KTM Duke 390

KTM Duke 390 – New features model launched in market

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KTM Duke 390 : The streets are about to get a whole lot more exciting with the arrival of the latest iteration of KTM’s naked sport sensation. The Austrian manufacturer has unleashed an all-new KTM Duke 390, completely revamped from the ground up and packed with features previously reserved for larger displacement machines.

This next-generation street fighter aims to redefine what riders can expect from a sub-400cc motorcycle, blending aggressive styling, cutting-edge technology, and exhilarating performance into a more mature yet equally thrilling package.

KTM Duke 390 Evolution of the Beast: Design Revolution

One glance at the new Duke 390, and it’s clear this isn’t just a refresh—it’s a complete redesign. KTM has moved away from the sharply angular bodywork of its predecessor, embracing a more muscular and sophisticated aesthetic that borrows heavily from its larger sibling, the 1290 Super Duke R.

The most striking visual element is the completely redesigned headlight assembly. Gone is the signature split LED headlight from the previous generation, replaced by a horizontally arranged single-unit LED setup that gives the bike a more menacing, focused appearance.

This new face of the Duke seems to simultaneously suggest both technological advancement and primal aggression—perfectly capturing the essence of the brand.

The fuel tank has grown to 13.5 liters (up from 13.4), but more significantly, its shape has been completely reworked. The new tank extends further forward toward the headstock and features more pronounced knee recesses, allowing for better rider integration with the machine.

These larger dimensions haven’t just improved range but have given the Duke 390 a more substantial, premium presence on the road.

“We wanted to create something that looked like it belonged in a higher class altogether,” explains KTM’s lead designer. “The 390 Duke no longer needs to announce itself as the smaller sibling—it stands confident in its own identity.”

Side panels and body panels now have a more organic flow, with subtle creases and surface transitions that catch light beautifully. The exposed trellis frame—a hallmark of KTM design—remains, but it’s now complemented by a die-cast aluminum subframe that improves rigidity while reducing weight.

KTM Duke 390 Heart of the Beast: Engine Refinements

Though the displacement remains at 373cc, the single-cylinder engine powering the new Duke 390 has received significant revisions aimed at improving both performance and rideability.

The liquid-cooled, DOHC powerplant now delivers 45 horsepower (up from 43 hp) and 39 Nm of torque.

What’s more impressive than these modest power gains is how the power is delivered. KTM engineers have completely reworked the engine mapping, intake, and exhaust systems to create a more linear torque curve with particularly improved mid-range punch.

This translates to better real-world usability, especially when navigating city traffic or executing overtaking maneuvers on highways.

The reinforced clutch uses a new design that reduces lever effort by approximately 20%, making stop-and-go traffic significantly less taxing on the rider’s left hand.

Coupled with the refined quickshifter (now standard equipment), the transmission offers slick, precise gear changes whether you’re casually cruising or aggressively charging through the gears.

Cooling has been enhanced with a redesigned radiator that improves thermal efficiency, while the new ride-by-wire throttle provides more accurate response and enables the implementation of multiple riding modes. Speaking of which…

KTM Duke 390 Technological Leap: Electronics Package

Perhaps the most significant advancement in the new Duke 390 is its comprehensive electronics suite—technology that would have been unimaginable in this segment just a few years ago.

The centerpiece is the brilliant 5-inch TFT display that replaces the previous LCD unit. This high-resolution, full-color screen offers exceptional visibility even in direct sunlight and provides access to the bike’s extensive electronic features. The interface is intuitive, navigated via a redesigned switch cluster on the left handlebar.

Riders can now select from three distinct riding modes:
  • Street: Balanced throttle response with full power
  • Sport: Aggressive throttle mapping for maximum response
  • Rain: Softened power delivery and enhanced traction control intervention

The Duke 390 now includes Cornering ABS, previously the domain of premium motorcycles. This sophisticated system, developed with Bosch, uses a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) to monitor the bike’s lean angle and modulate braking force accordingly, allowing for safe, controlled braking even when leaned over in corners.

Complementing this is an advanced traction control system that similarly accounts for lean angle to prevent rear wheel slip without unnecessarily cutting power during spirited riding. Both systems can be adjusted or partially disabled according to rider preference.

Connectivity features haven’t been overlooked either. The KTM MY RIDE system enables Bluetooth pairing with smartphones, allowing for music control, call notifications, and turn-by-turn navigation displayed directly on the TFT screen.

KTM Duke 390 Chassis and Handling: Surgical Precision

KTM’s reputation for creating agile, razor-sharp handling motorcycles continues with the new Duke 390, though with a notable evolution in character.

The revised steel trellis frame maintains exceptional rigidity while the geometry has been subtly altered to provide more stability at speed without sacrificing the nimble nature the Duke is known for.

The wheelbase has grown to 1,357 mm (up from 1,340 mm), contributing to improved straight-line stability, particularly noticeable at highway speeds where the previous generation could sometimes feel nervous.

This change, combined with the more substantial fuel tank and bodywork, creates a motorcycle that feels more planted and mature.

Suspension duties are handled by a fully adjustable 43mm WP Apex inverted fork offering 140mm of travel up front, while the rear features a WP Apex monoshock with adjustable preload and rebound damping. Both units deliver a sophisticated balance between sporty handling and compliance over rough surfaces.

The braking system has been significantly upgraded with a larger 320mm front disc (up from 300mm) clamped by a radially mounted four-piston caliper, providing tremendous stopping power with excellent feel and modulation. The rear retains a 230mm disc with a single-piston caliper.

Perhaps most exciting for enthusiasts is the new rubber—the Duke 390 now comes equipped with premium Continental ContiRoad tires (110/70R17 front, 150/60R17 rear) that offer exceptional grip in both dry and wet conditions.

KTM Duke 390 Ergonomics and Everyday Usability

While the Duke 390 remains a sporty machine at heart, KTM has made meaningful improvements to everyday usability and comfort.

The riding position has been subtly refined, with the relationship between seat, footpegs, and handlebars adjusted to create a more natural posture that remains aggressive but doesn’t punish riders on longer journeys.

The seat height remains at 830mm, which may still prove challenging for shorter riders, but the seat itself has been completely redesigned with higher quality foam and more supportive shaping.

The wider, more substantial fuel tank also provides better support for the rider’s knees and thighs during hard braking and cornering.

Wind protection, while still minimal as befits a naked sport bike, has been marginally improved through careful shaping of the headlight assembly and small flyscreen.

The additional mass of the new bodywork also helps to dampen vibrations from the single-cylinder engine, resulting in a smoother ride at cruising speeds.

KTM Duke 390 Pricing and Market Positioning

With its comprehensive updates and enhanced feature set, the new Duke 390 commands a premium over its predecessor. Priced at approximately ₹3.1 lakh (ex-showroom), it positions itself at the upper end of the sub-400cc naked sport segment.

However, when the extensive standard equipment is considered—quickshifter, cornering ABS, traction control, TFT display, LED lighting, and multiple riding modes—the value proposition becomes more apparent. Many of these features would be costly options on competing motorcycles, if available at all.

KTM has clearly taken aim at attracting not just new riders looking for their first serious sport motorcycle but also experienced enthusiasts who might be downsizing from larger machines without wanting to sacrifice technology and features.

KTM Duke 390 Competitive Landscape

The sub-400cc naked sport segment has become increasingly competitive, with several compelling options vying for buyers’ attention:

The Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401 share much of the Duke’s mechanical DNA but offer distinctly different styling and ergonomics. BMW’s G310R brings German engineering and brand prestige, while Honda’s CB300R offers Japanese reliability with neo-retro styling.

Perhaps the most direct competitor comes from Kawasaki’s Z400, which counters the Duke’s single-cylinder configuration with a parallel-twin engine that delivers smoother operation at the expense of some character and instant torque.

Dominar 400 from Bajaj (ironically built using KTM-derived technology) offers similar performance at a lower price point but cannot match the Duke’s premium components or extensive electronics package.

What separates the Duke 390 from this crowd is its no-compromise approach. While competitors might excel in specific areas, the KTM offers the most complete package, particularly for riders who prioritize performance, technology, and aggressive character.

KTM Duke 390 Real-World Performance and Rider Feedback

Early rider feedback suggests the new Duke 390 has successfully matured without losing its essential character. The more linear power delivery and improved mid-range torque make the bike more usable in everyday situations, while the enhanced chassis stability inspires greater confidence at speed.

The electronics package has received particular praise, with the cornering ABS functionality proving its worth in emergency situations and the traction control striking an effective balance between safety and performance. The quickshifter, while not as slick as those found on premium superbikes, performs admirably for a motorcycle in this class.

Some riders have noted that while the new Duke has gained sophistication, it has lost a small measure of the raw, frantic character that made the original so exciting.

The trade-off, however, is a motorcycle that’s more versatile, capable, and ultimately more satisfying to live with day-to-day.

KTM Duke 390 Conclusion: A New Benchmark

With the latest Duke 390, KTM has not just raised the bar in the sub-400cc naked sport segment—they’ve comprehensively redefined expectations.

The combination of premium components, advanced electronics, and thoughtful refinements has created a motorcycle that punches well above its weight class in nearly every measurable aspect.

For riders seeking the perfect balance between commuter practicality and weekend thrills, the Duke 390 presents a compelling option that requires remarkably few compromises.

It’s a motorcycle that can introduce new riders to the joys of performance motorcycling while offering enough depth and capability to keep them engaged as their skills progress.

In a segment often defined by compromise, KTM has delivered a machine that refuses to accept limitations—a philosophy perfectly in keeping with the company’s “Ready to Race” ethos.

The competition has been put on notice: the Duke doesn’t just want the crown; it’s redesigned it entirely.

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