A quick intro: I'm Merijn, 39 years of age and owning a 2018 790 Duke.
My previous bike was also a KTM and, as much as I loved the bike's looks and raw power, I couldn't be happier to have traded it at the beginning of this year. I've ridden my KTM Super Duke R 990 for 4,5 years and it has never been a happy marriage. Every time I caught a glimpse of the bike it brought a smile to my face, but riding it was a completely different story. It's got a big on-off switch on the right of the handle bars, if it's not pushed around it gets grumpy... Which can be nice, but not all the time. But man, was she gorgeous!
Now I own a 2018 790 Duke in black. Which is actually quite a surpise, cause a KTM was not on my wish list after the SDR. But last summer the SDR let me down, just days before I was going to its home country for a week with some friends. The waterpump started leaking and I couldn't get t fixed in time. So I decided to chase my friends by car and try to rent something there. And then I stumbled upon a dealership which had a brand new 790 Duke available for rent, so I decided to give it a try. And from that moment there was no turning back!
Nothing much has been altered, just a tail tidy, a pillion cover and the ergo seat (not shown in this pic). I've just bought protection pads for the tank, because the plastic scratches annoyingly fast. And I've decided on new rim stickers, with some more orange details, cause I think the black and gray are a bit dull. It needs some minor details.
I took it for a vacation to the south of France 2 weeks ago and I just love this bike so much! It's a joy to throw it around the corners, as it feels so light. With a new set of Bridgestone S22's it's even better than it already was with the Maxxis tires. I simply love this machine! And, sursprisingly, in the twisties I can easily keep up with the big boys and I think I can even be faster, without pushing it too far / dangerously. It's just a real joy to ride!
I'm not planning to make major changes to the bike. As mentioned some new rim stickers, maybe some orange details, raise the seat a bit (I think it's a bit lower than standard now), but that's about it.
I have my 790 Duke since last year, but only recently discovered this forum. Hope to get some inspiration here and make riding this bike even more fun. 🕺🏼
Some pics to finish my introduction:
just got a 2020 790 Duke! traded my Husqvarna FE501 for it, just rode it briefly to see how it felt. Felt great, ready to put miles on it and get it broke in....
Hi all,
So i just purchased myself a 2019 790 for a bargain me thinks. I have a few mods already planned, but waiting first for the bike to arrive and then the fun can begin.
Thanks for all the useful information already posted and hopefully i will be able to add something back.
Cheers
J
Morning all,
660 SMC cheers it’s gear box at weekend so perfect opportunity (excuse) to purchase the much talked about 790...
Picking up next week but already spent money on the usual exhaust system, tail tidy etc etc.
Interesting views on running in and tbf having screamed the 660 around...
We are slowly getting out of Covid19 confinement and time has come to buy a new bike . I was a fairly well active member on the 390 forum up till a couple of years when I decided to go back riding enduro ( Not KTM but with the sister company Husqvarna ) Age and a couple times over estimating my...
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