KTM Duke 790 10,000 Mile Review 

You wouldn't be disappointed, I love mine. I haven't ridden an 890 yet though, so maybe consider one of those as well. Although, as far as I am aware, although the chassis parts are higher spec - suspension, brakes etc. you don't get the full suite of electronics that you get on the 790, which is one of the things that I love about it.

Excellent, you're going to love the bike! Thanks for subscribing!

You would not be disappointed I can guarantee you that! Pretty powerful bike for a first big bike though, take it steady!👍

No worries, thanks for watching! I've not tried an 890 yet, but I will as soon as I can. I hope I don't like it too much!!!

@@TheBoltHoleBiker You will! It’ll ruin your opinion of the 790. Both are good bikes.

Hello may I ask is the shifting both up and down in first and second gears clunky? I test rode the KTM 890 Duke R yesterday and I found the shifting between first and second gears troublesome. Otherwise the bike was fantastic! SW France

That's brilliant, thanks James, I'll definitely be keeping it up, lots planned!

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Is the pillion seat, comfy?

@@frankmapranny5879 Yes, it is okay. I have been on the back of my brother's bike (which is a Duke 790) and it was fine. Having said that, if you were to ask a seasoned pillion that has spent time on the back of GS's and Goldwings then they might give you a different answer! But, all in all, yes, it is certainly a usable seat, not just a perch.

Thank you

You men 10 000 ktms in 790 miles

Nils R Thanks for that Nils, I have been considering a booster plug, I think I’ll get one if you say they work. Cheers for the head’s up!

The Bolt Hole Biker. I would be surprised if you’re disappointed with it.

Cheers Jerry, I probably will do a video on the mods I have made to the Duke at some point, as there are another few bits being added to it over the next few weeks. In fact I have just posted a video on one of them this morning - Booster Plug installation. Thanks for watching!

Cheers for watching, wasn't sure if anybody was going to make it through to the end! Must be the lockdown, nothing better to do! Ha, ha. The screen is a Givi one, here is a link to it: www.ebay.co.uk/p/12026268859?iid=223673624573&chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=223673624573&targetid=878020102480&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1006669&poi=&campaignid=9446079328&mkgroupid=95287732945&rlsatarget=pla-878020102480&abcId=1139356&merchantid=9598574&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Mzs9rn16AIVAuDtCh2QKwNxEAQYAiABEgJ-cfD_BwE

No problem! Cheers for watching.

Nice one, you’ll love the 790! The alarm is an add on, but we’ll worth it in my opinion.

Hi, yes, it keeps a fair bit of the buffeting off of my chest and if you are really shifting on you can tuck down and be in almost completely clean air.

Matt B hi Matt, reliability has been great with mine, no major problems at all. The 890 is technically a better bike - better suspension, more power etc, but I get the impression that it is a more race focussed bike than the 790, which is a brilliant all rounder. If it was me I’d take the discount and get the 790.

You won't de disappointed, the performance and electronics spec that you get on the Duke are way better than what you could expect for the price of one, they asre awesome bikes. Of my bikes the Duke is still the most fun to ride and the most engaging, I love it. Enjoy!👍

@@TheBoltHoleBiker thanks for the reply, I think my mind is made up now. 👍

Boom! So glad you're loving the 790! I can't wait until Monday when we are free to just ride for the fun of it again. Regarding leg wear I generally swing between fishnets for the winter and a mankini during the warmer months😂😂😂. No, seriously depending on the ride I am going on I mostly either wear textiles, I really love my Oxford Mondial laminated suit, which is good for year round use as there is so much flexibility in it with regard to vents etc. for warmer days and the thermal liner for the winter, or reinforced jeans. My favourites are a pair of Dainese jeans that just look and feel like a normal pair of jeans, but have really good protection and don't have a separate inner liner. Have you noticed any undue heat from the 790?

@@TheBoltHoleBiker 😂😂😂😂 Awesome thanks! As for the heat, I haven’t really had any problems with it so far, but of course it’s only March.. It definitely does get hotter when I’m stopped or riding around at slow speeds but nothing abnormal. I’ll keep you updated as we go into the warmer months! Thanks again brother.

Hi, cheers for watching! The rack is the KTM Top Case Carrier - here is a link: www.ktm.com/en-us/parts---wear/powerparts/products/luggage/top-case-carrier-1001615253.html?model=F9675T5

Cheers! All the genuine Powerparts were from KTM directly - here is a link to their Powerparts catalogue. If there are any specific bits you are looking for then let me know and I'll see if I can find specific links.

Hi, it is a Givi smoked fly screen. Personally I love it, it is surprisingly effective at keeping a lot of wind blast off of my chest and I like the way it looks. Here's a link: www.motocard.com/en/windshields-2/givi-a7708.aspx?country=GB&currency=GBP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuvXuxKGW6wIVzu5RCh171A_ZEAQYEyABEgI0-vD_BwE

Cheers! I’ll be honest, I haven’t ridden loads with an adult pillion, my wife won’t get on whilst our kids are young (10 and 12 at the moment, so I’ve got a while to go yet!). My daughter, the 12 year old, loves being on the back and I rarely know she’s there. I’ve had my brother on a couple of times and from the riders point of view it is fine and he seemed happy enough, so I’d say it is certainly a viable two-up bike, but your other half probably wouldn’t want to tour Europe on it! Fuel-wise it is excellent, I have just been to the garage to check my last two trip info’s, which both have a lot of miles on because I very rarely reset them, and one is showing 65mpg average and the other 64, so seriously good in my opinion, as I do like to ride it hard when the opportunity arises - the Duke has a way of enticing you to do that! You’re going to love it! Ride safe.

Just realised I didn’t mention the rack! It is just the ktm oem one. I quite like the sharp look of it when the box isn’t on. Nice and sturdy and good hand holds for pillion.

The Bolt Hole Biker thank you for your comprehensive replies. Much appreciated. Enjoying your channel 👍

Sounds like it is running a bit lean, possibly because the air is flowing more freely now, but with the same amount of fuel.

Cheers!

Hi, cheers for watching! I certainly wouldn't let the throttle response put you off of a 790, lean fueling is very common on modern bikes and the 790 is no worse than many other bikes in this category and a tiny bit of clutch fettling at low speeds sorts it no problem. If you email me at stephen@theboltholebiker.com I'll fire an image of the bike with the top box on back to you. I have tried attaching it to this comment, but it won't let me.👍

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Just sent it. Thanks.

@@user-sw2lv3zp6o Hi, I haven't received the email and I've just sent myself a test one to make sure that the address is working fine, which it is, so could you send it again please, or direct message me your email address. Cheers.

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Just sent it, Stephen.

I'd be well up for that! I've not had any leaks or issues, but my brother (who also has a 790) had a bit of a leak from one of the radiator pipes when he first got his and then I believe a small oil leak from somewhere, but both were sorted easily and then he has had no problems since.

@@TheBoltHoleBiker our usual route is hartside, lakes, devils bridge, back home. Your welcome to come along. Got some quick lads too. That’s good to hear, heard they’ve had a couple of oil leak teething issues but nothing major. Very very very tempted to do a buy haha. Chuck it on the never, never and be done with it 🤣

Blimey, where did that year go?!!! Biggest thing that I've learnt is that I really love having a YT channel and making videos. Most challenging thing was getting comfortable talking to the camera, felt so weird at first. Most surprising thing is that people have actually subscribed! Most rewarding thing is uploading a video, watching the views go up and getting comments and conversations going from people from all around the world! How are you finding it? It's Stephen by the way, not sure where Rob came from!😂😂😂

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Sorry no one really seems to have a "Christened" Name anymore - Its all The likeable Rider, MissidenFlyer, TeapotOne ect etc, I realised I'm DOT or Department of Transport or a sum approval stamp on Tyres lol.I agree its fun, mine was a nothing channel just something I was playing with till I crashed my bike, everyone loves to watch a tragedy unfold. So I just pumped it out there mostly on FB as the dragstrip has 22k followers - Although the NASCAR races get me more views and mostly where subscribers come from, I do get a kick out of the analytics. I decided to take down all my content with other riders in shot in front of my camera so they don't get offended by comments or fear potential speeding offences. I'm not looking to monetise just build and share experiences together. HOWEVER, I'm really keen to record the worlds QUICKEST Street registered 790 Duke 1/4 mile pass on RU-vid lol

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Last 28 days are: Views 26.5k, Hours 7.9k Subs +137. I don't know how that rates? I really only considered it a channel roughly 8-10 weeks ago when I changed its name from my personal to 'Duke of Twist'

Cheers for that, I haven't heard of those, I'll Google it now!

Cheers! To be honest, apart from on really hot summer days (which are few and far between in the north of England!) I don't really notice any excess heat from the engine. It can get a bit toasty in traffic on really hot days, but once you're moving again it dissipates pretty quickly. Enjoy your new bike when you get it!

Congratulations, you're going to love it!!!!👍👍👍. And thanks for the sub!!!

It can get a bit warm around my leg, but not so much that it is a problem, maybe in traffic on a hot day it is a bit toasty.

Not that I remember, I hardly ever use rain mode, but it softens everything off and drops the power, so I don't remember it being snatchy at all in rain mode.

I've certainly never had a problem like that and I have ridden mine in scorching heat. There is a bit of heat from the engine on hot days, but nothing out of the ordinary and certainly nothing to be concerned about, go for it, you'll love it!

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Sweet thanks brother!

I've also got a 2020 790 Duko, never really been an issue for me. Did get a bit toasty in the summer riding around London (when you're not going quick / stationary), but nothing really different to other bikes I've tried.

Yes, it does hang off the back of the bike a bit. It's a toss up between appearance and functionality. I have to be honest, I take mine off most of the time and just bolt the rack for it back on if it is necessary.

Hi Michael, that doesn't sound good. I haven't had any recalls on mine and no major issues (I had a small coolant leak, but the pipe was replaced under warranty). I do look after it though and it is acf50'd fairly regularly during the cold and wet months. It sounds like the one that you had seen might have been a bit neglected - odd on a new one though, maybe it was stored outside?

@@TheBoltHoleBiker Think all bikes should have stainless fasteners now.

Michael Evans I know, it would be common sense and how much more would it cost the manufacturers? Pennies.

Yes, there are different maps etc.

Yes, that's probably quite a good idea for the longer term reviews, I'll do that👍

Nothing major, I had a battery that died and was replaced under warranty and my front brake disc has started to warp and now my braking pulses a bit, but I am planning on upgrading the brakes myself anyway. I am aware that some people have had issues with oil and water leaks, but I have been lucky in that respect.

@@TheBoltHoleBiker i just bought mine 2 weeks ago, 2020 0range color and got oil leak from the oil pan after 180 kilometers, so sad....The bike is under warranty and is in the dealership repair shop now, hopefully will be fine after i get it back, the bike rides amazing and i love the stock sound of it. Have a safe ride bud.

You wouldn't be disappointed! Sorry for the delayed reply, I haven't been able to access my comments!

Not yet I'm afraid, its on my list to do.

@@TheBoltHoleBiker I’m very impressed with the 890r, hope you get the chance to ride one 👍

@@tonybidgood4687 I definitely will, I've heard very good things about them, so I want a go!🤣. I won't be buying one though, my wife would literally kill me, we're running out of garage space!🤣🤣🤣

@@TheBoltHoleBiker you can always find more room for another bike 🤣🤣

@@tonybidgood4687 That is very true!...

Hi, no, mine isn't and I do tend to ride it hard most of the time, I can't help myself!🤣

Nice,I plan to upgrade to 790 or 890 from 690 oil burner 😅😂. I read some reviews 790 burning oil but lesser than 690. Thanks for the info

@@soyay3517 No worries. I haven't ridden an 890 yet, but from what I have heard they are like the 790 but 20% better, so given that option it might be the way to go! Having said that, deals on 790's are excellent at the moment and I've never felt that I have needed more than the 790's performance! Decisions, decisions...

Oh, man, sorry!😩😩😩

100% - that’s the same inside leg as me.

The Bolt Hole Biker thx mate👍👍

Does it have any problems? Leaks, rattles, ticks anything like that? I’m looking at a Scrambler 1200, Yamaha XSR700, and the 790/890. I like them all for different reasons, I know it’s a random group of bikes but that’s my list. I’ve leaned towards the 790 because it seems like the best performance for the money, I’m in love with Scrambler 1200 xe but it is a significant amount of money for a bike and idk if I can justify paying 14-15 grand for a motorcycle that doesn’t do any 1 thing spectacularly, it is a quality bike and I could do the most with it and I like the way it looks the most of the 3, but 15 grand is a down payment on a home.

Hi Chris, I know what you mean, the 890 does look like an awesome bike - more power, adjustable suspension, Brembo Stylema's etc. - but it is £2000 on the base price of a 790, which is already an awesome bike. I was hoping to have ridden one by now to compare it with the 790, but the release has been delayed. I certainly won't be upgrading my 790 to an 890, but if I had the choice of them when I bought then maybe I would have gone the 890 route. The bikes on your list are a sexy looking bunch! Performance-wise I think you'll get more out of the KTM's, the scramblers are a bit more relaxed I think, although the 1100 Ducati should be pretty quick! The Yam is basically an MT07 dressed up differently isn't it? Might be a bit lightweight in comparison to the others on your list. I've had no problems with my 790 by the way, in answer to your question, my brother has one though and he has had a coolant leak and one of his front shocks had a small leak as well - both easily sorted. Let me know which way you go. All the best.

Yes, I love it.

Hi, as far as I know nothing out of the ordinary required to bleed Thruxton brakes. I'll be honest, I haven't had to do mine yet either, but I'm not anticipating anything out of the usual. You're going to love the 790! Ride safe.

Doh, just replied to the wrong comment! Ignore my last reply. If I remember correctly the dealers did my first service for free. Also as far as I am aware the only change to the bike set up is they move the red line up so that you aren't red-lining at 7000 rpm, I don't remember any of the aids being switched off pre-first service. I think generally they just re-torque everything, flush oiled filters, check chain tension etc. Awesome bike though, you're gong to love it! Ride safe.

I wish I did have 10,000 KTM's!🤣

@@TheBoltHoleBiker cheap insurance right there

Yes, the stock exhaust is really high, it's one of the reasons that I changed mine out for a smaller after market one. I'll have a look at your channel, cheers!

Hi Royce - SW-Motech do a good side guard that I use to attach my soft luggage to. I use zip ties to attach my existing Wolfman bag (rather tan pay for a full side system). It works really well. Check it out sw-motech.com/en/bike/KTM/790Duke/2018/KTM+790+Duke/products/index,s24.htm

Agreed.

You get a lot of bike for the money though.👌