Ktm’s twin tigers: 790 duke vs. duke l – which reigns supreme?
What To Know
- The 790 Duke has a 43mm upside-down fork and a monoshock rear suspension, while the Duke L gets a 48mm upside-down fork and a fully adjustable WP monoshock.
- The 790 Duke has a single 320mm front brake disc and a 240mm rear brake disc, while the Duke L gets dual 320mm front brake discs and a 240mm rear brake disc.
- The 790 Duke is a more affordable option with a slightly less powerful engine, while the Duke L offers more power, better handling, and more electronics.
The KTM 790 Duke and Duke L are two of the most popular motorcycles in the middleweight naked bike segment. Both bikes offer a thrilling riding experience, but they have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we will compare the KTM 790 Duke vs. Duke L to help you decide which bike is right for you.
Engine and Performance
The KTM 790 Duke is powered by a 799cc parallel-twin engine that produces 105 horsepower and 63 lb-ft of torque. The Duke L gets a slightly larger 890cc parallel-twin engine that churns out 115 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are liquid-cooled and fuel-injected, and they offer smooth and responsive power delivery. However, the Duke L’s larger engine provides more power and torque, giving it a slight edge in acceleration and top speed.
Handling and Suspension
The KTM 790 Duke and Duke L both feature a lightweight steel trellis frame and a WP suspension system. The 790 Duke has a 43mm upside-down fork and a monoshock rear suspension, while the Duke L gets a 48mm upside-down fork and a fully adjustable WP monoshock. Both bikes offer excellent handling and stability, but the Duke L’s upgraded suspension gives it a slightly better ride quality and more confidence-inspiring handling at high speeds.
Brakes
Both the KTM 790 Duke and Duke L come equipped with Brembo brakes. The 790 Duke has a single 320mm front brake disc and a 240mm rear brake disc, while the Duke L gets dual 320mm front brake discs and a 240mm rear brake disc. The Duke L’s dual front brake discs provide more stopping power and better feel, giving it a slight advantage in braking performance.
Electronics
The KTM 790 Duke and Duke L both come with a comprehensive suite of electronics, including ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, cornering ABS, and a TFT display. The Duke L gets a few additional features, such as a quickshifter, cruise control, and a heated grip. These features make the Duke L more comfortable and easier to ride, especially on long journeys.
Price and Value
The KTM 790 Duke has a starting price of $8,999, while the Duke L has a starting price of $10,999. The Duke L is more expensive, but it also comes with a more powerful engine, upgraded suspension, and more electronics. Whether the extra cost is worth it depends on your individual needs and budget.
Wrap-Up
The KTM 790 Duke and Duke L are both excellent motorcycles that offer a thrilling riding experience. The 790 Duke is a more affordable option with a slightly less powerful engine, while the Duke L offers more power, better handling, and more electronics. Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on your individual riding style and budget.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which bike is faster, the KTM 790 Duke or Duke L?
A: The Duke L is faster, thanks to its larger engine.
Q: Which bike has better handling, the KTM 790 Duke or Duke L?
A: The Duke L has slightly better handling, thanks to its upgraded suspension.
Q: Which bike has better brakes, the KTM 790 Duke or Duke L?
A: The Duke L has better brakes, thanks to its dual front brake discs.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable, the KTM 790 Duke or Duke L?
A: The Duke L is more comfortable, thanks to its heated grips and cruise control.
Q: Which bike is a better value, the KTM 790 Duke or Duke L?
A: The 790 Duke is a better value, but the Duke L offers more features and performance.