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This is Kenny Sagawa, I am a motorcycle journalist.
I am now in an isolated island of the sea, Canary Islands.
There has been the international test riding event of KTM's new model, DUKE 790.
I had test ride, and I felt that the most characteristic one was the engine.
Until now KTM lineup, there were LC4 single twin engine and LC8 V twin engine.
However, this time KTM's first parallel 2-cylinder engine was released.
It is about 100 cc up from the conventional 690 DUKE.
Compared to the former model, both torque and power are overcome.
The engine turns smoothly from medium to high speed.
Moreover, vibration is very little compared with single cylinder.
The engine is the best of everything.
KTM is said to be not only a manufacturer for a race-oriented, but also their motorcycle has an image that requires a riding skill.
But this motorcycle break such image in good meaning.
I was wondering how sharp handling and riding taste this motorcycle is, but there was not such a thing at all.
It was a surprisingly easy-to-ride motorcycle.
I think most of the these elements come from the engine.
Let's straddle on it.
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The former DUKE series so far adopted a riding position close to the off road model.
A position was close to the handlebar and always feeling like riding in the front,
this time, it is quite neutral position that is close to the motorcycle for road.
The position of the handlebar is wide and low just like "the European street fighter" type.
And it makes be easy to ride.
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Also, the seat is flat and wide, so that it is hard to get tired even for a long distance riding.
If you sit backwards, it will be a sporty posture. This is a comfortable position for touring.
If you sit in front, you can get quick handling and it is easy to do a tight turn.
I think that is good point that you can ride in various way depending on the position you take.
One more thing, the steering angle is very sharp, so that you can have tight turning circle.
To wrap it up, this model is far from the image of the race-oriented KTM brand,
this motorcycle is surprisingly easy and handy to ride on for anyone.
■You can shop the KTM DUKE790 parts from Weibke
https://japan.webike.net/KTM/790DUKE/14002/mtop/
