KTM Duke 390: The KTM Duke 390 is a strikingly designed motorcycle with excellent performance, slick handling and up-to-date equipment levels, and has created a new niche in the mid-displacement motorcycle category.
This motorcycle producer from Austria has managed to provide a tightknit combination of brutality in form, the newest in tech and a surprising affordable price tag.
So let’s find out what’s up, with the massively popular and no less attractive, Duke 390 that has been a stellar package of street and poke for so many bikers.
KTM Duke 390 Design Philosophy: “Naked” Aggression
The Duke 390 wears its KTM-ness on its sleeve – sharp, angular, and purposeful. The bike’s design DNA is characterized by a aggressive design and a street trim, while also featuring ergonomic and practical solutions.
A curved LED headlight placed asymmetrically provides the Duke with its trademark predatory appearance. And with it comes that muscular fuel tank and exposed trellis frame; a styling look at once at ease without having to literally shout.
The designers have really strived to make every piece both form and function. The lightweight, compact cowl design also promotes an unobstructed view of the engine and chassis.
This bare-bones bike philosophy resonates with enthusiasts who like to look at the engineering. And, of course, in their signature KTM design the orange steel frame makes the motor stand out even more on the street.
Horsepower for the Beast: The 390cc Engine
A 373.2 ccm (22.77 cubic inches) Single, 4-stroke engine powers the Duke 390 to some of the best horsepower and torque you can get in a machine with similar displacement. The 373.2 cc engine makes around 43.5 horsepower, and 37 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
While these numbers may appear low especially if compared with bigger cc motorcycles, the lightweight of the Duke means a fantastic power to weight ratio.
The engine gets technology such a ride-by-wire throttle that delivers sharp throttle response and supports differentiated riding modes. Engine management is provided by an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) System and delivers peak performance in all conditions hot, cold, high altitude high, low altitude.
Then we have the G3 engine which is single-pot and like all motor-cycles across categories badged by Royal Enfield, it sets the tone/vibration with which power pulses have to be accompanied.
The single-cylinder does justice in a few places(read vibes/till 4K rpm) and everywhere else, there is fuel efficiency and all that jazz on offer.Tree-huggers in city Well, go ahead and buy this bike.Tree-huggers in the city and you are a rational mad-hatter(read mental) who needs to be in a straight-jacket? This is your ride!
Performance: It’s Not All In The Numbers
The Duke 390 is so much more than just a power number. The motorcycle uses a premium suspension setup which comprises of WP units – USDs at the front and a monoshock at the back, both of which are fully adjustable. This quality adjuster hardware allows the rider to dial in the set-up for their individual riding style and conditions.
Braking is managed by Bybre, the Indian arm of Brembo, with a 320mm disc up front and a 230mm disc at the rear. The addition of ABS helps to avoid wheel lockup when sudden braking is necessary, providing an extra level of security for the rider. The powerful brakes and light construction translate to excellent braking performance.
The 17-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in Metzeler rubber, which offers superb grip in the wet and dry. The geometry of the motorcycle, and its upright riding position, provides for a well-rounded blend of sporty handling and comfort for daily use. Decent fuel tank capacity (13.5 liters) provides enough range for first city commuting and then weekend touring.
Technology Integration: Contemporary Attributes Tech is used as is (close to fill in more)
KTM has given Duke 390 features well above its segment. Dashboard The dashboard incorporates a full color TFT display which provides important information to the rider with browse controls on the left handlebar.
Information available includes: Journey time, Speed, rpm, Coolant temp, Neutal/eco/power mode, Traction control level, High beam, Battery voltage Engine light, Fuel level in the tank, Blind spot warning, Speed in KM/H or MPH gear position, Backlight adjustability & RPM is also selectable to eco mode and automatically adjust background the following evening.
The screen is visible equally well in sunlight, and the simple configuration helps avoid a lot of data confusion.
Rider aids include connectivity to pair smartphones using KTM’s app, offering turn-by-turn navigation, incoming call notifications, and music management.
The Rain, Road, and Sport riding modes change the bike’s throttle behaviour and traction control level so riders can adjust to conditions or to suit their mood.
Real-World Application: Versatility Revisited
The Duke 390 shines in numerous categories of riding, making it a bargain for those looking for an all-rounder. In the city, its slim design and light weight enable you to slide through gaps in traffic, and at higher speeds on the highway, it’s easy to filter through to the front of the queue at the lights thanks to its punchy engine and strong acceleration. Good visibility in cities from upright riding position.
On longer rides, the comfortable ergonomics of the motorcycle saves the rider from fatigue and the bike’s fuel efficiency saves him from frequent fuel stops.
The suspension is sporty for the most part but is supple enough to take on day long rides. The motorcycle feels stable at highway speeds, although wind protection is minimal, due to the bike’s lack of fairing.
For weekend warriors who hit twisty roads, the Duke 390 is a fine canyon carver. And blisteringly accurate steering makes you want to get more aggressive on the moto, too. The motor’s power comes in linearly, making it forgiving of newer riders and exciting for those with some experience.
Competition and Position in the Market
In the 390cc segment, however, there’re rivals from multiple manufacturers with comparable specs of Ducati. But then KTM is known for performance and that along with the feature list makes the Duke 390 a winner against the Yamaha.
It’s worth the BikeBandit price, with top-grade equipment like WP suspension and Bybre brakes helping to make that price a little less outrageous than some of its competitors.
The modular nature of the Duke 390 also means there are a proliferation of customising options available. PowerParts are also available from KTM, so you can tailor your bike to your requirements. This is not to mention the wide range of aftermarket parts for the Duke models, which will greatly improve performance or aesthetic additions.
Ownership Experience: In the Real World
Service intervals are fairly typical for the Duke 390, at least for a modern motorcycle. Intervals between services is just right and the one-cylinder layout makes services simple.
Where KTM has distribution and dealers in place, parts availability is typically good, though sometimes premium priced compared to domestic brands.
Now I know that rider comfort on the Duke 390 varies according to people’s tastes and body types. Though the seat height is comfortable for most riders, it could be a bit risqué for those shorter in stature. The seat is well cushioned, but I would also consider aftermarket options if you plan on putting down some long miles in the saddle.
Mileage is a noteworthy 25-30 km/l under city conditions, averagely economical for everyday office going. The fuel tank is little on the smaller side, which means if you’re going on long rides, you’ll have to stop relatively often for fuel but the range is pretty good for everyday use.
KTM Duke 390 Final Verdict: The Whole Package
The KTM 390 Duke is a most welcomed machine and is a bikes which has transformed the quarter-litre segment to that of the size of a 390. The 390cc engine is no means the biggest in its class but offers plenty of punch for most riding conditions, it’s efficient too.
The high quality components, overall quality, and versatility of the motorcycle make it a good option for those who are looking at having just one motorcycle doing many duties. Slogging through city traffic, blasting down the highway, or carving up twisty back roads, the Duke 390 is more than up to the task.
For those eyeing the Duke 390, it’s important to know that this is a bike that values excitement above its comfort or touring ability. Modeled after a piece of jewelry, with aggressive ergos and handling, it’s a sportbike for those who love making their presence known.
It’s not the most polished or refined motorcycle in its category but the Duke 390 has character and substance in spades – which is plenty enough reason to opt for it, even for an enthusiast.
In short, the KTM Duke 390 manages to combine an intimidating presence with some real work to back it up. Even though its 390cc powerplant isn’t such a burly powerhouse, the whole setup feels like it’s punching above its weight and price.
For those looking for a motorcycle that turns heads and offers a thrill when standing still; much less when moving, it’s hard to go past the Duke 390 as a benchmark in its category