Here's KTM's 790 Duke prototype

Twin-cylinder middleweight naked protoype debuts in Milan

Here's KTM's 790 Duke prototype

KTM HAS used its presentation at Eicma to unveil a new prototype – the incredible looking 790 Duke.

It's powered by a new parallel twin LC8c ('c' stand for comapct) engine that'll be around 800cc and is wrapped in a compact hand-welded steel frame. KTM says the 790 Duke has been designed to with 'unparalled poise and lightness' in mind.

We're told that the WP suspension is all prototype kit too and KTM says that it’s plundered its experimental technologies lab for an advanced ride-by-wire system and the next generation of riding assistance and integrated connectivity - think traction control, riding modes, an IMU, and phone connectivity.

It also got a quickshifter, but not just any quickshifter – one that that takes its name seriously, says KTM. Then there are custom riding modes and personalised traction control too.

It's styled by Kiska and we’re told that part of the exhaust system and triple clamp is manufactured with a 3D printer, though that probably won't be the case when this reaches production.

We think it looks incredible - aggressive and poised thanks to the lines of the side cowls as they comes level with the forks and the angle of the self supporting tail unit that stops just before the end of the underseat slash-cut exhaust.