Upon its debut back in 2017, the KTM 790 Duke proved immensely popular — so much so that it netted some 29,000-plus sales over its four-year lifespan. And it’s not without good reason. KTM managed to find the perfect sweet spot with its first parallel twin, as the bike produced a respectable 105hp and 64lb-ft of torque despite its compact 799cc engine and svelte 416 lb curb weight. In fact, even with the arrival of the 890 Duke in 2021, KTM brought back the 790 for the 2022 model year.
Because of its exposed chassis and sharp handling, it’s only natural that KTM dubbed the 790 Duke “The Scalpel.” As Motorcycle News describes in their review, “It happily slices through tight twists on the road and will hold its own on a small track, like Brands, Cadwell or Mallory. The chassis is balanced, stable, predictable and the brakes consistently strong. A canted forward riding, feet-back riding has a faint streak of wild supermoto about it.”
Bridging the gap between the single-cylinder 390 Duke and its older brother, the 890 Duke, the 790 is an interesting offering in the KTM lineup.
Manufactured in August 2018, this example is VIN: VBKTU6407KM736751. The seller acquired it from a private party in February 2024 through an Iconic Motorbikes auction.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 2,600 miles. The odometer shows 17,458 miles.
Iconic would like to make special note that we originally sold this bike on behalf of our friend (and the Editor in Chief of Motorcycle.com), the late Evans Brasfield. After testing the bike for Motorcycle.com’s First Ride review, he went on to purchase the bike himself. He documented his upgrade journey here as well as his efforts to refocus on track riding here. If you’d like to see how the bike stacks up against KTM’s 890 Duke R, check out this comparison piece. After he passed away, his wife asked us to sell this bike and his Kawasaki KLX 300. It would have been Evans’ 64th birthday this week and we miss him dearly.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and clean/lube/adjust the drive chain. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok (0.15V)
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail (>3% of moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail (>3% of moisture contamination)
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Cleaned, Lubed, Adjusted
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 75%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 33/21
Tire Date Code Rear: 33/21
Tire % Remaining Front: 80%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 75%
Tire Press. Front: 33 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 36 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.9V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.9V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Check engine light currently on (due to the more aggressive air/fuel map)
Recommendations:
-CEL Diagnostic
-Hydro 2 (Front and Rear Brake Fluid)
Modifications:
Not pictured: Rottweiler Performance mapped Power Commander to account for the new air/fuel ratio with the upgraded intake and exhaust.
Akrapovič exhaust.
WP Apex Pro cartridges and shock.
Brembo Corsa Corta master cylinder, heated grips and Rizoma mirrors.
Galfer rotors.
Carbon fiber side panels.
Rottweiler performance Transaver.
Adjustable rearsets, carbon fiber heel guards.
KTM Powerparts seat.
Bonamici case guards.
Front, frame, and rear axle sliders, swingarm spools.
Rizoma turn signals.
Rizoma fuel cap.
Fender eliminator.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Road 6 tires with date codes of 3321 and 3321.
The sale includes one key.
The sale also includes a large assortment of stock take-off, upgrade, and spare parts.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Panorama City, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this KTM is offered on a clean California title with registration current through September 2026.
Have any 790 Duke stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
