Tag Archives: KTM 390 Duke

2024 KTM 390 Duke Review | First Ride

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
For this 2024 KTM 390 Duke review, we traveled to Almeria, Spain, to test the updated naked bike on the street and a gymkhana course. (Photos by Francesc Montero & Sebas Romero)

This is a year of milestones. The AMA is celebrating its 100th anniversary, Rider is celebrating its 50th, and KTM is celebrating “30 Years of Duke.” What started out as one bike in 1994 is now a seven-model lineup, including the 125 Duke, 250 Duke, 390 Duke, 790 Duke, 990 Duke, 1290 Super Duke GT, and 1390 Super Duke R Evo. We tested three new/updated models recently – the 390, 990, and 1390 – and we’ll start off with our KTM 390 Duke review.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
A selection of Dukes over the years, with the original Duke 620 in the middle, three 2024 models (390 Duke to the right of the Duke 620, and the 990 Duke (l) and 1390 Super Duke R (r) in the front), and others from intervening years.

Thirty years ago, KTM – then a small Austrian manufacturer of dirtbikes – launched its first street-focused motorcycle, the Duke 620, a supermotard-style bike that was the brainchild of KTM engineer Wolfgang Felber. Starting with a KTM 620 R/XC dual-sport, which had a kickstart-only 602cc Single that made 56 hp, Felber shortened the suspension and gave it 17-inch spoked wheels shod with sticky street tires. Weighing just 315 lb, the flickable, wheelie-happy Duke – named after Geoff Duke, a British GP racer who won multiple world championships – became a cult favorite, a hooligan bike that encouraged a rowdy riding style.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review - 1994 KTM Duke 620
On display at the “30 Years of Duke” launch in Almeria, Spain, was the first 1994 KTM Duke 620 that rolled off the assembly line. Even three decades on, it’s still a bad-ass looking bike. (Photo by the author)

Today, KTM is the biggest brand in the Pierer Mobility empire – Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer that also includes Husqvarna, GasGas, and MV Agusta. Although the “Ready to Race” brand says it prefers to look ahead to the future than dwell on the past, KTM recently honored the Duke legacy by hosting a press launch in Almeria, Spain, for three new/updated models: the 390 Duke, 990 Duke, and 1390 Super Duke R Evo. The launch began with a half-day ride on the 390 Duke, which is the focus of this review.

Related: 2024 KTM 990 Duke Review | First Look

Related: 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Review | First Look

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
Except where noted, the 2024 KTM 390 Duke in the static photos is outfitted with a long list of PowerParts accessories and its mirrors have been removed. The Akrapovic exhaust system and engine crash guards are two of the most obvious ones in this photo.

What’s New | 2024 KTM 390 Duke

Launched in Europe in 2013, the 390 Duke made its way to our shores in 2015 (read our road test review). Along with the 125 Duke and 250 Duke, the 390 Duke is made in India by Bajaj under the scrupulous supervision of KTM engineers. Just as KTM’s 790 Duke and 790 Adventure models are made in China by CFMOTO, these strategic partnerships allow KTM to increase its production capacity, keep a lid on ever-increasing labor costs, and gain in-country access to the two largest motorcycle markets in the world.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
Displacement of the liquid-cooled, counterbalanced LC4 Single was increased from 373cc to 399cc, netting a small gain in horsepower and torque.

While the 390 Duke has evolved steadily over the years, the 2024 model represents a major leap forward. Compared to its predecessor, KTM says it is 90% new. Displacement of its liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine has increased from 373cc to 399cc, contributing to a small increase in horsepower (45, up from 44) and torque (28.8 lb-ft, up from 27.3). The updated engine is lighter, has improved cooling yet also warms up faster, and has longer oil-change and valve-inspection service intervals. A larger airbox is located under the seat, and the fuel tank now holds 3.9 gallons, up from 3.6.

The 390’s tubular-steel trellis frame was made stiffer and now has an upper mount for the rear shock, which was moved from the center to the right side and positioned at a more horizontal angle, lowering the seat height from 32.7 to 32.3 inches. A new pressure die-cast aluminum subframe is also stiffer, and the new curved, open-lattice cast-aluminum swingarm has a lower mount on the right side for the shock and is curved to accommodate the tucked-in exhaust.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
WP suspension front and rear was upgraded to adjustable Apex components. The rear shock was moved to the right side and mounted at a more horizontal angle to lower the seat height. The orange billet reservoir cover is an accessory.

As before, the 390 Duke’s suspension is made by KTM-owned WP, but for 2024, it is upgraded to higher-spec Apex components. The 43mm inverted fork, held in place by new triple clamps, now offers rebound and compression adjustability with five-position clickers atop the fork caps. The Separate Piston rear shock has five-position rebound adjustability in addition to adjustable preload (both easily done with toolkit stored under the seat). Suspension travel has increased from 5.6 to 5.9 inches in the front and remains 5.9 inches out back.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
For 2024, the single-disc Bybre front brake was moved to the right side of the wheel, and the 320mm disc is 20mm larger than on last year’s model. Revised wheels and new Michelin Power 6 tires reduced unsprung weight by nearly 10 lb.

Revised 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels are shod with new Michelin Power 6 tires, and the combo sheds a remarkable 9.5 lb of unsprung weight. Claimed wet weight for the bike, however, remains the same at 364 lb. Single-disc brakes front and rear are made by Bybre, with a 4-piston radial front caliper pinching a 320mm disc (up from 300mm) and a 1-piston rear caliper with a 240mm disc (up from 230mm). ABS with a rear-off Supermoto mode is standard.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
The new headlight design is similar to that on the 2024 2024 KTM 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R Evo. The orange-anodized reservoir cover and levers as well as the lever guards are accessories.

The 390 Duke has a new LED headlight with a DRL surround that’s shaped like the new headlights on the 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R Evo, and all three bikes share a 5-inch color TFT display. With an MSRP of $6,299, electronics are typically limited in this price range, but the 390 Duke has throttle-by-wire with two ride modes (Street and Rain) that adjust throttle response and lean-adaptive traction control, as well as new launch control. New switchgear and revised menus on the TFT are easier to use, but multiple buttons must be pushed to change ride mode and other settings. We’d prefer a single button to change ride mode on the fly.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
The 5-inch color TFT display is shared with the 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R Evo.

What’s It Like to Ride? | 2024 KTM 390 Duke

I love small sporty bikes, and I have a particular fondness for the 390 Duke. My Duke dalliance started in 2017, when KTM hosted a launch for an updated version of the 390 Duke in Turin, Italy, where we began our test ride by turning laps on a test track with banked curves on the roof of the Lingotto building, a massive five-story structure that was a Fiat factory from 1923 to 1982. Then we buzzed around the streets of Turin before making our way into the foothills of the Alps. Cool location notwithstanding, it was the most fun I’d ever had on such a light, affordable bike. Its MSRP back then was just $5,299.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review - 2017 KTM 390 Duke
Riding the 2017 KTM 390 Duke on one of the banked corners of the rooftop test track at the Lingotto building in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Sebas Romero & Marco Campelli)

A year later, we got a 390 Duke for a test on our own turf, and I wrangled the keys away from Jenny Smith long enough to give it a proper thrash.

This time around, it was a cold, clear day in Almeria, Spain, when our multinational group of journalists hopped on a fleet of shiny new 390 Dukes. I chose one in KTM orange, with the bright color found not only on the tank and sharply angled bodywork but also on the seat, frame, and wheels. When I turned on the key, the instrument panel welcomed me with a “30 Years of Duke” animation that’s exclusive to 2024 models. Although the seat is a tad lower, the 390 Duke doesn’t feel dainty or undersized but rather slender and compact.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
Over its 11-year history, the KTM 390 Duke has been updated multiple times. The 2024 model is 90% new.

Gear Up

The 390 Duke is an eager beaver, a fiesty machine that begs to be flogged. Its 399cc Single fires up quickly and settles into a mellow burble at idle, but the ’lil Duke really comes alive when its throttle is twisted WFO. With peak horsepower at 8,500 rpm, peak torque at 7,000 rpm, and a 10,000-rpm redline, it pays to keep the engine spinning. Let the revs drop too much, and it can be hard to regain momentum on a twisty road. Though counterbalanced, the engine gets buzzy at high revs.

And believe you me, Spain has more than its fair share of muy twisty roads.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
The KTM 390 Duke is a compact, narrow machine that is fun to toss around on tight, technical roads. The best approach is to maintain corner speed and keep the revs up.

KTM’s nickname for the 390 Duke is “Corner Rocket,” and it lives up to the name. With just 53.4 inches between the axles, sporty steering geometry, and narrow, grippy tires (110/70 front, 150/60 rear), the 390 turns almost as quickly as your brain’s synapses fire off the command to your hands. A lot of shifting is required to stay in the meat of the powerband, and the 6-speed gearbox with slip/assist clutch does the rider’s bidding with minimal effort. The bikes we were riding had the optional Quickshifter+ installed, allowing us to bang our way up and down through the gears without the clutch.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
New electronics for 2024 include ride modes, cornering traction control, and launch control.

The new Apex suspension did a good job of soaking up bumps as well as the chassis gyrations of being constantly on and off the gas. Since my 200-plus pounds is above average, I used the hook spanner under the seat to ratchet up the rear preload a few clicks. Likewise, the brakes capably slowed the bike and its oversized cargo, and the adjustable hand levers were appreciated.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
As with all KTM streetbikes, the 390 Duke’s design is heavy on sharp angles.

After a 75-mile hair-on-fire street ride, we returned to the hotel, where KTM had set up a gymkhana course in the parking lot. Pairs of riders went head-to-head on an out-and-back slalom course, with bragging rights going to the fastest time. I’m not a racer, so even though I beat the other rider, I didn’t bother to ask my time. The fastest journalist was a guy from Australia who sliced and diced the course in 34 seconds. Jeremy McWilliams, the former MotoGP racer, current King Of The Baggers racer for Indian, and development rider for KTM, beat all comers with a 32-second time – while wearing jeans and tennis shoes. Check out his Instagram page to see a photo of him losing the front, which he saved on his way to victory.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
2024 KTM 390 Duke in orange colorway (no accessories)

Upgrades like ride modes, cornering traction control, and adjustable suspension have pushed the 390 Duke’s price up to $6,299, but it’s still a reasonably priced bike that’s more fun than ever. And it’s certainly worthy of the Duke’s 30-year legacy.

2024 KTM 390 Duke review
2024 KTM 390 Duke in blue colorway (no accessories)

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide

2024 KTM 390 Duke Specifications

  • Base Price: $6,299
  • Website: KTM.com
  • Warranty: 2 yrs., 24,000 miles
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse Single, DOHC w/ 4 valves
  • Displacement: 399cc
  • Bore x Stroke: 89.0 x 64.0mm
  • Horsepower: 45 hp @ 8,500 rpm (factory claim)
  • Torque: 28.8 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm (factory claim)
  • Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Wheelbase: 53.4 in.
  • Rake/Trail: 24 degrees/3.7 in.
  • Seat Height: 32.3 in.
  • Wet Weight: 364 lb
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gal.
  • Fuel Consumption: 69 mpg (factory claim)

The post 2024 KTM 390 Duke Review | First Ride appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2024 KTM 390 Duke and 250 Duke Review | First Look 

2024 KTM 390 Duke Electric Orange
2024 KTM 390 Duke in Electric Orange

KTM has announced two small-displacement naked-bike models – the 390 Duke and 250 Duke – that brings what the company says is “more punching power, improved handling, and clear differentiation of attitude between the displacements.”  

KTM added that the new models represent the biggest change to the sub-500cc capacity Duke model range since the first KTM 390 Duke. The result is a complete redesign with new engines, an all-new chassis concept, and new styling. 

Related: KTM 390 Duke Review | Road Test 

Both bikes feature an entirely new generation of single-cylinder engines dubbed the “LC4c” – including displacements of 250cc and 399cc – that have been completely redesigned with newly optimized cylinder heads and gearboxes, as well as meeting the latest emissions standards. They also feature throttle-by-wire, a new Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC), and optional Quickshifter+. 

Related: KTM 200 Duke, 390 Duke, 890 Duke, and 1290 Super Duke R | Comparison Review 

2024 KTM 390 Duke Atlantic Blue
2024 KTM 390 Duke in Atlantic Blue

The new LC4c engine in the 390 Duke represents a bump in displacement from the previous 373cc mill, but not only is it more powerful than the previous generation, it’s also lighter. The 250 Duke also features an improved power-to-weight ratio over the previous generation 200 Duke, with a new SOHC design that is lighter and simpler with fewer components. 

2024 KTM 250 Duke Electric Orange
2024 KTM 250 Duke in Electric Orange

The 390 Duke boasts a 43mm WP APEX open-cartridge fork with five-click adjustment on rebound and compression and a split-piston rear shock with adjustable rebound and preload. This means handling can be tailored to perfectly match the rider’s needs. Suspension on the 250 Duke is taken care of by a nonadjustable 43mm WP APEX open-cartridge big-piston fork and a WP APEX emulsion shock with preload adjustability. Travel is 5.9 inches front and rear on both bikes. 

2024 KTM 390 Duke

For stopping power, both bikes feature a radially-mounted 4-piston caliper grabbing a 320mm disc in front – a 20mm increase over the previous 200 Duke. Rear braking power has been increased on both bikes to a 2-piston caliper and 240mm disc, and both feature the latest version of cornering Supermoto ABS and cornering traction control. 

2024 KTM 250 Duke Electric Orange
2024 KTM 250 Duke

For 2024, a new two-piece frame design – comprising an all-new steel trellis main frame with a pressure die-cast aluminum subframe – enhances dynamics by augmenting torsional rigidity. This also adds improved agility and enhanced feedback from the chassis, with new triple clamps and a revised offset improving handling characteristics, control, and stability. 

2024 KTM 250 Duke Ceramic White
2024 KTM 250 Duke in Ceramic White

The frame is now also mated to a new curved lightweight swingarm, which contours around a relocated rear shock. This is mounted off-center to allow for a larger airbox design while reducing overall seat height, which KTM says was purposefully engineered into the new bikes’ design to allow for greater accessibility without compromising on stability or handling. The 390 Duke has a seat height that is adjustable between 31.4-32.2 inches, with a 31.4-inch seat height on the 250 Duke. 

2024 KTM 390 Duke Electric Orange
2024 KTM 390 Duke

Visually, the 390 has longer tank spoilers featuring prominent air intakes, larger radiator covers, and external LED positioning lights. The 250 casts a slim and compact shadow thanks to smaller tank spoilers compared to the 390 Duke and aligned with painted headlight surrounds.  

2024 KTM 390 Duke Electric Orange
2024 KTM 390 Duke in Electric Orange
2024 KTM 250 Duke Ceramic White
2024 KTM 250 Duke in Ceramic White

Both models feature a 5-inch TFT display and smartphone connectivity as standard. Each bike has Street and Rain mode, and the Track screen is available on the 390 Duke for the first time. This standard feature unlocks an enlarged rpm display, launch control, and a lap timer. Unnecessary info gets reduced to the bare minimum. 

2024 KTM 390 Duke

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke will come in KTM’s Electronic Orange or Atlantic Blue, arriving in dealerships in December, while the 2024 KTM 250 Duke will come in Electronic Orange and Ceramic White, slated for arrival in early 2024. Pricing has not yet been announced. 

For more information, visit the KTM website

Check out more new/updated bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide

The post 2024 KTM 390 Duke and 250 Duke Review | First Look  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2023 KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour

KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour

We test a lot of KTM motorcycles here at Rider, along with those from nearly 20 other manufacturers, and we realize it’s a privilege to get seat time on the latest and greatest bikes. Test rides at dealers are a rarity, so the KTM Ride Orange Demo Tour is a great opportunity to ride KTM’s street-legal range, everything from the 200 Duke up to the 1290 Super Duke R Evo, ADVs ranging from the 390 Adventure to the 1290 Adventure R, the 690 SMC R supermoto, and the 690 Enduro R and 500 EXC-F dual-sports.

There are currently 15 stops scheduled for the demo tour between March and October, with more to be added. Check out the details in KTM’s official announcement below.


MURRIETA, Calif. – The KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour is back for 2023, providing the unique opportunity for U.S. consumers to sample the latest models in the KTM Street range. This year’s tour will commence during Daytona Bike Week in Florida on March 9-11, and will once again be taking place alongside a wide selection of the nation’s premier motorcycle events.

Organized by KTM North America, Inc. in association with participating dealers, this will be your chance to get up close and explore the 2023 lineup together with knowledgeable KTM experts on location before taking to some of the most enjoyable roads in the country. Each ride will take place on pre-planned routes that will be sure to deliver an exceptional experience at this year’s KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour.

From the spectacular KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo to the razor-sharp KTM 890 Duke R – until the new 790 Duke arrives – and KTM 390/200 Duke lightweight heavy hitters, there will be no shortage of ready-to-race performance on offer. In addition, riders will have the chance to climb aboard the current Adventure range, featuring the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and KTM 1290 Super Adventure S models alongside the KTM 890 Adventure R, KTM 890 Adventure, and KTM 390 Adventure variants. Plus, don’t miss the KTM 690 Enduro R, KTM 690 SMC R or KTM 500 EXC-F models.

2023 KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour Models:

  • KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
  • KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
  • KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo
  • KTM 890 Adventure R
  • KTM 890 Adventure
  • KTM 890 Duke R (until the new 790 Duke arrives)
  • KTM 690 Enduro R
  • KTM 690 SMC R
  • KTM 390 Adventure
  • KTM 390 Duke
  • KTM 200 Duke
  • KTM 500 EXC-F

Please note that the model list is subject to change and may vary by demo location.

Find all of Rider‘s KTM coverage here

Participants at the KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour will also receive a Ride Orange VIP Card voucher (valued up to $500 MSRP), redeemable on KTM PowerParts, KTM PowerWear and/or KTM SpareParts at an authorized KTM dealer with the purchase of a new KTM Street model.

Registrations for each stop of the 2023 KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour open at 9 a.m. on the morning of that event, with riding taking place between 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Demos are first come, first served.

In order to participate, you must be 25 years or older for 690cc and up, and 21 years old or above for 500cc and under. Participants 21-24 years old can Only ride motorcycles 500cc and under. Experienced riders only (no beginners). No passengers are allowed at any time, and KTM staff can revoke riding privileges at any time for any reason deemed necessary.

All riders must show a government issued photo ID with motorcycle endorsement and will be required to complete a signed waiver prior to any demo rides. Proper riding apparel is essential, including but not limited to a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, long sleeves, pants, and sturdy footwear.

For a complete list of 2023 KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour locations and to connect with your local participating dealer, please visit KTM’s website or email [email protected]. Follow KTM USA on all social media platforms for the most up-to-date information on events.

The post 2023 KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com