Production-Ready 2023 KTM 390 Duke Spotted Testing In India

Expect radical aesthetic, mechanical and electronic updates to be featured on this new model

The 2023 KTM 390 Duke was recently spotted testing in India, and the test mule seemed to be in production-ready form. The KTM 390 Duke redefined the Indian market with its upscaled performance while not costing a fortune to own. And after launching the updated 390 Adventure, and the new KTM RC 390 in India, KTM has focused its attention on the 2023 390 Duke. 

We have already seen some pictures of the test mule internationally, and the bike is expected to be unveiled later this year globally. In the spy shots, we spot a whole range of aesthetic and mechanical updates that will make the cut into the production unit.

The new 390 Duke now looks like a miniature version of the KTM 890 Duke. While the trademark insect-like split LED headlamp continues as before, the fuel tank extensions sport a much sharper design. These are now coupled to re-designed radiator shrouds as well. 

The tail section is also redesigned, mainly due to the new subframe. The indicators and the tail lamp are LED as well. One major design that we managed to spot earlier on the test mule very well was a new TFT display. This new console now provides the rider with a plethora of details, and within the instrument cluster was a section that was covered, which presumably will be a navigation section. Like the current-gen model, this new bike will also get smartphone connectivity via the KTM My Ride application. 

KTM seems to have made some changes to the engine as well. The engine casing appears to be redesigned, and the powertrain looks to be positioned slightly higher and forward than before. As a result, the exhaust system is now routed directly below the engine. The current bike already produces a healthy 43.5 PS and 37 Nm, so expect KTM to improve its refinement or offer multiple riding modes.

The test mule also features a lot of updated elements to the underpinnings. The bike continues to sport a trellis frame, although the subframe now is completely redesigned. Even the cast aluminium swingarm is new and is not asymmetrical, making it look a lot sportier than before. This should help with weight reduction as well as improve handling. Thanks to the new swingarm, the rear monoshock is now an offset unit which is more horizontally positioned.

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On the other hand, the front end is likely to continue with the same WP upside fork. However, the bike will be anchored by a new rotor, likely a 320mm front unit, clamped to a radial caliper from ByBre, and a new rear disc with a single-piston ByBre caliper, similar to the one featured on the new RC 390. As usual, the bike will continue with a dual-channel ABS unit with SuperMoto mode and perhaps even feature cornering ABS. The alloy wheel design also looks similar to the ones now found on the new RC 390, hence reducing unsprung mass.

The 2023 KTM 390 Duke could be launched in India in February 2023. With all the aforementioned updates, KTM may command a big premium over the older-generation model, somewhere around Rs 3 lakh, ex-showroom. It will go up against the BMW G 310 R, Honda CB300R and Bajaj Dominar 400 once launched.

Image credits PowerDrift