Had 2019 790 the jerkiness took awhile to get use to. I ride in the mountains with dips and dives in the asphalt didn’t like the suspension, loved the bike, so I traded it in on 2021 890r very happy with it. Keep it up great video!
I have one as well, with the full ti akrapovic and map, fixed up the suspension by adding dampening to the forks and set the rear end a bit higher, now it's the scalpel. Super fun bike, never had any problems with it... Would buy another if there wasn't an 890.
I have only the Duke 125 2018, and have hand shells that stop a lot of the wind onto my hands, That can help with the cold. But! like your self! I would still buy a 790 Duke if my dealer can get me one after I pass to A1 license. Dream bike, beside a scrambler Ducati or Triple, awesome review, Stay Safe.
Nice one mate, welcome to the #DUKE club.My GF has the 790 Duke and now I ride the 890 Duke R got it for the same price as the base model 890. Also hat’s off to you for riding in shit weather. One thing we never found our bikes jerky, just use Street throttle setting and light touch on the throttle.
Thanks! Oh that’s interesting - found mine to be horrendous! I’m all about the sport now. Just ordered a throttle spacer also so will see how that fairs!
Nice review! Been doing some cold weather riding myself on the 790 Duke here in Canada. Might need a windscreen and heated grips for the winter 🥶🥶. Ride safe!
My dream bike. Although im waiting for the 890 to arrive in our country. If it isnt priced that much higher than the 790 id probably consider that instead.
I want one but am put off by the reliability issues - my 390 Duke is a peach but had a rear shock replaced under warranty. More worried about cooling/oil seal leakage on the 790.
I wouldn’t worry too much. My friends 790 leaked from the coolant hose. It’s not an expensive fix if it does leak. All bikes have issues like this. Least you’re in a good position as you know what to expect and look for when buying!
I recently bought one and it's really great. I need parts that are not available in my country, such as the windshield and a luggage rack. greetings from Colombia
I’m glad you like it! They are great bikes. I tried two types of windscreen, the puig (large) and a barracuda which was quite small and didn’t really do anything. Good luck with the parts hunt!
Great review mike, I’m thinking of getting the 790 duke, recently changed jobs and bought a Honda adv 350 for the commute, been going out with friends on (proper) bikes and have narrowed it down to the duke or mt07 , test rode the hornet last Saturday but that didn’t blow me away like I thought it would, and am also worried about the duke being made by the Chinese company cf , what do you think 👍
Quite different bikes there, I think the MT07 is a great all round bike, they sound great too. But it would get blown away by a KTM 790/890, the KTM is more of an MT09 competitor. The year of the bike also comes into play, newer 790s dont come with some of the fancy options the original did unless you pay extra so do your research. KTMs can have reliability issues… the Yam will likely be more reliable. But… get the one which you want the most would be my advice.
How much more do you prefer the MT10 over the mid-size KTM? I currently have the Duke 890R, which I really enjoy, but have been intrigued with the Yamaha for a long time...
I think the KTM is a great bike, but the MT is just so much more bike imo. I couldn’t believe how smooth the MT was over the KTM 790. Made the KTM feel agricultural, MT also felt more planted and I corner with more confidence. I’d recommend you try an MT10… you’ll see. I liked my KTM, but I love my MT10. Also, the sound of a cross-plane is just magical.
Had one. Somewhat unreliable (means excellent for KTM) - leaked oil and coolant quite often. Otherwise fine bike, if engine vibration is not an issue for the rider (which kicked in at like 6-7k rpm). Really nice electronics kit. Quickshifter was not smooth in 1-2 gear. I would not call it jerky though.
That’s interesting - looks like You had a pretty negative experience - tbh it happens will all bikes no matter the brand. But what you’ve said are known issues with the duke!
A lot of riders complained about the engine heat coming off the upper left side. Do you sense it on: the upper left side, lower left side, lower right side or upper right side as well? Did you hear of an accessory to mitigate this problem?
To be honest I have never had an issue with heat on my bike. If it’s a warm summers day and I’m in town then sure, but normal riding 99% of the time I don’t feel any excess heat. I have heard of owners removing the Catalyst as a lot of heat can build up there giving you a warm foot!
KTM is faster (105bhp vs 72hp), lighter, better electronics, better suspension, looks better imo, newer architecture. MT07 sounds nice and is a good bike in its category, but it’s getting old. 790 and the 07 aren’t really in the same league!
I don’t think you’d go wrong either way… get one… then later on get the other! I think the KTM is more of a hooner and has a bit more character… the z900 will probably not give you any issues and maybe a little easier to ride? Good luck though! Both cool bikes
@@vr3057 if you put a full sc project or arrow exhaust system on the Z, it will be a monster bro😁 i have a 2021 model and trust me it will put a smile on your face. But if you don’t put an aftermarker header and only a slip-on, it will be a pretty boring bike. Bit its hella good and reliable.
I’ve not had any issues so far! I have seen complaints of a small leak from the rad hose connection - easy fix but just a bit annoying. Also some have gotten random warning messages but it’s always just a low battery (users fault). Other than that I don’t think they have an major issues.
Hi, I'm thinking of buying a 790 at the end of the year but I'm 1,87m tall and I don't know if the bike will be too small for me. What do you guys think?
Yeah if you’re sensible with it, just ease into it I think it would be a great first bike. Has lots of electronics to help keep you safer and it generally a very easy bike to ride and use!
Last question , looks so hard to handle , i mean , seems like this bike it s always ready to go, I cannot decide between 790 or z900, Z looks easier to handle
@@nicholasprataviera7613 I wouldn’t say it’s hard to handle, its handling in general is what it’s known for! It will feel more agile and eager to go than the z900 however as it’s a twin and has that low down torque - also I think probably a fair bit lighter than the z?
Hi how do you feel about fact that their now made in China?. And I do know a lot of good engineering comes from there including BMW engines 2,3,& 4 cylinder bike and car engines... But I do like that bike of yours. Thanks
I feel like due to my career I can probably answer this fairly well! To be honest, as long as KTM are using the same manufacturing processes and quality standards - and ensuring that the Chinese workforce are adhering to them by the way of audits and management… then no worries! Same goes for triumph and their bikes, I don’t see their bikes lacking quality after a plant move!
@@BikeLikeMike92 right I see what you mean.. I've had 2006 triumph & I know their frames have been made in Asia for some while.. .I know BMW has massive factory in China I'm sure they know what their doing Thanks for your help.
Yea, no matter where in the world the plant is, the brands headquarters will still be controlling it - if anything it’s a positive. Same expensive materials etc… just cheaper labour, bills etc. So the company will be more successful - could potentially price their bikes even better compared to the competition! Who knows … it wouldn’t stop me buying one.
@@BikeLikeMike92 major manufacturers everything you wear and use... Take Alpinestars as an example. I've been biking for some while now think 25+ years ago when the Fireblade & the GSXR 750 were £9,300+ new.
I’m sure you’ll get one someday! My first bike was a crashed GSXR I rebuilt in my mum and dads garden when I was 15… i loved it as much as I love this KTM!
Had 2019 790 the jerkiness took awhile to get use to. I ride in the mountains with dips and dives in the asphalt didn’t like the suspension, loved the bike, so I traded it in on 2021 890r very happy with it. Keep it up great video!
I have one as well, with the full ti akrapovic and map, fixed up the suspension by adding dampening to the forks and set the rear end a bit higher, now it's the scalpel.
Super fun bike, never had any problems with it... Would buy another if there wasn't an 890.
I have only the Duke 125 2018, and have hand shells that stop a lot of the wind onto my hands, That can help
with the cold.
But! like your self! I would still buy a 790 Duke if my dealer can get me one after I pass to A1 license.
Dream bike, beside a scrambler Ducati or Triple, awesome review, Stay Safe.
Nice one mate, welcome to the #DUKE club.My GF has the 790 Duke and now I ride the 890 Duke R got it for the same price as the base model 890. Also hat’s off to you for riding in shit weather.
One thing we never found our bikes jerky, just use Street throttle setting and light touch on the throttle.
Thanks! Oh that’s interesting - found mine to be horrendous! I’m all about the sport now. Just ordered a throttle spacer also so will see how that fairs!
Nice review! Been doing some cold weather riding myself on the 790 Duke here in Canada. Might need a windscreen and heated grips for the winter 🥶🥶. Ride safe!
Must be amazing in Canada, absolutely - heated gloves also look very nice! Take care!
Been riding all “winter” here in California too on my 790. The stock tires don’t like the cold!
Have a 790 as well, and love it! Greets from Austria
Ah nice! Glad you like it! Very jealous - you must get some stunning riding over there! Great country
@@BikeLikeMike92 Yep we have a lot of curves for the Duke perfevtly fitting 😁
beautiful bike
My dream bike. Although im waiting for the 890 to arrive in our country. If it isnt priced that much higher than the 790 id probably consider that instead.
It’s quite pricey here in the UK. But if you’re keeping it it’s defo worth it!
I want one but am put off by the reliability issues - my 390 Duke is a peach but had a rear shock replaced under warranty. More worried about cooling/oil seal leakage on the 790.
I wouldn’t worry too much. My friends 790 leaked from the coolant hose. It’s not an expensive fix if it does leak. All bikes have issues like this. Least you’re in a good position as you know what to expect and look for when buying!
Nice video. I love the ignition key ring strap! Where did you find that?
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124669815181?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=dmNhOL6GQV6&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=-SD2v8WvRTG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I recently bought one and it's really great. I need parts that are not available in my country, such as the windshield and a luggage rack. greetings from Colombia
I’m glad you like it! They are great bikes. I tried two types of windscreen, the puig (large) and a barracuda which was quite small and didn’t really do anything. Good luck with the parts hunt!
Great review mike, I’m thinking of getting the 790 duke, recently changed jobs and bought a Honda adv 350 for the commute, been going out with friends on (proper) bikes and have narrowed it down to the duke or mt07 , test rode the hornet last Saturday but that didn’t blow me away like I thought it would, and am also worried about the duke being made by the Chinese company cf , what do you think 👍
Quite different bikes there, I think the MT07 is a great all round bike, they sound great too. But it would get blown away by a KTM 790/890, the KTM is more of an MT09 competitor. The year of the bike also comes into play, newer 790s dont come with some of the fancy options the original did unless you pay extra so do your research. KTMs can have reliability issues… the Yam will likely be more reliable. But… get the one which you want the most would be my advice.
How much more do you prefer the MT10 over the mid-size KTM? I currently have the Duke 890R, which I really enjoy, but have been intrigued with the Yamaha for a long time...
I think the KTM is a great bike, but the MT is just so much more bike imo. I couldn’t believe how smooth the MT was over the KTM 790. Made the KTM feel agricultural, MT also felt more planted and I corner with more confidence. I’d recommend you try an MT10… you’ll see. I liked my KTM, but I love my MT10. Also, the sound of a cross-plane is just magical.
Had one. Somewhat unreliable (means excellent for KTM) - leaked oil and coolant quite often. Otherwise fine bike, if engine vibration is not an issue for the rider (which kicked in at like 6-7k rpm). Really nice electronics kit. Quickshifter was not smooth in 1-2 gear. I would not call it jerky though.
That’s interesting - looks like
You had a pretty negative experience - tbh it happens will all bikes no matter the brand. But what you’ve said are known issues with the duke!
A lot of riders complained about the engine heat coming off the upper left side. Do you sense it on: the upper left side, lower left side, lower right side or upper right side as well? Did you hear of an accessory to mitigate this problem?
To be honest I have never had an issue with heat on my bike. If it’s a warm summers day and I’m in town then sure, but normal riding 99% of the time I don’t feel any excess heat. I have heard of owners removing the Catalyst as a lot of heat can build up there giving you a warm foot!
@@BikeLikeMike92 thanks.
hello how much was it to get your ecu mapped and how long was the turn around
Hi, I think I paid £250. Special delivery there and back so sent on a Monday back on Thursday. Pretty good.
Wht about duke 490 bro can u make videos hw dose it look gv more details pls
Will see if I can get out on one! Have booked in the zero next but will look into it.
Yes i liket Ktm 790 adventure
Great bike
Why not the mt 07? I can't decide between these two.
KTM is faster (105bhp vs 72hp), lighter, better electronics, better suspension, looks better imo, newer architecture. MT07 sounds nice and is a good bike in its category, but it’s getting old. 790 and the 07 aren’t really in the same league!
What does he mean with jerkynes i dont understand
I mean that, with a small application of throttle the bike (due to the fuelling) can jolt forward rather than being smooth.
Please tell me what cell phone mount that is!!! Looks great.
Quad lock, with vibration dampener. I love it.
@@BikeLikeMike92 interesting, where on the bars do you mount it??
@@GordonFreeman. it wraps around the bar, I mounted it right in the middle but you could put it off to the side if you wanted.
Would you still have the details of the company who mapped your bike mate?
g.co/kgs/bKQEMY
Junction 33 developments - they’re on Facebook too - I messaged them on there.
Nice one cheers fella 👍
Im a stuck between this ktm 790 or the new Kawasaki z900se 😭 i can't decide, i have already rode the 2 bikes but i like the lightness of thw ktm
I don’t think you’d go wrong either way… get one… then later on get the other! I think the KTM is more of a hooner and has a bit more character… the z900 will probably not give you any issues and maybe a little easier to ride? Good luck though! Both cool bikes
@@BikeLikeMike92 thanks really appreciated man🤙
had the same dilemma but went for the duke in the end. got to say i love it its so light it definitely goes where you point it
@@rickyreed8354 thanks brother
@@vr3057 if you put a full sc project or arrow exhaust system on the Z, it will be a monster bro😁 i have a 2021 model and trust me it will put a smile on your face. But if you don’t put an aftermarker header and only a slip-on, it will be a pretty boring bike. Bit its hella good and reliable.
Did you have any issues with the bike?
I’ve not had any issues so far! I have seen complaints of a small leak from the rad hose connection - easy fix but just a bit annoying. Also some have gotten random warning messages but it’s always just a low battery (users fault). Other than that I don’t think they have an major issues.
Hi, I'm thinking of buying a 790 at the end of the year but I'm 1,87m tall and I don't know if the bike will be too small for me. What do you guys think?
Sold my KTM so someone around 195cm. It’s a relatively small bike. Bike if it feels good when you’re on it then I wouldn’t worry too much. Ride it
@@BikeLikeMike92 okay thx hehe i just dont want to look like a clown while riding it
Unless you have fuzzy red hair and a red round nose you’ll look great! Haha
@@BikeLikeMike92 hahahaha
@@trix_9714 just stay away from the circus when riding
Would you recommend as first begginer bike ?
Yeah if you’re sensible with it, just ease into it I think it would be a great first bike. Has lots of electronics to help keep you safer and it generally a very easy bike to ride and use!
Last question , looks so hard to handle , i mean , seems like this bike it s always ready to go, I cannot decide between 790 or z900, Z looks easier to handle
@@nicholasprataviera7613 I wouldn’t say it’s hard to handle, its handling in general is what it’s known for! It will feel more agile and eager to go than the z900 however as it’s a twin and has that low down torque - also I think probably a fair bit lighter than the z?
Sorry what type off tyres you have
I went with Metzler M9RR’s. I’d also have bought the Bridgestone S22 as I’ve heard good things about them both.
Akra-Povyk? Never heard of this brand :D
I feel attacked 🤣
Hi how do you feel about fact that their now made in China?. And I do know a lot of good engineering comes from there including BMW engines 2,3,& 4 cylinder bike and car engines... But I do like that bike of yours. Thanks
I feel like due to my career I can probably answer this fairly well! To be honest, as long as KTM are using the same manufacturing processes and quality standards - and ensuring that the Chinese workforce are adhering to them by the way of audits and management… then no worries! Same goes for triumph and their bikes, I don’t see their bikes lacking quality after a plant move!
@@BikeLikeMike92 right I see what you mean.. I've had 2006 triumph & I know their frames have been made in Asia for some while.. .I know BMW has massive factory in China I'm sure they know what their doing Thanks for your help.
Yea, no matter where in the world the plant is, the brands headquarters will still be controlling it - if anything it’s a positive. Same expensive materials etc… just cheaper labour, bills etc. So the company will be more successful - could potentially price their bikes even better compared to the competition! Who knows … it wouldn’t stop me buying one.
@@BikeLikeMike92 major manufacturers everything you wear and use... Take Alpinestars as an example. I've been biking for some while now think 25+ years ago when the Fireblade & the GSXR 750 were £9,300+ new.
Watching ktm duke 790 dream bike
With my account balance :$0.6 🥲
I’m sure you’ll get one someday! My first bike was a crashed GSXR I rebuilt in my mum and dads garden when I was 15… i loved it as much as I love this KTM!