2024 KTM 390 Duke: Engine, features and styling explained

Ever since it made its debut in India in 2013, we learned that the KTM 390 Duke is the closest experience you can have to riding a much bigger motorcycle, for a fraction of the price. And since then, the streetfighter has hardly ever disappointed.

This time around, it is not just new bodywork or tweaked components. KTM has given the 390 Duke its biggest-ever upgrade in the 2024 model. Almost every aspect you can think of has been changed. At least the spec sheet suggests it's gotten better. It is yet to be launched in India but we’re guessing it won’t be a long wait. 

So, if you want to know everything there is to know about the 2024 KTM 390 Duke, let's get right into it…

Bigger, more powerful engine

The 390 Duke has always been all about performance and the newest version builds up on that with a new 399cc, single-cylinder engine. While the previous 373cc motor churned out 42.9bhp and 37Nm, the new motor offers 44.2bhp with 39Nm.

While there isn’t a big difference in numbers, KTM is likely to have played around with the engine’s character and the way it puts down power. The model which is currently on sale has all of its punch in the low to mid-range, it also has low vibrations compared to the previous generations of the 390. 

But, even though the 2024 KTM 390 Duke has a bigger engine, KTM would be looking to keep the NVH levels at a minimum. The stringent emission norms would also have forced the manufacturer to mellow down the signature punchiness of the 390 despite a bump in power output.

Even though we haven’t ridden the 2024 KTM 390 Duke, we have a wee bit of experience with this new engine thanks to the new Triumph Speed 400. 

Both share a similar displacement engine with similar bore and stroke, although the output numbers vary and so would their character. In either case, we can expect the new KTM 390 Duke to be refined and exciting to ride while also keeping the tree-huggers happy. Well, that said, the bigger engine hasn’t added weight to the motorcycle, if anything, the 2024 390 Duke has a dry weight of 165kg which is 2kg lighter than the previous version.

1290-Duke inspired design

KTM decided on the design by taking out the files of the 1290 Super Duke and tracing them onto the 390 Duke. The motorcycle now looks more like a replica of the iconic Super Duke than ever before.You get these chunky, extended tank shrouds with a futuristic design for the LED headlamp. Even the tail section is similar to what the 1290 comes with. That said, the frame, subframe, and swingarm have been redesigned too, and predictably for sharper handling. 

Keeping in tune with the SuperDuke-inspired design language, the 2024 390 Duke is also offered in similar colour schemes of grey, blue, and orange as well as a polarizing orange and black paint. This one comes with an orange seat too. Well, the 390 Duke isn’t the only one adorned with the new styling. The 2024 125 and 250 Duke have also been unveiled with the same design language and bodywork although with different paint schemes. 

Similar ergos

What is seemingly unchanged on the 390 Duke is the riding posture. In true streetfighter style, the KTM 390 Duke offers an aggressive position with flat handlebars and slightly rear-set footpegs. However, what has changed is the ergonomics and seat height.

The 2024 390 offers a narrower seat with adjustable height. So you can either have it to be at 820mm or lower it to 800 mm by removing the spacers. Either way, this is lower than the previous model’s 830mm seat height. On the other hand, the 250 and 125 Duke come with a non-adjustable seat height of 800mm.

Top-grade feature list

In addition to new styling and engine, KTM hasn’t skimped out equipping the 390 Duke to its maximum potential. So, in a bid to obliterate its competition, the 2024 model comes with a launch control. 

This system peaks at 7,000rpm waiting for you to pop the clutch and it works only when the Duke’s new Track mode is engaged. You could also choose to ride it in Rain mode if a lazier throttle response and better ABS intervention is the need of the hour. 

Otherwise, the motorcycle runs on the Street mode as standard. Lest we forget, the 2024 390 Duke also comes with a new 5-inch TFT display with connectivity, new switchgear, and radical LED lighting of course. 

Well, that is not it, KTM has gone ahead and plonked in adjustable suspension on the new 390. While the front is adjustable for compression and rebound, the rear too gets preload and rebound adjustability- a first in its segment. Whether or not KTM will launch the 390 Duke in India as it is or offer it in variants is yet to be known. 

Price and launch expectation

Now that you know everything about the 2024 KTM 390 Duke, let me tell you about its pricing but first let’s put things into perspective. The current-gen model is priced at Rs 2.97 lakh, ex-showroom. It sits below the standard RC390 and 390 Adventure that is priced at Rs 3.16 and 3.38 lakh each. Now, with the significant upgrades that the new 390 Duke receives, we can expect it to come with a price tag anywhere between Rs 3.20 to 3.30 lakh. 

And given that the RC390 has always been slightly pricier, the motorcycle is expected to witness some price hikes before the new Duke is launched. Which brings us to the question- when will we see the new 390 Duke on our shores? With the global unveil already done, we can expect KTM to launch the new 390 Duke in the coming months, just in time for the Indian festive season. That said, it will go up against the likes of the upcoming TVS Apache RTR 310, BMW G310 R as well as the Yamaha MT-03 in India.