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Agility with motorcycles is quite something, but when it's combined with the single 799cc LC8c parallel, which offers the grunt of a twin, could this mid-weight naked pack a punch?
Looking at 2019 KTM 790 Duke I know we'll be in for a bit of a treat even before I get anywhere close as I recently reviewed the 799cc LC8c (Liquid-Cooled 8-valve compact) parallel twin found on the 790 Adventure S.
Aesthetically, the naked dynamic style is perfect and likely to still look modern in a decade.
Starting the bike, the immediate sensory response is to its exhaust note. That is just fulfilling and hits the sweet spot. Have I just completely underestimated the stock can? Indeed a sound I would not have expected to hear from a sub-800cc parallel.
As I ride through the town, it's happy at low-end speeds even though riding over poorly maintained roads, the non-adjustable front shock takes it all in its stride.
Trying the bi-directional quick-shifter, and, at relatively low speeds, it's just instant and smooth - one eyebrow raises followed with a cheeky grin. It's such a comfortable bike to ride around town. My anticipation to get it out on the open road is now more impatient.
Opening up the throttle, and combining the very slick quick-shifter, I swiftly find myself at the national speed limit. The quick-shifter is merely amazing - spot on, in fact. WOW! Even coming down through the 6-speed gearbox is just as perfect as going up with the added exhaust bumbling and popping behind. Is it me or does that exhaust note get better?
Turning onto the A-roads, while being able to position with razor-like predictability, it wants to be let on the leash. I can see why it has been dubbed 'the scalpel'.
As we twist and turn through the bends, the bike feels so precise and planted, and more so as it accelerates boldly out of corners - it starts to inspire confidence.
Everything I have experienced is just fantastic for the roads. I remind myself that this well-balanced and this very stable bike only has a 799cc parallel twin. Amazing. Top marks KTM.
It's practical, playful and dynamically flickable as you put the bike through its paces. I can probably say this is the best of any middle-weight naked bikes.
I am not a naked kind of guy, but this bike has me converted but would I buy one? If I had nine bags of sand and space in my garage - absolutely, however, in daily life mode, the answer is a very reluctant no because I'm fortunate enough to be still having very similar fun on my 2010 KTM 990 SMT which is also a 17"-wheeled beast and I can even go touring on it too.
If you haven't tried a KTM, now's the time to do so. You could be having so much fun that you could also hear that mischievous voice too.
With thanks a gratitude to the team at On The Wheel Superstore, Southwick, Sussex: www.onthewheel...
KTM PRESS PHOTO CREDITS: Sebas Romero, Marco Campelli and Simon Cudby.
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5 окт 2024
