Yes, the test mules of the next have been sighted KTM 790 Duke and 790 Adventure. Thus, the second generation of the KTM 790 Duke and 790 Adventure It will not reach the market as a simply restyling. In fact, it is a strategic project to ensure the continuity of the brand’s mid -range.
With a deeply reviewed engine, a more rational design and a clearer positioning between 650 and 990, these motorcycles promise to recover the essence that made the first 790 a global sales success.
The return of saga 790 not only symbolizes the recovery of KTM After its recent turbulence, but also a firm commitment to keep Muchofen’s innovative spirit alive in a segment where competition (Honda Transalp 750ANDAmaha MT-07/Ténéré 700, Suzuki GSX-8s/of either APRILIA TUAREG 660) is more on than ever.
Production at the headquarters of Muchofen (Austria) resumed at the end of July, which many in the industry interpret as the beginning of the end of the most delicate stage of KTM Since its relaunch in the early 90s, the insolvency phase is surpassed, the strategy now goes through reinforcing the heart of the range and ensuring stable future under the new direction of the company.
The 790 Duke debuted in 2018 and was a real qualitative leap for KTM. A compact parallel bicylinder, level benefits and a more accessible price than the 1290 Super Duke. Shortly after the 790 Adventurewhich adapted that same base to a trail trail with off-road aspirations.
However, the road was not simple. With the arrival of Euro5 regulations, both were provisionally replaced by 890 Duke and Adventuremore powerful and sophisticated models. In parallel, KTM He decided to transfer the manufacture of the 790 series to his industrial partner Cfmoto In China, a play that allowed containing costs and maintaining competitive prices in key markets.
Today, with the 890 range already removed, the 790 family returns renewed with the mission of covering a fundamental hole among the most radical 990 Duke/Adventure and the imminent 650 access range.
Details of the next KTM 790 Duke and 790 Adventure 2026/27
- Key elements such as the crankcase, valve cover and the cooling system have been reviewed.
- The exhaust adopts a larger pressure operator, which will allow the position of the quiet rear and improve both the aesthetics and the distribution of weights.
- The characteristic silent of the Duke will be history, and the Adventure will also receive a more harmonious line with its trail style.
- The displacement is maintained around 800 cc, with an estimated power range between 95 and 105 hp, enough to differentiate from the future 650 and not overcome with the 990.
Although prototypes still assemble provisional pieces, clear clues are appreciated:
KTM 790 DUKE 2026: a more relaxed ergonomics, with the pilot less fit in an aggressive stance. This points to a somewhat more versatile approach, without losing sports DNA.
KTM 790 Adventure 2026: Abandon the lateral deposits “A Lo Dakar” of the current 890 and returns to a classic design with frontal tank. A cleaner solution visually and with greater commercial acceptance, although perhaps less effective in mass centralization.
The KTM 790 Adventure will have to live with the new 990 Adventuremore advanced and equipped, and with the 690 Rallywhich occupies a special place in the LC4 range. Therefore, KTM I could give it a very defined character as a two-cylinder traveling trail with serious off-road capabilities, instead of a simple entrance model.
In the case of the 790 Dukehis role will be very similar to the one he performed in his first generation. That is, a half -displacement Naked, competitive in price and with sports behavior that attracts pilots who do not seek (or cannot pay) the wildest 990.
One thing is clear, an aspect that still generates uncertainty is the commercial war between China and the United States. With Cfmoto manufacturing 790 under contract, any increase in tariffs could force KTM To rethink the location of production. The North American market is still vital, and in fact the 790 had recently been withdrawn from their official catalog there.
Although initially, 2025 was thought as a year of premiere, delays derived from financial restructuring and the global economic crisis have moved the deadlines. Everything indicates that we will not see the 790 in the concessionaires before 2027, with official presentations possibly in 2026.
