KTM 390 Duke

KTM 390 DUKE PRICE & OVERVIEW

PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE

The heart of the KTM 390 Duke is its newly developed 399 cc single-cylinder LC4c engine. This powerplant is a testament to KTM’s engineering prowess, offering increased capacity and performance while maintaining efficiency. The engine churns out an impressive 44.2 bhp of maximum power at 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 39 Nm at 7,000 rpm, providing ample grunt for both city riding and highway cruising. One of the most notable improvements in this model is its lighter overall weight, which, combined with the increased power output, results in a more agile and responsive ride.

The bike’s sporty character is further enhanced by its sophisticated electronics suite, which includes multiple ride modes such as STREET, RAIN, and TRACK. These modes allow riders to tailor the bike’s performance to various riding conditions, ensuring optimal control and safety. The TRACK mode is particularly impressive, featuring Launch Control for perfect starts—a feature typically found in higher-end motorcycles. This addition underscores KTM’s commitment to providing a race-inspired experience to its riders, even in the mid-range segment.

MILEAGE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY

Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for Indian riders, and the KTM 390 Duke doesn’t disappoint in this aspect. The official ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) claimed mileage for the KTM Duke 390 is an impressive 28.9 kmpl. However, it’s important to note that real-world mileage often differs from official figures. In city conditions, users have reported achieving a mileage of approximately 22-23 kmpl, which is respectable for a performance-oriented motorcycle. The efficiency improves slightly on highways, with some riders reporting up to 28 kmpl.

These real-world figures demonstrate that KTM has managed to maintain fuel efficiency while enhancing performance, a commendable feat considering the increased engine capacity and power output. It’s worth mentioning that the type of fuel used can impact the engine’s smoothness and efficiency. Some owners have reported that higher-octane fuel like XP95 makes the engine smoother at lower RPMs. However, users are still evaluating the long-term impact on mileage.

FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY

The KTM 390 Duke has features that set it apart in its segment.

1. 5-inch TFT display provides all necessary information at a glance
2. Paired with a switch cube set for easy interaction
3. Allows music streaming, calls, and navigation
4. Full LED upgrade
5. Enhances visibility and safety during night rides
6. STREET ride mode: Ideal for everyday riding
7. RAIN ride mode: Adjusts performance for wet conditions
8. TRACK ride mode: Includes features like Launch Control for quick starts
9. Front suspension: 43 mm WP APEX open cartridge fork with adjustable compression and rebound
10. Rear suspension: WP APEX separate piston shock absorber with adjustable rebound and preload
11. Handling:Enhanced handling and comfort across various road conditions

BUILD QUALITY

KTM has made notable strides in improving the build quality of the 390 Duke. The bike features a new steel trellis frame that is slimmer and more rigid, contributing to its sharp handling and overall structural integrity. The subframe is constructed from cast aluminum, and the swingarm has been redesigned to accommodate a larger airbox and lower seat height, showcasing KTM’s attention to both performance and ergonomics.

The paint quality has received particular praise, with excellent finish and tactile switches adding to the premium feel of the motorcycle. However, it’s worth noting that some minor issues persist, such as panel gaps and areas where dirt and water can accumulate, making cleaning challenging. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall build quality of the KTM 390 Duke represents a significant improvement over its predecessors, reflecting KTM’s commitment to enhancing their motorcycles’ durability and aesthetic appeal.

HANDLING

The KTM 390 Duke has made significant strides in handling and comfort, cementing its position as a top contender in the Indian motorcycle market. The bike’s handling characteristics have been dramatically improved, offering enhanced cornering behavior and stability. This improvement is mainly due to the new design and engineering enhancements incorporated into the model. One of the standout features of the new 390 Duke is its adjustable suspension system. The front suspension can be fine-tuned for rebound and compression, while the rear suspension is adjustable.

This level of customization allows riders to tailor their riding experience to their preferences and road conditions, significantly enhancing both handling and comfort. The model is designed with urban environments in mind, offering excellent low maneuverability, making it easy to have in city traffic. Its lightweight nature contributes to a more relaxed riding stance, reducing fatigue during longer rides. The bike’s agility is further enhanced by the new rims wrapped in grippy Michelin Power 6 tires, which provide quicker turn-in and improved overall handling.

COMFORT

Comfort-wise, the 390 Duke offers a relaxed riding stance crucial for long-distance journeys. The ergonomic design helps reduce rider fatigue, making it suitable for city commutes and extended trips. Adding an all-new 5″ bonded glass TFT dashboard adds to the aesthetic appeal. It enhances the rider’s experience by providing precise and accessible information. The versatility of the 390 Duke is particularly noteworthy. Living within the city is described as easy while transforming into an “absolute hooligan” on open roads. This dual capability makes it an excellent choice for riders who want a bike that can easily handle various riding environments.

STLING AND DESIGN

The KTM 390 Duke showcases a significant evolution in styling and design, aligning more closely with its larger sibling, the 1290 Super Duke. The new model boasts an aggressive front design featuring a new headlamp setup with a sharper cowl and LED DRLs housed in plastic shrouds. This redesign gives the bike a more substantial and aggressive look, contributing to a fresh and modern aesthetic. The fuel tank has been redesigned to be larger at 15 litres, with pronounced extensions that mimic the design of KTM’s larger models. The bike also returns to an underbelly exhaust format, which adds to its sleek profile.

The new trellis frame with an aluminum subframe improves the bike’s structural integrity and enhances its visual appeal. The rear of the bike features a new tail section with a ‘T’ style tail light, contributing to a modern and distinctive look. The overall design is described as having a ‘cheetah on the prowl’ stance, thanks to the higher tank and sculpted seats. The wheels feature a new hollowed-out hub design, similar to the RC 200 and RC 390, which allows the disc brake to be mounted directly on the rim spokes, reducing weight and adding a unique visual element.

COLOUR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS

The KTM 390 Duke is available in two striking color options:

1. Electronic Orange Metallic
2. Atlantic Blue

VALUE FOR MONEY AND PRICING

The KTM 390 Duke is priced at Rs ₹ 2,95,000 onwards Ex-Showroom in India, positioning it as a premium offering in its segment. While this price point may seem high initially, a closer look at the features and performance reveals a compelling value proposition. The bike comes equipped with a sophisticated suite of electronics, including a TFT display, Quickshifter+, and Cornering ABS, typically found in higher-end models. These advanced features, combined with the bike’s powerful 399 cc engine that offers improved performance and smoother acceleration, justify its premium pricing.

Compared to the Royal Enfield 650 twins and the Honda CB300R, the KTM 390 Duke stands out for its superior handling and overall performance. While the Royal Enfield offers a smooth twin-cylinder engine, it can’t match the Duke’s agility and tech features. The Honda CB300R, although praised for its brilliance, falls short in terms of sales and spare availability, making the Duke a more practical choice in the long run. Despite being expensive, the 390 Duke offers a comprehensive performance, technology, and style package that justifies its price tag.