The main problem with the old SS750 was a general lack of grunt. Fitting a crank with a longer 66mm stroke has increased torque and power, and there's now a six-speed gearbox. The chassis is also updated: the SS version of the 800 has Showa fully adjustable upside-down front forks and an aluminium swingarm (the base Sport model has a steel swingarm and unadjustable Marzocchi forks) as well as a fully adjustable Boge shock.

There's enough grunt from the updated engine for first gear wheelies off the throttle. The motor's top end is a bit breathy as you'd expect from a two-valve design, but there's never a real shortage of power. That updated chassis helps you get the best from the motor too. The brakes are strong, suspension composed, and the Michelin Hi-Sports fitted to our bikes performed well once warm, although this is an old tyre now. Good news – all this year's Dukes now start on the sidestand, and a key-mounted immobiliser makes sure it stays yours.

If you must have the last word in performance, you won't be considering the SS800, and you'll be right. But if you want backroads style and class, in an easily-afforded form, the 800 has plenty of answers.