SPY SHOTS: KTM 790 Duke R caught in action

We’ve just been sent a selection of snaps of the new KTM 790 Duke R in action – in near finished form. And if the images are anything to go by, it’s going to be a belter.

Admittedly, the new KTM 790 Duke R doesn’t look dramatically different from the standard model released earlier this year. After all, why would you mess with such a hugely successful (and popular) chassis and powerplant combination?

Instead, it looks like the Duke R is going to get a range of higher spec bits and pieces, including Brembo brakes – in the form of a monoblock front caliper – fully adjustable WP suspension front and rear, and of course, a set of distinctive orange wheels.

The standard 790 Duke comes with a 799cc two-cylinder, four-stroke DOHC in-line engine which kicks out 103bhp at 9,000rpm and 63lb-ft at 8,000rpm. And chances are, the Duke R will get a slight boost in power as a result of new engine mapping and electronic settings.

HERE’S THIS YEAR’S KTM 790 DUKE

Connecting the dots, and looking at previous incarnations of the Duke R, it’s also likely to come with an Akrapovic silencer and a more sophisticated traction control system. The previous Duke R, came with three rider modes, and was equipped with Cornering ABS, traction control and a Motor Slip Regulator, plus a Supermoto riding mode – so it makes sense to assume the 790 Duke R will feature the same.

In the pictures, there’s also no pillion footpegs on the bike. We don’t know why, because there is a pillion seat clearly visible – maybe the factory mechs have forgotten to stick them on the prototype this morning. We expect the big reveal of the new 790 Duke R to come later this year, at EICMA in Milan – with sales kicking off ahead of the riding season next Spring.