TempestuousD sorry for bothering you pal , I’m 6 ft and 16 stone , I’ve been told this bike while really good may be a bit small for me . Have you any thoughts ? Cheers
@@williamcb78 hi William. I'm 5 ft 10 - 11.5 stone. So not sure. Look at Lambchop rides video on new street triple. He's a tall lad too. You might be surprised.
Me too, except for testing it with modified suspension. I would not have bothered wirh Akro exhaust because when I took a demo the standard exhaust seemed fine, so to me that did not matter. Many thanks
@@lomate1963 Oh yes. Love it, great fun machine. I had to have the following replaced under warranty though.. Front disks (warrped), rear shock(leaking), speedo (cracked). Despite all that I would still buy one again.
It always cracks me up nowadays how a motor size in the 800cc range is considered little ,this seems like the perfect bike,light,powerful, handling etc..😊
I had a test ride on this the other week, immediately got one on order and now the wait begins. Was looking for an upgrade on my z650 and fell in love with this thing as soon as I twisted the throttle.
I agree, what a wonderful bike it is... got a 2023 6 weeks ago, it blows the doors off other very good bikes I've had before - trident 660, striple 765 rs, bmw f900r, none come close to "the scalpel"
Now I'm here again! This bike is still in the back of my head. I have a 690 Duke now. But I'm not sure for how long though. The 690 Duke is great! But...well I just repeat myself!
I was getting my 390's rear brake sorted at the local, recently opened Chiang Rai KTM dealer today. They had a few 200s, a couple of Duke 390s, an RS390, a 390 Adventure, and then, lo and behold, a couple of these. It's made me think. The hassle with having a niche bike is when there isn't a dealer nearby, but now there is. Excellent review.
I took one of these out for a test ride it was an amazing bike. I’m over 6 feet tall and 280lbs and it was incredibly comfortable and nimble. It felt very torquey and powerful for an 800 parallel twin.
Nice review ... I got my 790 a couple of weeks ago, still running it in (first service next week) so I only have 6,500 rpms to play with and even then still find it a deceptively fast machine ... regularly catch meself going 20 to 30mph faster than I think I'm travelling. Looking forward to having all the revs to play with!! It's a shame they upgrade the suspension on the press bike as thats a bloody expensive option - would be better to allow reviewers to ride the bike with the stock suspension as that is pretty damn good for non adjustable (for example, compared the non adjustable suspension on the MT07 the stuff on the Duke is several leagues better). Still, it's a cracking machine for sure ... easy to ride, plenty of power and torque, excellent handling, nice n light and a full suite of decent electronics 😉
Thanks for a great and honest review. The gripes others mention, you have ridden around and demonstrated with the slow speed riding, doing nothing that we didn't do back in the 80's. I'm definitely going to get a test ride as I'm trying to choose between one of the and a used speed triple.
Made my 390 feel very slow when i had a go on the 790... So much usable torque in the mid range its bonkers. the older 690 is also nice, but this is on another level....
I was impressed with how small the bike looks in real life. You can’t really tell that from your well produced video; it would’ve been nice to have you actually standing in the same picture as the bike.
If only I was aloud (Mrs, Mum, Sister & 4 year old nephew)...this would 100% be the bike I would own. Massive thanks for this video mate, another Stella review 👌🏻
First time watching a review of your channel - i love the segments and especially the slow speed testing. Never seen it in another video and it adds a lot of "real life" to the experience you are sharing. Thanks mate!
I love this bike. I swapped my 2018 Bmw r1200r in for a new one about 3 months ago. Done about 3000 miles including a 1000miles on a 5 day north wales trip. Comfortable, great fun, chuckable, great point and squirt and can do motorways as well. Hard to fault really. 😁
@@stuarthall2523 By adding a carrier so I can use a top box sometimes and a USB socket to charge a phone used as a sat nav, I tour on mine every 4 weeks or so. Just last week I rode it in torrential rain and hail and filtered through a 5 mile motorway tailback at the Dartford tunnel. I'm not sure there's anything the Duke won't do well, even off road. Apart from water ingress to the indicator switch, nothing has gone wrong. Brilliant customer service from Dave Barkshire Motorcycles as well.
That would awesome to be able to put that in every review as well but it cany be cheap to hire the bikes never mind take them for a day at the track as well. I need to get my a1 so I can start hiring the odd bike for a day to savour different machines.
Awesome summary and review. I’m considering joining KTM family. I was thinking along lines of KTM 390 adventure for commuting and adventure then get this for hooting and weekend riding 😝😊👏🏻
Great Machine for Nipping Down the Shops! The stats don't begin to illustrate how easy it is to get the bike in and out of the garage, and how simple it is to walk it around, with the excellent turning circle. Just as good as a tiddler but a lot more presence... just slip the clutch when creeping
I absolutely loved this bike when I rode it and would fo sho have one. My only issue is that I really like the 690 SMC too which I test rode recently (yes we filmed it ;) ).....desicions desicions! woe is me :(
I want one so bad but they aren’t represented enough in my country and go for 5000 extra eur, also super expensive parts. So sad, mt09 Is my next best option.
Very nice review. Do have to mention two things. It's kind of a trait of 2 cilinder bikes that they are nervous on the throttle. More of an off/on response instead of smoothness you get with a 4 cilinder. Not really blameable on the bike itself. This effect is more of a problem in the lower gears. And the 2nd thing; I'd always use the clutch in low speed maneuvers. If it does stall, you'd be lying on the ground ;). All but all, I do really love this bike, and the review has been nice to watch. :)
I'm going to disagree. I've ridden so many twins that don't have this issue at all. The 1290 SuperDuke GT I rode about a month after having the 790 was buttery smooth. I think it's much more likely to be fuelling. The 790 runs quite lean as standard. I've also had many other twin cyclinder bikes, both v twin and parralel twins that were smooth. I've also had a horribly snatchy inlilne 4's. I think it's all down to how the bikes are fuelled to meet the emission laws. Some seem to be able to cope with it ok while others don't. I've also ridden plenty of horribly snatchy inline 4's (GSX-S1000 anyone?). Appreciate the comments either way. :)
@@Englishbikerdan You do have a point there. Indeed, fuelling has a lot to do with it. Let me elaborate on my comment. Twins usually have a lot of torque at low RPM's, which has the described effect. But of course with "ride by wire"-bikes, this can all be controlled by the manufacturer. So adding those two up, I guess you are right. Fuel mapping by the manufacturer can cause this effect. I guess I am a bit old fashioned because ride by wire is the new standard and I'm still riding my 2005 kawasaki.... Maybe time for a 790 duke for me ;)
Love mine and use it for everything 2 up touring to track .The negatives are the substandard plastics and the 3rd party supplied gaskets and water hoses along with poor dealer service on my experience .
fantastic place, i used to live in langley slough now feltham and i am riding around there all the time :D and fantastic bike , iam about new 490 when wil come out or this 790 but i am scared of the weight if its not feel to heavy to handle it
Going back and watching ealry 790 Duke videos since it;s been brought back to market for 2023. yoiu mention front forks adjustable for damoening and rebound? I looked up the 2023 version and front forlks are of course, are WP but no adjustability. One not so good change for more money. Soi8nds like the electronics are arlso "dummed down", or did the earlier 790s have software options (track mode) package? I seem to recall something about that. At 14:55, something you might try one time - lock to lock turning radius - can it u-turn in the space of 2 parking places or less? Another key slow maneuvering capability. A RU-vid guy in the States does that in his videos and it's interesting. Zack from Daily Rider, if you're interested in seeing that kind of demo, It's the last thing he does when he gets to work, on his "Daily Ride". He works for a moto mag but I forget which one.
I just picked my new 2020 790 duke up a week ago and it is a real nice bike, i am missing my KTM950sm i px for the 790, i think this 2020 version has the updated software ver 1.2 i think mine is, but there is absolutely no choppiness on the throttle whatsoever !, i ride mine in track mode with everything turned off and the throttle response in sport and i find it mint, this is my 1st bike with all the electronics on hence why iv turned everything off, never needed them before dont need them now but everyone to there own, dont know if the earlier 2019 models can have the software updates done by KTM im assuming they could which should end the jerky throttle.
Very nice and complete review of a great bike. Whats up with that exhaust sound though. For an Akra and a twin it doesnt roar alot...Sounds really muted.
I tried one and it's a super fun bike! Bloody expensive though. But what an engine! Low weight and so nimble. Yes, great bike. Issues with the radiator on some bikes though. Great filming, good music and editing. Well done Dan!
@@Englishbikerdan And how much is the Honda? Strange though...I saw this comparison review from India, between RE Interceptor and Benelli Leoncino. Twice the price in India in RE's favour. A response from an Aussie chap said the Benelli was cheaper than the RE in AU!
The 1290 is an epic piece of equipment! we did a test ride on that and the SMC and it's a seriously good piece of kit....Gesto is chomping at the bit to get one! :D
ANNE Akhil The Duke is way more fun to ride if you’re into the twisties. Scooting up to the tank and taking every corner as tight as possible, the CBR is more of a fast corner and highway machine, still possible to hustle around corner but not as fun.
They are quite different. The Honda is a much smoother, more refined experience with a more thrilling top end whereas the KTM is a low down punchy beast. The KTM also handles the twisties a bit better due to the much lower weight. The Honda is £2,000 cheaper in my country though so that also should be taken into consideration.
Top quality review. Looking to change my BM R12R and this is on my short list. Other bike I’m considering is the Yamaha MT09. Have you ridden the yam for a comparison? Thanks.
I love the dorsoduro, buddy of mine let's me ride his all the time. I had a chance to really push his bike hard and it handles amazingly with ohlins in the front and rear. But this bike is 100 times more fun in terms of power and handling ability. You feel like you're riding a motorcycle for the first time again. If someone offered to give me a dorsoduro or buy this bike, I would spend the money and buy this bike every time. If you haven't riden one be prepared to buy it in the spot because you wont want to have another bike after a test ride on the 790. They're not lying!
+The dorso weighs like 30 KG more than the Kt790 +Ktm technology +Ktm more Hp -in my country they cost like the same money, maybe dorso a little more expensive I would only buy the dorso 900 if you 1,90-2m height Cause Ktm is more for smaller people but would also work
You may have mentioned it in the review but how tall are you? I had a Duke 390 for 3 years and it killed my knees to a point where I had to sleep with cushions behind my legs to stop them aching and keeping me awake. I only used to do 40 miles a day on it commuting as well. I am considering buying a 790 but don't want to have the same issues as I did with my knees on the 390.
I'd love to buy this bike but it's a KTM , i can't trust KTM, I've heard a lot of bad things , and the KTM dealership litteraly down the road are morons. I'll be buying the CB650R just because of the japanese reliability
It's lighter, more powerful and of course, at the time, more expensive. I've since reviewed the KTM 890 Duke which replaces the 790. I'd probably choose the Trident or Honda out of those due to cost. The KTM is a lot more expensive.
I'd test both. The MT09 seemed a bit more bonkers low down but I actually preferred the power delivery of the 790. Plus the 790 has a lot more in terms of electronics and better suspension and brakes, although the 790 I had was upgraded with fully adjustable suspension.
I know you own a cb650 and one being a twin vrs a 4 cylinder so wanted your input about how about the power delivery do you feel them equally or which one has a bigger power "feeling"?
The 790 Duke has a big advantage in overall displacement and torque. An extra 150cc and 23Nm of torque respectively. The feeling is quite something from the power delivery of the Duke. It fires you forwards with quite a lot of aggression and you do need to be mindful of that front wheel coming up. I found at the top end the Duke seems to be a little flighty whereas the Honda seems more stable naturally. Out and out power the Duke 790 wins all day every day. The Honda though, is much more calm proposition but it is an excellent all rounder motorcycle that will do commuting, touring and weekend fun. The price point is a consideration as here in the UK the 790 Duke is £9k and the CB650R is under £7k. I know that isn't the case in all countries though. I enjoyed the 790 Duke but I think for everyday riding, the Honda won it for me (plus the price). Cheers!
Initially, the 790 was aimed to compete with the MT09 and Street Triple and the price reflected this as it was £8,499 here in the UK. The release of the 890 has seen a huge price cut in the 790 Duke bringing it down to £7,499 new. On paper, the 790 Duke is lighter, more powerful, has more torque, and more electronics than the Honda CB650R (that it was never meant to compete with). There is no denying the 790 Duke is an absolute blast to ride, it's just very different from the CB650R. Be aware of potentially high servicing costs and a smaller dealer network. Also, there are many reports of reliability issues from KTM owners. The Honda is much simpler but aimed at a different market sector.
You're right, but sadly in the world of borrowing bikes is the usual length of time we have. Back then, as this was recorded a while ago now, I was really comparing it to a 1 hour test ride which is what I'd been used to prior to it. Perhaps long-term review wasn't quite the right phrase.
@@Englishbikerdan agree, the reason I mentioned that is because this bike seems to have reliability issues after 4-6 months of ownership, I though this video mentioned those issues
Well, for the money I'd take the Honda. It's so much cheaper and for me budget was a big consideration. The KTM is still really good but it's a lot more than the Honda.
Ive got both...the 790 bought on the first of March 2019, the Honda bought in October 2019 prompted by the amount of time the KTM was in the dealers having warranty issues fixed. The KTM is stored in the garage after a few short rides in early March this year. During the last one the 4th mechanical problem I've had since buying the bike occurred. The bike is stored awaiting the dealer collecting it when they decide to reopen their service department. I thank God I've got another Honda! The ride on the 790 is great when it's possible. Truth is overall I wish I'd never bought the 790 3900 miles of great fun to ride spoilt by an ever growing sense of who knows if it will get me home .... OR WORSE... Looked at all the possibilities and after careful consideration I'm hanging fire till this latest warranty problem is sorted. Then I'm getting shut of the 790 whatever the financial hit. I'm not throwing good money after bad come end of warranty no matter how good the ride. I've given the bike every second chance reasonable.... I reckon the cost of the hit alone will be 4 grand.....between purchase plus extras and the price I will get, but frankly I'm not leaving home on what in total cost 10K and has caused me more grief than any other bike. I'm sticking with the Honda cbr650r bought new last October. My honest, balanced and considered advice, taking ALL that's good about the ride and spec of the bike is this. WALK AWAY
Yes, you will fit, I'm same height and have just put a deposit on a '19 model, great discounts to be had at the moment as they make way for the new 2020 colour schemes, I test rode one last summer but had to wait until I'd saved and the prices came down! Roll on March 2nd!
For me at 5'10.5'' it was the riding position on Street Triple 765S which was spoilt by causing neck bent back and seat painful from 30 mins: sliding forward and causing intense ache. I found the KTM 790 position more relaxed and the seat flatter and firmer, which make it much more comfy. Surprisingly, power delivery is similar to the CB300r which has been best ever for comfort, as in most other ways. 790 has replaced that just for a change, and for easier cruise on dual carriage ways, but its smoothness, very light feel, and all round excellence is also similar.
I thought I was set on the mt07 as my first bike..ive been wanting one for the past three years, but now I find myself wanting the cb650r or 790 duke :/ idk what to do 😭 which one should I go with?
