P104
RIDE REVIEW I 2027 KTM 790 DUKE
adjusted on the right, both offer-
ing five-click adjustment ranges.
Progressive fork springs help
maintain compliance over small
bumps while resisting bottoming
during aggressive braking. Out
back, the WP Apex shock features
a five-click rebound adjustment, a
preload adjustment and a pro
-
gressive spring.
Austria's mountain roads
aren't always billiard-table
smooth, featuring everything
from frost-heaved pavement to
patched asphalt. The updated
suspension absorbs sharp im-
pacts better than before while
still delivering good feedback
from both tires.
Push harder through faster
sweepers and the Duke will
egg you on. There's impressive
support during heavy braking,
with good stability through
long-radius corners and enough
compliance to keep both Pirel
-
lis firmly connected over broken
pavement.
The Pirellis deserve mention
as well. Replacing the previ-
ous Maxxis fitment, the Rosso
IVs delivered outstanding grip
throughout the day, particularly
as temperatures climbed during
the afternoon sessions and on a
few time-trial runs on a proving-
ground circuit.
The brakes are another major
talking point: for 2027, KTM
As a weekend canyon
scratcher, the 790
will be a willing
partner, but we're
thinking general
commuting will be its
happy place.
