New KTM 390

New KTM 390 launch in market with new specifications

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New KTM 390 : In the ever-evolving world of motorcycles, KTM has once again proven its mettle with the launch of the 2024 390 Duke.

This isn’t just an update; it’s a complete reimagining of what an A2-compliant motorcycle can be.

With a bold claim of 90% new parts, KTM has taken its “Ready to Race” philosophy to heart, creating a machine that promises to redefine the expectations of both novice and experienced riders alike.

New KTM 390 The Heart of the Beast: A New Engine for a New Era

At the core of the 2024 KTM 390 Duke lies a completely revamped powerplant.

The Austrian manufacturer has increased the engine capacity from 373cc to 399cc, achieved through a longer stroke of 64mm (up from 60mm) while maintaining the 89mm bore.

This new LC4c engine isn’t just about numbers; it’s about character.

The power output has seen a modest increase to 44.3bhp (33kW), carefully kept within A2 license restrictions. However, the real story is in the torque curve.

With 39Nm of torque peaking at 7,000rpm, the new 390 Duke offers a broader spread of power, making it more usable in real-world riding conditions.

KTM has cleverly moved the power and torque peaks lower in the rev range, creating an engine that’s both more responsive and easier to ride.

This new engine isn’t just about performance; it’s also about efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Meeting Euro 5.2 emissions standards, the 390 Duke proves that excitement and eco-friendliness can coexist.

The inclusion of ride-by-wire throttle control not only aids in emissions control but also enables a host of electronic rider aids previously unseen in this class.

New KTM 390 Chassis and Suspension: A Lesson in Lightweight Engineering

KTM’s expertise in off-road motorcycles has clearly influenced the 390 Duke’s new chassis design.

The frame is an all-new steel trellis structure, promising improved torsional rigidity for better feedback to the rider.

This is paired with a cast aluminum subframe, a first for the 390 Duke, contributing to the bike’s incredibly low wet weight of just 154kg.

The suspension setup is where the 390 Duke truly shines in its class. WP APEX 43mm upside-down forks grace the front, now fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping.

At the rear, a WP APEX monoshock, now mounted to one side of the swingarm, offers preload and rebound damping adjustment.

This level of suspension tunability is unprecedented in the A2 category, allowing riders to truly customize their riding experience.

Perhaps the most visually striking change is the new side-mounted rear shock, a design choice that not only looks race-inspired but also contributes to mass centralization and improved handling characteristics.

New KTM 390 Brakes and Wheels: Stopping Power Meets Agility

Braking duties are handled by a single 320mm front disc gripped by a four-piston radial caliper, complemented by a 240mm rear disc.

The inclusion of cornering ABS, a feature typically reserved for much more expensive motorcycles, showcases KTM’s commitment to safety without compromising performance.

The wheels have undergone a significant weight reduction, with KTM claiming a staggering 4.3kg saved in unsprung mass.

This reduction in rotating weight translates to quicker direction changes and improved suspension response, further enhancing the Duke’s agile nature.

New KTM 390 Technology Suite: A2 License, MotoGP Features

The 2024 390 Duke boasts a technology package that would make some liter-class bikes blush.

A 5-inch TFT display serves as the command center, offering Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone pairing.

This allows for turn-by-turn navigation, music control, and call management, all accessible through handlebar controls.

Ride modes, including a track-focused “Supermoto” mode, allow riders to tailor the bike’s performance characteristics.

Cornering traction control, another feature borrowed from KTM’s higher-end models, adds an extra layer of safety without dulling the Duke’s sharp reflexes.

Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising inclusion is launch control – a feature more commonly associated with superbikes and MotoGP machines.

While its practical applications on public roads might be limited, it’s a clear statement of KTM’s racing DNA and commitment to providing a premium experience.

New KTM 390 Design and Ergonomics: Form Follows Function

Visually, the 2024 390 Duke is a striking departure from its predecessor. The new design language is angular and aggressive, with a distinctive LED headlight unit that’s sure to turn heads.

The fuel tank, now metal instead of plastic, has been reshaped for better knee grip and increased capacity at 15 liters.

Ergonomics have been revised with a focus on both comfort and control. The handlebar is 15mm wider, offering better leverage for quick direction changes.

The seat height remains accessible at 820mm, but the design has been narrowed at the front to make it easier for riders to get their feet down.

New KTM 390 Market Positioning and Competition

Priced at £5,699 in the UK market, the 2024 KTM 390 Duke positions itself as a premium offering in the A2 segment.

This pricing strategy places it above direct competitors like the Yamaha MT-03 and Honda CB300R, but the Duke justifies its higher price tag with its extensive feature list and performance capabilities.

The 390 Duke’s closest competition might come from within the KTM Group itself, with the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 offering a similar platform in a more retro-styled package.

However, the Duke’s unabashed sportiness and tech-forward approach set it apart.

New KTM 390 Riding Experience: Where the Numbers Come to Life

On the road, the 2024 390 Duke lives up to its on-paper promise. The engine’s broader torque curve is immediately noticeable, providing strong acceleration from low revs without the need to constantly shift gears.

The quick-shifter, an optional extra, adds to the sporty feel, allowing for clutchless upshifts that belie the bike’s A2 classification.

In urban environments, the Duke’s light weight and sharp steering make it a joy to maneuver through traffic.

The upright riding position provides good visibility, while the wide handlebars offer plenty of leverage for quick direction changes.

It’s on winding back roads where the 390 Duke truly comes into its own.

The adjustable suspension, properly set up, provides a level of control and feedback that’s rare in this class.

The cornering ABS and traction control systems inspire confidence without feeling intrusive, allowing riders to explore the bike’s capabilities safely.

At highway speeds, the 390 Duke remains composed, with enough power in reserve for overtaking.

Wind protection is minimal, as expected from a naked bike, but the overall stability is impressive for a lightweight machine.

New KTM 390 Customization and Accessories

KTM offers a range of PowerParts accessories to further personalize the 390 Duke.

These include a range of cosmetic enhancements, crash protection, and performance upgrades like a slip-on Akrapovič exhaust system.

The ability to tailor the bike to individual tastes adds another layer of appeal, especially for riders who see the 390 Duke as more than just a stepping stone to larger motorcycles.

New KTM 390 Conclusion: Raising the Bar in the A2 Segment

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke is more than just an evolution; it’s a revolution in the A2 motorcycle category.

By bringing high-end features and performance to a segment often seen as a compromise, KTM has created a motorcycle that’s not just a learner bike, but a legitimate choice for riders of all experience levels.

Its combination of cutting-edge technology, adjustable suspension, and a characterful engine in a lightweight, agile package makes the 390 Duke a standout offering.

While its premium pricing might raise eyebrows, the level of equipment and performance on offer arguably justifies the cost.

For new riders, the 390 Duke offers a platform that can grow with their skills, thanks to its adjustable suspension and various riding modes.

For more experienced riders, it presents an engaging, sporty option that doesn’t require a unrestricted license to enjoy.

In launching the 2024 390 Duke, KTM hasn’t just updated a model; they’ve thrown down the gauntlet to the entire A2 segment.

It’s a bold statement that small-capacity motorcycles don’t have to be boring or technologically inferior.

The 390 Duke proves that sometimes, less really can be more – more fun, more technology, and more excitement.

As the motorcycle industry continues to evolve, with increasing focus on electric powertrains and ever-stricter emissions regulations, the 2024 KTM 390 Duke stands as a shining example of how internal combustion engines can remain relevant, exciting, and accessible.

It’s not just a new motorcycle; it’s a new benchmark for what riders can expect from an A2-compliant machine.

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