Action packed day at Kyalami at the 2018 KTM Dealer Conference & long awaited KTM 790 Duke Launch.
Turns out JHB can be fun!
A slow start to the day after a horrible night sleep in what felt like a silent disco, passing cars lights flashing through an open curtain in our hotel room!
Information overload with new product and innovation introductions, much to take in! 2017 Results, PowerWear, KTM Finance, New Diagnostics, 2019 Competition Models, Marketing Initiatives, Group Photo, Training Initiatives, food, plenty of food and eventually the introduction of the 790 Duke….in between phone calls, sms and emails…
After a brief introduction and riders briefing we were allowed onto the already dark track with borrowed jacket and dark visor. Ok, not all of us.
Thanks to Clinton Pienaar, last year I managed a few laps of Kyalami in the daylight, so I had half an idea of which way to go. Unfortunately that did not stop me from riding like a drunk person, having to pickup and accelerate to each apex after braking and turning in early on every corner…. with my dark visor open to see, doing the 790 Duke no justice at all.
Sensory overload to say the least, but a privilege nonetheless.
Fun facts about the 790 Duke:
Weight 169kgs (dry)
105hp
87nm
Seat Heights (825,805 optional,780-lowering link)
Quick shifter standard
Progressive springs
Engine block is only marginally larger than the KTM 390 Duke!!!
Reflecting on the days events in the quiet of the hotel room, it’s hardly fair to pretend to have an opinion of the bike considering the conditions and allotted time. Although I do find myself grinning stupidly looking forward to thrashing one of these through Europe in July! Not many can say they have ridden around an international racetrack. In the dark. Without flood lights. And a dark visor. In a borrowed jacket.
Thanks KTM for the best products.
Thanks KTM South Africa for the best experience.
