2019 K TM 790 DUKE
FIRST IMPRESSION
P66
quell vibrations transmitted through to the rider.
Keeping with KTM engineers' goals of reducing
weight while ensuring each part served multiple
purposes is a one-piece, cast-aluminum sub-
frame, and it houses the entire intake system.
Equally simple yet impressive in its design is the
die-cast, open-lattice swingarm. Like the rest of
the chassis, it's also been engineered to be as
light as possible while optimizing rigidity in certain
areas, and flex in others.
True to its name, "The Scalpel" has a sharp,
24-degree rake that provides quick, precise steer-
The 790 feels
planted and
composed whether
flicking back and
forth through
tight switchbacks
or railing longer
sweepers.
Styling is
unmistakably
Kiska, with
lines so sharp
you could cut
yourself.
fine tuned for optimal flex and rigidity to provide
riders with better feel while simultaneously reduc-
ing overall weight. Making this possible was the
employment of dual counter-balancers—one in front
of the engine and one in the cylinder head—to help
