Ktm Duke 390 Review

Overview

Update:KTM-Bajaj has finally updated the RC and Duke series in India. The 2016 models now come equipped with all-time on headlamps (there is no on-off switch now). Other changes made are improved paint quality, NOK seal, better and improved seat, vapor recovery system for fuel tank, new ECU mounts, new pillion seat assembly, adjustable handlebar levers, better cooling via improved radiator fans, increased disc brake thickness, plastic flaps on front forks. The RC 200 and 200 Duke now come equipped with better and improved rear view mirrors, plus these 2 models also get new MRF tyres. The front disc brake size has also been increased from 280mm to 300mm in 200 Duke and RC 200.

Design and Style

KTM 390 Duke looks picture perfect from every angle. It has an oval shaped headlight which gets surrounded by a thick cowl with sporty graphics. The tiny but pointed clear lens indicators are placed on this cowl. Its small black colored rear view mirrors get mounted on its handle bar. Its wide front tyre, compact fender and beefy forks make this bike look macho. Its fender gets extended along its black colored forks. KTM has opted for an eye catching 10 spoke alloy wheel design for this bike which complements the compact appearance of its tyre and fender.

Move to the side of this bike and you will notice the act of mass centralization in this bike. Most of the bulk of this bike is placed in the center which includes its engine, orange painted side steel frame and aggressively styled fuel tank. It’s sharply pointed under cowl and fuel tank features aerodynamic style and graphics on it. You will have to search its silencer though which is placed just below its foot peg. The bike sports split seats and grab rail which sits on a rear cowl which looks much higher than the regular position. The gap between its rear fender and tyre gives the explicit naked look to this bike. Duke 390 has an extended yet compact fender which features its small LED tail light on its top.

Instrument Console

It has a similar instrument console to its younger sibling, 200 Duke. It has a square shaped orange colored LCD

which displays its digital speedometer, odometer, tachometer, 2-trip meter and fuel gauge. The other essential 

LED indicators are placed around this LCD.Instrument Console

Engine and Gearbox

The bike is equipped with a single cylinder, 4-stroke 373.2cc engine. The power output of this liquid cooled, DOHC engine is of 43 bhp which arrives at 9500 rpm. Its utmost torque output of 35 nm comes at 7250 rpm. KTM has mated this engine with a six-speed manual gearbox with a gear shift pattern of one gear down and five gears up-shift.

Acceleration and Performance

The bike only weighs around 154kgs (145kgs without fuel), thanks to its lightweight tubular frame which allows this bike to be a speed enthusiast. It has an incredible power to weight ratio which is quite noticeable when you rev this bike. It has a lightning fast throttle response which helps this bike to reach 0-100km/hr in 7 seconds. KTM has well matched the gear ratios of this bike for the proper power utilization. The gear transitions are very smooth and accurate. This engine is also very refined and feels vibration less as even at the speed of 150km/hr, the bike makes little noise. After getting the initial momentum, the heavy power production of this engine comes in to play which encourages you to take this bike on highways. It has an awesome mid-range which helps this bike to be faster than most of the naked bikes in India. The bike impresses you best when driven between 100km/hr- 150km/hr. The power packed performance of this bike is not limited to on road only; it has a superb off road ability which can be tested on any terrain.

Mileage

You can expect this bike to return an overall fuel efficiency of around 22-25km/ltr. These figures are quite good considering the fact that it is a sub 400cc performance street bike.

Comfort while Driving

Despite being on the faster side, 390 Duke is a very comfortable bike. It has a full size padded seat which offers you optimum comfort on long journeys. The compact design of this bike allows you a superb command over this bike. It has short, vibration free handle bar which gives you a firm palm grip. KTM has also placed its foot pegs really well as they not only give you a sporty riding posture but also allows you to frequently move your legs while doing off roading.

Storage Space and Safety Features

There is no standard storage space in this bike although it has significant safety features like radial mounted four piston front brake callipers and one brake calliper at the back while it also has a powerful headlight.

Suspension and Brakes

KTM has appointed up side- down front telescopic forks of 43mm and aluminium swing arm with rear mono shock absorber in this bike. 390 Duke sports a front disc brake of 300mm while it has a rear disc brake of 230mm.

Ride and Handling

KTM 390 Duke is a very enthusiastic bike which offers an extremely light and convenient handling. The bike can be steered easily and behaves like any other commuter bike in city traffic. High speed stability and cornering abilities are very impressive thanks to its racing inspired suspension system and broad tyres. It wheelbase of 1367mm brings stability to this bike while its high ground clearance of 170mm improves its off road ability. The bike astonishes you the way it handles off road. Its compact handle bar helps this bike to move frequently while its tyres provide commendable grip. Stunt riders are also going to love this bike as you can turn off its ABS and do all the stunting. Its light weight gives you tremendous confidence while performing stunts.

Shades and Variants

This bike is available in only one variant - 390 Duke ABS. Initially, it was available in only white shade but now it is also available in Black shade.

Power Parts

The bike is being offered with many Power Parts like Windshield, Tank Bag, Front and Rear Crash pads, Orange Colored Bike Cover, Fuel Cap Sticker, Rear top case and Tank Pad.

Verdict

Looking at the pricing of 200 Duke, Bajaj has priced the 390 Duke very competitively at INR 1.99 lakhs. At this price point this bike will certainly impress Indian buyers. It’s an extremely powerful bike which is fuel efficient as well. Moreover, it’s unmatchable in terms of ride and handling. We feel it’s a complete value for money bike and will have a bright future in India.