New 790 Duke Spied: It’s Got a New Face and an Attitude Problem.

The “Scalpel” is officially back on the whetstone, and it’s looking sharper than ever. Spied tearing through European roads, the 2026 KTM 790 Duke is ditching the old-school look for a full-blown predator aesthetic.

“Is the Scalpel back to reclaim its throne? We dive into the leaked specs of the 2026 KTM 790 Duke, its 1390-inspired design, and how it stacks up against the Triumph Street Triple R in the battle for middleweight dominance. Read more for Pune pricing and launch updates!”

Here is the lowdown on the updated middleweight madness:

1. The Face of a Beast

The most jarring (and exciting) update is the alien-esque LED headlight. KTM has ripped the face off the flagship 1390 Super Duke R and grafted it onto the 790. With new side panels and a reshaped, muscular fuel tank, this bike looks less like a commuter and more like a street-fighter ready to start a brawl.

2. Same Heart, More Heat

Under the orange skin sits the legendary 799cc parallel-twin engine. It’s the same punchy motor we love, likely still pumping out:

• Power: 105 bhp
• Torque: 87 Nm
• Vibe: Pure, unadulterated chaos.

3. The “New” Bits

While the main trellis frame stays put, KTM has swapped in a revised subframe and a restyled exhaust system. Why? Likely to accommodate the new tail design and meet increasingly suffocating European emission norms without losing that signature twin-cylinder growl.

4. Better “Stop” and “Go”

The spy shots reveal updated braking hardware with new calipers and a rumored rework of the WP suspension. Translation: It’ll dive into corners harder and stop on a dime, living up to its “Scalpel” nickname.

The Big Question: India Launch? 🇮🇳

Here’s the heartbreak: While the test mule looks 99% production-ready, there is zero confirmation for an Indian comeback. KTM India has been teasing us with big bikes for years, but whether this specific 790 Duke will make the cut or if we’ll skip straight to the 990 remains the ultimate cliffhanger.

The Verdict: It’s faster, meaner, and uglier in the best possible way. The 2026 790 Duke isn’t just a refresh; it’s a reminder that KTM still knows how to build a bike that looks like it wants to eat your lunch.

Would you like me to compare these new specs against its biggesIf the 2026 KTM 790 Duke is a bar-fighting brawler, the Triumph Street Triple R is a sophisticated assassin. Both want your lunch money, but they have very different ways of taking it.

Here is how the “Scalpel” stacks up against the “Striple.”

The Tale of the Tape

Why you’d pick the KTM (The Hooligan’s Choice)

• The Torque Punch: The KTM has a massive torque advantage (87 Nm vs 80 Nm ). It hits harder at low RPMs, meaning it’ll loft the front wheel while the Triumph is still clearing its throat.
• The “Street Fighter” Tech: KTM usually packs their bikes with “Supermoto Mode” (allowing you to slide the rear) and a very aggressive Quickshifter+ as standard.
• The Look: If you want a bike that looks like a futuristic insect designed by a heavy metal band, the 2026 refresh wins hands down.

Why you’d pick the Triumph (The Purist’s Choice) 🇬🇧

• The Soundtrack: Nothing beats the 765cc triple’s intake howl as it screams toward its 12,000 RPM redline. It sounds like a mini Moto2 bike because, well, it basically is one.
• Refinement: The inline-three is buttery smooth compared to the vibey, mechanical clatter of the KTM twin. It’s the “civilized” way to go fast.
• Better Hardware: The Street Triple R generally comes with higher-spec Showa suspension and Brembo M4.32 or Stylema calipers (on the RS), giving it better feel at the limit.

The Verdict

• Choose the KTM if you live for wheelies, tight city gaps, and a bike that feels like it’s caffeinated.
• Choose the Triumph if you want to carve canyon roads with perfect composure and value a premium, “big-bike” finish.

Here is the damage to your wallet for these two middleweight heavyweights.

Since you are in Pune, the Triumph is a “buy-it-today” reality, while the KTM is still a “maybe-someday” dream.

Price Comparison (Estimated for Pune)

*KTM prices are based on the last recorded Indian price + anticipated inflation and premium features. These are speculative.

The “Pune Reality Check”

1. The Triumph (The Safe Bet):

Triumph has a strong presence in Pune. You can walk into a showroom today and pick up the Street Triple R for roughly ₹12.5 Lakh. If you want the higher-spec RS (with the Ohlins shock and Brembo Stylemas), be prepared to shell out closer to ₹14.8 Lakh on-road.

2. The KTM (The Waiting Game):

This is the tricky part. While the global 2026 model looks incredible, KTM India has not sold a big Duke since the 790 was discontinued years ago.

• The Hope: KTM might bring it back as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) to compete with the Kawasaki Z900.
• The Reality: If it does come, expect a price tag that undercuts the Triumph by at least ₹1.5 – ₹2 Lakh, staying true to KTM’s “Value-for-Performance” DNA.

The Verdict

If you have the money ready and want the best-sounding, most refined triple on the market, the Triumph is sitting in Pune waiting for you. But if you have a “Ready to Race” tattoo and don’t mind waiting to see if KTM India finally listens to the fans, the 2026 790 Duke could save you a significant chunk of change.

Image Source

Sources

• Official Global Model Page: KTM International – 2026 KTM 790 Duke Technical Specs
• Spy Shot Breaking News: BikeWale – Next-Gen KTM 790 Duke Spotted Testing in Europe
• The Competitor (Price & Status): Triumph India – Street Triple 765 R Official Page
• In-Depth Spec Comparison: MotoPlanete – KTM 790 Duke 2026 Full Specifications

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