KTM DUKE 390: The Ideal Middleweight Naked Streetfighter

Leave a Comment / Motorcycles Review / By rahulsingh

Introduction to KTM DUKE 390

Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM has carved a niche for itself in India\’s enthusiast motorcycling space with its Duke range of streetfighters. The entry-level Duke 390 has been an extremely popular model, loved by enthusiasts for its sharp handling and peppy engine. The 2023 Duke 390 carries forward the same virtues that made it a bestseller, with updated styling and features. Let\’s take a closer look at what makes the KTM Duke 390 a brilliant middleweight naked streetfighter.

Brief History of KTM

KTM started operations as a metal engineering shop in Austria in 1934. They started making bicycles and transitioned to building motorcycles in the 1950s and 60s. KTM started participating in off-road racing events in the 1970s and 80s, which helped establish its credentials as a serious racing brand producing high-performance dirt bikes.

The company debuted its Duke range of street motorcycles in the 1990s. The Duke 125 and 390 models were introduced in India in 2012 through a partnership with Bajaj Auto. The made-in-India Duke 390, in particular, became an instant hit among enthusiasts for its exciting performance and sharp handling.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Duke 390 is a 375cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that puts out 43.5hp of peak power at 9,000rpm and 37Nm of max torque at 7,000rpm. This BS6-compliant engine features fuel injection and four valves per cylinder with DOHC architecture. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The 373cc motor packs plenty of punch for a middleweight naked bike. Throttle response is snappy, especially in the mid-range, which makes negotiating city traffic effortless. Acceleration is brisk – the Duke 390 can hit 100kmph from a standstill in under 6 seconds and reach a top speed of 160kmph. The refined engine has minimal vibrations even when revved hard and provides an exciting driving experience.

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The trellis frame and suspension components make for surefooted, confident handling. WP Apex forks and mono-shock provide excellent stability when braking or cornering hard. The Metzeler tyres also perform well for grip and handling. LED lighting illuminates the road ahead brilliantly at night.

Riding Dynamics and Handling

The highlight of the KTM Duke 390 is its fantastic handling and razor-sharp riding dynamics. The lightweight chassis and minimal bodywork give the bike very agile and nimble handling characteristics. Changing directions is effortless, and the Duke 390 can be flicked into corners with ease.

Mid-corner stability inspires plenty of confidence to push the Duke through corners at high lean angles. The trellis frame and suspension setup soaked up road imperfections admirably when riding on less-than-perfect tarmac. The Metzeler tyres offered good grip as well. The Duke 390\’s fantastic riding dynamics make it an absolute hoot to ride fast around twisty sections.

Electronics and Features

As expected from sports naked in this class, the Duke 390 comes equipped with a host of electronic aids. It gets a full-color TFT display that supports KTM\’s MyRide smartphone connectivity system. MyRide provides turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts, music control, and other features.

Other electronic features include dual-channel ABS for safe braking and switchable traction control with a supermoto mode that allows controlled rear-wheel slides. There are four riding modes – Sport, Street, Rain, and Track – to choose from to alter the bike\’s throttle response and traction control settings.

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Design and Styling

KTM gave the Duke 390 a comprehensive styling update for 2023, with sharper, more aggressive looks in line with the Czech company\’s \”Ready to Race\” philosophy. The split LED headlamps and updated fuel tank shrouds give it a predatory front fascia. There\’s a new upswept exhaust and revised subframe as well.

The exposed orange-painted trellis frame, beefy upside-down forks, rear mono-shock, and streetfighter styling characterize the Duke 390\’s sporty appeal. New color options like Dark Galvano and Gray Spectrum further up its style quotient. The 2023 design updates have enhanced the mini Duke\’s appeal as an eye-catching naked streetfighter.

Brakes and Suspension

Braking hardware comprises disc brakes at both ends, with a 300mm rotor up front and a 230mm rear disc. Dual-channel ABS ensures safe, drama-free braking even when braking hard in slippery conditions.

Suspension components include thick 43mm upside-down WP forks up front that provides impressive damping characteristics over undulations and bumps. The rear mono-shock unit offers good travel and adjustability to fine-tune the ride quality as per rider preferences or loading conditions. Overall the Duke 390 gives a firm yet comfortable ride for day-to-day city use.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The committed riding position on the KTM Duke 390 places some weight on the wrists but is not overly taxing for shorter commutes. The seat height is approachable at 830mm, and the seat itself offers reasonable comfort levels. Pillion Comfort is decent for short rides in the city but inadequate for long highway stints.

The rider triangle places the arms slightly forward and feet rear set for an aggressive stance. The new mirrors situate wider to improve rearward visibility. Overall the ergonomics allow nimble handling while being comfortable enough for daily use, though very tall riders may find the setup a bit cramped.

Safety Features

Safety has been given due importance to Duke 390. Dual-channel ABS is standard and can be a lifesaver in slippery conditions. The 2023 model also gets optional traction control with a Supermoto mode. A bi-directional quick-shifter is offered as well for smoother gearshifts.

Ownership Experience

The KTM Duke 390 offers outstanding value as an affordable high-performance naked motorcycle. Running costs are low, and the bike returned a fuel efficiency figure of 30-35km/l in city riding conditions. Service costs have been reasonable as well in line with KTM\’s positioning as a premium European brand. Parts availability has also been decent through KTM dealerships across India.

The Duke 390 is the ideal bike for carving up city streets and attacking winding twisties on weekend rides. It retains composed manners for daily use but comes alive when ridden in a spirited manner. Owners rave about its thrilling performance and agile handling capabilities. Many enthusiasts upgrade to the Duke after using it as their first proper performance bike.

Pros of Owning a Duke 390

Exciting real-world performance from the 375cc engine
Superb handling and riding dynamics
Aggressive styling in line with KTM\’s racing DNA
Strong value for money proposition
Comprehensive electronics and features
Refined engine with minimal vibrations
Approachable ergonomics for city use

Cons to Consider

Stiff suspension is not suited for pillions
Minimal bodywork offers little wind protection
Build quality could be better in some areas
Compromised highway stability due to firm suspension setup
Dedicated service networks are still limited outside big cities

Ideal Rider for the Duke 390

The KTM Duke 390 as a middleweight naked streetfighter is best suited to riding enthusiasts looking for an exciting performance bike on a budget. It perfectly fits those upgrading from smaller commuter bikes or using it as their first \”big\” bike.

Younger riders and those with sporty riding styles can best exploit the Duke 390\’s excellent power-to-weight ratio and sharp handling capabilities. The low seat height also makes it accessible to most riders. However, very tall riders may find the ergonomics a bit cramped for longer stints.

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Competitors in the Segment

The KTM Duke 390 goes up against other popular middleweight naked like:

TVS Apache RR 310
BMW G 310 R
Kawasaki Ninja 300 (faired)
Yamaha MT-03
Honda CB300R

Among these, the TVS Apache RR 310 is its closest competitor. But the KTM edges ahead with its more powerful engine, lower weight, and superior handling dynamics. The BMW G 310 R gives tough competition with its premium appeal, but the Duke 390 still has the edge in performance and equipment.

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Conclusion and Summary

The KTM Duke 390 strikes an excellent balance as a brilliant-handling middleweight streetfighter that also works well for daily commuting. It offers an irresistible mix of usable performance, razor-sharp dynamics, aggressive looks, friendly ergonomics, and modern features at an accessible price point.

The 375cc Duke 390 punches way above its weight with regard to power delivery, acceleration, equipment levels, and sheer riding enjoyment. Overall it remains a top choice for enthusiasts looking for a fast, agile, and exciting naked bike that won\’t break the bank. The 2023 updates only serve to keep the mini Duke\’s appeal going strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the key highlights of the 2023 KTM Duke 390?

A1: The key highlights of the updated 2023 KTM Duke 390 are:

Sharper, more aggressive styling with updated LED headlamps and color-coded subframe
Improved ergonomics for better comfort
New suspension setup for enhanced handling and stability
Larger fuel tank for better range
Dual-channel ABS and traction control for added safety
Full-color TFT display with KTM MyRide connectivity
Euro 5 / BS6 compliant engine

Q2: What are the different color options available on the Duke 390?

A2: KTM offers the Duke 390 in attractive new color choices for 2023 – Dark Galvano, Gray Spectrum, and Orange. The Dark Galvano and Gray Spectrum options especially give it a very premium appeal.

Q3: How beginner-friendly is the Duke 390?

A3: The KTM Duke 390 is an excellent choice as an upgrade from a small commuter bike or as a first big bike for many riders. Its lightweight, accessible seat height, nimble handling, and unintimidating power delivery make it quite beginner-friendly. Of course, ABS and traction control provide added safety as well.

Q4: Can the Duke 390 be used for long highway rides?

A4: The Duke 390 is primarily optimized as a naked streetfighter for aggressive riding on city streets and twisty roads. Its firm suspension setup compromises comfort and high-speed stability on highways somewhat. Short highway stints are manageable but not ideal for very long rides.

Q5: How does the Duke 390 compare to rivals like the TVS Apache RR310?

A5: The KTM edges out the TVS Apache RR310 with its more powerful engine, lower kerb weight, and faster acceleration. It also has more sophisticated electronic rider aids. However, the Apache has a better fit & finish in some areas, along with a more comfortable pillion seat. Overall, though, the Duke 390 is the superior performer.