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i got the 105bhp 790. great bike, absolute hooligan on the streets and just so well balanced. its super easy to ride.

I have the full 105bhp version. 2 years of ownership, zero issues and an absolute hooligan. I'm sure CFmoto is following proper quality standards so quality shudnt be an issue.

Just picked one up yesterday. First 2023 on the road in Ireland apparently. First proper ride today and was impressed.

The original 790 duke came with the full electronics package as standard. I bought my 2020 bike new for £6995. The new bike is £1000 more, with 10 less hp,, it's built in china and you have to pay extra for the exciting bits. Way to go KTM. You are shining so brightly.

It’s true some of the early models did have issues, including my 2018 model, but KTM fixed all the issues under warranty. My girlfriend’s 2019 model is over 2 years old 20,000 kms still going strong. My mates brand new Honda CBR 650 had a oil pump failure took 8 weeks to get it fixed, I never had that issue. This latest 790 Duke should be free of the well known issues of the first release.

I’ve owned 6 KTMs. They are amazing bikes and IMO no worse in reliability than other Euro brands. The 790 is a brilliant bike, so well balanced and nimble. I haven’t ridden a Hornet but I’d be surprised if it feels anywhere near as responsive.

2019 KTM 790 still going strong. Broke it in properly. MotoRex oil changes every 3500 miles, and the oil comes out clean like golden honey. Had no issues so far other than a stock squeaky chain.

I too had the earlier 790 Duke with full electronics for £7,500. I loved it but had to get rid due to poor quality: engine paint chipped, decals peeled. Seat was was so hard and that ergo seat is no softer, don't know why KTM stick with hard seats generally on their bikes. Also had ABS light that would intermittently flash which they couldn't fix and it cut out on me twice. Just lost confidence in it, shame! Got 2022 Street Triple now, better on every level.

Test rode one of these last week and LOVED IT. The only thing stopping me pulling the trigger is KTM's reliability track record.

I appreciate your comments about the fun throttle. Applies to my 390 too.

i tried the new Duke 790 today and I thought it was brilliant. I'm coming from CP2 in yamaha's tracer 7 and this was certainly even more fun. but one thing I was not happy about at all was the throttle which when held at steady 50km/h in town was rather jerky. I do agree that when opening the throttle it is super smooth which is unusual for a twin...

I have a 2019 here in the US. I've owned a bunch of Bonnevilles and a few adventure bikes. The Duke is amazing! Super light, easy to ride and perfect amount of power for the road. If you're on the fence, get it. You will not be disappointed.

A good review thanks. I rode the new hornet & 790 Duke 2 weeks ago and ordered the ktm. I just felt it was a better bike in lots of respects, ride, engine performance, throttle reaction, fun factor. I gave the Honda back after 45 minutes but rode the ktm for an hour and a half. With the quick shifter offer and low rate financing the difference in cost is minimal. As for reliability then time will tell. A 2 year warranty and a local dealer will be the test of ownership. Chinese build does not bother me, my iPhone is made there and my Kawasaki z900 was made in Thailand.

Bob your reviews are pro mate !! absolutely top notch 👊 I do like the ktm great bikes 👍

Still riding my 2018 model with 33000km now and still loving it. It always does whatever I ask of it 😊

2020 Duke 790 owner here. Great houligan, Supermoto type ride. Too busy for a consistent commuter.

Bought an A2 model and keeped it for 2 years and a half and done 43000km with it. I had unrestricted it after 2 years. I had some small issues but globally it was reliable.

I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole had the 2018 and it was brilliant to ride but god the amount of recalls i had plus ongoing issues didn't make me confident of it lasting so sold it off. Purchased @£7500 new with all rider aids enabled as well

Hopefully they cured the warping discs and the rocker cover gaskets leaks 👍🏻

Does it still have the cold start problem that the 790 adventure R has it takes like 3-4 times to get it to start

I like it! I want a new middle weight sporty bike, and I had been considering a Hornet... but that bike will not be available until next year here in Canada. I have to go check this one out. A supermoto style and ride appeals to me - light and lively....

Great review as always. Been thinking about swapping my Trident for one of these - any thoughts?

Nice review! I have a 2019 790 DUKE, and I really enjoy riding it. This model as you say -10 Hp from the previous generation (due to EURO norm change) but I am sure it is plenty for it. I put on some PowerParts, custom and 3rd party parts and SC-Project S1 slip-on. Fortunately, my bike came with a quick shifter as standard, it is a must, really helps the quick shift up and down. Oh and put on decent tires. The factory one (Maxxis) is garbage, you really have to heat them up to grip, It is slippery you cannot rely on it. Fairly easy to maintain yourself as do on mine. The only thing I miss from my bike is a cruise control. There is no way to retrofit the current generation CC.

The throttle mapping on my 790 was horrendous going through town. Probably the main reason I sold it.

So I wonder if this "new one" also leaks oil and coolant like the original one...

good thing about KTM is they all feel like complete in stock version, there is not a whole lot to modify they are kinda made perfect thats why they are expensive

I really contemplated getting this bike as I found one for a pretty good price but honestly for whatever weird reason I’ve just been wanting an adventure bike so I got the Kim 390 adventure. It’s plenty fast enough for me as I don’t need to do 120 everywhere I go and I like being able to ride on shitty roads as I live in the middle of nowhere but also like being comfy riding around town or the city so it fit me pretty good and looks awesome in my opinion but I’m thinking this will prob be my next bike lol

I bought a brand new one in2018 and loved it however there were issues over heating , corrosion and a tft that developed cracks all sorted under warranty but when your going for a ride and concerned you may not get Home it's time to get rid. Love the quickshifter up and down track pack and anti wheel control etc etc was all part of the price for £8799 now its optional for £7999 hmm

Traded a 2022 striple rs for the 790 and though the striple was a very good bike, for me it doesn't come close to the 790 for agility & slightly hooligan fun riding

Did they address the oil and coolant leaks. My 2019 790 was awful

I own the 105hp version, and the throttle is fine in rain/street modes. However on sport/track modes, it's not smooth when you start opening the throttle.

What is your recommendation to buy for everyday riding and occasional touring between those bikes? Aprilia tuono 660 factory 11000e, ktm 790 duke 9800e and street triple 765r 10200e. Which bike will offer the best package for its price in your opinion and long term reliability?

I hope this bike comes in that neo-retro Husqvarna XXXpilen flavor

the best of middleweights a lot lighter ,more power than hornet, mto7,suzuki ,easy bike to ride even for beginners ,great review

Interesting. Defenitely going to check this bike out, as soon as someone drops his off at the local repair shop.

Do you have in GB, Cfmoto 800 NK? In fact, this is sister bike to KTM 790 but cheaper of course and with all whistles and bells (not sure about cornering ABS). It would be interesting to see your opinion.

Careful Motobob, that 790 looks like it’s about to piss oil all over that pristine floor. 😂

Got my first Duke last year and have no complaints, I love kTm😁.

what is the round thing on the handlebar ?

On the KTM website in Australia these bikes are not listed.

I was once a KTM man through and through but now, I'm more a Yamaha man. KTM seem to be more interested in selling bikes than selling good bikes. Sorry KTM, but I'll not be buying another KTM unless things change.

Would love to try one!

Ktm should make v4 engine super bikes like their powerful motogp v4 bike

I’m picking up mine in 2 weeks. Deposit is paid. If it breaks down, I’ll be covered by the warranty. When the warranty runs out I’ll get a new bike.

I bought a 2023 790 about three weeks ago. I got it for $6,899 + shipping, assembly CA tax bla bla bla. Out the door it was under $10,000. Pretty good for CA. I love love love this bike! The brakes are awesome for unbranded. It is super light, or at least it feels super light. The handling is like riding my 325lbs Duke 690 but with power. Throw it into a turn and it just wants more. The power is enough. After adjusting the bars and levers I find it comfortable, and the seat is good. It may be built in Cina but who cares because it rides like a magic carpet. Overall, with only 600 miles I give it a 9 for fun to value. I will have to see about reliability, too soon to tell. Just a few picks on it. The tires are ok but riding it hard it has been odd downhill, on the brakes if there are any bumps. They kind of squeal like they are not happy. Tire are replaced constantly so that is no big deal. They are just ok. It started leaking oil after the first hard ride (not taking it over the 6,500 rpm break in limit). The leak is from the oil filter cover, so I am not too worried. The bike sat for two years so the rubber was probably dry. Lastly the seat lock will not open. It opened when I put the registration under the seat, but I doesn't work now. Other than that I have never owned a bike that was this much fun for so cheap.

There is 3 different Ergo seats -20mm / Standard / +20mm

Nice review. This is a bit of a sleeper in the class imo I think as everyone's going on about the Hornet vs the GSX8S etc. However it's the same price as the Suzuki, looks very similar if that's your thing, & also has 5 bhp & 9 lbs/ft more than the Hornet as well as being the same weight. It should kill off everything else in the class except the Tuono for peak power, but has bags more torque than that as well as being about £1500 cheaper. Only possible fly in the ointment for the KTM is reliability & dealer network....maybe?

hello, I bought the duke 790 of 2023 1 month and I am convinced of the quality of manufacture I had a street twin before and I find no difference in quality! except more plastic. we put a duke 890 on the side and frankly it's hard to tell the difference (the noise and 20 more ch is clear) and the price! ! otherwise I had a street triple again before A2 and I really find myself in the best of worlds. I have more torque more power and it's lege.

Good review, interesting development, cfmoto build could prove to be more reliable than a KTM build 🤔

So this is kinda like when Ducati reintroduce monster 696 as 795 but made in thailand with super cheap price tag.

Keep Taking my Money.... Never again! The deal breaker for me was the dealer tried blaming me for warped rotors and software issues after 1000km. Sold 9 months after ownership and promised myself to never fall for the hype again. Too bad since I've owned 7 of them over the years

These LC8c engines in 790/890s are not 270 degree crankshaft offset engines. They are 285 degrees like the 75 degree V2's in Super Duke 1290 etc.

The most expensive problem with the 790/890 LC8c engine is the cam lobe wear even on many low mileage bikes.

It's a tricky decision. I mean I've ridden KTM 390's on track many times (hire bikes) and they are so much fun. They cop an absolute hiding. However they don't have any of the instrument panel or lights. And because they are not yours you don't look as hard at the plastics. I've owned KTM V twins and they have been fantastic bikes to own. But I do wonder if this new breed of Katos will have more problems both electrical and mechanical. And that only going off from what I've seen on the net and heard from a local dealer. I can see myself going the GSX8S. I don't like that it doesn't have tail lights as part of the body, and I don't like the look of the instrument panel above the headlight. It looks like a star wars character. But apart from that it sounds and looks like a solid bike. I feel for long ownership it will be a sold bike.

I have a scrambler. Never had a single issue love that bike. I would try the z900 or street triple for a more powerful bike

Can those electronic tech packs be added later after purchase?

I currently have a Ducati 1100 scrambler and a KTM 390 Duke which I use for commuting. Im thinking of trading in for the Duke 790 because i am nearly sixty and would like a lighter bike that retains similar performance to the Ducati. Just wondered if anyone has any thoughts or insight? I love the lightness of the 390 which has got me thinking about getting one bike for all use. What are they like on rough south east England roads?

Got. Thema 890R Form 2021 just a brutal maschine

I couldn't ever buy another KTM after my experience with them. They do great in road tests but owning 1 for a few years is an altogether different thing.

How are the vibrations?

The cfmoto nk800 just got released.

Where are the engine internals manufactured?

I really enjoy your videos but how about putting us specs on the screen like weight, seat height, etc

Where did you get that info about 10hp less?

Is the stock footage you use at 14 secs actually a 790/890?

Im trying to decide on the 790 or the new 990.... Besides the price difference does anyone have any opinions or experience on both??

Has anybody had a chance to compare it with the Tuono 660?

Its weird how the CB750 Hornet and this looks and performs similar to the Duke 790.

Great presentation thank you. I'm 6ft 2inch, am I too tall for the 790 Duke?, I'm really struggling to find a bike that is big enough without it being a huge machine, (adventure bikes etc), I don't want to look like a pea on a drum.

I read somewhere that it has a heavier flywheel or crank than the original 790. Like how they smoothed it out for the 890. Heard anything about this??

Hi what footwear you wearing when riding cheers

Is it better than the Honda Africa Twin 1100XL?

So is CFM Chinese built the real bonus vs the orig 790? Better assembled than previous Austrian and Indian predecessors?

this is really good combination KTM + Chinese made = perfection. Good luck to those guys who dare to purchase this.

Sounds like KTM fixed the jerky throttle from the previous model years. lol

I hear the best bits about KTM are the warranty

Hmm Husky 801 looking good from the same stable.

Everything I have seen about cf moto points to them being well built and reliable , probably more so than ktm !

MT09 all day

The video at the beginning is not even a 790. What bike was that?

Will it make a combeack to india?

790 or Hornet, or 8s? Reliability is a factor, at least in people's minds if not in reality. I have a '22 Vitpilen and the reliability is good so far. There were a lot of critics of the first gen 790. Looks like the new gen is in reality a new bike.

£6999 NOW AND 4.9% APR...I'm tempted!

Its not where its built. Its the quality control

I've got a 2020 790 and it has the very worst throttle response I have ever had the misfortune to use, of any of the 30 odd bikes I've owned over the last 35 years. As in so bad it's almost unrideable. I'd like to think it was just my bike, except I also road a demo bike that was exactly the same. So what gives? Why do some people find the throttle response acceptable? I mean, it's truly diabolically awful. The absolute worst. It's a massive shame because the rest of it is really nice.

All great but it is no longer an Austrian KTM but Chinese Cfmoto bike :(

Why havent th3y build a 790/890 RC? I dont get it

Anyone ? Serious question. This 790 duke vs MT 07? Differences? KTM better bike?

Oh no ! Love it . Looks like a modern RD package here to me . Not mad about the china link though . Im Returning to biking after 10 years away . This or Bmw F900R ?🤷‍♂️

Really, just buy the older model used. The only change is them gouging you on the electronics packages that used to be included as standard.

I just came for the comments 😂👌

What bike is that riding on track? 690 modded?

KTM makes the hardest seats of all bikes.

Might as well just buy the new NK800 for cfmoto and save £1,000? What are your thoughts😁

I really miss the 1cylinder 690. What a beast that was.

Not a big fan that this bike is almost exclusively made in China now. You also pay a Euro bike price for a Chinese made machine.

As with BMWs, considering a KTM has only becomes harder. While they do, indeed, perform, they also continue to have reliability problems. I'm sure there will be comments about someone's personal experience being different, the overall the stories simply haven't changed. It's purely a management/company culture problem: If the engineers can put together the kind of product people LOVE to ride, they are also capable of making a product that doesn't spend a large percentage of its time in the shop. I've passed on dozens of these two brands in the past, new and used, even knowing that a majority of the "known issues" have been rectified with upgrades or factory fixes. The problems just get worse, more expensive, and take up more ownership time with the miles. I'd MUCH rather have a Hornet or 8S and miss out on bit of that scalpel thing in place of being to just get on and ride whenever I felt like it. This consideration should always be mentioned in reviews. Just read some comments for this video.

It's alright. Throw in sum Flies Lice and it's a deal

Back when I was racing mx it was the same story the KTM was always a bit sharper out of the box but would always have reliability issues build quality problems I mean even the bolts were sh1t & unless you had a sponsor with deep pockets it was just easier & cheaper to buy the Japanese bike. Unfortunately it's the same with the road bikes yes they have a little edge but it's not worth it when you just want to jump on it on Sunday & blast around for fun especially the China ones 😂 I'd buy the 8s for the same price