Which is faster, the KTM 790 Duke or the Yamaha MT-07?

The KTM 790 Duke. It carries 0.52 hp per kilo (95 hp, 184 kg wet) against 0.40 hp per kilo for the Yamaha MT-07 (73.4 hp, 184 kg).

Is the KTM 790 Duke cheaper than the Yamaha MT-07?

The Yamaha MT-07 is cheaper at €8,199 list, €800 less than the KTM 790 Duke at €8,999.

Which is better for shorter riders?

The Yamaha MT-07. Its 805 mm seat is 20 mm lower than the KTM 790 Duke, and at 184 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.

Which has better technology, the 790 Duke or the MT-07?

The KTM 790 Duke, which scores 8.3 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The Yamaha MT-07 counters with a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity.

Which goes further on a tank?

The Yamaha MT-07: 333 km from its 14 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 311 km for the KTM 790 Duke.

Which bike wins overall?

The KTM 790 Duke, scoring 60.8 of 100 against 52.2 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

KTM 790 Duke vs Yamaha MT-07

Two naked bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits.

KTM

790 Duke

60.8

/ 100

Winner

Yamaha

MT-07

52.2

/ 100

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0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

KTM 790 Duke0 km/h

Full specification comparison: KTM 790 Duke versus Yamaha MT-07
Spec	KTM790 Duke	YamahaMT-07
Engine
Engine	LC8c parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC	CP2 parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement	799 cc	689 cc
Power	95 hp at 9,500 rpm	73.4 hp at 8,750 rpm
Torque	87 Nm at 8,000 rpm	68 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Power to weight	0.52 hp/kg	0.40 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight	184 kg	184 kg
Front suspension	WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 140 mm	KYB 41 mm inverted, 130 mm
Front adjustability	Non-adjustable	Preload only
Rear suspension	WP APEX monoshock, 150 mm	KYB monoshock, 130 mm
Rear adjustability	Preload only	Preload and rebound
Front brake	300 mm, radial 4-piston	298 mm, radial 4-piston
ABS	Cornering ABS	Standard ABS
Dimensions
Seat height	825 mm	805 mm
Wheelbase	1475 mm	1400 mm
Fuel capacity	14 L	14 L
Claimed consumption	4.5 L/100 km	4.2 L/100 km
Fuel range	311 km	333 km
Ownership
Price	€8,999	€8,199
Service interval	15,000 km	10,000 km
Valve check	30,000 km	42,000 km
Warranty	2 years	2 years
Equipment
Dash	TFT	TFT
Ride modes	Yes	Yes
Traction control	Yes	Yes
Quickshifter	Optional	Optional
Cruise control	Not available	Not available
Connectivity	Yes	Yes

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Verdict

The KTM 790 Duke wins this comparison clearly, 60.8 points to 52.2.

The gap of 8.6 points is built mostly in engine and performance, where the 790 Duke takes 15 points out of the MT-07. 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 73.4 hp and 68 Nm moving 184 kg for the MT-07. That is 0.52 hp per kilo playing 0.40.

The MT-07 costs €8,199, which leaves €800 in your pocket against the 790 Duke at €8,999. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the MT-07 and 15,000 km on the 790 Duke.

Better for city and commuting

Yamaha MT-07

A 805 mm seat, 333 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 790 Duke

95 hp pushing 184 kg with WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

Yamaha MT-07

333 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 790 Duke or the Yamaha MT-07?: The KTM 790 Duke. It carries 0.52 hp per kilo (95 hp, 184 kg wet) against 0.40 hp per kilo for the Yamaha MT-07 (73.4 hp, 184 kg).
Is the KTM 790 Duke cheaper than the Yamaha MT-07?: The Yamaha MT-07 is cheaper at €8,199 list, €800 less than the KTM 790 Duke at €8,999.
Which is better for shorter riders?: The Yamaha MT-07. Its 805 mm seat is 20 mm lower than the KTM 790 Duke, and at 184 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the 790 Duke or the MT-07?: The KTM 790 Duke, which scores 8.3 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The Yamaha MT-07 counters with a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity.
Which goes further on a tank?: The Yamaha MT-07: 333 km from its 14 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 311 km for the KTM 790 Duke.
Which bike wins overall?: The KTM 790 Duke, scoring 60.8 of 100 against 52.2 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

Dig into each bike

KTM 790 Duke specs and score Yamaha MT-07 specs and score 790 Duke maintenance costs MT-07 maintenance costs All naked bikes

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