KTM unveils 2018 bikes – 790 Duke is hot, 450 Rally is awesome, 790 Adventure R prototype is mind-melting

It’s not the world’s biggest surprise (but it’s what we’ve all been waiting for) and thankfully the finished version of the KTM 790 Duke for 2018 lives up to the hype.

The new bike gets the new compact LC8c parallel twin, housed in a new frame with the lump used as a stressed member.
The tech is right up there too with the 790 Duke getting cornering ABS with Supermoto mode, lean-angle sensing traction control, quickshifter+, launch control, KTM ride mode technology with customisable track mode and TFT dashboard.
The 799cc two-cylinder, four-stroke DOHC in-line engine has eight valves actuated via DLC-coated finger followers, electronic fuel injection, two balancer shafts and semi dry-sump lubrication with oil cooler.

It kicks out 103bhp @ 9,000rpm and 63lb-ft @ 8,000rpm.
The Duke gets 43mm split open-cartridge upside-down forks by WP Suspension with progressive springs at the front and WP Suspension gas-assisted rear shock with progressive spring and preload adjuster at the back.
Two 300mm front brake discs combine with radial four-piston calipers and a radial front brake master cylinder. The bike features LED lighting all around and comes with Maxxis Supermaxx ST tyres as standard.

KTM’s 790 Adventure R (below) is only being shown as a prototype – but it’s surely got to be part of next year’s line-up from the Austrians.

It’s a lightweight adventure bike designed around the new 799cc LC8c parallel engine. Not much in the way of details about this but given that it uses the same motor as the new Duke reckon on it putting out around 100bhp and weighing about the same as a used Nike trainer. We want. Much.

Also shown at EICMA was the Austrian’s KTM 450 Rally (below).

The new machine features increased peak power from the new engine, extended durability, smoother transmission, new engine management system, a brand new air filter box and a brand new frame developed from scratch, as well as a new swingarm with revised rear suspension, a new, softer seat and a new fuel tank.
The new bike will be available to racing customers as the KTM 450 Rally Replica. So it’s not a road bike. Boo.