KTM 390 Duke now gets bigger 398cc engine

KTM has just unveiled an exciting update to its Duke lineup, and the spotlight is on the 390 Duke with a game-changing transformation. The standout feature: a fresh 398cc single-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, the smaller variants showcase a complete revamp in terms of design, components, and cutting-edge electronics.

Enhancing its power, the revamped 390 Duke showcases an increased displacement of 398cc, resulting in a remarkable output of 44.8hp and 39Nm of torque. This represents a significant gain of 1.3hp and 2Nm. However, the divergence becomes apparent in various aspects, such as the engine casings and the positioning of the chain, situated on the left side unlike the Triumph's right-side configuration.

The LC4C engine now fits in a completely new steel trellis frame design. Differing from the steel trellis sub-frame of its predecessor, the 2024 iteration adopts a die-cast aluminum sub-frame akin to the 790/890 Duke series and the 1290 Superduke R. Noteworthy shifts in the chassis include the introduction of a novel curved aluminum swing-arm, strategically housing an offset-mounted monoshock. This adjustment serves a dual purpose, creating extra room for both the expanded air-box and the catalytic converter.

In compliance with the newest emissions standards, the engines powering the compact Dukes have undergone enhancements, resulting in a modest uptick in peak performance numbers. The 250 Duke's engine now achieves a peak output of 31.2hp and 25Nm, marking an increase of 1.2hp and 1Nm compared to its predecessor in the sub-250cc range. Meanwhile, the 125 Duke's engine has been boosted to deliver 15hp and 11Nm – a 0.5hp increase, albeit with a slight 0.5Nm reduction in torque.

The international model is supported by WP suspension components, with the fork having compression and rebound adjustments as well as the new offset monoshock having preload and rebound adjustments. But whether this adaptability makes it into the Indian model is still up in the air.

Even the wheels on these new models are lightweight and come from the KTM RC line-up for modern motorcycles. The brake rotors are now directly affixed to the wheels, just as the new RC series, and they are now on the right. The foot peg hangers on the new Duke series are made of forged aluminium, demonstrating KTM's commitment to keeping weight to a minimum. For all models, only weight (without fuel) is mentioned in the release. The 165kg weight of the 250 and 390 Dukes is the same as the 154kg weight of the 125 Duke.

While the international bikes are seen with Michelin tyres, the India-specific models will probably use locally made MRF/Apollo rubber (like the new Triumph Speed 400) to reduce expenses.

Electronics of KTM 390 Duke, 250 Duke, 125 Duke

The dash for the 390 Duke is a brand-new 5-inch colour TFT. It has three riding modes: Rain, Street, and Track, and each mode sharpen the power delivery in a different way. The new 390 Duke has an interesting feature called Launch Control, which is exclusively available in Track mode. By increasing the revs to 7,000rpm, you can launch the bike as quickly as you dare. Once the bike's costs are revealed, we anticipate the 390 Duke to be the most affordable bike to include this technology.

The India-specific bike will probably come with the same 5-inch LCD dash as the new-generation 250 Duke, despite the fact that the worldwide 125 Duke has a TFT display. All three models feature Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to use the KTM app to answer calls, manage music playback, and obtain turn-by-turn directions. KTM has given all of these bikes brand-new switchgear, with controls for the same on the left hand switch cube, to accommodate all of these new features, as well as a warning light switch.

Design of KTM 390 Duke, 250 Duke, 125 Duke

Each of the three bikes comes in two different colors and features a brand-new, extremely edgy design language. For the first time since the release of the BS4 model in 2017, this also heralds the return of the 390 Duke's underbelly exhaust.

The 390 features a few distinct stylistic cues that set it apart from the other two despite having the normal vibrant colors and orange accents that KTM is known for. Only the 390 Duke has the LED DRL "eyebrow" encircling the LED headlamp; the other two have a plastic accent in a complementary shade. Additionally, the tank extensions on the 390 are longer and have a cut-out in them as opposed to the other two.

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