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New 1290 Super Duke R, 390 Duke and 125 Duke. Plus a sneak preview of the 2018 790 Duke.

KTM’s 2017 Duke models

Written by Ben Purvis , Date 3:06 PM
2017 Duke

The new 2017 Duke range from KTM has been revealed along with a hint of what’s to come in 2018 when the firm will launch its parallel twin 790 Duke.

2017 Duke

1290 Super Duke R

Starting at the top of the range, the crazy 1290 Super Duke R has been made even madder with the addition of more power and new styling.

The 1301cc twin now pumps out 177bhp thanks to Euro4 updates that include titanium inlet valves and reworked cylinder heads. The metalwork changes include a higher compression ratio and reshaped combustion chambers, allied to new, shorter intake runners.

2017 Duke

125 Duke

As on the latest Adventure models, the bike’s new look is dominated by the latest KTM family face. Made up of a vertically-split LED headlight, the new family appearance is unusual and distinctive, even if it’s not pretty. Daytime running lights sit within the orange-tinted section surrounding the new headlights.

2017 Duke

390 Duke

The bike’s electronics are improved, too. There’s cruise control as standard and the option of an up-and-down quick shifter with the track pack, which also includes cornering ABS and bank-sensing traction control. It’s all monitored via a new TFT dash, and there’s keyless ignition, too.

On the more traditional upgrade front, the WP forks are reworked, as is the rear shock, to improve handling.

2017 Duke

2018 790 Duke Prototype

The smaller 125cc and 300cc 2017 Duke models also get the new family face with the split headlight design, along with a raft of other changes. The 390 has a new TFT dash and redesigned frame along with ride-by-wire throttles. It also gets new WP forks and a larger fuel tank. The 125 also gets the bigger tank, new display and updated forks.

2017 Duke

2018 790 Duke Prototype

Finally, KTM has revealed a concept bike that previews 2018’s 790 Duke. Using an all new compact parallel twin engine, dubbed the RC8c, the bike will open up a new market for the Austrian firm. With a capacity of around 800cc, there’s potential for around 100bhp from the new engine which has been designed to be as light and small as possible.

2017 Duke

2018 790 Duke Prototype

The concept bike uses Kiska styling and, while over-the-top, gives a reasonable indicatio n of what the final machine will look like.

It’s packed with electronic technology, although as a concept bike it’s hard to judge which elements will trickle though to the production version in a year’s time. Expect all the usual tech in terms of traction control, ABS and quick-shifters, though.

 

 

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