By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike
KTM 790 Duke (MY2018) vs Yamaha MT-07 (RM04)
KTM 790 Duke vs Yamaha MT-07: no fairing, no excuses. Here's how to pick.
You'll open the throttle away from a light and feel the KTM 790 Duke shove hard through the middle revs with a bark like a V-twin. On the Yamaha MT-07, the front wheel's already floating up.
So which one do you buy?
The 790 Duke has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Inches ahead: 790 Duke
Through a string of corners, the 790 Duke feels a little more eager. The gap is small, so ride both.
The MT-07 has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Slight edge: MT-07
The MT-07 edges it for the daily grind. It's a small gap, not a reason on its own.
What makes each one tick
790 Duke
Up the Angeles Crest Highway, the 790 Duke's trellis frame flicks it from bend to bend with the precision that's earned it the nickname 'The Scalpel'. The WP suspension's on the soft side for a hard pace. Its geometry still points the nose where you're looking.
Nils rode the 790 Duke in Hungary in 2019 (NastyNils Testride).
MT-07
Low in the rev range, the MT-07's crossplane engine pulses like it's come out of a bigger bike. There's an instant answer at the throttle. With peak torque at 6,500 rpm, there's no need to wring it out. The chassis turns in almost like a supermoto's, and the bar's quick to answer every small input. Its uneven thump keeps dragging you back out.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The MT-07 has the lower seat: 31.7 in (805 mm) vs 32.5 in (825 mm).
- The MT-07 has the lower wet weight: 401 lb (182 kg) vs 417 lb (189 kg).
- The 790 Duke makes more peak power: 105 hp (77 kW) vs 75 hp (55 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Look elsewhere
Big miles aren't where either one shines. You'll be watching for the next rest stop.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
No verdict: 790 Duke
Too much motor for a beginner: the 790 Duke sits this one out.
Traveling with luggage
Both miss here
Loading up for a long trip isn't a strength of either bike. Expect to compromise on what you bring.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
790 Duke
What owners say
Strengths
- Punchy, characterful parallel-twin engine
- Razor-sharp handling and agility
Trade-offs
- Non-adjustable suspension limits fine-tuning
MT-07
Strengths
- Easy To Trust Quickly
- Cheap To Run
- Light, Friendly Controls
- Addictive CP2 engine character
- Accessible for all skill levels
Trade-offs
- Idle And Decel Cutouts
- Fragile 5th Gear
- Quick To Corrode
- Budget build quality
- Jerky throttle response at low RPM
Known problems to check before you buy
790 Duke
- Premature camshaft wear The LC8c engine can suffer from soft cam lobes, leading to excessive wear and potential engine damage. Typically noticed at 12,000–19,000 mi (20,000–30,000 km) during valve checks.
- Coolant hose leaks The round radiator hoses do not seal well against the oval thermostat housing, causing coolant leaks. Common on 2018-2020 models.
- Immobilizer malfunction In cold weather or with a weak battery, the immobilizer may trigger a warning on the dash and prevent starting.
- Thermostat housing leak The factory plastic thermostat housing lacks a dedicated gasket and is prone to thermal warping, causing coolant to weep from the mating surface.
- Valve cover gasket leak The valve cover gasket can leak oil from the half-moon seals due to insufficient factory sealant. The leak often appears after moderate mileage and may eventually affect early production bikes.
MT-07
- Intermittent engine cutout at idle and during deceleration The engine cuts out intermittently, especially when idling at traffic lights or decelerating to a stop. The ECU appears to reduce fuel supply too aggressively at idle. Problem worsens in hot weather. Stalling during downshifting is particularly hazardous. Multiple NHTSA consumer complaints filed. Reportedly improved with ECU mapping adjustments in later production.
- Battery loses charge during extended standstill Battery depletes when the bike sits for extended periods. Components draw power even when ignition is off. On models with parking light position, the ignition switch can cause parasitic draw if moisture enters. Some owners report charging system issues linked to the regulator/rectifier.
- Instrument cluster LCD flickers, goes blank, or shows partial information LCD display develops flickering, blank sections, or complete failure. Causes include loose internal ribbon cable, water ingress, or corroded connector pins. Aftermarket replacement LCD modules available (same part 2014–2020 compatible).
- Pronounced clutch rattle at idle; potential inner plate failure Pronounced rattling noise from the clutch at idle in neutral. Noise disappears when clutch lever is pulled in. In severe cases, inner clutch plates can break or shatter. Contributing factor may be worn clutch basket. More pronounced on cold starts.
- Gear indicator fails to display correct gear (especially 5th/6th) The gear indicator in the LCD display fails to show the correct gear, particularly in 5th and 6th gear. The number flashes, disappears, or displays incorrect values. Root cause: dirty contacts on the gear position sensor. Cleaning is a temporary fix; sensor replacement (~40 USD) is the permanent solution. Yamaha developed a revised sensor.
- Poor surface finishes on fasteners and coolant pipes Widespread corrosion across peripheral components: radiator coolant pipes (chrome with thin lacquer, deteriorates rapidly from road spray), allen key bolt heads, brake line fittings, disc bobbins, gear lever linkage, rear sprocket, suspension linkage fasteners, and seat lock (seizes). Screw heads across the frame show rust. Weld slag not properly cleaned on some frames.
- Side stand safety switch causes unexpected engine cutout The bike starts normally in neutral but dies immediately when shifted into gear. Caused by the kickstand safety switch failing, corroding, or the starter cutoff relay malfunctioning. The switch connector is vulnerable to moisture ingress.
- Surface rust on steel swingarm The steel swingarm develops surface rust, particularly underneath the chain guard and near chain adjusters. Rust can appear within months of purchase, even without winter riding. The paint/coating is thin and easily damaged by chain debris. Weld seams and areas under the chain slider are most affected. Yamaha has replaced some swingarms under warranty.
What they share
- Engine
- Parallel twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Peak power at
- 9,000 rpm
- Fuel economy
- 53 mpg (US) / 4.4 L/100 km
- Fuel capacity
- 3.7 US gal (14 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 790 Duke | MT-07 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.5 in (825 mm) | 31.7 in (805 mm) |
| Wet weight | 417 lb (189 kg) | 401 lb (182 kg) |
| 790 Duke | MT-07 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 799 cc | 689 cc |
| Power | 105 hp (77 kW) | 75 hp (55 kW) |
| Torque | 64 lb-ft (87 Nm) | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 8,000 rpm | 6,500 rpm |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 790 Duke | MT-07 | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
| Cornering ABS | Standard | Not offered |
| Traction Control | Standard | Not offered |
| Ride Modes | Standard | Not offered |
| Quickshifter | Standard | Not offered |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
| TFT Display | Standard | Not offered |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Option | Not offered |
| USB Charging Port | Option | Not offered |
| LED Headlight | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
