tuned. The series is in collaboration with Elf Lubricants Malaysia, EDT Printing, Gracshaw Helmets, and Bikes Republic.
Calling all off-road and motocross fans in the North, this is one is for you! The first round of the KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro 2018 is set to explode this coming 21 April 2018 (Saturday). Interested participants can enter five different categories with the hopes to take home the grand prizes but more importantly, bragging rights of being the best in the national motocross business. (more…)
Rewind the clock back to 2014 and I’m reminded of a very different time and place. After a few years of teaching at one ‘international university’, my beloved yet very old Modenas Karisma decided to give its last breath. After years of service, the old boy just couldn’t take anymore. (more…)
Ever since the official launch of the 2018 KTM 790 Duke last December during the EICMA show in Milan, folks from all over the world have been wondering on how and when this magnificent machine will make its way to their respective countries. It’s the same case here in Malaysia and some dealers have already begun accepting bookings for this very impressive middleweight. (more…)
The KTM 250 Duke has been quite an icon amongst the current young generation (and even the young at heart) who are looking for that next level motorcycle after the normal everyday cubs or ‘kapcai’. With its edgy and aggressive design paired with an engine capacity that does not require riders to obtain the full B licence, the KTM 250 Duke seems to be a very good choice. (more…)
Following the news of Brembo extending their recall to KTM, we’ve confirmation from KTM Malaysia that certain KTM 1290 Super Duke R and KTM 1290 Super Duke GT are included.
Please refer to previous coverage below.
Brembo official statement released on PR16 master cylinder recall
The recall is specifically for motorcycles that are fitted with the front Brembo PR16 master cylinders that are usually mated to the Brembo M50 Monobloc calipers.
The eminent Italian brake manufacturer has announced earlier with regards to discovering possible defects of the pistons in the master cylinders produced between 2015 to 2017, citing, “The anisotropy of the piston material, in addition to potential porosity introduced during the injection process, could lead to crack generation and thus potential component failure.”
The polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) piston may crack after repeated hard use at the racetrack or with frequent ABS intervention, or after a fall.
Brembo will replace the plastic piston with an aluminium one.
2015 – 2016 1290 Super R
2016 1290 Super Duke R SE
2016 1290 Super Duke GT
2017 – 2018 Super Duke R and 1290 Super Duke GT
Please be reminded that models not fitted with the PR16 master cylinder are not included in the recall. Similarly, those who fitted the specified master cylinder through the aftermarket channel aren’t affected.
KTM Malaysia advices owners of the above motorcycles to await correspondence from them, as they are working to identify the affected units. For more information, please call KTM Malaysia.
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