See the KTM 790 Duke in action

Who’d have thought that an 800cc parallel twin would be one of the star bikes of this year’s show season? Well there’s no doubt that KTM’s 790 Duke prototype has caught the imagination of many riders and the firm will be hoping it propels KTM into the big time when the production version is launched.

As KTM rightly points out, with the 1301cc 1290 Duke already in its line-up, there’s not much point in trying to go bigger or more powerful. So instead the 790 Duke focusses on light weight and handling. And when the production version shows up in around a year’s time it looks like it might be able to hit a Goldilocks zone in terms of power, weight and price. Not too much. Not too little. Just right.

The newly-released video of the prototype 790 Duke certainly makes it look like a lot of fun. It’s powered by the all-new LC8c engine, KTM’s first parallel twin and one that promises to contain some intriguing technology. Eventually the LC8c will drive a whole range of models; Dukes, Adventures and perhaps even a faired ‘RC’ machine.

It should be able to make around 100hp, although we’ll have to wait until the final version is launched before we discover the engine’s exact specifications. Combined with a much more compact shape than a V-twin and KTM’s legendarily lightweight chassis construction, the results promise to be impressive.

The Duke prototype clearly has more extreme styling than we’re likely to see on the final version, although the KISKA-penned shapes won’t be changed so much as to make the showroom model unrecognisable. Of course there will be road-going niceties like mirrors, indicators, lights and licence plates to be added to the mix.

It’s also sure to have the latest in ride-by-wire tech, traction control, stability control, cornering ABS and all the other gizmos that are fast becoming expected equipment even on mid-range models. A quickshifter is promised, too, along with ‘integrated connectivity’ and decent WP suspension.