I really hope it does pose a threat to the 790. I'm still keen on a test ride, and if it is a great bike then that's better for everyone.
I just wish Yamaha SA would stop faffing!!! Seriously.
If you are in two minds about the power of the 790 coming from a 1290, the T7 is going certainly not going to get your loins fired up.
I was checking out specs yesterday. One thing that really impressed me (on spec sheets anyway) is how close Yamaha kept this bikes' weight to the MT07 where the 790 is quite a bit heavier than the Duke.
The 1290 is stupid though, if I'm being honest. The 790 has plenty power and I've seen vids drag racing the 1290 and 790 on tar, and the big bike only comes past at 140 and up (Granted, its really hitting it's stride at 140 and up

)
What appeals to me on the T7 is that it seems to be very easy to ride....something I didn't find on the 790. I felt like I had to ride like my pants were on fire to get the 790 into it's happy working range. (I'm slow, even with 160hp

)