The 2026 KTM 790 Duke has been leaked ahead of its official launch, and it looks sharper, lighter, and more aggressive than ever. The updated middleweight naked bike surfaced through Chinese government type-approval documents, confirming that KTM is preparing the next-generation 790 Duke for production later this year.
With fresh styling inspired by the KTM 990 Duke, upgraded braking hardware, and minor mechanical refinements, the new 790 Duke is ready to strengthen its position in the competitive performance naked bike segment.
2026 KTM 790 Duke Details
The KTM has not officially announced the launch date, the appearance of the motorcycle in type-approval filings strongly suggests that the official launch could happen later this year. However, one of the biggest highlights of the leaked 2026 KTM 790 Duke is its completely refreshed design. KTM has aligned the new model with its latest design language, similar to what we see on the KTM 990 Duke.
At the front, the bike now gets a centrally mounted LED projector headlight, which is surrounded by separate LED DRLs. While the layout looks similar to the 990 Duke, the headlamp unit itself is unique to the 790 Duke. The face looks sharper and more modern compared to the outgoing model.
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The fuel tank and side panels are now more angular and heavily sculpted. These sharper lines give the bike a more aggressive and muscular appearance. At the rear, KTM has added a new subframe, likely a cast aluminium unit, along with a stepped seat design for a sportier look. The bike also borrows its mirrors from the 990 Duke, further connecting the design language across KTM’s lineup.
2026 KTM 790 Duke Engine
According to the leaked type-approval documents, the 2026 KTM 790 Duke produces 77kW (103.26bhp). This makes it a strong performer in the middleweight segment. The kerb weight is listed at 185kg, which is 2kg lighter than the previous model. A lighter bike means better agility and improved handling.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Power (Global Model) | 77kW (103.26bhp) |
| Maximum Power (Europe – A2 Version) | 70kW (94bhp) |
| Kerb Weight | 185kg (2kg lighter than previous model) |
| Wheelbase | 1,476mm (1mm longer than before) |
| Segment | Middleweight Naked Streetfighter |
For the European market, KTM is expected to limit the power output to 70kW (94bhp). This will allow the company to offer an A2 licence-compatible version, making it accessible to more riders in Europe. The wheelbase has increased slightly by 1mm and now measures 1,476mm. This suggests that the chassis geometry remains almost unchanged, so riders can expect a similar riding character with minor refinements.
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Brakes, Suspension & Hardware Updates
Mechanically, KTM has made some important upgrades. The older KTM-branded J.Juan brake callipers have now been replaced with WP-sourced brake callipers. This move aligns with KTM’s strategy of using more in-house components. The bike also gets new disc rotors, and braking is managed by an India-made Bosch 9.3MP ABS system, which is known for its reliability and safety performance.
WP continues to handle suspension duties, ensuring that the 790 Duke maintains its sporty and sharp handling characteristics. The main frame and chassis hardware appear to remain largely unchanged, which means KTM has focused more on refinement than a complete overhaul.
The 2026 KTM 790 Duke will continue to be manufactured in China at KTM’s joint venture facility with CFMoto. This also explains why the bike was leaked in China first. Interestingly, the tank features ‘KTMR2R’ badging, which is visible in the approval documents. Production in China helps KTM manage costs while maintaining global supply.