KTM 390 Duke

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KTM has earned a name to carve out the best race ready bikes in the market with premium features and best in class performance. The new variant of the naked street bike is no different and is targeted at a very niche segment. The 2017 KTM 390 Duke makes for the most awaited upgrade to the already successful naked street bike by the Austrian brand. KTM sorts out to give the owner a very premium feel as the new KTM 390 Duke looks like it is based on the 1290 Super Duke R, something which was missing in the previous smaller variants by the company. The naked street bike now looks more aggressive and is now loaded with all new features.

The KTM 390 Duke looks a little overpriced at a starting price crossing INR 2.25 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) but it belongs to a segment which is driven by brand value and best in industry performance parameters and not by price. It is noteworthy though that the Indian market remains a price conscious country with the likes of Dominar 400 making it as an option. The Bajaj Dominar 400 comes with same engine and even the ABS version is priced at INR 1.50 lakhs. Although the KTM Duke relies more on the fan following of the brand. And KTM seems to justify the price with its best in segment design, performance and fully loaded feature list.

Dimensions & Weight

Also there have been many changes in the dynamics as far has the dimension are concerned. The new KTM 390 Duke 2017 now gets a bigger fuel tank with 13.5 litre capacity as compared to 11 litres on the previous version. Also now the new upgrade gets a shorter wheelbase with an increased ground clearance. The 390 Duke 2017 version has a seat height of 830 mm while it previously model had a seat height of 800 mm. The ground clearance has jumped up to 185 mm from 170 mm. The new version of 390 duke is heavier than the old model and it now has a wet weight of 155 kg.

Design & Style

The new addition to the KTM 390 Duke gets all the much needed visual upgrades. It now looks sharper, more aerodynamically built and is much much more aggressive than its previous version. The design language is essentially built on the monster 1290 Super Duke. The extended tank shrouds on the 390 Duke also add a very sharp appeal to the bike. The design proves to be a mastery of aerodynamic engineering with impressive styling.

As far as the graphics are concerned, the Duke looks much more orange in the standard shade than before and is easier to the eye. The new Duke also gets bifurcated LED headlamps which adds more beauty to the package. Not only does the new model is a marvel as far as sharp edged styling is concerned it also looks like a aesthetically carved out art piece which is an achievement by the company. The extended tank shrouds are also sharper and add to the look of the fuel tank. Overall, the beast looks like a mini version of the beastly 1290 Super Duke R. The bike sports a steel trellis frame and new Duke 390 is now also available in White shade in India in limited numbers.

Instrument Console

2017 KTM Duke 390 has an all-new TFT digital console which is royally placed above the handle bars with a typical Duke design. The all-digital instrument console features all essential detailing display like speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and adds extra details with clock, rpm display and topped up with an ABS light. The new Duke has a 5 inch TFT display and the 2017 model also allows the rider to connect a smartphone to the bike. You can access the contacts, accept/make a phone call, listen to music and a lot more using the my-ride controls placed on the left side of the handle bar.

Engine & Gearbox

2017 Duke 390 gets the same 373.2 cc single stroke water cooled engine with upgraded performance parameters. The engine gives out a maximum power of 42.90 @ 9000 rpm (same power) and gives out a maximum torque of 37 Nm @ 7000 rpm (35 Nm on the previous model). The engine is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox with a slipper clutch. Also, now the new engine is tuned to the BS4 complaint norms.

Top Speed & Performance

Performance wise the KTM 390 Duke is not just a visual upgrade over previous generation but it takes performance way ahead of the old 390 Duke. The bike has an estimated top speed of 170 kmph and makes it from 0 to 100 in about 5.60 seconds which is quite impressive. Also it has an estimated mileage of 25-30 kmpl. The bike as carried by KTM is a winner when it comes to performance department. Also as the company claims the street bike has the lowest weight in class making sure that it achieves what it is built for.

Brakes & Suspension

The new 390 Duke gets bigger 320 mm front disc brake with four pot calliper. The rear disc brakes remain the same with 230 mm diameter and one pot calliper. The bike makes use of 43 mm upside down forks and WP mono-shock rear suspension. The premium street fighter bike also gets a 9.1 MB 2-channel ABS adding up to the safety and reliability of the mini monster.

Features and Comfort

The street fighter also gets all new updated features such as the ride by wire system. The KTM 390 Duke gives the rider a great biking posture and ensures one hell of an experience for the owner. The presence of LED lights with bifurcated headlamps and TFT color instrument panel display are another mention worthy add-ons to the package. It also gets new pillion grab rail and smart phone integration. It also gets an all new trellis steel frame with a white sub-frame.

Variants & Shades

The new KTM 390 Duke does not disappoint on the visual appeal front and the bike is available in 2 shades in India – Orange and White (Limited Units). The single variant although highly priced has been launched with a dual channel ABS system. The front tyre provided here is 110/70 R17 and the rear tyre is 150/60 R17 (Metzeler).

Pricing and Competition

The supermodel bike is priced at an Ex-showroom Delhi cost of INR 2,25,730. KTM seems to have inflated the price of the current model by about 30,000 but they also justify the price with all new godly design and fully loaded feature list. The 390 Duke is a delight for fans in the country becoming a much needed upgrade for the latest generation.

Being a premium class street beast it faces competition from the likes of Kawasaki Z250, Benelli TNT 300 and Honda CBR250R ABS in the segment. All these models come at different prices. The Bajaj Dominar provides a sharp contrast to every rival in the segment keeping the price in the range of 1.36 lakhs to 1.50 lakhs (with ABS) becoming the least expensive in the segment.

Verdict

The KTM 390 Duke is an extremely elegant naked street bike with a premium feel. The 390 Duke comes with the most impressive visual upgrades and packs a whole lot of features such as LED headlamps, smart phone integration and ride by wire support.

The success of the upgrade will depend on the brand loyalty of KTM Duke enthusiasts. The bike is something to be cherished for a long time as it breaks many industry standards in terms of performance and class. Also it is something to be appreciated that the company gets the same sharpness and appeal from the KTM 1290 Duper Duke R.

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