2024 KTM Duke 390 In-depth Review: Bolder Than Ever

The KTM Duke 390 has captured the hearts of many Indian riders with its combination of performance, handling, design, and affordability. For 2024, the bike has been updated with several improvements and new features that make it even more appealing and enjoyable. Let’s start with an in-depth look at the riders’ favourite pleasure machine, the 2024 KTM Duke 390.

Styling and Design

The new design and styling of the 2024 KTM Duke 390 immediately draws your attention, making it appear more aggressive and sporty. The bike has a new metal fuel tank with a capacity of 13.4 litres and a shape that improves the bike’s aerodynamics and ergonomics. Color-injected plastics give the tank a premium and glossy appearance. The bike also features new external LED positioning lights that are integrated into the tank shrouds, giving it a distinct and futuristic appearance.

A new headlight, similar to the one found on the company’s flagship product, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, has also been added to the bike. The headlight is designed with a split LED, with a daytime running light on top and a main beam on the bottom. The headlight also has an adaptive cornering function that adjusts the intensity and direction of the light based on the lean angle of the bike. The bike also has a new LED tail light that is sleek and sharp in design.

The bike is also available in two new colour schemes: Electronic Orange and Atlantic Blue. Both colours have clear-gloss graphics and a DUKE textured seat cover, which add to the bike’s appeal and character. The bike also has orange wheels, frame, subframe, and swingarm, which contrast nicely with the body colour and make a strong visual statement.

Features and Technology

The second thing you appreciate is the new technology and features that make the 2024 KTM Duke 390 more advanced and user-friendly. The new 5-inch bonded glass TFT dashboard on the bike is one of the best in its class. The dashboard has a high-resolution display that shows all of the important information like speed, rpm, gear indicator, fuel level, engine temperature, odometer, trip metre, clock, service reminder, and so on. It also has a track screen mode, which changes the graphics to make them more race-focused, such as enlarging the rev counter, displaying the lap timer, selected gear display, and preferred rider aid settings.

The dashboard also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect your smartphone to the bike and access functions like music playback, incoming calls, turn-by-turn navigation, and so on. The dashboard also displays phone notifications such as messages, missed calls, and so on. All of these functions are controlled by the new switch cube on the left handlebar, which has four-way menu switches that allow you to navigate the dashboard menus easily.

The bike also includes a new launch control feature that allows you to accelerate faster from a stop by limiting wheel spin. This feature can be activated by simultaneously pressing both traction control buttons for three seconds while in neutral or first gear. The dashboard will then display the launch control mode, which will remain active until you shift to second gear or press any button.

Other electronic features on the bike include a ride-by-wire throttle system, traction control system (MTC), anti-wheelie mode (AWM), anti-lock braking system (ABS), cornering ABS (C-ABS), Supermoto ABS (S-ABS), and so on. These features assist you in riding safely and confidently in a variety of road conditions and situations.

Handling and Performance

Engine:

The third aspect of the 2024 KTM Duke 390 that you appreciate is its performance and handling, which make it fun and exciting to ride. The engine is a 398.63 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that produces 45.3 bhp at 9000 rpm and 37 Nm at 7000 rpm. The engine has been improved to provide much more torque at low and mid-range RPMs, making it more responsive and smooth. A slipper clutch on the engine prevents rear wheel lock-up during aggressive downshifts. The bike also has a six-speed gearbox with smooth and precise shifts. There is also an optional quick-shifter on the gearbox, which allows you to shift gears without using the clutch or closing the throttle. The quick shifter also functions in both directions, allowing you to shift up or down without clutching.

Handling:

The bike also has a brand-new frame that is lighter and stiffer than before, improving the bike’s stability and agility. The frame also includes a new subframe made of aluminium that is bolted to the main frame, making it easier to replace in the event of damage. The bike also has adjustable suspension, allowing you to tailor the ride quality to your preferences and road conditions. The front fork is a 43 mm WP APEX open cartridge fork with adjustable compression and rebound, and the rear shock absorber is a WP APEX separate piston shock absorber with adjustable rebound and preload. The suspension offers a good balance of comfort and sportiness, absorbing road bumps and potholes while providing good feedback and corner grip.

Braking:

In addition, the bike has a dual-channel ABS system that can be switched between cornering ABS and Supermoto ABS modes depending on your riding style. The cornering ABS mode adjusts the brake pressure based on the bike’s lean angle, preventing the wheels from locking up while cornering. The Supermoto ABS mode turns off the rear wheel ABS, allowing you to slide the rear wheel and perform stunts and drifts. The bike also has a new braking system, which includes a 320 mm front disc with a four-piston radial calliper and a 230 mm rear disc with a single-piston floating calliper. The brakes provide strong and progressive stopping power while maintaining a good feel and modulation.

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Comfort and Ergonomics

The fourth feature of the 2024 KTM Duke 390 that you like is its ergonomics and comfort, which make it suitable for long rides and daily commutes. The bike has a comfortable and upright riding position that provides a good view of the road while also reducing fatigue. The bike also has a seat height adjustability option via power parts, which allows you to lower or raise the seat height based on your height and comfort. Seat height is adjustable from 830 mm to 810 mm or 850 mm.

In addition, the bike has new lightweight forged footpegs that are positioned for optimal control and feedback. Rubber inserts on the footpegs reduce vibrations and improve comfort. The bike also has a wide and flat handlebar that provides excellent leverage and manoeuvrability. The new windscreen mounted on the headlight also provides good wind protection for the bike. The wind is deflected, and turbulence around the rider’s head and chest is reduced by the windscreen. The angle of the windshield can also be adjusted by loosening two screws under the headlight.

Maintenance and Cost

What you like about the 2024 KTM Duke 390 is its price and low maintenance, making it affordable and cost-effective. The bike costs Rs. 3.10 lakh (ex-showroom), which is very reasonable given the features and performance it provides. The bike also has a low maintenance cost. It comes with a three-year warranty and one year of free service. The bike’s service interval is 15,000 km or one year, whichever comes first. The bike’s spare parts are also easily accessible and reasonably priced.

Conclusion

The KTM Duke 390 is a versatile two-wheeler that can be used for commuting, touring, and having fun with throttle. Every time you ride it, it brings a smile to your face. It’s a motorcycle that can turn you into a corner rocket. Look no further than the 2024 KTM Duke 390 if you want a fun and practical motorcycle. It can definitely satisfy you with its ample power and handsome looks.