2023 KTM 790 Duke | First Ride Review
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- čas přidán 2. 08. 2023
- 2023 KTM 790 Duke | First Ride Review
For 2023 the KTM 790 Duke is back! Now manufactured by CFMoto, is this new iteration of 'The Scalpel' any good?
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What do you think of the CF Moto built 790? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for watching.
This is the bike I need/want, it`s just right for me re-researching. Hope we get it in NZ, I love kTm😁.
it's nice but i really think you should try the cfmoto 450sr, its surprised every youtuber that's riden it and i'd love to see your take as no-one from the uk has done a review despite how well its doing overseas
For the money , it’s a really tempting option . Techs good , power (for street use ) is dead on , for someone balling on a budget or so to speak …. It’s hard to knock .
I have a 23 model 790duke absolutely great machine almost done 2500 miles on it no problems at all...
Worst thing about my 790 is that it's damn near impossible to go out and have a sedate, calm, pootle about .... at some point the bike always taunts me into wringing it's neck and terrorising other traffic ... every single time 😂🤣 ..... proper fun bikes to ride 😉
Haha yes!
I swear the bike doesn't even feel right unless you're beating on it a little bit.
True, had a 790 since 2018 and every time im out for a pleasure drive i get back home happy i still have my driving license. It truly does taunts you and it don't feel right if you don't "push back"
Still have the bike and love it. Don't know what i need "more" off... 890 and 990..
It's not a 270 Deg crank, which mimics a 90deg v twin. KTM v twins are 75deg, and their 790/890 range have 285 Deg cranks to maintain the family feel and sound.
You're right. It has 435-degree firing intervals and 75-degree offset crank-pins to try and replicate the feel of KTM’s own V-Twin. I memorise all the specs so sometimes things get missed forgotten. It's harder than you think! :)
They make a surprisingly good solo tourer too other than the exhaust position means you can't fit a pannier on that side. Did 2500 miles this year on my 2018 down as far as Slovenia and the Italian Dolomites with no problems at all (at least non that were the bike's fault!), ergonomics are excellent - no aches and pains even on a 400km day, very economical - you can get 200 miles from that little tank if you have to and obviously fast with brilliant handling.
great video dan! im making the change from the 390 to the 790! awesome bike indeed!!
I had the 2020 model and loved it.
Made the mistake of listening to the horror stories and sold it.
After watching your review ,I am going to have a test ride.
go for it i bought one in march and love it to bits ,great fun.
Whats the horror stories?😅
Had mine from new in 2018. No issues. Done Scotland, Picos on it. 69mpg as well 🙂
Reminds me why i wanted one as a first big bike.
I just rode home my 2024 790 duke the other day it was at 40mpg from the dealer and after my 30 min ride home it said 60mpg that’s OUTSTANDING.
Great vid Dan, never been a fan of the ktms but this looks and sounds great. Reminds me of the rs660, great stock sound.
Great vid, i bought the exact same bike in march and love it to bits its great fun, great channel 👍🏻😉
Thanks! 👍
Great bike, and it sounds like KTM may have addressed their reliability worries. But my own favourite bikes in this class are still Suzuki GSX-8S and Triumph Trident.
Same!
I haven't ridden the Suzuki, but the Trident comes nowhere near the KTM. Less torque, less power, worse handling an not a nice sound for a triple unlike the mt-09 and the speed triple.
The tuono 660 favtory amokes the both
So many stories about someone who "knows" about reliability issues. More stories than actual cases. Look at the stats/facts. It's better than BMW. Actually last time I cheched KTM was on the 5th place after the jap4's.
This is a great bike. But I stay with my 690 Duke. By the way, my Duke has a similiar seat as this one and I rode just over 700km in 10 hours without pain. (petrol/coffee/lunch breakes and a ½h ferry was incl. in those 10h)
Looks great in that grey colour aswell. Thank you Dan!
Good to hear a positive experience with reliability. 👍
@@Englishbikerdan I've done 50 000km on my 690 Duke in 2 years. Loved every minute!
I love the throaty bark combined with that intake whistle. It sounds awesome. Hopefully they will bring the 2023 790 Duke to New Zealand. I'm pretty keen to get one.
It’s a nice bike. I had one for 3 hours as my 890 duke was being serviced. It’s more raw than the 890. A few more vibes too. Bottom end punch is surprising (even compared to the more powerful and torque laden 890). As Dan said, it’s an arm puller. KTM are still unreliable however. I’ve had warped discs (not warranty job) leaking oil from cylinder head gasket, failed clutch switch and fogged TFT. Still £ for £ the most exciting sub £9k naked Money can buy so worth the foibles (as long as you live near a dealership). Not sure I’m brave to keep mine past the 2 year warranty. Most likely I’ll get the 890R next however!
I wonder if being made in China it will be more reliable, or if the unreliability is due to more systemic issues. Be interesting to see.
@@anxiousappliance I've got a '23 and from what I've seen, most of the issues stem from poor quality parts and not build quality issues. I've got 6k miles on mine now and have had to replace the stock chain, fix leaking coolant hose and brake reservoir (likely both just vibrated loose due to excessive vibration coming from stock chain), and warped front discs. I actually trust CFMoto's reputation but it can't help any subpar materials. That being said, probably the most fun bike I've ridden so far and well worth the quirks; I wouldn't recommend one to anyone afraid to work on the bike themselves, though.
How vibey is 790? That’s a deal breaker for me.
I’ve got a 2019 duke 390 and it’s got every single issue you just listed 😂😂
I've got one, had it for a couple of months and love it. 👍👍🏍️🏍️🏍️
Nice 👍
I have the 2020 125 this is a dream 😍 I'm drooling 😊 great review 👍
Love this Bike
Been dying for this review! Can’t wait to watch :D
Edit: another killer review! Would love to hear your thoughts on the vibrations with some comparisons to other bikes in this segment.
Hi, have this bike for 3 years, no problems at all and i love it. have hhe version with 105HP. Funny little horse ;-) Greets from Austria
Great to hear you are having a good time with your Duke! Thanks!
Thanks WOW THAT'S AWESOME 👍✌️👌
Great vid
Thanks Terry.
Nice sounding zorst :)
Just bought mine yesterday looks just like the one you're riding except it has an akrapovik exhaust on it which sounds very nice. love the bike!!
Good choice!
me too , love mine, sick of people going on about reliability issues, they’re great bikes.
If these proved reliable all year commuters, I’d love to buy one. Last ktm I rode required oil changes every few hours of running but the then it was an MX bike with a ridiculously high compression
, high revving engine
I've owned a 250 duke and it was an AMAZING bike which only had an issue with it's chain. The chain was quite sensitive and would need to be lubed every 300 kms or so. Other than that it was an amazing bike to ride and use as a daily commuter
Hi greets from Austria, have the bike with 107HP aaaand love it.
Hi Dan.. can you recommend a in helmet 3mm jack microphone for use with my insta360 one rs?
I've heard people using really cheap ones but I always like to go with a recommendation from someone like yourself..
Cheers
Lee
Did they fix the oil and coolant leak?
It makes you smile. Is it good for two people instead the new Hornet 750? Good video 👍✌️
That lane caught me out the other day as there was no signs out saying that they were resurfacing.
As far as the bike is concerned there's a lot of competition in this naked middleweight category but I think that this KTM would be right up there for sure. I remember from back in the day when I was schoolboy scrambling that KTM were a pile of 💩, but look at how they've developed now.
Great review again Dan.....love it . ❤👍
Yeah, I had a few squeaky bum moments on that lane!! :D
Nice review Dan. I do like the look and sound of the 790. Goes pretty well doesn’t it. I think I would choose the hornet just because of the reliability but I don’t think the duke will have many issues at all. 👍🏻
I bought the KTM and I tried the honda and Suzuki, but the KTM is different level.
"I don’t think the duke will have many issues at all."
Let me tell you, after owning a 790 duke (from new), I will never ever ever own a KTM product again. Not only was the bike falling apart, and spent more time in the shop than it did my garage. KTM themselves were HORRIBLE to deal with. Go with the Hornet... anything will be better than KTM in 2023
No idea the fuss, they're reliable, fast and fun
The giggling is priceless.... tells it all
If you're not having fun riding bikes, something is wrong eh!
Hi Dan great reviews of this the 8S and Hornet. Any chance of getting your hands on a CFMOTO 800NK? I believe in the UK they're priced at 6999 GBP but in Australia its $10990 (5748 GBP) rideaway, and 6527 for the Advanced model. Seriously hot pricing considering the Hornet is around the same price in both locations. Cheers.
Great review buddy! If it was your money, would it be this or the Hornet? Considering the £1800 price difference with the Tech pack
A tough decision for sure. I think the 790 pips the Hornet (just) in terms of pure riding joy.
8:48 in the beninging 😂
How would you compare the 790 Duke against the Suzuki GSX-8s and the Honda Hornet?
Maybe the build quality will have improved on the 790 because it is built in China! Just a shame they still had to do the Dick Turpin 1500 mile ride and deliver. The Hornet still wins for me, especially on warranty and resale value in 2-3 years time.
I think the CF Moto built bikes will stand the test of time quite well. Resale is an issue for some, but being honest, it's not much of an issue to me with PCP guaranteed future values.
There’s a great comparison review just up on MCNs CZcams channel.
Resale isn’t an issue if you’re the one buying it 2-3 years old ;)
Hi Dan. Great video!
I saw you today in Sportbike shop reading today! 😊what road is this in the video? Cheers
Lee
Thanks Lee, ah you should have said hi. This is from Bramley in Hampshire going towards Wokefield Park near Mortimer. Lovely little country roads! Cheers!
@@Englishbikerdan I thought it looked familiar..I only live in Basingstoke so will give them a go
Cheers Dan!
Start saving up now for the replacent cams ...(and the electrical problems)....
I'll have my full license in 2 years and my dream bike that I eventually want to ride is the Kawasaki Z1000 but obviously the jump from 48hp to 142hp wouldn't be very sensible so I'm looking around for a good bike in between those bikes as a stepping stone. Would you think this is a good option or is 105hp a too big of a step from 48hp as well and that you would recommend something else?
I’d say get that z1000. As long as you’ve learned throttle control, you’ll be fine. I went from 89hp to 160hp. A few butt pucker moments but you get used to it. That’s just my opinion.
I'm so glad I bought a 2020 absolutely LOVE it!!! Got it brand new at the dealership last year (2022) and it comes standard with all the extras... this "tech pack" "track pack" BS is dumb... just add it into the price and have a "complete package" this bike was $10,995 for me here in Canada... at that point what's another $1000 for addons I just don't get it.
Looks good, sounds great!
Is it better than the Hornet or Suzuki though...?
Too soon to tell folks!
Check back after Dan has cracked some wheelies and gone full hooligan! 😂
Too late, I'm already there! 😂
@@Englishbikerdan I'll be interested to see if you replace the SV with one of these
Any idea of relaunch in India?
hope they have sorted the tft cracking problem out. my 2020 model one cracked due to weather conditions which is a known problem.KTM were not interested in helping with the replacement . £750 for a replacement. piss take. such a shame the after sales is crap because their great fun bikes. back to a mt 10 for me
Ouch!
Ktms are quite rare to find in stock new
No stock issues with the new 790 from what I’ve seen. Loads of dealers have multiple of them
Hi Dan how does this compare to the Hornet 750 in terms of power and handling etc. Which do you prefer?
This is more nimble and the suspension/brakes are better. But then finding a local KTM dealer is difficult, not to mention the obvious elephant in the room.
Yeah i think my local dealer is a good 50 miles away!! Is it much quicker than the Hornet@@Englishbikerdan
The problem with KTMs aren't their reliability issues but that they are so much fun and tempting that you wanna forget the reliability issues.
Testrode the new 790 ADV two weeks ago for 4 hours and that thing was incredibly fun. Let's hope that CF Moto built KTMs aren't a bad choice. Not everything made in China is bad quality. And can it actually get worse than the first 790/890s?
Here almost same price as MT-09?
Love the bike but really don't like the fact you have all the features already on the bike. then have to pay to carry on using them after 1500 miles.
Would you prefer they don't have them at all, unless you buy them? I quite like that you get to try the stuff first and decide what you want to keep.
It's just that I know the stuff is on physicaly on the bike already. so i feel like I'm paying for something that's already there, don't mind this sort of thing with digital products like gaming. but for physical products feels like I'm being held to ransom a bit.
I'm buying one of these today👌
Enjoy! 👌
@@Englishbikerdan Appreciate that Dan thank you👍
@Englishbikerdan 790 purchased from Market Deeping Gear4. Looking forward to delivery now😊
2:37 everyone of these bikes I've looked at seems to have a mangled sump gasket. What's that all about?
Japanese, German are now using RTV gasket sealant, it’s good shit.
Have the original 2019 model and you don’t have to trash it everywhere to enjoy it.
Depends what you prefer. To me this bike needs a bit of a spanking!
Keep looking at the 890R as the next bike, but not sure I'm ready to go for something that might give me issues - seems that KTM build quality is a bit naff on some bikes, which is a real shame, as a KTM without warranty feels like playing Russian roulette! Mind you, the owners stories I've seen, the warranty isn't a guarantee that things will be sorted or promptly
I personally know three people with 890 R's, all of which were bought new when they first came out in 2020. No issues with either bike. I think there are plenty of happy customers out there, otherwise KTM wouldn't still be in business. But the interweb is full of more negative experiences.
@@EnglishbikerdanDo you honestly believe that KTM are as reliable as a Japanese bike?😂
@@splodge5714of course not, nothing is, but considering they are ~2000 less and more fun to ride it's a trade off many are willing to accept.
KTM in nearly every category they play in, comes out as the most fun, playful in their class. Best built, most reliable? No.
@@splodge5714My Z900 has 40k miles on it, not a single issue! 😂
Great Vieo Dan. I#d love to Testride it!Buy it????? Not too sure! I'd be a little weiry about the reliability issues and I've heard KTM are allways reluctant to help! Service appointments are also rediculusly hard to get.
Did they get rid of the steering damper I can't see it on screen. Don't know why they kept the original mirrors that they nicked out of the 125 parts bin. I put bar ends on mine and then could see behind me always helpful
Still has the damper
Still has the steering damper, mentioned in the vid a bit later on.
@Englishbikerdan cheers mate I must have missed that bit. I bought mine in 2018 and loved it but it did have some reliability issues that made me sell it in the end. My dealer was great but when you go out for a ride and wonder if it will make it home its time to part ways
TVS Apache RR310 / BMW G310 RR review please
I am fairly certain I am going to buy the CF Moto 800nk.
Commie
I love my Ktm but I until the build quality improves my money is firmly staying in the bank. Funny you should mention bolts, they're crap.
will you be reviewing the cfmoto 800nk?
I aim to start testing some CF Moto machines soon.
@@Englishbikerdan Looking forward to the comparison between the duke 790 and the 800nk
I owned a 390duke for 6years and loved it but this year changed for the new hornet which I love. I have other bikes and decided not to go beyond 7 grand but both this and the 8s are a grand more. Which is a lot in this category as sort of budget middleweight fun bikes. Especially if you buy bikes outright. Also CFmoto have now released the 800nk with the same engine as the the duke 790 and the same price as the Hornet so hope you get to test this bike as to me this machine is a direct rival to the hornet and I'd like to know if it's as good as the duke for a thousand pounds less.
Does the 790 duke not have ktm my ride? I didnt see it here..
Maybe, I never test the apps tbh as I wouldn't use most of them.
Hello. In America it starts at $9199.00 plus shipping etc here in USA. Would you get it for that price or something else? Thanks. Cannot test ride first. No Hornet here either. Please advise. Want to get a bike..experienced rider and dealers do not allow test rides except for Harley.
Even better, now KTM dealers in the UK have dropped the price to £6,999. So it's the same cost as the Honda Hornet!
@@Englishbikerdan Great… no Hornet here either.
I think wiery is spelt with I before E
It it comfortable for a few hours ride?
Yeah it is.
What would you prefer Dan, this or the Street Triple 765R?
I'd have to ride them back to back. I LOVE the ST-R but I have to say I think this 790 is a bit more engaging.
parallel means inline engine in US?
Yes.
Oh, look, its the new CFM Moto 790 🤣🤣
Not a bad thing looking at their other bikes tbh.
@@Englishbikerdan Maybe, but why chose a chinese brand with unproven reliability over their japanese counter-parts with decades of tradition ? Over a few hundred euros/dollars ? I see a big push towards cfm moto from youtubers/bot comments and it makes me a bit suspicious. But thats just my opinion, I appreciate your video, and tbh I`m a bit buthurt, because I was considering a duke 790 until I did my research and found out some of the facts. They do look & sound really good.
Maybe building it in china they can make the electronics work on a KTM for longer than a month but I doubt it unless you like paying a premium for unreliability by the Honda 👍
dan, Do you live in Germany?
UK. I think German roads are better!
Like most KTM road bikes: fun, engaging, plasticky, insect-like, large question mark on reliability.
Currently £6,999.00 and yes I have just signed for one
That's a good deal at the mo.
The dash is identical to the 890 and 890R
But not the ADV or SMT.
I know, but you said the 890 which most people recognise as the Duke and your comparing the 790 Duke.
@@Steve-qw2el I'm surprised they've not updated the 890 dash for 2023.
Ready to repair! XD
Mine has been dead reliable, doesn’t even burn any oil
@@Stanley88845 that's good to hear for you.
My mate has an 890R. It's been rock solid since he bought it in 2020/21. I think there are lots of happy KTM customers, but the internet thrives on the negative experience.
@@Englishbikerdan good for him. I think the problem is apparent though when you go to a site that has user reviews. The volume of Honda bikes sold, for instance, should mean you see quality issues. And often, it's "may corrode a little, otherwise bullet proof" where as KTM's are littered with "randomly stopped working on motorway" and so on. When you look at reported failure rates you can expect to return to the dealer more with KTM than you can with say, Japanese brands. And now that China is the origin for manufacturing of the new 790, it's going to be in question...
@@loztagain8278agree, I've been riding bikes of most makes for 50 years and it's always been obvious that the Japanese bikes are by far the most reliable. And I do like Britsh, Italian and the occasional Harley.😂
i never knew CF" moto is KTM's brand , i meant it is also a revatively new company in india, while ktm is here since 2012
It's a recent aquisition as far as I know.
NICE GLASSES 🤓 🫡
Thanks mate!
左右のグリップをはじめコストカットが目立つんだよね？
I'm torn between this and a Triumph Trident 660
This is more fun.
Kawasaki z650 or this?
There’s something about Dukes that are so appealing
You can get these for £7000 at most ktm dealers
Yeah, there's a deal going at the moment. I think we can thank the Hornet for that.
Once you try the 890, there is no way back!
I've ridden the 890 and 890R. I think I still prefer the 790.
@@Englishbikerdan why?
Am I the only one bothered about the speedometer change intervals? It seems to update like twice per second.. He's going 50 and the next number is 58 lol
You can just accelerate slower 😆
@@Englishbikerdan makes sense.
So why is this bike (I assume) easy as pie to fix if something goes wrong, but all I hear about CF Moto is "what if it breaks?"?. Why doesn't this suffer from unavailability of parts if its made by people from whom you can't get parts?
I would guess the noise around CF Moto is not based on fact, but fear. Sadly, there's only one way to truly find out if a CF Moto would be reliable and that's to buy one. I might actually do that later this year.
Orange Chaos
I think that looks horrid and cheap. Subjective I guess but it would be near the bottom of my list
What’s your list though?
@@Stanley88845 Street Triple would be top and pretty much everything else in between based on looks alone. The engine looks like it’s made from Lego
@@cannonfodder691 that’s a significantly more expensive bike though? And having seen many 790 Dukes and street triples, the engines look of equivalent quality.
@@Stanley88845 I was referring to the looks of the engine rather than it’s durability. I’m sure it rides great
@@cannonfodder691 yes, KTM has amazing quality engine paint. I have no idea what you’re on about.
A testament to how good this bike is, KTM can actually make it worse, i.e. drop the power 104hp --> 94hp, take off the rider goodies (q/shifter etc) get it manufactured in China and its still head and shoulders better than anything else in its class.
Is it only me Or you guys heard that fart sound as well?
😁
Why does it sound like a lawn mower
Change the stock pipe, all sorted!
Isn't it made in India not China?
China at CFMOTO factory.
Chinese. I'd buy a three year old model.
Extra 10bhp then too I believe
Chi-nah !
Nothing new same as earlier models