KTM 390 Duke Professional Viewpoint

Rajesh Kumar have developed a deep connection with the world of motorcycles.

With its whole new look the 2024 KTM 390 Duke seeks to outperform its predecessor in terms of performance.

What does the latest 390 Duke provide then? And ought you to be intrigued?

Overview

Why purchase the KTM 390 Duke Right Front Three Quarter?

Outstanding performance

Good handling balance and ride quality

Best in class technology

Why not do it?

The quality of the build might be improved.

The engine could be improved.

Occasionally a motorcycle emerges that is truly unique and establishes new standards for the industry. One such motorcycle is the KTM 390 Duke.

Performance motorcycles were made accessible to the general public when the first generation Duke 390 was introduced in India in 2013.

The Duke was blatantly raw frighteningly quick and incredibly affordable. The 2017 model had more maturity and the greatest features in its segment.

With its whole new look the 2024 KTM 390 Duke now seeks to raise the bar for performance. What does the latest 390 Duke provide then? And ought you to be intrigued?

image credits: bikewale

Style and Excellence

KTM motorcycles are renowned for their speedy yet eccentric appearance.

Nevertheless I think the 2024 KTM 390 Dukes design which was influenced by the larger 1290 Super Duke R is quite athletic and endearing.

The motorcycle has a striking appearance because to its muscular fuel tank expanded tank shrouds low slung headlamp and sleek tail section.

The bike comes in two colors Atlantic Blue and Electronic Orange Metallic.

A composite cast aluminum sub frame and a brand new steel trellis frame support the new Duke.

Additionally it has lighter discs and wheels which improve handling because of the reduced rolling resistance.

Additionally a 15liter gasoline tank is included which is two liters greater than the previous model.

It now weighs 168.3 kg at the curb thanks to the redesigned chassis and lighter components.

Nevertheless the 2024 390 Duke has erratic quality levels.

A closer inspection shows that the panels surrounding the gasoline tank have irregular gaps and some of them arent correctly aligned despite the fact that the switch cubes are of good quality and have a pleasant tactile feel.

Additionally the stitching quality is subpar and the seat material is aftermarket.

Comfort and Ergonomics

KTM engineers were able to reduce the seat height to 800mm thanks to the redesigned chassis making it easily accessible for most people who are 56 or taller.

The ergonomics feel constrained because there isnt much room to move around even though the broader handlebar and rear set foot pegs contribute to a command riding position.

Additionally the seat is not cushioned enough which is problematic for lengthy trips.

Additionally the bikes seat fabric isnt the best in the business and takes a while to dry after each wash.

Therefore you run the risk of getting your pants wet if youre rushing.

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Execution and Management

The most significant improvement notwithstanding the new 390 Dukes extensive redesign is the engines total overhaul and increased capacity.

This new liquid cooled single cylinder engine displaces 399cc and produces 39Nm at 6500 rpm and 46bhp at 8000 rpm.

A gearbox with six speeds is matched with the motor.

In addition to having more power and torque than the previous 373cc motor it also produces power early in the rpm range.

And the way the engine churns in stop go city traffic makes that very clear.

Compared to the previous model it is far more tractable and requires less downshifts at slower speeds.

The engine really shines while youre on the highway.

The motor produces power in a mature and predictable manner. The new KTM 390 Duke seems to have two personalities.

If you keep it below 6000 rpm the engine will produce power in a linear fashion. When ridden calmly it is also quite economical.

However the motorcycle offers fierce acceleration up to its 9000 rpm redline if you rev it past 6000 rpm.

It can easily maintain triple digit speeds all day long and it has little trouble keeping up with larger bikes.

The bidirectional quick shifter which is miles better than the one on the 390 Adventure or the RC 390 is another feature that works nicely.

You hardly ever need to use the clutch for upshifts or downshifts and it is immediately addictive.

The vibrations that occur across the rpm range are this engines only drawback. They are more obvious on the handlebar and pegs but you can feel them on the tank and seat as well.

At highway speed however the vibrations dont feel particularly bothersome even though they can annoy you at slower speeds.

The new 390 Duke features crisp handling thanks to its redesigned chassis and adjusted suspension.

The motorcycle seems quite responsive to side to side swerving and is easy to filter through traffic.

It maneuvers through the curves with incredibly precise accuracy even when you drive it on winding roads or slopes.

It reacts to steering commands with perfect accuracy and changes direction quickly much like a point and shoot.

The suspension system feels pliable and well damped in most circumstances when it is in its stock configuration.

It does have an underlying stiffness to be sure but that helps with handling.

Potholes bumps patched surfaces and even speed breakers are handled by the system with little inconvenience.

Depending on the riders taste the fully adjustable suspension may be adjusted for a sportier or more comfortable ride which is genuinely revolutionary.

Regarding the brakes they provide outstanding stopping force. In addition to providing strong bite and progression the 320mm front brake has a respectable lever feel.

The motorcycle stops predictably and without any surprises even if you misread a bend and brake late.

Efficiency of Fuel

Despite being a performance oriented product we tested the KTM 390 Dukes fuel efficiency….

However the bike was put through a highway fuel economy test in addition to the standard city FE test.

Despite producing over 46 horsepower the 390 Duke managed to achieve a decent mileage of 25.80 kmpl in the city.

Nevertheless while mostly being driven at triple digit speeds its highway FE of 28.40 km/l really amazed us.

With a 15liter fuel tank the KTM 390 Duke has an amazing range of nearly 400 kilometers when fully charged.

Is it worth purchasing?

The new Duke is vicious if the 2013 model was quick.

The 2024 edition is a tech fest if the 2017 version was feature rich.

Above all though the new 390 Duke is a very adaptable motorcycle.

It is quick engaging incredibly enjoyable and useful as well.

Additionally the suspension can be adjusted for increased convenience making it suitable for different kinds of riders.

It does have some shortcomings.

For example it needs a roomier rider seat more comfortable ergonomics and improved engine refinement.

Therefore you should definitely think about purchasing the KTM 390 Duke if you are looking for a 400cc naked streetfighter and are willing to overlook some of its shortcomings.

Author Bio Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh Kumar is an avid bike rider and passionate motorcycle reviewer based in Pune Maharashtra India.

Over the past two years Rajesh has explored diverse terrains across India gaining first hand experience with various bike models in real world conditions.

His deep enthusiasm for biking combined with technical knowledge allows him to provide insightful reliable and engaging reviews that help fellow riders make informed decisions.

resource

https://www.bikewale.com/ktm-bikes/duke-390/

credits

All image and featured by bikewale