EICMA 2016: KTM 790 Duke Prototype Debuts

Along with giving updates to the Duke range at the EICMA 2016, KTM has also teased a prototype of the KTM 790 Duke. The 790 Duke Prototype features a new 800cc parallel-twin engine mounted on a steel frame.

The Austrian firm is calling the new engine the LC8c (c for compact), and according to buzz from the EICMA 2016, the same 800cc parallel-twin will also find its way to an adventure bike, in all likelihood under KTM's sister brand Husqvarna. KTM says the 790 Duke will bring "unparalleled poise, telepathic levels of feedback and lightness that's off the scale".

(KTM 790 Duke Prototype)

While most of the components of the 790 Duke Prototype, including the WP suspension is said to be 'prototype', expect sophisticated technology and features on the production bike, in the form of ride-by-wire throttle, multiple rider modes, multi-level traction control, an IMU, and phone connectivity. There's talk of a quickshifter being added too.

(KTM 790 Duke Prototype unveiled at EICMA 2016)

The production bike though, is still some time away, so expect the bike to be launched sometime later in 2017, with the bike going on sale only by 2018.