Long termer: 2 months on a KTM 790 Duke

After getting to know KTM’s 790 Duke last month, in month two of his long term review, Ross discovers the Chinese-built naked’s weakness… motorways.

This month:

Rider: Ross Mowbray, 6ft 1in
Cost new: £7999
Spec: 95bhp/87Nm
Engine: 799cc, LC8c parallel twin
Kerb weight: 174kg
Tank: 14 litres
Seat: 825mm (32.4in)
Miles this month: 575
Miles on clock: 1400
Average mpg: 42.4mpg (18.2km/l)
Current tyres: Maxxis Supermaxx ST

Article continues below…
Advert

---

Enjoy everything More Bikes by reading the monthly newspaper, Read FREE Online.

---

I seem to have done mostly motorway miles this month. Generally, I’d do my utmost to avoid them if I’m out on the bike, but speed, efficiency and a busy calendar scuppered any plans to get off the beaten track and take the longer way round of late.

The unfortunate thing is that the motorway is probably the only place where the KTM doesn’t shine. Admittedly, it’s not quite as impractical as an out-and-out sportbike, on which you’d be hunched over putting a load of pressure on your wrists. There’s plenty of room to stretch out… it might look compact from a distance, but as soon as you settle in the seat you’d be surprised by how comfortable the riding position is. And it is plenty quick enough, too, with more than enough power and presence to hold its own on the fastest stretches of road.

One particular ride to and from Silverstone along mostly A roads, dual carriageways and motorways perfectly highlighted the KTM’s big weaknesses. The journey down was alright. I was fresh, running late and focused on making my appointment so I didn’t have the time to consider how comfortable I was. The return leg was much less pleasant. After a full day of riding other bikes, I was about knackered; a few hours on the motorway was the last thing I needed.

The big problem is the wind protection. Now, it should come as no great surprise that you get battered by the elements when belting along at speed… it’s a naked bike with no screen. And I can kind of live with that – or I would be able to if it wasn’t such a battle to keep your head in any kind of sensible position without seriously straining your neck. I tried shuffling round, bobbing up and down and leaning further forward and further back… but nothing really worked. I continued to get blasted by the wind. A small screen might help to mitigate some of it, but I suspect the real lesson is that it’s best to keep the KTM off the motorway.

That’s no great hardship. Particularly when it’s so bloody good on tighter, twistier stretches of road. It turns quickly and with great precision, and the motor is at its best when being worked hard up and down the six-speed gearbox. If I’ve ever got to take it on the motorway again, I’ll make sure I top and tail that section with a top bit of Tarmac to remind me just how much fun the 790 Duke can be.

Stayed tuned for next month, when Ross reports back on life with KTM’s 790 Duke after 3 months.