The Moto Ref

KTM 390 Duke vs KTM 790 Duke

Two naked bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits. These two sit in different classes, so each score is computed within its own class.

KTM

390 Duke

66.6

/ 100

Winner

vs

KTM

790 Duke

60.8

/ 100

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0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

KTM 390 Duke0 km/h
390 Duke
KTM 790 Duke0 km/h
790 Duke

Points by category

Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated

Engine and performance

out of 25
390 Duke
20.8
790 Duke
20.0

Handling and chassis

out of 20
390 Duke
14.9
790 Duke
12.7

Value

out of 20
390 Duke
7.8
790 Duke
8.2

Practicality

out of 15
390 Duke
9.0
790 Duke
4.9

Technology

out of 10
390 Duke
8.3
790 Duke
8.3

Reliability and ownership

out of 10
390 Duke
5.8
790 Duke
6.7

Specs side by side

Full specification comparison: KTM 390 Duke versus KTM 790 Duke
SpecKTM390 DukeKTM790 Duke
Engine
EngineSingle cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHCLC8c parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement398.7 cc799 cc
Power45 hp at 8,500 rpm95 hp at 9,500 rpm
Torque39 Nm at 7,000 rpm87 Nm at 8,000 rpm
Power to weight0.27 hp/kg0.52 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight165 kg184 kg
Front suspensionWP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 150 mmWP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 140 mm
Front adjustabilityCompression and reboundNon-adjustable
Rear suspensionWP APEX monoshock, 150 mmWP APEX monoshock, 150 mm
Rear adjustabilityPreload and reboundPreload only
Front brake320 mm, radial 4-piston300 mm, radial 4-piston
ABSCornering ABSCornering ABS
Dimensions
Seat height820 mm825 mm
Wheelbase1476 mm1475 mm
Fuel capacity15 L14 L
Claimed consumption3.5 L/100 km4.5 L/100 km
Fuel range429 km311 km
Ownership
Price€6,299€8,999
Service interval10,000 km15,000 km
Valve check20,000 km30,000 km
Warranty2 years2 years
Equipment
DashTFTTFT
Ride modesYesYes
Traction controlYesYes
QuickshifterOptionalOptional
Cruise controlNot availableNot available
ConnectivityYesYes
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Verdict

The KTM 390 Duke wins this comparison clearly, 66.6 points to 60.8.

The gap of 5.8 points is built mostly in practicality, where the 390 Duke takes 4.1 points out of the 790 Duke. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the 790 Duke is the quicker machine: 95 hp and 87 Nm moving 184 kg, against 45 hp and 39 Nm moving 165 kg for the 390 Duke. That is 0.52 hp per kilo playing 0.27.

The 390 Duke costs €6,299, which leaves €2,700 in your pocket against the 790 Duke at €8,999. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the 390 Duke and 15,000 km on the 790 Duke.

Better for city and commuting

KTM 390 Duke

A 820 mm seat, 429 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.

Better for weekend twisties

KTM 390 Duke

45 hp pushing 165 kg with WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

KTM 390 Duke

429 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.

Frequently asked

Which is faster, the KTM 390 Duke or the KTM 790 Duke?
The KTM 790 Duke. It carries 0.52 hp per kilo (95 hp, 184 kg wet) against 0.27 hp per kilo for the KTM 390 Duke (45 hp, 165 kg).
Is the KTM 390 Duke cheaper than the KTM 790 Duke?
The KTM 390 Duke is cheaper at €6,299 list, €2,700 less than the KTM 790 Duke at €8,999.
Which is better for shorter riders?
The KTM 390 Duke. Its 820 mm seat is 5 mm lower than the KTM 790 Duke, and at 165 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the 390 Duke or the 790 Duke?
The KTM 390 Duke, which scores 8.3 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The KTM 790 Duke counters with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity.
Which goes further on a tank?
The KTM 390 Duke: 429 km from its 15 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 311 km for the KTM 790 Duke.
Which bike wins overall?
The KTM 390 Duke, scoring 66.6 of 100 against 60.8 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

Dig into each bike

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