KTM 390 Duke

The design of the 2024 KTM 390 Duke is aggressive and edgy, following in the footsteps of KTM’s Super Duke flagship model. The motorcycle’s new design language gives it a more menacing appearance, with sharp lines, aggressive contours, and a more premium look thanks to multi-layered wet-painted plastics. The graphics, now embedded under the paint, provide a more sophisticated finish, enhancing its street presence.

Upfront, the Duke features a brand-new LED headlamp unit with a surrounding LED DRL. The muscular fuel tank, high tail section, and exposed trellis frame add to its visual appeal, while the adjustable seat height, ranging from 800 mm to 820 mm, offers flexibility for riders of different sizes. Available in two color schemes—Atlantic Blue and Electric Orange—the bike stays true to KTM’s signature bold styling.

Overall, the fit and finish of the new Duke have improved significantly. The attention to detail in materials and design, combined with KTM’s signature aggressive stance, ensures that the 2024 390 Duke continues to turn heads wherever it goes.

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke comes equipped with an all-new 399 cc DOHC engine, which delivers 44.2 bhp of power and 39 Nm of torque. While the power and torque figures are only slightly higher than the previous generation, the engine is notably more refined, with improved low-end torque—a common complaint in earlier models. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox, and KTM has included a bidirectional quickshifter as standard, making gear changes smooth and effortless.

Acceleration has also seen a marked improvement. KTM claims the new Duke can sprint from 0-60 km/h in 2.4 seconds and 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. On the track, the Duke felt fast, responsive, and eager to rev. The airbox is now larger and located at the steering head, which not only contributes to better air intake but also enhances engine sound, providing a more exhilarating riding experience.

The Duke’s top speed of 164 km/h ensures that it can hold its own on the highways, while the launch control function allows for rapid acceleration without the risk of wheelies or loss of traction. Whether it’s cruising through city traffic or attacking a twisty mountain road, the 2024 Duke’s performance remains exceptional.

When it comes to handling, the new KTM 390 Duke shines. KTM has introduced an all-new steel trellis frame with a die-cast aluminum subframe. This new chassis setup is lighter and stiffer, improving agility and stability. Additionally, the WP Apex 43 mm fully adjustable suspension provides excellent feedback and control, both on the track and on uneven roads.

The adjustable front forks come with five-step rebound and compression settings, while the rear monoshock offers five-step rebound and ten-step preload adjustments. This allows riders to tailor the suspension to their personal preferences, whether for street riding or aggressive track use.

The Duke’s handling is sharp, and it inspires confidence even at high lean angles. It feels nimble, quick to tip into corners, and maintains its line through turns with ease. The unsprung weight has been reduced by 3.5 kg thanks to lightweight alloy wheels and hollow rotors, which further improves handling.

Braking is equally impressive, with dual-channel ABS featuring a SuperMoto mode, allowing the rider to disengage the ABS at the rear wheel for a more aggressive riding experience. The brakes offer strong bite and excellent progression, giving riders the confidence to push the limits without worrying about stopping power.

Despite its sporty intentions, the 390 Duke offers a decent level of comfort for everyday riding. The bike’s riding posture is aggressive, with rear-set footpegs and a slightly forward-inclined seat, but it isn’t uncomfortable for regular commuting. The adjustable seat height ensures that a wide range of riders can find a suitable riding position.

The seat itself is new, with improved contours for better support on longer rides. The handlebars are wide and offer good leverage, making the bike easy to maneuver in traffic. While the suspension is on the firmer side, it absorbs bumps and potholes well, providing a comfortable ride even on uneven roads.

However, as with most street-naked motorcycles, the pillion seat is minimal and not ideal for long-distance two-up riding. The vibration levels have been significantly reduced compared to previous models, especially at higher speeds, making the Duke more pleasant for longer rides.

The KTM 390 Duke has always been ahead of its competition in terms of technology, and the 2024 model continues this trend. The bike comes with a new 5-inch TFT color display, featuring a rider-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The display provides all the necessary information, including speed, gear position, fuel level, and trip data, and it’s easy to read even in bright sunlight.

For the first time, the 390 Duke gets three riding modes—Street, Rain, and Track. The Rain mode reduces power output and increases traction control intervention, making it ideal for wet conditions. Track mode is more aggressive, offering launch control and a race-focused display layout. The Street mode provides the best balance for everyday riding.

Additional tech features include traction control, the aforementioned quickshifter, and cornering ABS, all of which enhance the riding experience by adding layers of safety and convenience. The switchgear has also been updated, with a more premium feel and intuitive controls for toggling through the bike’s features.

While performance is the 390 Duke’s main focus, it manages to deliver reasonable fuel efficiency for a bike in its class. Riders can expect a mileage of around 24-26 kmpl in mixed riding conditions, which is respectable given the bike’s power output. With a 13.4-liter fuel tank, the Duke offers a range of 320-350 kilometers on a full tank, making it suitable for both city commuting and weekend rides

At ₹3.11 lakh (ex-showroom), the KTM 390 Duke is priced higher than its predecessor, but the increase is justified given the upgrades in performance, technology, and handling. The 390 Duke continues to offer the best performance-to-price ratio in its class, making it a great option for enthusiasts seeking a high-performance street-naked motorcycle that doesn’t break the bank.

The inclusion of features like fully adjustable suspension, three riding modes, quickshifter, and launch control ensures that riders get excellent value for their money. While it may be on the pricier side compared to some competitors, the Duke’s superior equipment and overall performance make it worth the premium.

KTM has a well-established service network in India, and the 390 Duke benefits from affordable maintenance costs and readily available parts. KTM offers a standard 2-year/30,000 km warranty with the option to extend it further, ensuring peace of mind for buyers. The company also provides access to authorized service centers across the country, ensuring that maintenance and repairs are easily accessible for owners.

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke competes directly with the TVS Apache RTR 310, Triumph Speed 400, and BMW G 310 R. While the TVS offers similar performance at a slightly lower price, the Duke’s fully adjustable suspension, better power delivery, and higher refinement levels set it apart. The Triumph Speed 400 offers a more retro appeal, but the Duke outshines it in terms of performance and tech features. The BMW G 310 R offers similar specifications but at a higher price, making the 390 Duke the more cost-effective option in this segment.

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke continues to dominate its segment with a perfect blend of performance, handling, and technology. The new chassis, refined engine, and premium features make it a standout choice for riders seeking an adrenaline-filled experience without compromising on practicality or comfort. While it is slightly pricier than its predecessor, the upgrades more than justify the cost. For those looking for a street-naked motorcycle that excels in both performance and style, the 390 Duke remains the gold standard