What do you do to a bike that is already the best-seller and aspired by many? A bike that will not just raise the expectations of the segment but even give a bigger bikes a run for their money? There are some products that change the segment completely and one of them is the Duke 390. This is the best-seller in its segment and the updated version 2017 KTM Duke 390 has a lot of expectations. The new bike that has been launched gets an array of changes on it.
To begin with, it looks different. There are a lot of styling elements that have been picked up from the bigger Duke bikes. Then there are multiple elements that make it look bigger, and several new features are being offered. This includes features like split headlamps, daytime running LEDs, tail lamp LEDs. Of course is a new chassis, and several elements have been added to enhance the response and even improve the ride and handling too. In terms of features, there are several first in segment offerings.
The 373cc engine is the same on the new Duke 390 also, but it now gets BS4 engine. This engine has the same power output, same torque and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. There is Drive By Wire and several other elements that have been added to it, to make it more appealing.
2017 KTM Duke 390 Price in India
KTM Duke 390 Price
ModelPrice (on-road, New Delhi)ABS modelINR 2.5 lakhs
The price of the 2017 KTM Duke 390 has gone up. This is mainly due to the new chassis, BS-IV upgrade and new features like the TFT screen. The advantage KTM enjoys is its high localisation levels, as it is completely manufactured in India. This gives a lot of leverage to the company to price it competitively. The bike has been priced at INR 2.5 lakhs (on-road, New Delhi).
2017 KTM Duke 390 Specifications
Engine373cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinderPower43bhpTorque37NmTransmission6-speed (with slipper clutch)
2017 KTM Duke 390 Dimensions
New 2017 KTM Duke 390 Dimensions
Length2150 mmWidth760 mmHeight800 mmWheel base1357 mmFuel Tank13.4 litresSeat Height830 mmKerb Weight163 kgs
2017 KTM Duke 390 Top Speed
New 2017 KTM Duke 390 Top SpeedTop Speed160 km/hr
2017 KTM Duke 390 0-100
New 2017 KTM Duke 390 0-1000-100 km/h5.6 secs
Key Features
TFT ScreenRide-by-WireSlipper ClutchOpen cartridge USD front forksDual channel ABSSide slung exhaustSplit LED headlampLED taillampLarger steel fuel tank
The 2017 KTM Duke 390 gets new features. The highlight is a new colour TFT screen as the instrument pod. Now this feature is a big leap and a first amongst bikes costing below INR 10 lakhs. In fact many of the very expensive bikes also do not offer this feature. The screen has tell tale lamps on the sides. The right side has the speedo and tacho display. The tacho indicator changes color as revs rise and the digital speedo display increases its font size with the increase in speed.
The left side has controls for trip meters, date and time, Bluetooth and audio. You can pair your smart phone with it and control calls and music with the toggle buttons on the left side switchgear. The screen adapts to light conditions and changes color accordingly. We are blown away with this new feature. At present there is no navigation, but KTM officials have indicated that this can be added in future, almost with a few more features. Now, the others will have to raise the bar to be competitive with the new 2017 KTM Duke 390.
Other key features in the 2017 KTM Duke 390 include dual channel ABS, slipper clutch, ride-by-wire, front and rear disc brakes, side slung exhaust and the split LED headlamp.
2017 KTM Duke 390 Design
The new split headlamp dominates the design. This is what makes it appealing. The fascia looks stylish and it does stand out in the crowd. The headlamp has projector headlamp and daytime running LEDs. The side profile, well it looks a lot similar, but there is a difference in the shade of orange. The livery has changed and even the Duke 390 font as well. This is an all new chassis that makes it better in ride and handling.
The bike might look similar to you at the first stance, but there are multiple changes. The design is fresh and it does stand out in the crowd. The styling is good and the orange looks a lot better than the current one.
The wheelbase of the 2017 KTM Duke 390 has reduced by 10mm now. The bike gets a new orange colour this time, which is deeper and looks more premium. The tail lamps are also LED and look very appealing too.
New mirrors now come on the Duke 390, which are now wider and offer a better field of vision. The bike also gets a new seat. This have better cushioning than before and are wider too. It is a split one as well but the comfort quotient in the bike has gone up several notches due to the size and better cushioning. The 2017 KTM Duke 390 now has a side slung exhaust, owing to the BSIV norms and it makes the bike sound more refined.
2017 KTM Duke Engine
A 373cc engine with 43bhp of power and 37Nm of peak torque powers the 2017 KTM Duke 390. The torque is up by 2Nm now, while the power remains the same. The 2017 KTM Duke 390 comes with BS-IV emission norms. Even though the engine is the same, there there are few tweaks done to synchronise with the updated chassis. This engine comes mated to the same six-speed gearbox. The bike also gets a slipper clutch for better control and even Ride by Wire technology which enhances throttle response. There is a side slung exhaust, which makes the bike sound different. The note of the 2017 KTM Duke 390 is now deeper and more refined, also easy on the ears. We like it.
The top speed of the 2017 KTM Duke 390 remains similar to the earlier model. We managed a top speed of 160km/hr on the test track. Triple digit figures set in very quickly for the 2017 KTM Duke 390. 0-100km/h takes about 5.6 seconds.
Yes, the bike has seen an increase in the weight. But then the performance has been bumped up for similar acceleration. The throttle response is much better now. The power that it produces now is more linear than before. It is even better to ride in the city.
On the move the 2017 KTM Duke 390 offers the same level of performance as before. With the added torque that sets in earlier, the bike is more maneuverable and even more fun to ride. Also,with the updated chassis and the open cartridge upside down forks, it handles much better too. The ride is now much improved too and the new seat plays a vital role in enhancing the comfort level. The foot pegs are now placed slightly higher and also pushed back. The way in which the 2017 KTM Duke 390 dives into corners is absolutely fantastic and urges you to push it more.
2017 KTM Duke 390 Safety Features
The 2017 KTM Duke 390 comes with Bosch 9MB dual-channel ABS. The front disc brake is the same four-piston radial fixed caliper one with a 320mm disc. The rear brake is a single-piston floating calliper with 230mm disc. There is a slipper clutch too.
2017 KTM Duke 390 Mileage
2017 KTM Duke 390 MileageHighway35 km/lCity28 km/l
We are yet to do a mileage test on the bike. In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2017 KTM Duke 390 should return about 35 km/l on the highway and about 28 km/l in the city. There won’t be a major change in the mileage of the bike. With BS-IV, we could expect a reduction. As mileage isn’t the main criteria for a KTM rider, the primary focus is on performance.
2017 KTM Duke 390 Competition
KTM is targeting the upcoming BMW G310R, TVS Akula 310 and even the twin-cylinder Benellis as well. In fact with the new upgrades, it is in a class of its own, to say the least. KTM is one of the highest selling bike in this segment, however it now that the segment is growing. The company is looking at adding more and more updates to make the it competitive and retain its market share.
The 2017 KTM Duke 390 is now more expensive. However, with the addition of new features like a new chassis, the TFT screen, open cartridge USD forks, Ride-By-Wire, slipper clutch and even the side slung exhaust, the bike is still very good value. It maintains the same devastating performance, which is capable of beating several machines from higher segments as well. The reformed riding dynamics make the 2017 KTM Duke 390 an irresistible package. What more can you get?
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