KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs. Yamaha MT-09 2023

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

Yamaha MT-09 2023

Yamaha MT-09 2023

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Overview - KTM 790 Duke 2018 vs Yamaha MT-09 2023

The KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the Yamaha MT-09 2023 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and advanced rider assistance systems. However, they have some notable differences in terms of engine power, frame material, and available features.

In terms of engine specifications, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is equipped with a 2-cylinder in-line engine that delivers 105 horsepower. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2023 features a 3-cylinder in-line engine with a higher power output of 119 horsepower. This gives the Yamaha MT-09 a slight advantage in terms of raw power and acceleration.

Both bikes are equipped with fuel injection systems and liquid cooling to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. They also feature upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arm with a monoshock for the rear suspension, providing a smooth and controlled ride.

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

In terms of chassis, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 has a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Yamaha MT-09 2023 features an aluminum frame. The KTM's frame type is tubular, while the Yamaha's frame type is twin tube. These differences in frame material and design may result in variations in weight, stiffness, and handling characteristics.

Both bikes come with double disk brakes on the front with similar diameters of around 300mm, ensuring reliable stopping power. They also feature advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and traction control, which enhance safety and stability during riding. Additionally, the Yamaha MT-09 2023 offers the convenience of a quickshifter, allowing for seamless gear shifts without the need to use the clutch.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have similar front and rear tire widths and diameters, providing good traction and stability. The KTM 790 Duke 2018 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1475mm compared to the Yamaha MT-09 2023's 1430mm. Both bikes have a seat height of 825mm, ensuring a comfortable riding position for most riders. They also have the same fuel tank capacity of 14 liters.

Yamaha MT-09 2023

Yamaha MT-09 2023

In terms of strengths, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 is praised for its lively and high-revving engine, sporty chassis, and comfortable seating position. It also offers many electronic features and functions, including a precise quickshifter, making fast riding easier. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2023 is commended for its lack of load change reactions, powerful mid-range performance, comprehensive electronics package, and comfortable seating position. It is also praised for its lively handling and overall riding pleasure.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The KTM 790 Duke 2018 is criticized for its rough handling at low revs and being less suitable for city traffic. Some riders also report oil leaks at the engine block. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-09 2023 is noted for its polarizing aesthetics, small TFT display, somewhat indirect front wheel feel, and the fact that cruise control is only available in the SP variant.

In conclusion, the KTM 790 Duke 2018 and the Yamaha MT-09 2023 are both impressive naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a lively engine and advanced electronic features, while the Yamaha provides a powerful mid-range performance and a comprehensive electronics package. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM 790 Duke 2018 compared to Yamaha MT-09 2023

KTM 790 Duke 2018
Yamaha MT-09 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore88 mmBore78 mm
StrokeStroke65.7 mmStroke62.1 mm
Engine powerEngine power105 HPEngine power119 HP
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders3
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement799 ccmDisplacement889 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel140 mmTravel130 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel150 mmTravel122 mm

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake66 degreeRake65 degree

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter298 mm

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter240 mmDiameter245 mm

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Quickshifter, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,475 mmWheelbase1,430 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height825 mmSeat Height825 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA2, A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM 790 Duke 2018

KTM 790 Duke 2018

The KTM 790 Duke L is an absolutely sporty naked bike with a high fun factor. Whether a beginner rider can handle it depends very much on his or her personality and riding behaviour. There are certainly motorbikes better suited for learning, but sporty radius hunters will hardly be satisfied with anything else. The 790 Duke L is also rather unenthusiastic about everyday rides in the city. On the country road, however, it's a blast, even with only 48 hp. Simply a fun bike as it is written in the book.

Lively, high-revving engine with powerful acceleration

optimally tuned chassis for sporty riding

awesome sound even with series muffler

many electronic gimmicks and functions

extremely precise quickshifter that makes fast riding even easier

comfortable seating position

Rough handling at low revs

bitchy in city traffic

sometimes fiddly-looking switches on the handlebars

oil leak at the engine block on many 790 Dukes

Yamaha MT-09 2023

Yamaha MT-09 2023

If you take a look at the key data of the MT-09, including its over-complete standard equipment, "mid-range naked bike" almost sounds a little pejorative. The Japanese engineers have made improvements exactly where they were needed. The swaying chassis is now a thing of the past and the load change reactions have also been eliminated from the revised three-cylinder engine. The additional power paired with a little more pressure in the mid-range gives a sovereign riding feeling. The MT-09 offers a lot of equipment and enormous riding pleasure at a very attractive price.

no load change reactions

plenty of pressure from the centre

over-complete electronics package

great working quickshifter

comfortably integrated seating position

successful chassis

lively handling

enormous riding pleasure

Polarising optics

small TFT display

somewhat indirect front wheel feel

cruise control only available in SP variant

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM 790 Duke vs Yamaha MT-09

There are a few key differences between a KTM 790 Duke 2018 and a Yamaha MT-09 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Yamaha MT-09 2023 is about 21% higher. Compared to Yamaha MT-09 2023 there are less KTM 790 Duke 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 136. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Duke with 58 days compared to 73 days for a Yamaha MT-09. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 35 reviews for the KTM 790 Duke and 57 reviews for the Yamaha MT-09 since model year 2013. The first review for the KTM 790 Duke was published on 11/9/2016 and now has more than 160,600 views. This compares to more than 39,900 views for the first review on Yamaha MT-09 published on 6/10/2013.

Price KTM 790 Duke

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Yamaha MT-09

Model year
Current average market prices

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