Naked aggression: ktm 790 duke vs. triumph street triple head-to-head

The KTM 790 Duke and Triumph Street Triple are two of the most popular middleweight naked motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer a potent combination of performance, handling, and style, but which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the details of both motorcycles to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

Engine:

• KTM 790 Duke: 799cc parallel-twin, 105 hp, 87 Nm
• Triumph Street Triple: 765cc inline-triple, 121 hp, 79 Nm

The Triumph Street Triple boasts a more powerful engine with a higher horsepower and torque output. However, the KTM 790 Duke’s parallel-twin engine offers a broader torque curve, providing more low-end grunt for city riding.

Acceleration:

• KTM 790 Duke: 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds
• Triumph Street Triple: 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds

The Triumph Street Triple has a slight edge in acceleration due to its higher horsepower. However, the KTM 790 Duke is no slouch, and its lighter weight helps it feel more nimble at higher speeds.

Handling

Suspension:

• KTM 790 Duke: WP APEX 43mm USD forks, WP APEX monoshock
• Triumph Street Triple: Showa 41mm USD forks, Öhlins STX40 monoshock

Both motorcycles offer excellent suspension setups. The KTM 790 Duke’s WP APEX suspension is more adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune the bike’s handling to their preferred riding style.

Brakes:

• KTM 790 Duke: Brembo four-piston calipers, 300mm discs
• Triumph Street Triple: Brembo four-piston calipers, 310mm discs

The Triumph Street Triple has slightly larger brakes, but both bikes provide ample stopping power. The KTM 790 Duke’s lean-sensitive ABS system is a nice touch, enhancing safety in corners.

Features

Electronics:

• KTM 790 Duke: Ride-by-wire throttle, lean-sensitive ABS, traction control
• Triumph Street Triple: Ride-by-wire throttle, ABS, traction control, wheelie control

The KTM 790 Duke offers a more comprehensive electronics package, including a lean-sensitive ABS system and traction control. The Triumph Street Triple has a more basic electronics setup, but it still includes the essentials.

Instrumentation:

• KTM 790 Duke: TFT display
• Triumph Street Triple: LCD display

The KTM 790 Duke’s TFT display is larger and more informative than the Triumph Street Triple‘s LCD display. It provides more detailed information and is easier to read in all conditions.

Style

The KTM 790 Duke’s aggressive styling is sure to turn heads. Its sharp lines and angular bodywork give it a futuristic look. The Triumph Street Triple has a more classic naked bike design, with rounded lines and a more traditional stance.

Comfort

Ergonomics:

• KTM 790 Duke: Upright riding position, narrow handlebars
• Triumph Street Triple: Slightly more aggressive riding position, wider handlebars

The KTM 790 Duke’s upright riding position is more comfortable for long rides. The Triumph Street Triple‘s slightly more aggressive riding position is better suited for spirited riding.

Seat:

• KTM 790 Duke: Firm, one-piece seat
• Triumph Street Triple: Plush, two-piece seat

The Triumph Street Triple‘s two-piece seat is more comfortable than the KTM 790 Duke’s one-piece seat. However, the KTM 790 Duke’s seat is narrower, making it easier to reach the ground.

Price

• KTM 790 Duke: Starting from $10,499
• Triumph Street Triple: Starting from $12,495

The KTM 790 Duke is significantly more affordable than the Triumph Street Triple. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for riders looking for a high-performance naked bike.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best motorcycle for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a powerful, agile, and feature-packed naked bike at a reasonable price, the KTM 790 Duke is a great choice. If you’re willing to pay a little more for a more refined and powerful motorcycle with a more classic style, the Triumph Street Triple is worth considering.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Which bike has the better fuel economy?

The KTM 790 Duke has slightly better fuel economy than the Triumph Street Triple, with an average of 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers compared to 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers.

2. Which bike is more reliable?

Both the KTM 790 Duke and Triumph Street Triple have a good reputation for reliability. However, the KTM 790 Duke has a slightly longer service interval, making it more convenient to maintain.

3. Which bike is better for long rides?

The Triumph Street Triple’s more comfortable seat and slightly more aggressive riding position make it a better choice for long rides. However, the KTM 790 Duke’s upright riding position and narrower seat make it easier to ride in traffic.