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The Revamped KTM 390 Duke Is Out And It’s A Raunchy Beast!

This entry is part 28 of 44 in the series AusMotorcyclist Issue#1

KTM has overhauled its globally renowned 390 Duke with a bigger engine, new design, and class-leading features

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2023 marks 10 years of the game-changing 390 Duke. And it’s safe to say there needs to be a big celebration of the feat. After all, the streetfighter has been the one to beat in the sub-400cc naked category all its life, with record sales worldwide.

That’s exactly what’s happening now, as KTM has finally taken the wraps off the revamped 390 Duke for MY24. The motorcycle has a plethora of upgrades from head to toe, most notably a first-ever increase in engine capacity since its debut. It promises to set a new benchmark once again, just like it did ten years ago. Let’s dive in!

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke Has A Brawnier And Angrier Design

If you thought the ‘23 Duke looked angular, the new model will hit you harder. The motorcycle adopts an angrier design, with barely any resemblance to its old self. Up top, you get an all-new Super Duke-like split headlight, complete with bigger LED DRLs on the side. This is flanked by brawny tank shrouds that extend beyond the forks. These also have aerodynamic cutouts for added attention to detail.

Likewise, the tail end is much chunkier than before. Credit here goes to the new subframe which also paves the way for an updated split saddle (now situated at 32.2 inches). Additionally, the underbelly exhaust makes a comeback after seven long years, replacing the current side-mounted unit. The minimalistic five-spoke alloy wheels (reminiscent of the 2023 RC 390), new mirrors, and fenders amp up the package further. Whereas, the two new liveries (with punchy graphics and a heavy dose of Team Orange’s signature color) wraps things off in style.

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke Has Truckloads Of Technology

The outgoing 390 Duke is no slouch in terms of tech, thanks to a TFT instrument cluster, all-LED lights, and smartphone connectivity. Yet, KTM has leveled up all of it on the 2024 390 Duke. Out goes the old TFT and in comes a new five-inch unit (identical to the 890 Adventure), partnered by new sleek-looking switchgear.

The display gives you access to all necessary information, phone controls, turn-by-turn navigation, and electronic rider aids. The latter includes two ride modes (sport, rain), launch control, and cornering ABS. Slipper clutch and traction control are standard too, all of which join hands to set a new benchmark in the class.

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke Promises More Power And Torque

Since its inception, the 390 Duke has always featured a 373cc, single-cylinder engine. But that’s changed for 2024. You now get an updated 399cc, single-cylinder powerhouse, thanks to a bigger 64 mm stroke (four more than the old model). The bump in capacity also equates to 44.2 horsepower and 28.8 pound-feet, up from the previous 42.9 and 27.2 figures. All the juice still reaches the wheel via a six-speed transmission.

Coming to underpinnings, the 390 Duke has a new chassis. Upfront lies a redesigned trellis, while the tail end has an all-new cast aluminum subframe. This, along with the new swingarm, paves the way for a repositioned off-set monoshock at the rear. Other likable aspects are the updated suspension and brakes. The former now has compression and rebound adjustability of the WP Apex 43 mm forks and WP monoshock, whereas the latter comprises lighter disc brakes. Size still remains 320 mm front and 240 mm rear, though.

As impressive as these may be, the 390 Duke now has a dry weight of 363 pounds–a whopping 33 pounds more than before. That’s comparable to the Kawasaki Z400’s wet weight, for reference. Let’s just hope the added heft doesn’t hurt the Duke’s impressive riding dynamics.

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke Will Arrive In American Dealerships Soon

Now that the cat is out of the bag, KTM USA will launch the updated 390 Duke here soon. For reference, the outgoing model sells for $5,899, and you can expect a sizable price hike, given the updates. You should know the Duke is already one of the most expensive sub-400cc nakeds out there, so a bump in price will surely raise some eyebrows. But for what it’s worth, none of its competitors–Kawasaki Z400, Honda CB500F–offer such a blend of performance, features, and head-turning looks.

So how much would you rate the new 390 Duke on a scale of 1 to 10? One means the Duke is a miss in your opinion, and 10 means you already have a deposit ready!

Continue exploring the article at this link : https://www.topspeed.com/the-revamped-ktm-390-duke-is-out-and-its-a-raunchy-beast/

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