3 Reasons To Buy The New KTM 790 Duke Over The Yamaha MT-07
Kicking off 2025 in style, KTM has taken the wraps off the new 790 Duke. The motorcycle has received its biggest update since 2017, which has made it better than ever. That also means it enjoys an improved position in the middleweight naked segment, particularly against the recently updated Yamaha MT-07. Yes, the 790 Duke is nearly a $1,000 pricier, but we believe it still justifies the moolah to be the top choice. Here are three reasons why.
The 2025 790 Duke Has More Features Than The Yamaha MT-07
Features are super important in the middleweight naked segment. After all, this price point usually attracts young riders ready to enter the world of big bikes. Between the Japanese and Austrian option, the latter takes the cake here with ease. KTM has given the new 790 Duke a new five-inch TFT instrument cluster, accessible via new backlit switchgear. It gives you access to ride modes, a two-way quickshifter, cornering ABS, slip control, and wheelie control. All these can be adjusted separately under KTM’s demo mode. In comparison, the MT-07 has more basic rider aids. Its only “pro” here is the phone connectivity—that’s optional on the new 790 Duke.
More Capable Underpinnings Help The New 790 Duke Gain An Edge Over The MT-07
The MT-07 recently received an update where it gained 41 mm USD forks in place of its older telescopic setup. While that is a welcome change, the 790 Duke is simply fancier. It comes with WP Apex 43 mm USD forks, paired with a WP Apex monoshock. Both ends also have more suspension travel than the Yamaha. Other elements paint a similar picture. The MT’s brakes have smaller front rotors than the 790 and the ground clearance is considerably less on the Japanese naked, too. The weight is comparable between the two, meanwhile.
The MT-07 Has 30 Horsepower Less Than The New 790 Duke
The final nail in the MT-07’s coffin is the massive power deficit over the 790 Duke. With a 799cc, twin-cylinder mill, the Duke produces 103 horsepower. This is nearly 30 up from the MT-07’s 72 horsepower figure. The Duke also has more torque and a raspier character to be a proper hooligan on the streets. We’re not saying the MT-07 is no fun, but just that the Duke will be faster on all counts. No replacement for displacement, remember?
| Specs | KTM 790 Duke | Yamaha MT-07 |
| Engine | 799cc, twin-cylinder | 689cc, twin-cylinder |
| Power | 103 HP | 72 HP |
| Torque | 64 LB-FT | 49 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Six-speed | Six-speed |
