I also live in a hot country (Hong Kong) and have owned the first gen and second gen Duke 390. I've noticed quite a few improvements in the 2017+ model, the fan cuts in at about 50% on the temp gauge, it's way earlier than the first gen bikes and keeps the bike cooler. The only annoyance is the noise, but it's pretty easy to live. Fresh out of the crate the KTM is nicely finished and the bright orange wheels are fabulous, but our online owners’ reviews of the 790 Duke’s build quality and reliability are mixed, so we For the price, the Duke offers a lot of positives: outstanding, extremely nimble handling; very good ABS brakes (once upgraded with quality brake pads); competent suspension; a lively motor with remarkable power for the size; excellent tires; racy good looks; and a plethora of aftermarket parts available for upgrades. 2020 KTM 890 Duke R - nothing but issues. Pappa Smurf KTM890; Apr 23, 2023 How bad is the 890r reliability really? nwreed; Nov 21, 2020 Duke 890, 790. All first-year bikes have teething issues, but KTM forums blew up with angry customers experiencing basic and sometimes catastrophic failures with their 790 bikes. It became a PR nightmare, and they needed the bike gone. Now, it is back, emissions-compliant (strangely), and ready to open a new chapter, conveniently leaving the past behind. This is perfectly normal, especially if the outside temperature is above 30 degrees. I was in Madrid and I know how heavy the traffic there is. If you can not move more than 60-80 km/h for а longer time, then you can not cool the engine properly. Fans do not do miracles, they only help to blow/cool the radiator faster. oi3nLh. Just bought a 2018 690 Duke and am still breaking it in. Barely hit 50 miles when it started lurching forward and/or stalling when going from neutral to first at a standstill. Clearly the clutch is not working properly. Adjusted the lever travel, very little free play. Checked the clutch fluid, there is plenty. 2021 890r (5k, 1/2 yr) owner here. my 790 had some small and major problems. coolant leaking - connector/cyclinderhead changed + thermostate. oil leak near head gasket. camshafts (intake) was worn out (material fault) + oil problem there too - new camshafts (both), new cylinderhead, new valves, new oil sprayer.

ktm 790 duke reliability issues