EICMA 2017: KTM 790 Duke and Adventure R prototype

KTM used the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan to reveal the finished version of the highly anticipated parallel-twin 790 Duke as well as a prototype teasing a new R-spec Adventure model which the it confirmed will form part of its 2019 line-up.

Powered by an all-new liquid-cooled 799cc engine dubbed the LC8c, it’s the first parallel-twin to come from the Mattighofen factory, and is capable of a claimed 105hp and 86Nm in its Duke guise.

Looking every bit a Duke sibling with its angular bodywork and tubular-steel trellis frame, it gets fully adjustable split-function upside-down WP forks and a preload-only adjustable gas charged rear shock.

There’s a bevy of electronic rider aids as standard ferment, including cornering ABS and lean-angle sensitive traction control which can be deactivated in the so-called supermoto mode. On top of this, there’s a quickshifter, launch control and a full colour TFT dash.

The prototype 790 Adventure R should be revealed in its finished form towards the end of next year before its official 2019 release to, as KTM says, “close the gap between the enduros and the larger bikes of the Adventure series”.