KTM 790 Duke 2020 vs. Triumph Street Triple 765 RS 2020

The KTM 790 Duke 2020 and the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS 2020 are both powerful naked bikes with impressive specifications.

Starting with the engine, the KTM 790 Duke is equipped with a 2-cylinder, 799cc engine that delivers 105 horsepower. On the other hand, the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS features a 3-cylinder, 765cc engine that produces 123 horsepower. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling for optimal performance.

In terms of suspension, the KTM 790 Duke is equipped with a WP upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The Triumph Street Triple 765 RS, on the other hand, features a Showa upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with an Öhlins monoshock at the rear. Both bikes have adjustable suspension settings, with the Triumph offering more adjustability with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments.

KTM 790 Duke 2020

When it comes to the chassis, the KTM 790 Duke features a chromium-molybdenum frame, while the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS has an aluminum frame. Both frames are designed to provide stability and agility during rides.

In terms of braking, both bikes are equipped with double disk brakes at the front, with the KTM having 300mm diameter disks and the Triumph having slightly larger 310mm diameter disks. Both bikes also have four-piston calipers and radial technology for improved braking performance. The Triumph stands out with its Brembo M50 brake system, known for its excellent stopping power.

Both the KTM 790 Duke and the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS come with advanced rider assistance systems including ABS, riding modes, and traction control. The Triumph also offers additional features such as ride by wire and a quickshifter with blipper.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have 17-inch wheels with the same tire widths (120mm front and 180mm rear). The KTM has a slightly longer wheelbase at 1475mm compared to the Triumph's 1405mm. Both bikes have a seat height of 825mm. The KTM weighs 169kg (with ABS) while the Triumph weighs slightly less at 166kg (with ABS). The Triumph also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 17.4 liters compared to the KTM's 14 liters.

Triumph Street Triple 765 RS 2020

In terms of strengths, the KTM 790 Duke offers a high-revving two-cylinder engine, a quickshifter as standard, a great chassis set-up, playful handling, a high-quality electronics package, a TFT display, and a good price/performance ratio. On the other hand, the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS boasts a fantastically lively engine, high-quality standard components, a quickshifter with blipper as standard, a roaring sound, an excellent Brembo M50 brake system, ABS and traction control as standard, a sporty look, and a low weight.

As for weaknesses, the KTM 790 Duke has the drawback of only having rear suspension spring preload adjustment. Meanwhile, the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS has a somewhat complicated menu navigation, a connectivity system that may have bugs, and adjustment screws on the fork that are poorly accessible.

In conclusion, both the KTM 790 Duke 2020 and the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS 2020 are impressive naked bikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The KTM offers a great balance of performance and affordability, while the Triumph delivers a more powerful engine and higher-quality components. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.