KTM, which stands for Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen, is an Austria-based bicycle, motorcycle and sports car manufacturer owned by Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto and Pierer Mobility AG. KTM is widely established for its off-road motorcycles (enduro, motocross and supermoto). Between the late 1990s and early 2000s, it ventured into street motorcycle production and sports cars, primarily the X-Bow. 

It is interesting to know that KTM sold as many off-road bikes as street bikes in 2015. For four consecutive years beginning in 2012, KTM remained the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Europe. Looking globally, it has established itself among the leading off-road motorcycle manufacturers. KTM sold 203423 vehicles worldwide in 2016. Having set itself in the market for producing bikes of top-notch quality, it entered motorsports, making its debut in motocross racing. Guennady Moisseev won KTM its first championship in 1974, claiming the 250cc Motocross World Championship. Thus began the streak of wins for KTM, which is now one of the most successful brands in motorsports. 

Off-Road Bikes By KTM

KTM primarily focuses on building off-road bikes, including Motocross, Cross-Country, Enduro and Free Ride, and Street Bikes, including Supermoto, Adventure tourers, Sports tourers, Naked bikes, Supersport and Superbikes. 

As KTM made its debut in the Indian market, very little was known about it. Unlike other Japanese brands like Honda and Yamaha and European exotics like Ducati and BMW, who already had prominent names and fame in the market, KTM had to prove its worth in the Indian market for its bike collections to be spread extensively across the market, keeping up with other notable brands. 

KTM has a large range of four motorcycles available in the Indian two-wheeler market. It includes RC 200, RC 390, Duke 200 and Duke 390, among others. These belong to the 200-400cc bracket, orienting themselves to the proven performance of KTM. They are highly divided into segments and appear to be one of the most dynamic bikes for commuting in India. In today’s article, we will explain the KTM 390 Duke, its features, design, engine, performance, riding experience, safety, technology and pros and cons. Without waiting any further, let’s start!

KTM 390 Duke – What Is It?

The KTM 390 Duke is a 373.2cc displacement single-cylinder engine motorcycle assembled by Bajaj Auto and KTM. The concept of the bike was designed in Austria, while Indian company Bajaj Auto headed its design and final product development on its home turf. The 390 Duke made its debut in 2012 at the EICMA show in Milan, also known as Milan Motorcycle Shows, and went on sale in the Philippines and India in 2013. It was released in the US in 2015. 

Based on the Duke 390’s engine size and weight, it can be placed in the mid-range category in its home market. It sells for nearly three times the average price of a motorcycle in India. In the words of an Indian reviewer, “The 390 Duke may well be a simple little A2 license commuter for the European rider, but in the environs of Mumbai traffic, it’s a proper rocket-powered scalpel.” According to a 2014 study by IndianCarsBikes, the 390 Duke has a top speed of 160 kmph and can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 5.5 seconds, making it the fastest Indian-produced motorcycle.

Design and Features

The KTM Duke 390 features a distinctive and aggressive design with sharp angles, bold graphics, and bright colours. The bike has a compact and lightweight design, with a trellis frame made from high-strength steel. The bike’s seating position is upright and comfortable, with a relatively high seat height that provides a good view of the road ahead. The design is the brainchild of Craig Dent, Lead Designer and Creative Director at Kiska Designs. The design of the KTM 390 Duke is similar to that of the KTM Duke 200; however, Craig Dent explains how it is highly based on the design of the 690 Duke and how it was very important to consider the design of the KTM 690 Duke while preparing a design for the KTM 390 Duke.

Talking about the features, the KTM 390 Duke is loaded with the latest and most advanced features. It comes with a dual-channel Anti-Lock Braking System (commonly known as ABS), LED tail light, digital odometer, fuel gauge, quick shifter, digital speedometer, digital trip meter and digital tachometer. A few of its variants come with additional features – Wet Sump lubrication, bolt-on subframe, Quickshifter+ Rider Aid, Supermoto ABS and Ride by Wire. It comes with a split seat, fiery orange body graphics, a clock, a step-up seat and a passenger footrest. It has a fuel capacity of 13.4L, which is pretty decent for a mid-range bike. 

With a LED headlight, tail light and turn signal lamp, it also has a low battery indicator and low fuel indicator. It is equipped with disc brakes in both tyres, which are tubeless. The multi-coloured TFT display and Bluetooth connectivity (without navigation) are the cherry on top of the cake. The display automatically changes its colour to best suit the speed and light conditions around the rider. Not to mention, it has 43mm diameter WP APEX USD forks as front suspension and 10-step adjustable WP APEX Monoshock as rear suspension. The bike also highlights a bi-directional quick-shifter with a slip-and-assist clutch.

Engine and Performance

Behind the power-packed performance of the KTM 390 Duke is an OBD-2 compliant, single-cylinder, 373.27cc, liquid-cooled engine that produces 43.5PS and 37Nm. The routing of the exhaust has been updated by KTM to now run beneath the engine instead of going around the cylinder head. The KTM 390 Duke has been rightly termed as a corner rocket. The engine, lightweight and compact, packs a punch with 32kW (43.5PS). It is one of the most powerful options. The four valves in the cylinder head are actuated by two overhead camshafts and ultra-hard, carbon-coated cam followers. This gives the rider an ultra-reliable and long-lasting engine that can deliver splendorous results. 

Effective fuel consumption and white-knuckle performance are the results of the intricate engine design, close-ratio 6-speed transmission and state-of-the-art injection electronics. The precision-crafted exhaust system is extremely lightweight, consisting of a side exhaust, link pipe and silencer. The positioning of the three-chamber silencer close to the bike’s overall centre of gravity not only improves handling and balance but also delivers instant and smooth, beast-like power. 

While compared with other sports bikes, a mileage of 29 kmpl seems to be not so great, it makes up for it by producing an impressive 42 horsepower when between 8500 and 9000 rpm. It is quite a great number for such a small-capacity single-cylinder engine. According to a source, an acceleration of 0-100 kmph required a time of 4.34 seconds. It has a top speed of 167 kmph. 0-100 mph acceleration took a time of quick 15.73 seconds, which is definitely slower than the Ninja 400, which is due to its gearing as the Ninja 400 delivers higher power in the upper end of each gear. One must note that only revving the engine will not deliver top speeds in less time – one must also have knowledge of changing gears at the right time to achieve desirable results. 

General Riding Experience

The KTM Duke 390 comes equipped with a Trellis frame, which makes the bike feel nimble and able to handle almost any type of road condition. On long and open highways, the bike inspires confidence, effortlessly changing directions and attacking turns. Even when riding on rough patches and slight off-roading, it delivers a pretty decent performance to the rider. 

The bike is clearly meant for one to ride solo, as the presence of a passenger, especially someone heavy, increases pressure on the hands while taking U-turns and changing directions. Due to the extra weight, braking distance increases. The brakes provide good bite and feedback while pressing the lever, and the bike stops without any hindrance. Panic braking is not something that will deter the bike from its course, as it holds its line even in such situations. 

The hand-leg placement is quite comfortable in the KTM Duke 390. One has to bend slightly forward to get the best riding experience. It is fairly easy to grip the tank with the knees. The wrists and arms stay comfortable and are not caused any discomfort by the handlebar. The side stand looks very good and is easy to find and engage. The ride is not very comfortable on rough roads and can be harsh on the rider due to its stiff front, soft rear and 17-inch rims. However, on a smooth road, the stiff suspension setup makes riding a piece of cake, enjoyable and pleasant. 

The general riding experience with the KTM 390 Duke is typically characterised by its sporty and agile handling, quick acceleration, and responsive throttle. The bike’s lightweight and nimble design makes it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces and around corners, and its powerful engine provides plenty of speed and excitement.

In terms of comfort, the Duke 390’s upright seating position is relatively comfortable for short to medium-length rides, but it may not be as comfortable for extended periods of time or long distances. The bike’s suspension is designed for sporty handling, which can make for a rougher ride on bumpy roads, but it’s also capable of handling more technical terrain if you want to take it off-road. The KTM 390 Duke is a popular choice for riders who enjoy twisty roads and aggressive riding, as its sporty handling and quick acceleration make it a blast to ride in these conditions. 

Safety and Technology

The KTM 390 Duke comes with a Dual Anti-Lock Braking System (commonly known as ABS), which is standard. This Duke also comes with the biggest discs, thus giving better brake bite, and, thus, better safety. It comes pre-equipped with Metzeler Tyres, which are considered to be the best tyres for the long run and for off-road biking and touring. The Metzelers ensure that your KTM 390 Duke will not skid off the road. 

The next prominent safety feature is the Slipper Clutch, which is also known as Back Torque Limiter Clutch. This feature is useful in situations where one is riding at high speeds and suddenly encounters sharp turns. Applying brakes and lowering multiple gears involves the risk of either hurting the rider or damaging the gearbox. The Slipper Clutch provides a sense of assurance and safety to the rider.

The KTM 390 Duke is nowhere behind its competitors in the market for using advanced technology. It has won the hearts of bike lovers by equipping the KTM 390 Duke with some seriously cool technologies. The KTM 390 Duke boasts advanced technology compared to its competitors. It features a multi-coloured TFT display that changes its colour based on speed and lighting conditions, a rarity in the bike industry. 

Other benefits include a digital odometer, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), Automatic Headlights On (AHO), digital speedometer, digital fuel gauge, digital tachometer, stand alarm, 2 trip meters, low fuel indicator, low oil indicator, low battery indicator, electric start, shift light, killswitch, clock, LED headlight, tail-light and turn signal, and a pass light, making it easy for the rider to check for faults without dismounting.

Touring and Long-Distance Riding

The KTM Duke 390 is a lightweight, agile and fast-paced motorcycle. Touring motorcycles come with features such as a larger fuel tank, a more comfortable seat, a windscreen and better suspension to provide a comfortable and smooth ride over long distances. But what is the use of such features? These features help reduce rider fatigue, thus enabling the rider to go for long distances without wearing herself out. 

The KTM 390 Duke’s agility and slim design enable quick acceleration and better handling on twisty roads. While the Duke 390 is recommended as a great, stylish bike for commuting between short distances, its shorter wheelbase and stiffer suspension have proven to deliver subpar performances on bumpy roads. Bikers’ reviews have also shown that its seating position is not comfortable for extended periods of time. However, that being said, it is also important to take into consideration the experience of many riders who have used the KTM 390 Duke effortlessly for touring, and even reviewed that they had a lot of fun with the bike’s performance and handling on twisty roads. If seating position and frequent fuel stops don’t deter you from considering such bikes, the 390 Duke is probably just meant for you!

Having explained all the technical aspects of the KTM Duke 390, let us now move on to rider comfort and practical factors to consider while planning a trip, regardless of what vehicle. 

● Luggage capacity: Luggage capacity is one of the most important yet most ignored factors. Bikers usually prefer going on tours to remote, uninhabited or sparsely inhabited places. One must keep in mind that it is necessary to carry all the required luggage, as there are no expectations of finding such commodities in such remote areas. A huge downside of such sports bikes is that most of them do not come equipped with built-in luggage options, and the KTM 390 Duke is no exception. 

A rider planning to hit the road on the KTM 390 Duke will have to add aftermarket bags or a luggage rack to ensure he doesn’t fall into a fix while packing his tour bags. Remember to carry a helmet and sunglasses, as the windscreen on the 390 Duke is relatively small and will not shield you from harsh wind and weather.

● Fuel and mileage efficiency: Now, on to another necessary aspect – fuel and mileage efficiency. As compared to other similar bikes by competing motorcycle manufacturers, the 390 Duke’s fuel tank is relatively small. That means you’ll have to make frequent stops for fuel. Notwithstanding this, it provides a pretty decent fuel efficiency of approximately 29.7 km per litre, subject to increase or decrease based on speed and acceleration. 

● Regular maintenance: KTM has established itself as a trusted brand, and the 390 Duke is generally a reliable bike. However, regular maintenance is a must for its smooth running. One must ensure that oil changes, valve adjustments and other routine maintenance tasks are regularly carried out to increase the bike’s efficiency and chances of breaking down in the middle of a trip. 

As mentioned earlier, KTM is a reputed brand, but its dealer network is not as extensive as compared to other companies such as Honda, Hero and Kawasaki. Travelling in remote areas, completely dependent upon KTM dealers for spare parts, is taking a huge risk, and one must do complete research ahead of time to get adequate support in case the 390 Duke breaks down far from civilisation.

Good Things And Bad Things About KTM 390 Duke

The Pros:

● Impressive Performance: The KTM Duke 390’s single-cylinder engine delivers steady acceleration and top speed.

● Lightweight and nimble: The bike’s Trellis frame, slim body, and fiery orange design make it compact, attractive and easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces and sharp corners.

● Fun to ride: As mentioned in the above sections, the KTM 390 Duke comes with sporty handling and responsive throttle that makes it fun to ride on twisty roads.

● Affordable: The KTM Duke 390 is among the most affordable bikes in the mid-range segment with excellent features.

● Modern features: LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster, and a slipper clutch are just a few highlights of the many modern features the KTM 390 Duke employs to give the rider a pleasant riding experience.

The Cons:

● Not ideal for long-distance touring: As we discussed earlier, the Duke 390 boasts of a sporty design, but at the altar of rider comfort. It is not recommended for long-distance touring.

● Stiff suspension: Motorbikes such as the Duke 390 are meant for sporty handling, and a little rough patch on the road will take a toll on the stiff suspension, which will in turn, impact the rider directly.

● Limited fuel range: It is not always possible to maintain a constant speed and acceleration due to traffic, road conditions and sudden hurdles blocking your way. The KTM 390 Duke cannot go longer than 230-240 km in a single refuel, which will definitely be a hindrance in your touring trip.

● Limited storage options: The bike does not have built-in luggage options, and so, the need for an aftermarket bag or a luggage rack is generated for a comfortable trip.

Competitors Of KTM 390 Duke

1. Bajaj Dominar 400

The KTM 390 Duke’s popular rival is the Bajaj Dominar 400. It has a potent 373cc liquid-cooled engine that generates 35 Nm of torque and 39.4 horsepower. The motorcycle has a stylish appearance and is equipped with contemporary technologies, including dual-channel ABS, LED lighting and a completely digital instrument panel. The Dominar 400 is a wonderful option for extended travel because of its comfortable riding posture. It is reasonably priced and provides good value.

2. Yamaha MT-03

The KTM 390 Duke is also fiercely rivalled by the Yamaha MT-03. A 321cc liquid-cooled engine with 41.4 horsepower and 29.6 Nm of torque powers it. The bike boasts a distinctive streetfighter look and has amenities like ABS, LED lighting, and a completely digital instrument panel. The MT-03 is enjoyable to ride on winding roads since it has a comfortable riding posture and outstanding handling. While somewhat more expensive than the KTM 390 Duke, it delivers good value for the money.

3. BMW G 310 R

The KTM 390 Duke’s premium rival is the BMW G 310 R. A 313cc liquid-cooled engine with 34 horsepower and 28 Nm of torque powers it. The bike has a simple look and luxury equipment, including ABS, a TFT display, and LED lighting. The G 310 R is a wonderful option for both city and highway riding since it boasts a comfortable riding position and excellent handling. Although it costs a lot more than the KTM 390 Duke, it provides a luxury ownership experience.

4. Honda CB300R

The KTM 390 Duke is fiercely rivalled by the Honda CB300R. A 286cc liquid-cooled engine with 30.9 horsepower and 27.5 Nm of torque powers it. The bike has a simple aesthetic and is equipped with contemporary amenities, including ABS, LED lighting, and a completely digital instrument panel. The CB300R is a great option for both highway and city riding since it boasts a comfortable riding position and outstanding handling. It has a little cheaper price than the KTM 390 Duke and provides good value.

KTM 390 Duke vs KTM RC 390

● Design

While having identical engine and chassis, the KTM 390 Duke and KTM RC 390 have very distinct outward looks and intended riding styles. The 390 Duke features a streetfighter-style, stripped-down appearance, which causes the rider to sit more upright. It has a clean, straightforward appearance with an angled headlamp and a condensed tail. 

The RC 390, on the other hand, features a more aggressive riding stance due to its more aerodynamic, fully-faired design. It has a sleek tail section, a complete fairing, and a pointed front fender. In spite of their technical similarity, the various body forms provide unique riding experiences for various sorts of riders.

● Engine

Although having distinct exteriors, the engines of the KTM 390 Duke and RC 390 are identical. They are propelled by a 373cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with 43.5 horsepower and 37 Newton metres of torque. This is coupled to a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch, which improves the smoothness and accuracy of gearshifts. 

Its ride-by-wire technology, which allows for smooth throttle response and incredibly accurate control, is one of the engine’s finest characteristics. In essence, this entails that the rider has incredibly precise control over the amount of power applied to the engine, which is excellent for both inexperienced and seasoned riders.

● Suspension and Brakes

The 390 Duke and RC 390 both use a mono shock for the rear suspension and upside-down forks up front. Both motorcycles have adjustable suspension, letting users customise the settings to their tastes. Both motorcycles use the same brakes, which consist of a single 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc. The motorcycles have standard ABS, which offers great safety and stopping power.

● Riding Experience

Because of their varied riding postures and body types, the 390 Duke and RC 390 provide distinctive riding sensations. The 390 Duke is perfect for commuting and city riding since it offers a more comfortable and upright riding position. Excellent mobility is provided by the bike’s broad handlebars, and its lightweight frame makes it simple to control in traffic. 

In comparison, the RC 390 is more suited for track riding and sporty riding because of its aggressive riding posture, rear-set footpegs, and clip-on handlebars.

● Price

The KTM RC 390 costs around $6,000, while the KTM 390 Duke costs about $5,500. The fairing and other sporting additions on the RC 390 cost more money, which accounts for the pricing difference.

KTM 390 Duke vs Kawasaki Ninja 400

● Design

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 and the KTM 390 Duke seem very different from one another. Sharp lines and little bodywork characterise the 390 Duke’s more understated, bare appearance. It has an angular, recognisable headlamp. 

On the other hand, the Ninja 400 sports a sportier and more aggressive look because of its full fairing. Compared to the 390 Duke, it is intended to be extremely aerodynamic and has a futuristic appearance. Both motorcycles are elegant, yet they appeal to different preferences. The 390 Duke is definitely more your style if you like a modern, street-style appearance. The Ninja 400, though, could be a better option if you’re looking for something more cutting-edge and athletic.

● Engine

A 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that generates 43.5 horsepower and 37 Nm of torque powers the KTM 390 Duke. In contrast, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is propelled by a 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that generates 49 horsepower and 38 Nm of torque. Although the 390 Duke has a more sophisticated engine with smooth power delivery and great low-end torque, the Ninja 400 offers a larger power output.

● Suspension and Brakes

Both the KTM 390 Duke and Kawasaki Ninja 400 have comparable front and rear suspension systems that use upside-down forks and a mono-shock. Both motorcycles include adjustable suspension, allowing users to customise the settings to their tastes. A single 320mm disc is located at the front of each bike, and a 230mm disc is located at the back. The 390 Duke comes standard with ABS, but ABS is an option on the Ninja 400.

● Riding Experience

Because of their varied body types and ergonomics, the KTM 390 Duke and Kawasaki Ninja 400 provide various riding experiences. The upright riding position of the 390 Duke makes commuting and city riding more pleasant. Excellent mobility is provided by the broad handlebars, and the bike’s lightweight frame makes it simple to control. With rear-set footpegs and clip-on handlebars, the Ninja 400 offers a sportier riding posture that is more appropriate for usage on the racecourse.

● Price

The KTM 390 Duke is the less expensive choice financially; it costs about $5,500. On the other side, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is more expensive, coming in at about $5,700. But don’t be discouraged just yet; the Ninja 400 has several unique features that can make the extra cost worthwhile. For starters, it produces more power than the 390 Duke, allowing you to go at faster speeds and experience a bit more excitement. Also, it has a complete fairing that may shield you from the wind and provide for a more pleasant ride on those longer travels.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, an affordable, popular and highly rated sports bike capable of offering great performance, nimble handling and modern features is the KTM Duke 390. It is quite fun to ride it on twisty roads. Having spoken of the pros, one must also keep in mind that it isn’t as fun to cover long-distance tours due to its sporty but uncomfortable design. Luggage, fuel and mileage efficiency are the main aspects to consider. 

On the whole, it provides a very good riding experience and is highly recommended for commuting and short-distance travel. If you are someone who prioritises performance and handling over practicality and comfort, then the KTM 390 Duke is an excellent option for you.

Image Source: “www.ktmindia.com/ktm-bikes/naked-bike/ktm-390-duke” + “pixabay.com”