Upcoming 2020 KTM 390 Duke Spotted

It gets a comprehensive update and looks larger than before

• New 390 Duke test mule was spotted in Germany.
• Gets a new frame and swingarm. 
• Likely to receive updates to the engine as well.
• Suspension and braking hardware is likely to be updated as well. 

KTM is working on a new 390 Duke. An Eagle-eyed enthusiast spotted a test mule of the upcoming 390 naked bike in Germany and thankfully, clicked a lot of pictures. These images gives us an idea of what to expect from the third generation update of the 390 Duke. Most of the updates seem to be focussed around the frame and motor.

The frame, subframe and swingarm are completely new and appear to be, larger units. KTM seems to have worked on the suspension geometry as well. In fact, the test mule appears to be longer than the current 390 Duke and have larger fuel tank capacity. While it isn't apparent, reports suggest the new bike will get updated braking and suspension hardware as well. We can see in the spy images that the USD forks has some form of adjustability as seen on the KTM 390 Adventure spotted in India. As for braking, the next-generation KTM 390 Duke could be the most affordable bike in its portfolio to feature cornering ABS.

On the powertrain front, the 373cc liquid cooled single cylinder motor appears to get a new exhaust system. We suspect the update here has more to do with the upcoming Euro V/ BS-VI emission norms than extracting more performance. The 390 Duke in its current state of tune makes 43.5 PS and 37Nm of torque.

The bike caught testing seems to be an early stage prototype so it is possible that parts like the headlamp and mirrors might be updated at a later stage. This prototype was also missing out on the fuel tank cover, tank extensions and tail section bodywork. Since the new 390 Duke for the first time, we expect the production bike to make its debut at the 2020 EICMA motorcycle show. As for India launch, it’s almost certain that the all-new 390 Duke will make its appearance on Indian soil in the first half of 2021.

As for this year, we can expect the new KTM RC 390 and the KTM 390 Adventure to be showcased at EICMA motor show in November. We did spot test mules of the 390 Adventure in Pune. The much awaited KTM adventure bike will make its India debut by the end of 2019.

Image courtesy: Ride Apart