Performance
That 105bhp output feels plenty from a bike weighing just 174kg wet, especially as the Duke has a very sweet throttle response and kicks out plenty of torque through the midrange. It’s good for 130mph-plus, feels like it’s doing that speed at much less (thanks to its complete lack of wind protection), and revs smoothly through its six-speed box with the aid of a slick, two-way quick-shifter.
The chassis is excellent, too, combining light, easy steering with confidence-inspiring stability, despite the suspension’s generous travel and minimal adjustability. The J.Juan brakes and Maxxis tyres lack the glamour of brands such as Brembo and Pirelli, but also work well. And with superbike-level traction control plus cornering ABS, the 790 brings a new level of sophistication to the middleweight division.