For a long time, there was a big hue and cry about the next-generation KTM Duke. Several spy shots and test mules were over the internet, but the smaller Dukes took a back seat ever since concrete rumors about the big 1290 Super Duke were revealed. That is until now - the 2024 KTM 390 Duke has formally broken cover for the global market!
Since its debut nearly a decade ago, the Duke has gone through three generations of releases. Although KTM released upgraded designs for 390's siblings as well, the 125 Duke and the 250 Duke, it is the 390 Duke that receives the most significant and thorough revisions. It seems like a breath of fresh air as after multiple spy shots and months of speculation, every feature on the updated trim is intriguing. For starters, it receives an entirely novel design, an improved engine, enhanced functionality, updated technology, and several significant platform tweaks. So without further ado, here are the 10 things we love about the all-new 2024 KTM 390 Duke!
10 Bump In Engine Capacity
Despite earlier speculation, the 390 Duke will not switch to a twin-cylinder from its celebrated single-cylinder engine. To begin with, the engine capacity on the upcoming Duke has been increased to 399cc from 373cc, and its power figures have also seen an incremental rise too. Peak power has increased to 44 horsepower, and it would produce around 28 pound-feet of peak torque.
This all-new engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox, while a slipper-clutch and quick-shifter are also included within the package. It is noteworthy that KTM has not disclosed any acceleration specifics, so you will have to hold off on its 0 to 60 numbers.
9 New Subframe
Moving towards the middle of the entry-level KTM, the new 390 Duke's chassis undergoes major changes with this trim. While the company still utilizes a trellis frame, it is now a die-cast aluminum subframe with a powder-coated finish, comparable to the ones found on the bigger 790 and 890 Dukes.
In addition to this, the rear shock is now skewed to the right flank of the bike and is now housed inside a new swingarm which is also made of aluminum. The catalytic converter and a bigger air box fit in a lot better because of the space that is created because of this. Overall, we must admit that the redesign makes the bike look even more compact.
8 Updated Aggressive Design
The refreshed 390 Duke is entirely overhauled from top to bottom in terms of design. Although there are some visual parallels between the older model and this trim, it is obvious that KTM has gone with a more aggressive style. To start with, there are boomerang-shaped DRLs that appear much more aggressive up front, and the LED light is also wider than it was previously. The fairings that protrude forward from the fuel tank cover the front forks and look more muscular.
7 Say Hello To Launch Control
For the very first time, launch control will be offered as a standard feature on the 2024 KTM 390 Duke. This is an electronic aid that helps riders find that crucial holeshot from a stationary start. How does this happen? The rider can simply release the clutch while fully opening the throttle, while engine management will efficiently maintain the RPM in the appropriate range for maximal acceleration. This is a standard feature in the larger KTM Dukes, and on this particular Duke, when the system is activated, the engine will be able to peak at 7,000 rpm with a wide-open throttle.
6 Impressive Underpinnings
The 390 Duke's brand-new trellis frame is supported by 43 mm USD forks at the front which offers adjustable compression and rebound, while the monoshock at the rear comes with preload and rebound controls. On the braking front, a 320mm disc is present at the front, and a 240mm disc at the rear, and this setup comes with dual-channel, cornering, and Supermoto ABS. These brakes are installed on a pair of 17-inch alloy wheels featuring road-biased Michelin tires.
In addition, when you come to the back of the bike, you would notice that the side-mounted exhaust is replaced with the underbody exhaust, being brought back after a seven-year absence. The RC 390-inspired simple five-spoke alloy wheels, revised mirrors, and fenders enhance the overall package even more.
5 Enhanced Tech On Board
Managing the 399cc engine's output is the good old throttle-by-wire setup that comes with three ride modes — Rain, Track and Street. Then, there are fancy race-derived electronics also available on the 390 like the aforementioned launch control, cornering ABS, and traction control. Additionally, there is an up-and-down quick shifter on offer too.
The list doesn't end here though as the 390 Duke now has greater rider aids compared to what was formerly offered. Take for instance the new instrument cluster, which comes in the form of a 5-inch TFT display with updated graphics. On this setup, features like call and music can be controlled, there is full smartphone connectivity on offer with proper turn-by-turn navigation.
4 Still Offers A Great Power-To-Weight Ratio
We discussed how significant the aluminum trellis frame and the all-new subframe are on this new upgraded 390 Duke. Well, if we look away from the advantages of this change, the more significant effect of it is the weight that the motorcycle has gained because of this.
The outgoing 2023 KTM 390 Duke weighed 330 pounds, and you might be a little bummed to know that the updated trim weighs 363 pounds, a whole 33 pounds more than its predecessor. But, we feel owing to the bump in the power output by the bigger engine, you should still get an impressive power-to-weight ratio considering that KTM has always known how to balance the Duke well. After all, its fame is built on how lightweight the bike really is.
3 Outshines Its Competitors
The naked motorcycle category has always been fairly crowded. There are tons of manufacturers producing some great bikes. The Yamaha MT-03 is a celebrated motorcycle, and so is the Kawasaki Z400 and even the tad bit more powerful Honda CB500F. Add the new kid on the block, the upcoming Triumph Speed 400, and you’ve got a fantastic bundle of entry-level naked bikes to choose from.
For instance, the Triumph Speed 400's bore and stroke have been mirrored by the new Duke's engine, but other than that, the two engines are entirely distinct as proved by their casings. This just goes to show how distinct (and overpowering) the 2024 KTM 390 Duke is from its nearest competitor, let alone with others.
2 Offers Tremendous Value
KTM hasn't yet disclosed the official price for the 2024 KTM 390 Duke for the American market at this moment in time. But you can guarantee that the Austrian brand will move quickly to introduce the new naked rocket in the US given the overwhelming popularity of the outgoing model.
For comparison, the 2023 model has an advertised retail price of $5,899. Considering how much new technology and design have been integrated into the updated version, we could anticipate the bike to cost a little bit more than $6,000. Now we know that the 390 Duke was already among the most expensive entry-level naked bikes out there, but whoever batted an eye to date? So a few hundred bucks for all the upgrades seems like a no-brainer.
1 Betters An Already Successful Motorcycle
The KTM 390 Duke essentially ruled the entry-to-middleweight category with a snappy, fun-loving engine, some great features and all the essential tech on board. With the new 2024 upgrade, the brand has only bettered what was on offer. We can hardly find any points to complain about other than the increase in its weight - but that should be compensated by the improved power and all the beefier, more aggressive looks that come with it. On paper, it looks like a far better product than its rivals, and we don’t see many bikes disrupting its legacy. Maybe Triumph’s mini Speed? Only time will tell.