New Delhi: KTM is preparing an updated version of its popular middleweight street bike, the 790 Duke. The company has been testing the new model for some
time, and spy images from Europe last year already gave an idea of what the bike could look like. Now, new information has come from type-approval documents filed in China.
According to Australian Motor Cycle News (AMCN) Most of the changes on the new 790 Duke are related to its design. The motorcycle gets a fresh look that makes it closer in style to KTM’s bigger models, such as the 990 Duke and the 1390 Super Duke R.
Design upgrades in KTM’s 790 Duke
The headlight is completely new and uses a central LED unit with daytime running lights on both sides. Although the design is similar to the larger Dukes, it is not exactly the same part. The fuel tank and the tank extensions also look sharper and more aggressive than before, giving the bike a sportier appearance.
One important update is the new subframe, which is different from the current model. The type-approval images show only one side of the motorcycle, but earlier spy shots had already confirmed that the exhaust system is also completely redesigned. These changes suggest that KTM wants the 790 Duke to feel more modern and closer to its latest family design.
2026 KTM 790 Duke: Hardware and engine changes
On the mechanical side, big changes are not expected. The bike now uses WP brake callipers instead of the earlier J.Juan units that carried KTM branding. It is still not clear whether other parts like the brake discs or ABS system will also be updated. The WP suspension and the main steel trellis frame appear to be the same as the outgoing version, which means the overall character of the bike should remain familiar.
The engine also seems to be carried over without major modifications. The 799cc parallel-twin motor is likely to produce figures similar to the current model, around 95 hp of power and 87 Nm of torque.
2026 KTM 790 Duke: Manufacturing and availability
Production of the new 790 Duke will take place in China under KTM’s partnership with CFMoto, which is why the first official documents have appeared there. At the moment, KTM has not confirmed in which countries the updated bike will be sold. It is also unclear whether the 790 Duke will come back to the Indian market. More official details are expected in the coming months as the global launch gets closer.
