ktm duke 390 tft display size in stock
The KTM 390 DUKE is a prime example of why so many people are drawn to the thrill of urban motorcycling. This cornering projectile from the Austrian manufacturer’s 2022 lineup promises to maximize riding pleasure at value for money, earning all the praise thanks to its agile performance.
The KTM 390 Duke’s engine offers plenty of torque and powerful acceleration, good manners for everyday use, and excellent economy. This light and compact 44-hp engine is one of the most powerful options for users with an A2 permit.
The KTM 390 DUKE engine not only delivers arm-wrenching torque and hair-raising acceleration, but also good manners in everyday use, all with outstanding fuel economy. This lightweight, compact engine really packs a punch and with 32 kW (44 hp) it’s one of the most powerful options out there for A2 riders. Thanks to the ingenious intake design and the meticulous fuel injection system, the KTM 390 DUKE is ready and waiting to tear-up the streets and the circuits alike.
The KTM 390 DUKE comes as standard with ultra-lightweight, high-performance upside-down WP forks. Using the latest open-cartridge technology, these forks not only perform above expectations when pushed to the limits, but are also nice and easy to maintain. This makes them perfect for all aspects of riding, from relaxed cruising to hammering around on closed circuits and everything in between.
Thanks to its progressive 150 mm spring, the KTM 390 DUKE will perform in any environment you can throw at it. The preload is adjustable, so you can count on well-balanced suspension whether you’re riding solo or two-up, with or without luggage, on road or on track. The choice is yours.
As light as they are stable, the 17-inch cast alloy racing wheels help you put the power down with confidence, utilizing a 110 mm wide tire at the front and an impressive 150 mm at the rear. Wrapped in premium rubber, the pro-spec tires will keep your KTM 390 DUKE glued to the road. They offer outstanding grip in both wet and dry conditions, as well as providing supreme durability, even for riders that know how to push tires to their absolute limits.
A high-tech BYBRE braking system works in perfect harmony with the advanced ABS, providing riders with firm, controlled stopping power when they need it most. With a 320 mm brake disc on the front, paired with a 230 mm disc on the rear, the KTM 390 DUKE delivers exceptional pro-level stopping power, and you know what they say: “braking harder makes you faster!”
The two-part seat offers first class sport riding ergonomics with perfect support for both rider and pillion. A seat height of 820 mm (32.3 in) enables riders to have a super-secure position, whilst also being high enough for ultimate cornering fun. The pillion seat has been integrated into the bodywork so as not to compromise the stunt-ready look of the KTM 390 DUKE, whilst also ensuring excellent comfort for the passenger.
Hi-tech upright handlebars offer KTM 390 DUKE riders a controlled yet aggressive body position, allowing you to dominate in all aspects of riding. From destroying corners to pulling the perfect stoppie, these bars will give you the balance and confidence you need to attack the road like never before. Clutch and brake levers are fully adjustable, allowing you to customize your cockpit to suit your individual riding style.
As an absolute first in its class, the KTM 390 DUKE boasts an innovative multicolor TFT display, presenting all the data you need to go faster in a clear-cut, uncluttered way. As you rev the engine, the display bars change color, either spurring you on or telling you to back off when the engine’s still cold. The display also automatically adapts its color to best suit the light conditions around you. Innovation at its best!!!
The KTM 390 DUKE is a pure example of what draws so many to the thrill of street motorcycling. This Corner Rocket maximizes enjoyment and user value, taking the honors wherever nimble handling counts. Light as a feather, powerful and packed with state-of-the-art technology, it guarantees a thrilling ride, whether you"re fighting your way through the urban jungle or carving your name into a forest of bends.Features may include:ENGINE & EXHAUSTEngine
The KTM 390 DUKE engine not only delivers arm-wrenching torque and hair-raising acceleration, but also good manners in everyday use, all with outstanding fuel economy. This lightweight, compact engine really packs a punch and with 32 kW (44 hp) it"s one of the most powerful options out there for A2 riders. Thanks to the ingenious intake design and the meticulous fuel injection system, the KTM 390 DUKE is ready and waiting to tear-up the streets and the circuits alike.CHASSISSuspension
The KTM 390 DUKE comes as standard with ultra-lightweight, high-performance upside-down WP forks. Using the latest open-cartridge technology, these forks not only perform above expectations when pushed to the limits, but are also nice and easy to maintain. This makes them perfect for all aspects of riding, from relaxed cruising to hammering around on closed circuits and everything in between.ERGONOMICS & COMFORTHandlebar
Hi-tech upright handlebars offer KTM 390 DUKE riders a controlled yet aggressive body position, allowing you to dominate in all aspects of riding. From destroying corners to pulling the perfect stoppie, these bars will give you the balance and confidence you need to attack the road like never before. Clutch and brake levers are fully adjustable, allowing you to customize your cockpit to suit your individual riding style.BODYWORK & GRAPHICSTFT color display
As an absolute first in its class, the KTM 390 DUKE boasts an innovative multicolor TFT display, presenting all the data you need to go faster in a clear-cut, uncluttered way. As you rev the engine, the display bars change color, either spurring you on or telling you to back off when the engine’s still cold. The display also automatically adapts its color to best suit the light conditions around you. Innovation at its best!!!SOFTWARE & ELECTRONICSRider aids
The KTM 390 DUKE utilizes market leading technology to enhance your ride and provide you with all the assistance you need to help turn the streets into your own personal playground.RIVA MOTORSPORTS SUPERSTORE - POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA
The KTM 390 Duke and RC 390 are 373.2 cc (22.77 cu in) displacement single-cylinder engine motorcycles assembled by Bajaj Auto, and KTM Asia Motorcycle Manufacturing, Inc. (KAMMI) for the Austrian manufacturer KTM.standard debuted at the 2012 EICMA show in Milan, Italy, and went on sale in India and the Philippines in 2013 and in the US in 2015.sport bike was presented at EICMA the following year.
Pierer said in December 2015 that KTM and Bajaj plan to replace the 125, 200, and the 390-series Duke and RC lines in 2017, based on all new platforms, in part tarnavo meet Euro IV emissions standards, and to incorporate new technologies such as ride-by-wire.
In its home market, the 390 Duke"s engine size and weight place it in the mid-range category, and it sells for more than three times the average price of a motorcycle in India.Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards.IndianCarsBikes said that with a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) and a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) time of 5.5 seconds, the 390 Duke is the fastest motorcycle made in India as of January 2014
After 2017, the 390 series" front brake disc was increased from 300 mm to 320 mm. The headlight was redesigned and converted to LED. The display became a color TFT panel with phone pairing capability. Seat height was increased from 800 mm (31.5 in) to 830 mm (32.7 in) and wheelbase was decreased 10 mm. The brake and clutch levers were also made manually adjustable.
In 2018, KTM updated its Duke 390 with some minor changes, where it added a deflector plate on the left side of the chassis, to avoid exhaust heat near the riders leg.Euro IV emission standards.
A sport bike version of the 390 Duke, the KTM RC 390 was presented at the 2013 EICMA motorcycle show in Italy, though most details had been leaked a few weeks earlier.road racing style bike has the same 373 cc engine making a claimed 44 hp (33 kW) @ 9,500 rpm with a claimed weight without fuel of 147 kg (324 lb). With a fuel capacity 10.0 l; 2.20 imp gal (2.64 US gal), the wet weight would be 150 kg (340 lb).trellis frame than the Duke, which KTM says is stiffer than the 390 Duke.Metzeler 110/70ZR17 front and 150/60ZR17 rear.rake), the RC"s fork has a steeper 66.5° head angle (or 23.5° rake).
KTM added a racing version of the RC 390, the RC 390 Cup for use by motorcycle racers ages 13 to 21 in the ADAC Junior Cup, a MotoGP event. The RC 390 Cup has no lights or mirrors, and no ABS to reduce weight, and an upgraded WP suspension, fully adjustable front and rear. The engine is detuned to a 38 hp (28 kW) with a block-off plate, and has an Akrapovič exhaust.
Motorcycle Consumer News test results of the RC 390"s power were 30.04 kW (40.29 hp) @ 8,600 rpm and 32.92 N⋅m (24.28 ft⋅lb) torque @ 6,800 rpm, with a wet weight of 165.3 kg (364.5 lb)0 to 1⁄4 mi (0.00 to 0.40 km) in 14.02 seconds at 147.87 km/h (91.88 mph), 0 to 97 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 5.53 seconds, and braking from 97 to 0 km/h (60 to 0 mph) in 43.1 m (141.3 ft).‑imp (56.4 mpg‑US).
KTM revised the RC 390 in 2017 by adding a slipper clutch, adjustable brake levers, ride-by-wire throttle, a larger 320 mm front brake rotor, larger mirrors, and some cosmetic and ergonomic changes.
The KTM 390 Duke is powered by a 373.2 cc air-cooled engine which produces of power. It has a fuel tank of 13.5 L and a . The KTM 390 Duke starts at Rs 2.96 Lakh Rs (ex-showroom, Delhi). It is available in one variants.
I hv ktm duke 200 2019 model.my height is 160 cm.i am looking for a new ktm bike whose seat height will bevery much suited for me.i am looking for duke 390 also.plz suggest.
TFT DISPLAY & SWITCHGEAR: An all-new TFT dashboard lets you see all the important information you need at a glance, or allows you to customize what you want to see via intuitive switchgear. The ambient light adaptive sensor also means the display adjusts to changing light conditions automatically, so that you maintain perfect visibility, day or night.
MTC: Complete confidence at any angle, Motorcycle Traction Control reacts in a matter of milliseconds if the rotational speed of the rear wheel is disproportionate to the riding situation. MTC reduces the engine output with an extremely smooth, barely perceptible intervention at the throttle valves, reducing slippage to optimum proportions. This means riders can enjoy the full power of the KTM RC 390 under all circumstances, on track and on the road.
CORNERING ABS: The KTM RC 390 is equipped with Cornering ABS to ensure maximum braking performance under all conditions. This allows riders to use the full power of the BYBRE brakes when navigating a corner by taking the lean angle of the motorcycle into account, reducing the chance of locking up a wheel mid-corner.
SUPERMOTO ABS MODE: The KTM RC 390 can let it all hang out, thanks to SUPERMOTO ABS. This mode allows the rider more freedom when it comes to hard braking, without compromising on safety. This is done by deactivating ABS functionality on the rear wheel which allows the rider to slide the rear into a corner. At the same time, rear wheel lift up detection is also disabled allowing the rear wheel to lift up, but keeping brake pressure on the front until an excessive front wheel slip is detected, at which point ABS will intervene. This also means the rider can apply more brake pressure when cornering or trail braking.
QUICKSHIFTER+: Shift like a pro with the KTM RC 390 and KTM"s optional QUICKSHIFTER +, allowing you to gear up or down without using the clutch lever. This means quicker shift times, improved rear wheel traction, smoother acceleration and the distinct racetrack sound. This works by cutting the ignition at the moment the shift lever moves up or down, unloading the gearbox, and making it possible for you to switch one gear up without closing the throttle.
KTM MY RIDE: Thanks to the all-new TFT display, the KTM RC 390 can connect to KTM MY RIDE, which allows riders to connect their smartphone via the KTM MY RIDE app, giving them access to their music library and incoming calls without taking their hands off the grips.
LED LIGHTNING: An all-new LED headlight illuminates the way forward on the KTM RC 390. Providing a very wide beam, complete with daylight running lights, guarantees optimum visibility and a distinctive look that matches the rest of the KTM model range. A sharp LED taillight completes the look.
When it debuted in 2013 it was met with critical acclaim, somehow the Austrian firm found the sweet spot between accessibility, affordability, and actual performance none of the other big manufacturers were able to. Since then, the entry-level market has come a long way, but the Duke has also moved with the times and has for the most part stayed ahead of the chasing pack. It isn’t just a beginner bike either; it is a bike that remains equally fun no matter what your level of experience is.
The first-generation Duke has the lower seat height at 31 inches, but at 32 inches, the second-generation isn’t that far behind. Most riders won’t have any trouble getting both feet down on either of the two.
With a traditional upright seating position, it is fairly comfortable too, and has enough legroom for a wide range of riders. The stock seat is nothing special though, so if you plan on spending extended periods in the saddle you may need to consider aftermarket options, including an in-house KTM Powerparts seat.
KTM adopted a bit of a one-size-fits-all approach to the smaller Dukes. It works rather effectively to keep the price down but doesn’t take anything away from any of the bikes that use the platform.
The chassis is rigid enough for the 390 yet still light enough for the 200 and 125cc (above) bikes. All of these have their attributes, but the 390 stands out as the biggest little bike.
The latest Duke is dripping in tech. It has a ride-by-wire, a TFT dash, LED lights, multiple ride modes, an optional quickshifter (not a need, but maybe a want), and smartphone compatibility.
No matter what speed you are going, the Duke will always put a smile on your face. You can have a lot of fun with this hooligan all under the speed limit.
The Duke is far from perfect. It has a few reliability issues, vibrates a lot, gets unreasonably hot for a small bike, and is pretty small if you plan on taking a passenger with you.
That being said, it is just the absolute best value for money on the new motorcycle market and is a whole lot of fun to ride, no matter your size or skill level. It is a bike you can learn on and just keep forever if you so wish.
KTM’s Duke range is out, and the family has just gotten bigger. There’s a new 250 Duke that slots between the 200 Duke and 390 Duke. The smallest of the lot gets negligible updates while the 250 borrows styling cues, side-mounted exhaust and slipper clutch from the 390. The best of features are still reserved for the 390, which gets ride-by-wire, adjustable brake and clutch levers, split LED headlights and a segment first, a 5-inch colour TFT display. Here are five things the screen allows you to do.
The colour TFT display has most of the right side reserved for the usual information, such as the tachometer, trip meter, odometer fuel gauge and speedometer. As you keep going faster and faster, it gets more and more difficult to read the speedometer as you can’t afford to take your eyes off the tarmac. The TFT display on this KTM increases the font size of the speedometer gradually as you go past 80kmph to make it easier to read quickly, even as you’re picking up pace.
The bike will allow you to connect your smartphone to it via Bluetooth using KTM’s My Ride app, which will allow you to scroll through your music playlist. You’ll also be able to control the playback using the controls on the left side of the handlebar. Using a motorcycle-specific Bluetooth communicator in conjunction with the bike’s playback controls makes for a perfect companion for longer rides.
This is not part of the standard feature list at the moment, but the hardware is already there to enable it. Multiple ABS modes are said to be programmed into the bike’s software for European markets, though, and KTM could unlock the feature for India at a later stage for an extra price.
The 390’s TFT Display on the launch bike had two modes: Road and Super Moto. Super Moto will complement the ABS mode that goes by the same name. It will allow you spin the rear wheel faster than the front without the electronics cutting in so you can slide the rear using the engine’s power. The inclusion of ride-by-wire has allowed KTM to include this feature in the new 390 Duke. However, just like the ABS modes, these ride modes are not on offer at the moment for India. They could be on offer at a later stage as optional extras, possibly as part of the KTM PowerParts bouquet.
They say big things come in small packages and that’s been the hope for the 390 Adventure ever since KTM CEO Stefan Pierer first mentioned it in an interview some 7 years ago. Well after years of rumors, speculation and spy photos, it’s finally here, in the flesh.
Starting off with a 373cc single-cylinder motor borrowed from the 390 Duke, the pint-sized powerplant pumps out a respectable 43 horsepower and 27.3 ft-lbs of torque. Plus it comes packed with premium components you typically don’t get standard in this category like a TFT display with Bluetooth integration, a charging port on the dash, tapered aluminum handlebars, crash bars, skid plate, hand guards, adjustable windscreen, ByBre (Indian Brembo) brakes, and WP suspension with damping adjustments front and rear. Rider aids are also impressive like cornering ABS that is Street/Off-Road switchable, lean angle-aware traction control, a slipper clutch, optional quickshifter, and smooth fueling thanks to ride-by-wire throttle.
That’s a lot of primo componentry for a budget-oriented adventure bike, but the one important area where KTM may have skimped a little is in wheel choice. Whereas its big brothers come with 21” front and 18” rear wire-spoke wheels, the 390 Adventure sports 19”/17” cast aluminum hoops. Also, the suspension travel is much lower than usual for KTM adventure bikes, measuring 6.7 inches up front and 6.9 inches in the back, along with a ground clearance measurement of 7.8 inches.
Decisions were likely made to hit a specific price point, but it is important to keep in mind the smaller wheels and lower suspension do help get the seat height down to a more reasonable 33.6 inches and also improves maneuverability — important factors for any entry-level machine. However, KTM’s statement that the new 390 Adventure was made for touring and ‘light’ off-roading had me wondering if I should check my ‘Ready to Race’ expectations at the door.
So is it an adventure bike worthy of the orange brand? Or just another budget lookalike ADV without any true off-road intentions? As a big fan of small bikes, I was thrilled to get some seat time on this long-awaited newest addition to KTM’s family to find out what it’s all about, and how it matches up with other bikes in the category. Read on for the straight scoop!
While the 390 Adventure is based on the 390 Duke, it shares a strong family resemblance with the 790 Adventure, with the exception of the low-slung fuel tank. Everything from lighting to the side panels, windscreen, display, seating, and GPS mount are a close match, just shrunk down to a smaller package… But it’s no minibike either. The ergos feel full sized in the seated position, with a comfortable reach to the bars and enough room to move around in the saddle. The distance from the seat to the footpegs is also comfortable for taller riders like myself at 6 foot 2 inches. Although in the standing position, it is slightly cramped with the bars feeling a bit low and too far back for my size, even with the handlebar supports set in the high/forward position.
Turning on the display, the 5” Color TFT looks similar to the 790 and 1290 Adventures’, with a low glare design that switches colors for night and day. Its interface and control switches are just like the big bikes when configuring ABS and MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) settings, although there are no rider modes. Instead, there is one standard fuel map and you can either turn traction control On or Off. ABS is also simplified with either Street (front and rear) or Offroad (front only) settings only. You can also set shift warning lights for two different RPMs and custom configure your home screen. About the only thing I didn’t find on the display was outside temperature, which is a nice tool to have for understanding current road conditions.
The display is also compatible with the KTM My Ride app that allows you to connect your phone and headset via Bluetooth. Once connected, you can take calls, adjust your music and receive turn-by-turn navigation on the bike’s display, all managed with the left thumb controls. The larger display makes things easier to see what’s going on in your peripheral vision and the thumb controls keep the rider’s hands on the handlebars where they should be.
Firing up the 390 for the first time, it sounds subdued compared to KTM’s heart-pumping twin-powered machines but it’s not without character. An initial test run revealed a flat powerband that doesn’t ‘wow’ the rider with low-end pop or high RPM surge. It’s just smooth and steady throughout. But you can get the front wheel up in first gear and ride a wheelie, if you clutch it. The suspension feels firm, which is unique for a bike in this class. And when setting up sag for around 230 pounds of rider and gear, I was surprised to find the preload on the shock was not even close to maxed out — a good sign for things to come on the trail. But first, the pavement…
The 390 Adventure feels steady on the highway and the windscreen is decent in the high position. For my height, the windscreen blocked the wind up to about nose level. That may not be great for a full day of highway riding, but it keeps the majority of wind off of you and it’s way better than not having anything. As mentioned previously, the seating position, along with the distance to the handlebars and pegs, is comfortable for taller riders and I didn’t feel cramped even after hours in the saddle.
Pointing the 390 Adventure toward twistier asphalt was a much more enjoyable ride. Here you can really feel some of the street DNA it inherited from the 390 Duke. Turning is effortless on the light maneuverable bike. Plus with the more street-friendly 19”/17” wheel combo, it’s easy to switch lines mid turn, and it doesn’t feel twitchy or sensitive to inputs.
But if you are in a hurry, the lightweight 390, with its stock Continental TKC 70 tires, gives you plenty of cornering speed, and the high pegs mean you have an abundance of lean angle before toes begin to scrape. The suspension’s firmness also keeps the chassis stable without much dive or squat during aggressive sport riding.
As you might expect, that smooth, flat power curve works great in the dirt. Even with Traction Control off, the torquey thumper motor keeps the rear tire glued to the ground in the lower RPMs. You really have to get the revs up, or be riding in sand or mud, to get any wheel spin. Moreover, the TC system seems to be turned for street and doesn’t have the sensitivity of KTM’s off-road traction control systems found on bikes like the 790 Adventure or 690 Enduro. Keep it on only if you are new to off-road riding and you are sticking to packed dirt roads.
For more experienced off-road riders, the limited wheelspin it generates can make it harder to ride aggressively and power steer through turns. Getting that rear wheel to kick out takes work! But it does hold a clean line and goes where you point it. If you want to go up a hill, the long first gear will climb pretty much anything with a surprising amount of grip from the smooth tires. It won’t skip a beat if you are a big rider like me either. Getting it turned around and heading back down is also a much-less-sketchy maneuver than on any full-sized adventure bike, which gives a new off-road rider or those of smaller stature more confidence to push their limits.
With its reasonable ground clearance and a firm suspension, you can take the 390 Adventure through semi-rocky terrain without a lot of bottoming on the skidplate. It feels plush through the choppy stuff and the well-damped suspension helps ensure you don’t get bounced off the horse. Its small bike agility allows you to snake your way around obstacles rather than power through them. Which is the best approach for this bike, because if you do hit sharp-edged ruts or boulders in the road, the front fork will let you know it doesn’t like it by giving you a loud thunk! Cranking up the compression damping on the fork helped make this occur less often, but 6.7 inches of travel does have its limits if you want to ride it like a dirt bike.
One type of terrain the bike struggled with was in the sand. Perhaps it’s the smaller 19”/17” wheel combo, the smooth TKC 70 tires, a shorter wheelbase, a steering head angle that is a little steeper than most adventure bikes, or all of the above. But the result is that the front wheel wants to tuck right away in deep sand. Throwing some knobbies on the bike would be helpful if you intend to do anything more than the short patches of sand during your adventures on the 390. Otherwise, pin it to win it!
Another small annoyance was having to repeatedly turn the Traction Control off in the dirt. If the kill switch is turned off with the ignition on, it loses the Off setting. Or even if you just stall the bike and restart it within a few seconds, it sometimes loses the setting. I haven’t noticed traction control being this finicky on other KTM models before.
KTM has done a great job of creating a capable, entry-level ADV Bike at a price point that makes it easier for new adventure riders to get started on an orange bike. You don’t get all the premium components and hard-edged performance of their larger machines, but it’s a step ahead of the competition for this category.
Thanks to ex-Baja Champ Quinn Cody, who helped develop suspension settings for the Americas and Europe, the 390 Adventure has good spring rates, adequate suspension travel and a range of damping settings so you aren’t stuck with whatever comes from the factory. It works well in the dirt for all but the most aggressive riding, and raises the bar in its class with its ability to travel further off the beaten path than the Honda CB500X, Kawasaki Versys-X 300 or the BMW G310GS.
The 390 Adventure has enough power to keep up with bigger bikes too, although I do wish it were smoother on the highway. Comparing it to other single-cylinder models, KTM 690 Enduro R is smoother at 75mph with its dual balancer shafts. Yet without a windscreen, highway stints on the 690 are rough. The 410cc Royal Enfield Himalayan is also a smoother operator, but that’s in part because its limited-performance motor keeps the revs down. The 390 Adventure does feel smoother than either the BMW G310GS or CRF250L Rally though. But perhaps the 390’s vibration woes can be resolved with heavy bar-end weights and vibration damping footpegs.
We’d love to see a set of wire-spoke wheels come standard on the 390 Adventure but cracking a wheel is less of a concern on a bike in this weight class. If you are looking to do more than just light off-roading, then a set of spokes might be your first mod, along with a cushier seat, and it could use a rear rack for carrying a top bag as well… There are a lot of custom mods you might ‘like’ to do, but from a practical sense there aren’t a lot of things it really ‘needs’ because the 390 Adventure is a versatile, well-equipped machine right off the showroom floor.
KTM recently added another 390cc sibling to its lineup when it launched the 390 Adventure at Rs 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The Austrian motorcycle manufacturer might have priced the 390 Adventure on the higher side, but this is how it fares against its cheaper, naked cousin, the 390 Duke.
KTM has equipped the 390 Adventure with a BS-VI compliant engine, while the 390 Duke carries forward its BS-IV motor. Hence the adventure is currently much costlier than the Duke. However, the price difference is expected to reduce after KTM updates the 390 Duke with a BS-VI motor.
The 390 Adventure also gets a 25 mm taller seat than the 390 Duke, with a seat height of 855 mm. It also gets a bigger fuel tank of 14.5-litre capacity and 15 mm more ground clearance over the 390 Duke’s 185 mm.
Both motorcycles share many mechanical components, such as the LED light setup and the colour TFT instrument cluster. However, the 390 Adventure gets an additional adjustable windshield, serrated footpegs, foldable brake and gear-shift levers, and a 12 V charging socket.
KTM has managed to retain the 373cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine’s performance even after upgrading the engine to BS-VI compliance. Both motorcycles get the same engine which makes 43.4 PS of maximum power and 37 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
The motorcycles also share their suspension components, although the 390 Adventure gets units with longer travel. Braking components are also identical with a 320 mm disc in the front and a 230 mm disc at the back. However, the 390 Adventure gets cornering ABS as well as lean sensitive traction control, while the 390 Duke gets a dual channel ABS unit. The 390 Adventure also gets a 19-inch alloy in the front, while the 390 Duke gets 17-inch units on both ends.
With the additional equipment, the 390 Adventure is 13 kilos heavier than its naked counterpart. Both motorcycles get Metzeler-sourced tires, though with different purposes.
Had KTM’s 125 Duke (main pic) and 390 Duke (below) been around when I was a teenager, they would have been the stuff of my dreams – the tickets to some much-needed instant cool and popularity.
Just look at them, thanks to a significant restyle for 2017, they’re little versions of the halo bike of the Duke range – the 1290 Super Duke R and that strong family resemblance is going to draw in the cool kids. Both bikes look spot on – with the 1290’s sharp, poised and aggressive aesthetic thanks to a new LED front light unit, cowling round the new larger tank (13.4 litres, up from 11) and a sharper tail unit with new subframe, which is bolted to a new mainframe.
The premium styling and makes these two feel special. KTM says it wants 125 Duke riders to know that they’re riding a proper ‘grown-up’ bike and not a compromised, forgettable learner. I think any rider who owns one of these will know that and it’s the same with the 390 Duke – it looks like so much more than a A2 bike that could get resigned to being a footnote in a rider’s history.
The 125 and 390 Dukes share a few more changes too – their single-cylinder engines are both Euro4 compliant and have both been tweaked to offer a wider spread of power, with a new exhaust silencer on the left side.
Both models also boast a colour TFT dash – a first for a 125 and A2 bike. It’s excellent - bright, crisp and clear, and the information it displays can be easily customized to the rider’s preference using the controls on the left switchgear. The TFT display also adjusts to the ambient light level, has a gear position indicator and tells you if the sidestand is down or kill switch off. It’s a big part of what makes these two feel like such premium bikes, and works with KTM MyRide feature – which allows phone connectivity.
AS I MENTIONED at the start, the 2017 125 Duke has a distinctly premium feel that’s achieved through a combination of angular 1290 Super Duke R styling, a sick new colour TFT instrument panel, and the allure of performance that is sure to excite any young rider. That’s why KTM calls it ‘Jizz of the beast’, or something similar…
But unlike the 1290 Super Duke R, the 125 Duke’s 124.7cc single-cylinder engine is packing a lot less firepower – 15hp at 10,000rpm and 8.85lb/ft, putting it on a par with the Yamaha MT-125. As you’d hope from a bike that’s mostly going to be ridden by learners getting to grips with a geared bike for the first time, the engine is smooth and predictable with sweet fuelling and a nice throttle connection.
The power isn’t going to blow your balls off but it’s entertaining enough because you can ride the 125 Duke at 100% without too much fear of reprisal from the law. Launching away from the lights quickly becomes an event to savour – hold it at 8k and let the clutch out before quickly snicking the slick gearbox into second gear and laughing. Keep it the motor spinning between 7,000 and 10,000rpm and you’re in the sweet spot for making progress, but don’t forget to tuck in and crouch down to eek out the last few precious mph, or you’ll be in the crosshairs of your mate on his 125.
Braking performance from the ABS-equipped radial four-piston Bybre (By Brembo, see) caliper and 300mm disc felt well up to the job of stopping the 125 Duke, with enough power at the lever whenever I went searching for it and the ABS did its job well.
Most of the test ride took place in urban Turin and making progress through the city could have been tricky on other bikes. Turin’s traffic and tram-packed morning streets are a commuter battle ground, but the light, narrow and nimble 125 Duke is the perfect weapon to cut a path past all those unpredictable, horn-happy Italians on a suicide mission to the office and their seventh espresso of the morning.
It’s certainly light on its feet and the eighth-litre Duke has exactly the kind of welcoming ergonomics and ride-feel you’d expect from a learner – although the ride position has been tweaked to be more sporty, it’s still comfortable and natural, making it easy to boss. It means new riders will be able to immediately get on and enjoy the 125 Duke’s lightness and agility and although it looks like a mean mofo of a 125, it’s anything but when you ride it.
The handling follows suit. The little Duke feels direct and as eager as the young scamps who are likely to enjoy whipping it around a congested city or challenging road. The new WP suspension helps here. The front upside down WP fork and the WP shock in the rear give a comfortable ride. They soak up crappy roads with ease to deliver a stable ride feel, meaning that the little Duke kept its composure on some pretty atrocious roads.
As 125s go, this is the one that’s going to have teenagers drooling, because it’s all there - full colour TFT dash, scaled-down Super Duke looks, USD forks, radial front brake and some cool graphics, all backed up with capable performance. It manages not to feel like an entry-level stop gap 125 and crucially, is what we need to inspire new riders to turn to bikes and stick with them instead of buying a shitty Corsa to smoke weed and go fingering in as soon as they"re able.
THE 390 DUKE is the same size and shape as the 125 but the 390’s additional power makes it feel like a little missile in comparison to its smallest sibling.
With the engine singing between 6,000 and 10,000rpm, the 390 Duke makes eager progress and is at its perkiest. It’s immense fun and once on some twisty mountain roads, the 390 really comes alive; because it’s not crazy fast, it can be ridden hard and linking together a series of bends becomes about corner speed, selecting the right gear and making sure you do everything right (the slipper clutch helps here too). Or you can choose to do it wrong – turn on supermoto ABS mode and you can throw out any attempt at neat riding as you deliberately lock up the rear into every corner.
I’m certain the braking power on offer from radial four-piston Bybre front caliper and 20mm larger front disc has improved compared to the previous 390 Duke. I always felt like I had enough power at my disposal – even when things were getting brisk. However, even though they have enough power, it could begin to feel dead as you squeeze the adjustable lever ever closer to the bar.
The suspension feel you get from the 390 is a touch firmer than 125. The previous 390 suffered from a shock that sagged a lot under the rider’s weight but the 2017 bike is free from such a problem. In fact, the new WP suspension is supportive at both ends and responds well when the 390 Duke is being pushed.
As with the 125, the 390 handles with lightness and ease. It’s massive fun to hurl into flowing corners and lever round technical little turns in the road. The firmer suspension makes it feel more precise and eager compared to the 125. Of course, the new sportier ride position helps here too – the new bars put you a little more in touch with the front wheel, and the rearsets are set slightly higher and further back but the 390 Duke never feels intimidating. For the most part, it’s comfy too but the seat is definitely on the firm side. And while I"m complaining... the grips on the 390 (and the 125 for that matter) feel cheap because they"re too plasticky.
The new 2017 KTM 390 Duke is an excellent step on from the previous model - it looks superb and the small changes to its engine, suspension, brakes and geometry come together to create one of the most exciting A2 bikes out there, and one of the most fun bikes I"ve ridden in a while.