When you go grocery shopping, do you pick items that are old or ones produced recently? Of course, the latter. After all, who in their right mind would want a dated product? The same approach sticks to entry-level motorcycles, too. If you’re a new rider, you would want an up-to-date, future-proof motorcycle you can enjoy to the fullest and have some bragging rights too.
In the small naked market, the KTM 390 Duke and Triumph Speed 400 fit the above bill well. They’re the newest offerings in the class, both wanting to lure you with tech, a powerful engine, and stunning looks. Plus, both are built by Indian behemoth Bajaj Auto. However, there are some stark differences, and it’s only fair you know which of these is better. So here’s a short and sweet comparison between the new Duke and the Speed.
2024 KTM 390 Duke vs Triumph Speed 400 - Performance
The KTM 390 has received a bump in its engine capacity for 2024. Up from 373cc, it now displaces 399 cubic centimeters, which brings it right in the Speed 400’s ballpark. The two engines also have a six-speed transmission in common, paired with a slipper clutch.
The 390 Duke Has A Sizable Power Advantage Over The Speed 400
The capacity might be identical, but the 390 Duke promises a sizable 4.5 horsepower advantage over its rival. It also has an extra pound-feet of torque on offer to make it a clear winner in terms of outright power. That isn’t the full story, though.
The Speed 400 Should Is Considerably Lighter Than The 390 Duke
On a closer look, the Speed 400 produces its power (HP and torque) 500 RPM earlier than its counterpart. Add to this its roughly 10-pound weight advantage, and we think the Speed would feel better off the line. Same can be said for in-gear roll-ons. We’ll refrain from any concrete remarks until we ride them back to back, however.
| Specification | KTM 390 Duke | Triumph Speed 400 |
| Engine | 399cc, single-cylinder | 398cc, single-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 44 horsepower (at 8,500 RPM) | 39.5 horsepower (at 8,000 RPM) |
| Torque | 28.7 pound-feet (at 7,000 RPM) | 27.7 pound-feet (at 6,500 RPM) |
| Transmission | Six-speed | Six-speed |
| Compression ratio | NA | 12:1 |
| Weight | ~385 pounds (363 pounds dry plus 3.7 gallons of gas) | 375 pounds (wet) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 0.114-HP/pound | 0.105-HP/pound |
2024 KTM 390 Duke vs Triumph Speed 400 - Underpinnings And Dimensions
The two motorcycles are super modern in the underpinnings department. And as a result, there are many similarities such as USD forks, monoshock, and single disc brakes at each end. However, KTM and Triumph have taken followed different trajectories, resulting in some crucial differences.
The 390 Duke Has More Capable Underpinnings Than The Speed 400
KTM has equipped the 390 Duke with adjustable front and rear suspensions for 2024. Whereas, the Speed 400 offers barely any tweaking. You also get more suspension travel and bigger disc brakes on the KTM. So the 390 will inspire more confidence when attacking the twisties.
The Speed 400 Will Suit Shorter Riders More Than The 390 Duke
In terms of accessibility, though, there’s no beating the Speed 400. It has an inch shorter seat height to suit shorter riders better. The lower curb weight and relaxed riding triangle will sweeten the pot further.
| Specification | KTM 390 Duke | Triumph Speed 400 |
| Chassis | Trellis with cast aluminum subframe | Tubular steel perimeter |
| Front suspension | 43 mm WP Apex forks (adjustable) | 43 mm Showa Big Piston forks (non-adjustable) |
| Rear suspension | WP monoshock (rebound and preload adjustable) | Monoshock (preload adjustable) |
| Suspension travel (F/R) | 5.9/5.9 inches | 5.5/5.11 inches |
| Wheel size (F/R) | 17 inches | 17 inches |
| Brake size (F/R) | 320/240 mm | 300/230 mm |
| Wheelbase | 53.4 inches | 54.21 inches |
| Seat height | 32.2 inches | 31.1 inches |
2024 KTM 390 Duke vs Triumph Speed 400 - Features
Both have traction control, slipper clutch, ride-by-wire, all-LED lights, and dual-channel ABS. These make them two of the most well-equipped bikes in the class. But who wins between these two? Well, it’s the Orange streetfighter.
The 390 Duke Promises A More Premium Experience Than The Speed 400
As impressive as the Speed 400 may be, the 390 Duke does a better job in all aspects. It boasts three ride modes (Sport, Rain, Track), a TFT display, and switchable ABS, all of which are missing on the Triumph. The party trick, meanwhile, is the launch control system–a never-seen-before bit on sub-400cc nakeds.
| Feature | KTM 390 Duke | Triumph Speed 400 |
| Traction control | Yes | Yes |
| Ride modes | Yes | No |
| Instrument cluster | 5-inch TFT | Semi-digital |
| Launch control | Yes | No |
| Ride-by-wire | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| All-LED lights | Yes | Yes |
2024 KTM 390 Duke vs Triumph Speed 400 - Final Thoughts
So answering the key question, it’s pretty clear the 2024 KTM 390 Duke is the better motorcycle of the two. You get more performance, better features, and more capable underpinnings, a package the Speed 400 simply cannot match. That said, there’s no denying Triumph has done an excellent job with its baby naked. It’s perfect for riders who don’t want an in-your-face experience like the Duke’s, but still want a modern, handsome motorcycle that does it all.
Finally, neither KTM nor Triumph has launched its new bike in America. The Speed 400 will arrive this fall (probably at an uber-competitive price), followed by the 390 by the end of 2023 or early 2024 (at an over $6,000 MSRP). If you liked the comparison, do comment down below and stay tuned to TopSpeed.com for all the latest automotive content.