790 Dukes' suspension and brakes

29480 Views 78 Replies 25 Participants Last post by barbagris, Nov 10, 2019

SirDuke

Discussion Starter · May 16, 2018

The suspension system on the Duke will be handled by WP, with a 43mm fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The fork is nonadjustable but the rear is adjustable for a spring preload. The Duke will also feature high level traction control, plus independent anti wheelie and cornering ABS as standard.

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DaisyDuke

· #2 · May 27, 2018

Some people won't be a fan of the anti wheelie system!

This isn't really a concern for me since I don't do those stunts, but why the lack of adjustable front fork?

zank

· #3 · Jun 7, 2018

Speaking with dealer here in Australia, he indicated they plan is not to bring out a higher spec model. Instead, a base model only, and riders buy upgradeable components as they desire. With KTM owning WP, a suspension upgrade option will be available in the future.

Reactions: 1

KTMfan

· #4 · Jun 11, 2018

An RC 790 would be a great addition. I have a feeling it will happen but likely KTM is waiting for the right time. Lucky for them and KTM enthusiasts the next step up is getting a 1090 till an RC is ready.

Reactions: 1

84

· #5 · Jun 18, 2018 (Edited)

zank said:
Speaking with dealer here in Australia, he indicated they plan is not to bring out a higher spec model. Instead, a base model only, and riders buy upgradeable components as they desire. With KTM owning WP, a suspension upgrade option will be available in the future.

My Australian dealer was of the same opinion and when I pick up my 790 and asked about a possible R version, he said there is no plan to release an R model, however the KTM Chief Sales Officer Hubert Trunkenpolz seems to suggest there will be.

"Speaking to MCN at EICMA last year Hubert Trunkenpolz, KTM’s Chief Sales Officer, said that there will be two versions of the 790 Duke: a standard model and an R. Trunkenpolz said that the R would be 115bhp, while the standard Duke would be 97bhp to remain A2 licence-friendly. It’s possible that the R will have a single seat and slightly tastier exhaust more akin to the prototype."

However, this was back in Feb 2017 and referred to a conversation in 2016, so things may have changed. Full review below:

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2017/february/ktm-790-scalpel/

I also read that the 790 Duke's will be manufactured out of China from 2020 after a KTM and CFMoto Partnership.

Details below from March 2018:

KTM and CFMoto partnership - how it will work - Australian Motorcycle News

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anotheronetoday

· #6 · Aug 12, 2018

Hi
My dealer in the uk was led to believe a 790R would come to market end of next year 2019

anotheronetoday

· #7 · Aug 12, 2018

I can say that the standard suspension is the best standard setup I have ever ridden with.
as long as you like the sporty side of riding
Front brake could be better however

cster

· #8 · Feb 12, 2019

Yeah - front brakes are shite. Anyone know of a non KTM upgrade?

Geoff

· #9 · Feb 12, 2019

cster said:
Yeah - front brakes are shite. Anyone know of a non KTM upgrade?

The last 3 bikes I owned all benefited from EBC HH pads - made quite a difference.

Bugz

· #10 · Feb 12, 2019

I fitted EBC EPFA244HH front brake pads and it made significant difference.

DaveNZ

· #11 · Mar 27, 2019

I was looking at the rear *********** spring, and it looks like it might be a semi progressive spring, with tighter coils at the bottom. This may explain why the rear shock feels plush in the first part of the stroke but firms up part way through. just an observation.

Mullasci

· #12 · Mar 30, 2019 (Edited)

Andreani seems to have upgrade cartridges available for the standard forks.
Both their own and Ohlins.
https://www.omniaracing.net/en/andr...ridge-for-for-ktm-duke-790-2018-p-126739.html
https://www.andreanigroup.com/shop/moto/FKS+513/?CARTUCCIA+KT+790+DUKE+MODELLO+NIX+30+STREET

Reactions: 1

monkeynuts

· #13 · Jul 7, 2019

2

Done a little alteration to the brakes !
Brembo callipers from a BMW S1000xr, sbs sinterd pads also fitted, one finger braking now.

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Reactions: 5

J D

· #14 · Jul 8, 2019

monkeynuts said:
Done a little alteration to the brakes !
Brembo callipers from a BMW S1000xr, sbs sinterd pads also fitted, one finger braking now.

Good one!
Direct fit, the BMW calipers? Any modification needed?

Bugz

· #15 · Jul 8, 2019

Monkeynuts, did you also change the front brake master cylinder as well ?
I also want to get back to proper powerful Brembo braking, the standard brakes spoil the bike for me.

Pgm

· #16 · Jul 8, 2019

Bugz said:
Monkeynuts, did you also change the front brake master cylinder as well ?
I also want to get back to proper powerful Brembo braking, the standard brakes spoil the bike for me.

Do the master cylinder and pads it’s more than enough unless it’s for bling purposes.

J D

· #17 · Jul 8, 2019 (Edited)

Bugz said:
I also want to get back to proper powerful Brembo braking, the standard brakes spoil the bike for me.

Which pads are you running? Many who upgraded the pads seem to have little complaints? Although personal preference is just that. :smile:

Pgm said:
Do the master cylinder and pads it’s more than enough unless it’s for bling purposes.

I can't see the harm in changing out our Jose Cuervo calipers with real Brem's.. :smile_big:

monkeynuts

· #18 · Jul 10, 2019

The brake pipe just need a little bit of persuasion (bending a little straighter, only a few millimetres ), I have kept the standard master cylinder, all works great. The only limiting factor is that the ABS comes in very easy when is anchor on, mainly down the cold tyres !
Got the callipers for £120, 2017 bike.

Ian Simpson

· #19 · Jul 11, 2019

Just bought some, been used for 500 miles. Not fitted yet though.

Reactions: 1

Bugz

· #20 · Jul 12, 2019 (Edited)

I fitted EBC EPFA front brake pads first day getting the bike, they did greatly improve the feel and initial braking bite. However now put on about 5K miles and the braking has lost its feel again and the lever has to pulled very near the grip for power, so much so I have had to change my grip position to get the braking I want. Never had this problem with previous KTM’s fitted with Brembo’s.
I am keen to change the callipers and maybe master cylinder to get the braking the bike needs.
What brake pipe needed a bit of bending exactly Monkeynuts ?

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