KTM India has updated its complete range to comply with the latest emission norms, and we got a chance to test ride the 390 Duke BS6 at Bajaj’s Chakan test track for a first ride review. KTM has pushed the envelope even further and expanded the feature list with the addition of a Quickshifter+ system as standard. Here we bring you the excerpts of the review through a detailed image gallery.
Not a lot has changed in terms of design for the 2020 KTM 390 Duke BS6. However, the latest iteration of the motorcycle distinguishes itself from its predecessor through new colour options. The 390 Duke BS6 is available in two colours – Silver Metallic and Ceramic White.
The paint theme for the chassis, sub-frame and wheels depends on the colour option selected. The Silver Metallic paint comes with an orange chassis, black sub-frame and orange wheels. The Ceramic White colour gets a black chassis, white sub-frame and black wheels.
The BS6 Duke series (except the 125 Duke) gets a new handlebar locking mechanism which lets the rider lock it on either side now.
KTM has managed to upgrade the 390 Duke to comply with the BS6 emission norms while retaining similar power and torque output numbers (42.9bhp and 37Nm) as the BS4 motorcycle. The BS6 bike, however, feels mellower and well-behaved than its predecessor. The refinement levels, too, have improved over its predecessor, although there are a few vibrations evident from the footpegs.
The 390 Duke BS6 registered a top speed of 163kmph on the long stretch of Bajaj’s Chakan test track.
The Quickshifter+ is a neat addition to the package, although the upshifts felt inconsistent on a few occasions. The clutchless downshifts, on the other hand, work flawlessly. The rider can also turn off the Quickshifter+ system.
The 390 Duke BS6 retains the dual-channel ABS with Supermoto mode that disengages the safety-net on the rear wheel.
KTM has retained the geometry from the BS4 motorcycle, and the latest iteration of the 390 Duke feels just as agile as its predecessor.
The company has also retained the H-rated Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres on the BS6 model. The H-rated tyres are relatively cheaper and long-lasting than the W-rated rubber that came on the BS3 (pre-2017) iteration of the motorcycle.
The 390 Duke BS6 is priced at Rs 2,52,928 (ex-showroom Delhi), which is about Rs 4,700 more expensive than the BS4 bike.