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2024 KTM 390 Duke Review - The Orange Rocket Is Back
The year was 2013 when an orange missile dubbed the KTM 390 Duke hit the Indian motorcycle market, kicking bike booty and taking names, setting a new benchmark for what 'affordable' performance motoring should be.
The second iteration of the 390 Duke which arrived four years later added more features and sharpened up the design but slightly tracked back in the performance department as emission norms started clogging the oomph.
In the years since, the gizmos and gadgetry have increased but the 390 Duke felt like an imposter compared to that mad orange missile that blew things up back 10 years ago.
The Austrians, it seems have been monitoring the feedback waves, and the new 2024 KTM 390 promises to bring back the madness with a brand-new engine, more gizmos and an even madder design. We got into the saddle of the Gen 3, 2024 KTM 390 Duke in Pune to see what all the buzz was about...
2024 KTM 390 Duke Review: Design & Features - Madder Than Ever
The KTM 390 Duke has never been what you would call a sane-looking machine from the start but the third generation of the naked is a proper wildchild of the firm's SuperDuke's loins.
The new 2024 KTM 390 Duke's design is as in your face, as it gets. At the front, the new DRLs add aggression to the split headlamp design, kind of like how Wolverine's mutton chops just make him look a little bit wilder.
The aggressive design is further enhanced by the brawny 15-litre fuel tank. The extensions on this new petrol storage setup look like they'd slice through pedestrians if they were any longer.
Further down is the new engine cooled by the curved radiator which sports dual fans, which should hopefully ensure that riders no longer smell barbecued when they get off the new 390 Duke. The underbelly exhaust setup looks clean and blends well with the overall design of the bike.
The split seat setup even adds to the loudness of the design with the rider's rear-end rester finished in bright orange and we mean bright. The revised taillight is flanked by the split grab handles while the turn signals sit further back near the license plate holder.
As always, the new 2024 KTM 390 Duke rides on a set of orange alloy wheels but it now sports adjustable suspension while the frame too sports the bright KTM colour. Also updated is the 5-inch TFT display which now allows you to switch between riding modes (a first for the 390 Duke) and even activate launch control (yeah, that's a thing) while also maintaining all the Bluetooth wizardry from before.
Overall, the new 2024 KTM 390 Duke is bolder and brasher than before in terms of looks and has updated its feature list as well. The build quality levels too are up, which is quite appreciable.
2024 KTM 390 Duke: Specs & Dimensions - A Brand New Heart & More
The changes to the 2024 KTM 390 Duke are more than just skin deep. The rabid naked motorcycle is powered by KTM's brand-new 398.7cc liquid-cooled single, proving once again that there is no replacement for displacement (if you remain naturally aspirated).
The new motor retains its predecessor's bore (89mm) but has a longer stroke (up by 4mm to 64mm). The result - 44.25bhp and 39Nm (an increase of 2.4bhp and 2Nm) - which also arrives 500rpm earlier (8,500 for the power and 6,500rpm for the torque). The output is sent to the rear wheel via a 6-speed gearbox that is aided and abetted by a bi-directional quickshifter and a slipper and assist clutch setup.
The 2024 390 Duke is the first of the heritage to sport riding modes - Street, Track and Wet. While Wet mode dampens the output from the engine to help riders deal with wet conditions, the Street and Track modes allow access to the full madness of the new motor. The Track mode also allows you to access 'Launch Control' which holds the revs at 7,000rpm allowing for full send when the clutch drops.
The chassis setup is also new on the 2024 KTM 390 Duke with the new naked motorcycle sporting a steel trellis frame set up with a new die-cast aluminium subframe attached to it. This setup is suspended off adjustable suspension at the front and back, which, unlike the Duke's rivals, is standard fitment on the new KTM.
At the front, the 2024 390 Duke sports WP's APEX 43 open cartridge USD fork with five clicks of adjustability for rebound and compression as well as a bit of preload adjustment. The offset WP Apex rear monoshock allows for preload and rebound adjustment.
The brake setup on the 2024 KTM 390 Duke includes a 320mm disc at the front clamped down by four-piston radial fixed callipers. The rear brake is a 240mm disc clamped down by dual-piston floating callipers. The brakes are aided by dual-channel ABS with a Supermoto that allows the rear setup to be switched off.
The new wheels are lighter than ever shedding 1.7 kilos by cutting down on the spoke count while sporting an open hub design and a hollow axle. The new alloys are wrapped in Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres.
Overall, the new 2024 390 Duke is 4 kilos lighter than its predecessor and offers 32mm more ground clearance at 183mm. The seat height has also come down by 23mm to 800mm on the new Duke.
2024 KTM 390 Duke Review: Riding Impressions - Frendlier Little Psycho
Previous 390 Dukes have always been a bit mad in the way they delivered power and the newest candidate is no different as it screams through the revs. While the low and mid-range grunt is more noticeable, you can pull from lower revs (around 2,000 to 2,500rpm) with less protest than before but it does make your hands and legs buzz at lower revs.
However, this is still an engine that scoffs at lower speeds and is in its zone when the growl from the exhaust gets loud. It growls from 6,000rpm to around 9,000rpm and while it doesn't headbang into the redline like before, it still eggs the hooligan in you to make an appearance.
The new chassis setup, along with the sticky Metzeler rubber ensures that the new 2024 KTM 390 Duke is fun to ride. The adjustable suspension also allows you to get the 2024 390 Duke just right for your weight and riding style.
The new 390 Duke changes direction quickly and feels a lot more stable and planted than its predecessors as you attack the corners. The overall ride is a lot smoother than before on the new 2024 390 Duke and you almost barely ever notice going over small ruts and bumps. Bigger bumps and holes when approached in a normal manner are also taken care of easily.
The brakes are very good as well offering consistent biting points with the ABS working well in tandem with the anchors. However, the rear section does feel a bit light under heavy braking on the track.
The overall seating position is upright but still sporty. However, it can get a bit uncomfortable to move about if you're of the taller variety in the height department. Taller riders, though, can opt for the optional higher seat height which raises it from 800mm to 820mm.
2024 KTM 390 Duke Review: Final Thoughts & Verdict - The Orange Rocket Is Back
The 2024 KTM 390 Duke sees the popular naked motorcycle from the Austrian manufacturer return to its mad ways in fine style. While not as brutal as the first gen, the new 2024 KTM 390 Duke is a pocket rocket that delivers on the straights and the corners with such ease that it brings the hooligan out in you.
And with just a Rs 13,000 (Rs 2.53 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi) bump in the asking price, the new 2024 KTM 390 Duke doesn't feel like it going to give up its throne to the pretenders anytime soon.
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