The first KTM Duke – the 620 – appeared nearly 30 years ago, as a 1994 model, and it’s fitting that three decades on, we’re seeing a complete revamp for the entire range. That includes this, the new 2024 KTM Duke 390.
The 390 is KTM’s middleweight marvel that has long belied its capacity, with a plucky little 400c-class single, that’s been able to hold its own, even against more pedestrian competition with twin-cylinder engines.
KTM’s high performance dirtbike experience helped it produce a light, tough, grunty and powerful little engine that’s a joy to ride on the road – and even worked well on track in RC390 sportbike form. Added to KTM’s dirt-derived chassis fundamentals: skinny, lithe, featherweight yet stiff, and you had a compelling mini super-naked.
We always want more though. And for 2024 that’s what KTM is giving us, with an all-new 390 Duke. It gets a completely revised LC4c engine design, in an uprated frame, with the latest running gear, and an even sharper styling job.
The 399cc liquid-cooled DOHC four-valve single cylinder engine is lighter and more powerful than before, while complying with the latest and future Euro5+ emissions and type approval regs. Capacity is up from 373cc to 398.7cc, thanks to a 4mm longer stroke – now 64mm, and the same 89mm bore.
Power is up, but only by a small amount: 1kW or 1.34bhp, with a claimed 33kW or 44.3bhp at 8,500rpm, while torque is up by 2Nm to 39Nm@7,000rpm. That’s a common situation: meeting tougher emissions and noise regs generally cuts power, so it takes a lot of work, and sometimes extra capacity, to get things back on track grunt-wise.
It’s hard to make big gains these days, especially on smaller single-cylinder motors.
On the chassis front, there’s a new frame concept: a revised steel tube trellis main section curves around the engine, while the subframe is a pressure-cast aluminium unit. The cast aluminium swingarm now uses a side-mounted direct rear monoshock suspension setup rather than a central linkage-operated shock absorber.
That’s to allow a bigger airbox design, as well as a lower overall seat height, and is perhaps the most obvious visual change to the Duke range. The suspension parts themselves are both by the firm’s WP sub-brand, with APEX 43mm open cartridge front forks adjustable for rebound damping and preload, with a rear WP APEX split-piston design monoshock that’s also rebound/preload adjustable.
Brakes are by the Brembo subsidiary brand ByBre, and there’s a tasty 320mm front disc, clamped by a four-piston radial mount caliper, with a twin-piston caliper/240mm disc rear fitment. The 390 Duke also gets a proper Bosch 9.3 cornering ABS setup, with a supermoto mode to disengage the rear channel.
Bosch also supplies the ride-by-wire engine management system, which works with a solid suite of electronic riding aids. There’s adjustable cornering traction control, assisted by an IMU setup, plus selectable Street and Rain riding modes which adjust throttle response to suit conditions.
The five-inch TFT full colour LCD dashboard also has a Track mode, which adds a large rev-counter, and also activates launch control and a lap timer – nice. Bluetooth phone connectivity is also present and correct, and there’s an optional Quickshifter+ unit that can be added to the riding package.
There’s all-new bodywork, with bigger air intakes, beefed-up radiator covers and all-new LED lighting, together with new colourways – Blue or Orange. The new Duke 390 will be in the shops next January, with prices to be confirmed. More info here.
2024 KTM Duke 390 Specifications
Engine
Engine type Single cylinder, 4-stroke
Displacement 398.7 cc
Bore/stroke 89/64 mm
Power 45 PS/33 KW @8500 rpm
Torque 39 Nm @7000 rpm
Starter/battery Electric starter/12V, 8 Ah
Transmission 6 gears
Fuel system Bosch EFI (electronic throttle body 46 mm)
Control 4 V/DOHC
Lubrication Wet sump
Engine oil Motorex Formula 4T 15W/50
Cooling Liquid cooling
Clutch PASC slipper clutch, mechanically operated
Engine management/ignition Bosch EMS with RBW
Traction control MTC (lean angle sensitive, disengageable)
Chassis
Frame Steel trellis frame, powder coated
Subframe Bolt on casted aluminium frame, powder coated
Front suspension WP APEX USD 43 mm
Adjustability Open cartridge 5 clicks Compresision and rebound
Rear suspension WP APEX shock absorber
Adjustability Separated piston 5 clicks rebound, preload adjuster
Suspension travel front/rear 150/150 mm
Front brake Four piston, radially mounted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm
Rear brake Twin piston, floating caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm
ABS Bosch 9.3 MP Two Channel (Supermoto ABS)
Wheels front/rear 3″/R17 – 4″/R17
Tyres front/rear 110/70 R17 M/C 54W TL – 150/60 R17 M/C 66W TL
Chain X-Ring 520
Wheel base 1357 mm
Seat height standard 820 mm
Seat height low 800 mm
Weight (fully fueled) 165 Kg