Reduced to the max! The new KTM 390 Duke has everything that has always made great bikes great: sufficient power, ample torque, and low costs at an extremely low weight. It handles extremely well and comes into its own wherever nimble agility is called for. In short: no other bike offers more riding fun for your money than the 390 Duke!
At a full 44 hp from 375 cc of displacement, it’s head and shoulders above its 200 cc sister model, while the chassis has of course been enhanced to cope with the extra oomph. Still, the new 390 Duke weighs in at less than 150 kilograms fully fuelled – not only raising its dynamics above many a higher-capacity bike but also making it a sporty alternative to pricey maxi scooters.
The Duke family tree struck roots already in 1994, when the first fully-fledged KTM street bike, the original Duke, came into the world of motorcycles. To the present day, the Duke has seen four evolutionary stages, reaching its preliminary peak with the R-Version of the current 690 Duke.
2011 saw a smaller offspring in form of the extremely successful 125 Duke, which promptly went to the top of the European sales charts, selling more than 10,000 units in the first year of its existence. In the spring of 2012, the 200 Duke followed, and now the 390 Duke closes the gap to the larger models 690 Duke and 990 Super Duke R.
Thanks to the typical, compact KTM design, the 390 Duke’s highly sophisticated single cylinder engine weighs in at only 36 kilograms. Two overhead camshafts, four valves, a forged piston and a Nikasil-coated cylinder ensure, among other things, that the 375 cc are good for 44 horsepower.
The power enhancing force feed lubrication with crank case evacuation lowers the crank drive’s rolling resistance, contributing to the powerful torque. The ultra-light trellis frame and cast aluminum swingarm round off a compact package.
Top quality suspension components by WP Suspension, disc brakes developed by Brembo and the disengageable 9MB ABS by Bosch are standard and add even more riding dynamics, as well as safety while powering through the twisties.
The 390 Duke isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’re an enthusiast whose commute involves riding fast for the sheer fun of it, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the KTM 390 Duke. At this price, for that much power, nothing in the market at present comes close.
SPECS: KTM 390 DUKE
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, single-cylinder
Capacity: 375cc
Compression ratio: 12.9:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection
Maximum power: 44hp (32kW) at 9500rpm
Maximum torque: 35Nm at 7250rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Cable
CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Tubular-steel trellis
Front suspension: WP inverted 43mm telescopic fork, non-adjustable
Rear suspension: WP monoshock, adjustable for preload
Front brakes: Single 300mm disc with radial-mount four-piston BYBRE caliper, ABS equipped
Rear brake: Single 230mm disc with single-piston BYBRE caliper, ABS equipped
Tyres: Metzeler Sportec M5
Sizes: 110/70ZR17, 150/60ZR17
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed weight: 139kg (all fluids except fuel)
Seat height: 800mm
Wheelbase: 1367mm
Fuel capacity: 11 litres