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2020 KTM 790 Duke Overview
The 2020 KTM 790 Duke is a sport motorcycle built around 799 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 12.7:1. 2020 KTM 790 Duke delivers 78 kW @ 9000 rpm of peak power and 87 Nm @ 8,000 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2020 790 Duke tips the scales at 169 kg, carries a 14-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 825 mm and spans a 1475 ± 15 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 33.7 kg lighter than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2020 KTM 790 Duke spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2020 790 Duke - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2020 KTM 790 Duke makes 78 kW @ 9000 rpm with 87 Nm @ 8,000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Fuel injection: The Dell'Orto fuel-Injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: The 825 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
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Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
The Liquid cooled system on the 790 Duke needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling comes from Dell'Orto fuel-Injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.
Brake disc and pad wear
The 2x 300mm discs front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the 790 Duke runs 43mm WP upside-down and WP shock absorber with preload adjuster at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
790 Duke - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2020 KTM 790 Duke, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained 790 Duke should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any 790 Duke. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The 790 Duke's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
2020 KTM 790 Duke - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 KTM 790 Duke have?
The 2020 KTM 790 Duke uses a Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder engine with 799 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
How much does the 2020 KTM 790 Duke weigh?
The 2020 KTM 790 Duke weighs 169 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2020 KTM 790 Duke make?
The 2020 KTM 790 Duke produces 78 kW @ 9000 rpm of power and 87 Nm @ 8,000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2020 KTM 790 Duke?
The 2020 KTM 790 Duke has a 14-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 233-280 km between stops.
Is the 2020 KTM 790 Duke suitable for shorter riders?
The 2020 KTM 790 Duke has a seat height of 825 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2020 KTM 790 Duke have?
The 2020 KTM 790 Duke uses 2x 300mm discs at the front and Single 240mm disc at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2020 KTM 790 Duke use?
The 2020 KTM 790 Duke runs 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2020 KTM 790 Duke have?
The 2020 KTM 790 Duke is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
KTM 790 Duke Spec Evolution
The KTM 790 Duke was produced across 4 model years (2020-2025). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2020 |
2022 |
2023 |
2025 |
| Max Power |
78 kW / 105 hp @ 9000 rpm |
77 kW / 105 hp @ 9000 rpm (95 hp European version) |
77 kW / 105 hp @ 9000 rpm |
77 kW / 105 hp @ 9000 rpm A2 Licence: 70 kW / 94 hp @ 8000 |
| Dry Weight |
169 kg / 372.5 lbs |
169 kg / 372.5 lbs |
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169 kg / 372.6 lbs |
| Seat Height |
825 mm / 32.4 in |
825 mm / 32.4 in |
835.6 mm / 32.9 in (805 mm / 31.7 inches optional) |
825 mm / 32.5 in |
| Brakes - Front |
2x 300mm discs |
2x 300mm discs, radially mounted 4 piston caliper |
2x 300mm discs, radially mounted 4 piston caliper |
2 x 300mm discs, radially mounted 4 piston caliper |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single 240mm disc |
Single 240mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper |
Single 240mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper |
Single 240mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper |
| Suspension - Front |
43mm WP upside-down |
WP APEX 43 |
43mm Non-adjustable inverted WP APEX fork |
43mm Non-adjustable inverted WP APEX fork |
| Suspension - Rear |
WP shock absorber with preload adjuster |
WP APEX - Monoshock |
Linkage-free, cantilevered spring-preload adjustable WP Apex shock |
Linkage-free, cantilevered spring-preload adjustable WP Apex shock |
| ABS |
Bosch 9MP two-channel ABS (incl. Supermoto mode, diesengageable) |
Bosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering-ABS and super moto mode, disengageable) |
Bosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering-ABS and super moto mode, disengageable) |
Bosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering-ABS and super moto mode, disengageable) |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
78 kW / 105 hp @ 9000 rpm
Torque
87 Nm / 63.4 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Weight
169 kg / 372.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity
14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
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Full 2020 KTM 790 Duke Specifications
Year
2020
Make Model
KTM 790 Duke
Seat Height
825 mm / 32.4 in
Wheelbase
1475 ± 15 mm / 58 in
Ground Clearance
186 mm / 7.3 in
Height
1059 mm / 41.7 in
Length
2062 mm / 81.2 in
Width
904 mm / 35.6 in
Dry Weight
169 kg / 372.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity
14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Displacement
799 cc / 48.7 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
88 mm x 65.7 mm
Compression Ratio
12.7:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Exhaust
Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer
Fuel Induction
Dell'Orto fuel-Injection
Ignition
Bosch EMS with RBW
Lubrication
Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Starter
Electric
Clutch
PASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
Final Drive
Chain 520 X-Ring
Primary Drive
39:75
Secondary Drive Ratio
16:41
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
Suspension - Front
43mm WP upside-down
Suspension - Rear
WP shock absorber with preload adjuster
Rake
24°
Steering Head Angle
66°
Trail
98 mm / 3.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front
140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
150 mm / 5.9 in
Brakes - Front
2x 300mm discs
Brakes - Rear
Single 240mm disc
ABS
Bosch 9MP two-channel ABS (incl. Supermoto mode, diesengageable)
Tyres - Front
120/70-17
Tyres - Rear
180/55-17
Wheels
Cast aluminium
Wheels - Front
3.50 x 17 in
Wheels - Rear
5.50 x 17 in
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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