2016 EICMA: All-New KTM 390 Duke – This Is It!

The engine is still the same 373cc unit as before

Now we’ve been bringing you several reports from the 2016 EICMA, but this one’s probably THE story that most people have been waiting for. KTM has unwrapped the new-gen 390 Duke. We’re not going to dilly-dally and get to the main question – what’s new?

To begin with, the design takes after its monstrous older brother – the 1290 Super Duke. Highlights include a new split headlamp cluster that sports LED lights, a more aggressively styled fuel tank with wings that reach out toward the front and a familiar orange/white paint scheme. The seats have also been restyled and the exposed frame look is extended further towards the rear, leading into a larger, clear-lens tail light.

There’s new tech on offer in the form of ride-by-wire throttle which should enable the integration of ride modes, though it isn’t clear if the option is available. Also included is a colour TFT display for the instrument cluster and the ignition key has been placed near the tank as well. Available as an optional extra is the KTM ‘My Ride’ system which enables smartphone integration, giving the rider control over incoming calls and audio playback through buttons placed near the indicator toggle.

The engine, however, is still the same 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled unit and the output figures are pegged at 44PS and 35Nm. It’s still paired with a 6-speed gearbox, but the secondary gear ratio has been tweaked. The underbelly exhaust has been swapped for a side-mounted setup and the fuel tank capacity also goes up to 13.4 litres from 11 litres. The cooling is expected to improve with the addition of a secondary oil pump. While it still uses WP-sourced USD forks up front, the units are said to be new, with the suspension travel dropping from 150mm to 142mm. The new KTM 390 Duke features a larger 320mm Bybre front disc (300mm on the older model) brake while dual-channel ABS has been carried forward.

The ground clearance goes up from 170mm to 185mm, while the seat height also goes up from 800mm to 830mm. With the addition of the new kit though, the dry weight has also gone up from 139kg to 149kg.

KTM’s Indian website already showcases the new 390 Duke. Expect a launch in the first half of 2017, with the new naked commanding a premium of around Rs 15,000 over its predecessor.