EXCLUSIVE: KTM’s Upcoming Streetfighter Spotted Again

Here’s when, we think, the 2023 KTM 390 Duke could be launched in India

The 2023 KTM 390 Duke has been spied testing once again, and this time in Pune. Like what previous spy shots have revealed, the upcoming bike gets a sharper headlight and longer tank extensions, inspired from the bigger Dukes, making it a whole lot more menacing than the current 390 Duke. But it’s going to be a lot more than that. KTM will go all out with an updated trellis frame, adjustable suspension, a bigger engine and even a slightly colour larger TFT console. 

So that begs the question as to when KTM will launch this bike. For starters, we think KTM could unveil the bike globally at EICMA 2023, which is scheduled from November 7-12 this year. An India-launch could be on the cards soon after that, towards the end of this year. The first gen 390 Dukes were launched in 2013 and they got their first major update in 2017. So it only makes sense for KTM to keep the five year gap between major updates constant and hence launch the new model in 2023 itself.

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And given the recent downward trend in KTM India’s sales for the 390 series. it could be looking to once again wreak havoc in the segment with the updated bikes. Soon after the India launch, it could make its way to global markets early next year, as that will also coincide with the 30th anniversary of the KTM Duke (the original KTM Duke 620 was launched in 1994). We expect KTM to price it at around Rs 3.20 lakh (ex-showroom), meaning the bike will carry a price hike of nearly Rs 25,000. So, will the new bike be worth the wait and the extra money, or should you just go for the current 390 Duke? Here’s what we think.

Credit: Rohit S. Shinde