KTM DUKE 390

Source: KTM

It has been 6 years since the first launch of Duke in India which was a 200 cc bike, but now there are multiple variants and looks are much better than the previous generation.

Looks and Design

When it comes to looks the KTM has made her look like her elder sibling now which is a 1290 duke, and she looks more aggressive and sharp which I think was lacking when she first came to. Especially the head-light which has maximum similarity, it looks really mean, lol. But it produces exceptional visibility for the riders in low light or at dark roads with no street lights. The parking lights have 20 LEDs, wow, ensuring that the bike is clearly visible to others on-road.

She is not as muscular big and bulky as 1290 Duke, but it is enough for a 390 Duke. yes it is small in size even while looking at her she looks small, but each line and shape given by KTM is a perfect fit even the exposed chassis adds to the sporty look. 

She also has a 5 inch TFT screen which is not touch screen, but you can control it with the meu switch.

Source: KTM

The different modes are awesome as they are built-in assistance systems using an illuminated menu which you can switch on the left side of the handlebar. The flick up and down through the menu is easy to use.

KTM has also given and My Ride app which lets your phone to connect with the bike and you are able to see all the major info you need to see on the bike screen including the music and control it with the menu switch without taking your hands off the bike. Which is a great idea as keeping your hand on the handle-bar will keep your bike in much better control and it might reduce the chance of an accident if you’re looking on the road that is.

Source: KTM

Specification

Engine

DISPLACEMENT	373.2 cm³
POWER IN HP	43 hp
TORQUE	37 Nm
DESIGN	1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine
STARTER	Electric starter
TRANSMISSION	6-speed
COOLING	Liquid cooled
CLUTCH	PASC™ anti-hopping clutch, mechanically operated

Source: KTM

Performance

Let's talk about performance, what KTM is focussed on, and that’s why at the start of the ride you will read READY TO RACE on the TFT screen like the KTM X-Bow(pronounced crossbow, ultra-light sports car). You can definitely say it the way of KTM and of course, the horses with eye pad, keeping there all focused on how to reach that corner fast then go fast through the corner, and they always do their job perfectly. 

People who are riding it can also tell especially the 390 not the 200 nor 125, yes, they both are fun bike but they both don't have  44 bhp which 390 has and it has so much punch that it will give you a smile and excitement every time you twist your hand. 

The KTM Duke shouldn’t be taken as a beast who gives you a hair raising acceleration and an arm-wrenching torque, as it also is a modest well-mannered ride for everyday use with good fuel economy. For the riders, it’s one of the most powerful options with 32 kW (44hp) and being incredibly lightweight and compact engine it shines among the rivals. The fuel injection system has an indigenous intake design which is awesome and gives more confidence in overall performance for the rider to go ahead.

The ride by wire of Duke ensures the precise delivery of the readily available and powerful torque. The electronic translation of throttle command of the rider into the throttle valve position is well suited for every condition, suggesting the possibility of being the best crossover bike for both the road and circuit.

Combine with the slipper clutch and a nearly perfect gearbox, you get a perfect gear shift every time you shift, and duke 390 only weights 149 kg that is excluding a person on top of it still it is a light bike with enough power and torque to accelerate like crazy. It's not just fun going in a straight line but also when you reach a corner, the confidence that duke gives is right on the mark. It can be because of the tyres but also because of suspension setup chassis and power delivery. 

The 150 mm spring is an exciting one, which will let Duke perform at any conditions you put it in. the preload being adjustable, you get a well-balanced suspension whether you are riding solo or with a partner on your bike, with or without any luggage and on and off-road too. 

Source: KTM

Now talking about wheels which are also important as they are the only point of contact with the road. Very light and stable, the 17inch cast alloy wheels for racing will let you put the power down with conviction. The 110mm wide wheel at the front and 150mm at the rear, it is well balanced. The premium rubber, pro-spec tires that help you to keep KTM 390 Duke sticking to the road is really commendable work from the team. 

And they offer excellent grip in wet as well as dry conditions, giving you the supreme durability for those who know how to push the tires to its limits. It's not just the acceleration hard and going fast that matters but how hard can you stop that also matters and KTM has done a good job with that as well. 

The magnificent BREMBO braking system does wonders in perfect harmony with the top-level ABS, giving the riders with firm, controlled stopping power when they require it. The 320mm brake disc at the front coupled with a 230mm disc on the rear, KTM 390 delivers an outstanding pro-level stopping power, and you know the saying; ‘braking harder makes you faster!’

It has 3 modes Road and Sports are normales which you will find in all which has options which you can select. It has a 3rd mode called SuperMoto. All 3 modes are basically changes how ABS works but what difference between sports and supermoto is that in supermoto ABS only works on the front when rear-wheel breaks all on you to control and if you are a professional you can use it to go around in style. This bike is definitely a fun bike to have either it is to go around a track fast or to have fun, this bike doesn't lack power or style to do it.

Now let's talk about comfort, it is a bit more comfortable then RC and has a bit on comfortable riding position then RC, but overall it is not a comfortable bike especially if the roads around you or the roads which you are not a smooth one. For the year 2019, they have made the seats a bit more soft than previous, but still, you have to keep in mind the purpose of KTM to cover the short distance fast not to go long distances in comfort. 

Still, I know lots of riders who say; it's comfortable and has taken her for long-distance rides, but in the end, you should understand the main purpose of the bike. The riding position of duke is still aggressive and even though the seats are made comfortable than before it still not soft enough it can also be because of the suspension setup which can absorb slite bumps and roughness of the roads but not bad roads even if it is at the lighter side.

Price: ₹2.43 lakhs - ₹2.5 lakhs (Ex-Showroom Price Mumbai)

Source: KTM

Final Verdict:

Looks and design: 8/10

Specs & features: 8/10

Dynamics & performance: 9/10

Safety & quality: 8/10

Every bike you see are special in different ways, some are good at accelerating, some are good at on and off-roading, some at being classy and powerful, some for cruising and a lot more.

For those who are planning to buy Duke 390, I got to say this, you will love it the moment you ride it. Here, you have a naked sports bike with a powerful engine and crazy sporty look to complement its power. It’s best suited for short runs and to shine in the city roads with blazing design.

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