KTM has just unveiled the new 390 Duke motorcycle, and it will likely be launched in the next few months. The updated 390 Duke will go on sale in the Indian market in addition to the upcoming 250 Duke and the 125 Duke. The latest 390 Duke is vastly different in comparison to the previous-generation model. The biggest changes include new styling, a bigger engine, and a revised chassis, and with these upgrades, expect the new-generation 390 Duke to carry a price hike over the existing Duke. To give you a brief about the 390 Duke – it has been on sale in India for about 10 years, and since 2013, the streetfighter has remained unperturbed. Bajaj Auto and KTM launched the 390 Duke, which is the second offering from the KTM portfolio for the Indian market. Bajaj rolled out its first KTM product in January 2012 – the 200 Duke. For those unaware, the Duke is the first mid-size sports bike from the Bajaj stable. Given that the 2024 KTM 390 Duke has received significant updates over the older Duke, we compare the two models in order to highlight their differences on paper.
2024 KTM 390 Duke – New vs. Old: Styling
Since the model was first introduced in 2013, the 390 Duke has always looked butch and aggressive. Upon its debut in India, the minimalist bodywork and exposed bright orange trellis frame made it simply brilliant to gaze at. KTM has improved it over the years, and the latest iteration of the 390 Duke is substantially better than before. The 2024 version is more muscular than the previous version. Inspired by the iconic 1290 Super Duke, the 2024 KTM 390 Duke gets chunky, larger fuel tank shrouds, a wider LED headlight, bolder boomerang-shaped DRLs, an all-new split seat design with an exposed rear subframe, and a T-shaped tail lamp.
In line with the Super Duke-inspired design language, the 2024 iteration of the 390 Duke is available in similar colour schemes of blue, grey, orange, and polarising orange & black paint.
Also Read: 2024 KTM 250 Duke, 125 Duke Unveiled with New Design, Revised Chassis & More
2024 KTM 390 Duke – New vs. Old: Chassis
In comparison to the older lightweight split-steel trellis frame, the new-generation bike is underpinned by an all-new powder-coated steel trellis frame, with the subframe made of pressure die-cast aluminium – similar to the 1290 Super Duke. Other bits include a new curved cast swingarm with an offset-mounted mono-shock, also marking a return of the underbelly exhaust for the 390 Duke. As a result, the updated chassis is claimed to contribute to changes in the overall stiffness, offering a better feel and stability when pushed to the limits.
Additionally, what has also changed is the riding ergonomics and seat height. The 2024 KTM 390 Duke now comes with an adjustable seat height of 820mm as standard. Besides, KTM also offers the 390 Duke with an 800mm high seat as an option.
2024 KTM 390 Duke – New vs. Old: Engine
The biggest change to the new 390 Duke is right at its heart, in the form of the new 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. While the current-generation KTM 390 Duke is powered by a 373.2cc single-cylinder motor that produces 43.5bhp at 9,000rpm and 37Nm of peak torque at 7,000rpm, the latest generation's bigger engine is rated for 44bhp and 39Nm of peak torque.
The new 399cc motor has the same bore and stroke figures as the Triumph Speed 400, standing at 89mm and 64mm, respectively. Additionally, the new bike receives an optimised cylinder head, gearbox, and catalytic converter, along with a larger airbox.
2024 KTM 390 Duke – New vs. Old: Hardware
In terms of hardware, the 2024 version features 43mm WP upside-down front forks with 5-step compression and rebound adjustability. The rear end gets an offset mono-shock with 5-step rebound and tool-adjustable preload adjustability. Notably, the India-spec model will also have adjustable front and rear suspension. A new 320mm front disc, a 240mm rear disc, dual-channel ABS, cornering, and Supermoto ABS are part of the braking system. The bike sits on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin tyres, whereas the Indian version is expected to roll on MRF/Apollo rubber tyres to keep costs in check.
On the other hand, the current model is suspended with the help of non-adjustable 43mm inverted front forks and a 10-step adjustable rear mono-shock. Braking duties are carried out by a 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc.
2024 KTM 390 Duke – New vs. Old: Features
On the feature front, both models share all-LED lighting, a slip & assist clutch, a quick-shifter, Supermoto ABS, and a 5.0-inch TFT display. But, a new TFT console available with the new-generation model comes with connected features, such as turn-by-turn navigation, smartphone connectivity, and call & audio control.
Moreover, the 2024 bike also gets a hazard light switch, a new illuminated switchgear, a cruise control, self-cancelling indicators, and riding modes – Street as standard, Rain, and Track. Furthermore, the 2024 iteration also packs in Launch Control, which works only when the Track mode is engaged. As a result, power delivery is sharper than before, and the revs build up to 7,000rpm, according to KTM.
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2024 KTM 390 Duke – New vs. Old: Pricing, Availability
Expect the 2024 version to be launched in the coming months in India, maybe around the festive season. When launched, the upcoming 390 Duke will likely range between Rs 3.20 lakh and Rs 3.30 lakh (ex-showroom). As of now, the current-generation model is available at an ex-showroom price of Rs 2.97 lakh. The motorcycle will be manufactured at Bajaj Auto's Chakan plant, near Pune.
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