Great review. The point you made about the chain is very true! I find it difficult to adjust and align at the end. Such small marking etc for aligning at the end. That’s my only gripe about my 790! Safe riding
They started at 17k here in Australia then went down to 15k and then for 2018 models 12.3k ride away. Feel for the people who jumped on them at there release. Seen some with under 3000km for less than 10k. Think that’s around 5000 pounds. Thanks for posting and your thoughts.
@@reddevil0074 In Sweden we have winter for about three more months, perfect to have it in the garage and maybe change a few things. Tail-tidy and new mirrors 👍
I put the powerparts seat on my 790 and man it was night and day for me. Before, I would get uncomfortable on the standard seat but now i can ride for hours with no issue.
Appreciate the review. Watched the whole thing and found it really useful. I am still conflicted between duke 790 and street triple / tiger 800 especially since I’m upgrading from duke 390 and the snatchy low rpm throttle does slightly irk me and was hoping parallel twin would be more refined than my current bike. Only sitting on the bike will let me know I guess. Thanks.
Sam Douglas thanks for comments. Having owned a 2014 Street Tripe R all I can say are they are two completely different bikes. The fuelling on the street was superb and it feels a more grown up bike. The Duke feels naughtier
Nice and honest review, I'm thinking about one of these, or a used speed triple. I have been concerned about reliability issues with the ktm but am thinking that, although serious, are the exception. Thanks again for a great, real owners opinion.
Thanks for the comments. I’ve had a speed triple as well and good bike but a lot heavier. My Duke will probably go shortly as looking to swap for a 790 Adventure. Only reason is that I have another bike, a Tuono V4, and the two are similar in type of roads to ride so Duke not getting used much
@@reddevil0074 thanks for the reply. One of the biggest factors in my decision will be based on seat height, I'm 5' 10" but only a 28" inside leg. Which do you think is better suited to short legs, I don't have a ktm dealer close by so will have to travel to try one? Thanks again.
If you are short in leg, like me, then no contest, it has to be KTM. The Speed is quite tall and I was on top toes and I’m around 30 inside leg. The triumph seat is quite wide at front so spreads your legs more, leaving less to get to the floor. Ktm lower, narrower and because much lighter, far easier to control without flat feet
@@reddevil0074 thanks for the reply and your advice, I will go and check out the ktm, it sounds like it's worth travelling to see one and try it out. Thanks again and all the best.
How would you characterize the riding ergonomics? Specially forward lean angle? Am looking for least forward lean angle... as an example YAMAHA TRACER has a zero forward lean angle. Thanks for the great video... very informative.
@Santo if you mean body leaning forward in the saddle: there is room to move forward on the saddle to sit more upright, removing any weight on the wrists at low speed, or to move back as needed for sportier riding or cruising. A minimal feeling of sliding forward is eliminated by biking jeans, presumably due to some padding from the linings. Saddle better, turning circle smaller, in practice seat height and weight seeming much less, and forward lean less than Street Triple, suspension firmer but fine even for long runs. It feels small and at 5'11' and 31" inside leg I can nearly flat foot, legs very comfortable, and near perfect ergos all round.
Gheorghe Vlad not had any mechanicals with mine. Forums show people with issues, but my experience of forums with other makes and models is that I don’t see any more issues on the KTM forums than I’ve had seen on BMW, Kawasaki and Triumph forums that I have been on. Sometimes you will buy a bike that is a “lemon” and everything goes wrong. Still happens in the car world but nowhere near as bad as it was 20 years ago
Ive heard some scattered reports of leaky seals and gaskets, mostly on earlier models. Im almost ready to do my break in service on mine and i havn't had any issues so far
Cheers for the review Mate. I'm trying to justify buying one, to myself, as a Deliveroo rider! 🤣 I need something light for traffic & I'll probably chuck a piggyback ECU on to make it less snatchy at low revs. Well, we know now the reasoning for selling 790s off cheap, now, with the 890 on the way. Personally, it just makes the 790 an absolute bargain. I definitely can't justify shelling out 10K for an 890 but if I can pick a 790 up for around 6K instead. Originally, I was gonna buy a 390, but they're not as reliable & I don't think they're a lot better on fuel either.
Andi Hope no problem. If you do go for one let me know as I would look at selling mine as I have two bikes and both are naked bikes, so KTM is not being used that much.
@@reddevil0074 Yeah, I just watched your reveal vid! I'm still deciding whether I'm gonna buy from a dealer or buy private. I'm in St Albans so I'm very lucky to have KTM UK Hemel down the road.
@@reddevil0074 do you still have your 790? I’m also in St Albans and just got myself a 790 with under 1000 miles on it. Haven’t riden it, waiting for that warm weather!😎
No I never had those problems. Bike has now gone and replaced with a 790 Adventure. Same engine, so as you can see I am confident in the bikes to buy another
what size is your current bike? i moved up from a 125cc Duke, but i have ridden for 3/4 years. I find the 790 is very easy to ride, although it does prefer to go fast so you have to practice self control, and at very slow speeds it does sometimes surge a little, but not in a scary, something bad will happen way
Sorry but sold bike a couple of years back. Nothing wrong with it, I just like to try new bikes. So many good bikes and life’s short, so try what I can while I can. Great value for money
Enjoyed that thanks, had a test ride on one today and loved it, think I'll push the button on it.
Great review. The point you made about the chain is very true! I find it difficult to adjust and align at the end. Such small marking etc for aligning at the end. That’s my only gripe about my 790! Safe riding
James Nickel thanks for the feedback. It’s good to be able to get back out riding. Enjoy and safe riding to you too
They started at 17k here in Australia then went down to 15k and then for 2018 models 12.3k ride away. Feel for the people who jumped on them at there release. Seen some with under 3000km for less than 10k. Think that’s around 5000 pounds. Thanks for posting and your thoughts.
Where the hell did you see em for 12.3 ride away !? Thats about 11.2 before on roads, Cant get a KTM 250SX for that !
@@robp1041 2018/19 on bikesales.com.au they couldn't give them away because of all the leaking gasket and warranty issues.
@@Zee2Sea Ok, they selling for more than that now though !
nice review, thank you. I have just bought one second hand, just waiting on delivery
Thanks. Enjoy. Great fun bikes with plenty of character. Most dealers are excellent and deal with any issues pretty swiftly
I am ordering one this week! 🤘
You will have great fun. Enjoyed my time with my 790. Now have a 790 Adventure and Aprilia Tuono V4
@@reddevil0074 In Sweden we have winter for about three more months, perfect to have it in the garage and maybe change a few things. Tail-tidy and new mirrors 👍
@@stenbergskij101 you will be itching to get out on her and you won’t be disappointed
I put the powerparts seat on my 790 and man it was night and day for me. Before, I would get uncomfortable on the standard seat but now i can ride for hours with no issue.
Appreciate the review. Watched the whole thing and found it really useful.
I am still conflicted between duke 790 and street triple / tiger 800 especially since I’m upgrading from duke 390 and the snatchy low rpm throttle does slightly irk me and was hoping parallel twin would be more refined than my current bike. Only sitting on the bike will let me know I guess. Thanks.
Sam Douglas thanks for comments. Having owned a 2014 Street Tripe R all I can say are they are two completely different bikes. The fuelling on the street was superb and it feels a more grown up bike. The Duke feels naughtier
great no nonsense long-term review
Thanks for feedback. Much appreciated
Good review, Paul Benjamin Mendelsohn!))) Спасибо!
Nice and honest review, I'm thinking about one of these, or a used speed triple. I have been concerned about reliability issues with the ktm but am thinking that, although serious, are the exception. Thanks again for a great, real owners opinion.
Thanks for the comments. I’ve had a speed triple as well and good bike but a lot heavier. My Duke will probably go shortly as looking to swap for a 790 Adventure. Only reason is that I have another bike, a Tuono V4, and the two are similar in type of roads to ride so Duke not getting used much
@@reddevil0074 thanks for the reply. One of the biggest factors in my decision will be based on seat height, I'm 5' 10" but only a 28" inside leg. Which do you think is better suited to short legs, I don't have a ktm dealer close by so will have to travel to try one? Thanks again.
If you are short in leg, like me, then no contest, it has to be KTM. The Speed is quite tall and I was on top toes and I’m around 30 inside leg. The triumph seat is quite wide at front so spreads your legs more, leaving less to get to the floor. Ktm lower, narrower and because much lighter, far easier to control without flat feet
@@reddevil0074 thanks for the reply and your advice, I will go and check out the ktm, it sounds like it's worth travelling to see one and try it out. Thanks again and all the best.
@@michaelmclarney1994 good luck with your search
How would you characterize the riding ergonomics? Specially forward lean angle? Am looking for least forward lean angle... as an example YAMAHA TRACER has a zero forward lean angle. Thanks for the great video... very informative.
@Santo if you mean body leaning forward in the saddle: there is room to move forward on the saddle to sit more upright, removing any weight on the wrists at low speed, or to move back as needed for sportier riding or cruising. A minimal feeling of sliding forward is eliminated by biking jeans, presumably due to some padding from the linings. Saddle better, turning circle smaller, in practice seat height and weight seeming much less, and forward lean less than Street Triple, suspension firmer but fine even for long runs. It feels small and at 5'11' and 31" inside leg I can nearly flat foot, legs very comfortable, and near perfect ergos all round.
What are the most common mechanical failures with this motorcycle ?
Gheorghe Vlad not had any mechanicals with mine. Forums show people with issues, but my experience of forums with other makes and models is that I don’t see any more issues on the KTM forums than I’ve had seen on BMW, Kawasaki and Triumph forums that I have been on. Sometimes you will buy a bike that is a “lemon” and everything goes wrong. Still happens in the car world but nowhere near as bad as it was 20 years ago
Ive heard some scattered reports of leaky seals and gaskets, mostly on earlier models. Im almost ready to do my break in service on mine and i havn't had any issues so far
Cheers for the review Mate. I'm trying to justify buying one, to myself, as a Deliveroo rider! 🤣 I need something light for traffic & I'll probably chuck a piggyback ECU on to make it less snatchy at low revs. Well, we know now the reasoning for selling 790s off cheap, now, with the 890 on the way. Personally, it just makes the 790 an absolute bargain. I definitely can't justify shelling out 10K for an 890 but if I can pick a 790 up for around 6K instead. Originally, I was gonna buy a 390, but they're not as reliable & I don't think they're a lot better on fuel either.
Andi Hope no problem. If you do go for one let me know as I would look at selling mine as I have two bikes and both are naked bikes, so KTM is not being used that much.
@@reddevil0074 Yeah, I just watched your reveal vid! I'm still deciding whether I'm gonna buy from a dealer or buy private. I'm in St Albans so I'm very lucky to have KTM UK Hemel down the road.
Andi Hope I’m Northampton based so if you do decide to look at private just let me know
My 390 is 10,000 miles in and not missed a beat; love it but might chop that and my BMW F800GT for a 790 Duke..............
@@reddevil0074 do you still have your 790? I’m also in St Albans and just got myself a 790 with under 1000 miles on it. Haven’t riden it, waiting for that warm weather!😎
Good review mate! 😊👍
MrRotor thanks, much appreciated
Useful info, thanks
Have you had counter shaft seal problems?
No I never had those problems. Bike has now gone and replaced with a 790 Adventure. Same engine, so as you can see I am confident in the bikes to buy another
can you post the link for your hand guards
Sorry only just seen your comment. Here is link www.powerbronze.co.uk/ktm-790-duke-18-19-380-kt104.html
Do u recommend it for 1 yr street bike rider?? Throttles jerky?? I’m very afraid of it.....
what size is your current bike? i moved up from a 125cc Duke, but i have ridden for 3/4 years. I find the 790 is very easy to ride, although it does prefer to go fast so you have to practice self control, and at very slow speeds it does sometimes surge a little, but not in a scary, something bad will happen way
Great review!
Is the screen worthwhile?
Sorry only just seen your comment. Yes it makes a big difference for me
update? :D
Sorry but sold bike a couple of years back. Nothing wrong with it, I just like to try new bikes. So many good bikes and life’s short, so try what I can while I can. Great value for money
Good review buddy! 👍🏻