Motorcycle specifications KTM390 Duke 2024 Fashionable rascal

The 400 roadster will be appreciated in many ways in 2024. Rather smart with the Triumph 400 Speed, a little manga opposite the Kawa Z 400, "robotic" with the MT-03, cheeky with the G 310 R - and wild with the new version of the KTM 390 Duke. This is its 3rd major evolution, and surely the most important since its creation some ten years ago.

Its face is unmistakable. Even more tense, sheared by Ultron-like growths (an Avengers villain), disturbed and venomous, the Austrian's face symbolizes madness. It couldn't be any other way for this member of a family of hysterics. The aura, like the comics, identifies the machine as a rascal.

usually, this kind of progression starts with more watts. This is just such a case. The engine's displacement climbs slightly thanks to an increase in its stroke. 4 mm more movement, a few cm3 more to reach 398.7 cm3 and improve performance just a little. The real purpose of this extra space is not so much the extra horsepower (45 hp now in the mono) or the extra 2 Nm. Rather, it's to be ready for the next Euro5+ standard. As well as getting its hands dirty with the engine, KTM has taken the opportunity to optimize the cylinder head and gearbox.

The change is much more spectacular on the chassis side. The tubular steel trellis frame has been completely redesigned, with the added bonus of a special mounting for the shock absorber. This is now mounted on the side of the frame, as on the Ducati Panigale V2, Kawasaki Versys 650 and... 125 Duke; the 390 and 125 share virtually the same chassis. The swingarm is also entirely new, with anchoring points no longer on the outside but inside the frame, and a banana shape.

On the other hand, the rear frame no longer wants to hear about steel. It requires a cast aluminum structure, as on the Superduke 1290 R. A desire for mimicry has also led to much larger side panels.
Suspension is also stepped up a notch. The 43 mm APEX inverted fork can be adjusted for rebound and compression. The dual-piston shock absorber offers both preload and rebound adjustment. Katoche wants A2 riders to be able to ride the big "little-Duke" like the "king of 400 roadsters".

that's probably why the electronics package has been kicked up a notch. The 390 Duke gains 2 riding modes, "Rain" and "Street", acting on engine response, while angle-sensitive traction control and ABS take care of things on the side. The kind of bonuses... relatively useless when the bike is fitted with good tires. No worries there, with Michelin Power 6 tires fitted as standard, but don't lose sight of the fact that this is a 45hp 400, not a fire engine. Common sense has its limits, which marketing and fashion ignore.
There's also a "Track" mode, displaying a lap time on the 5-inch TFT screen, more space for engine speed and a launch control system. Superbike-style Launch Control for a 45hp roadster?! The shifter remains an option.
Katoche hasn't installed the Deconnade Mode, but it's implied in the Supermoto ABS, which deactivates the anti-lock braking system at the rear.

The Duke also gains new, lighter rims with fewer spokes, a fretless front brake disc (still 320 mm), 10 mmmore to the rear disc (240 mm), new calipers, forged aluminum footrests, a two-tone seat duo, improved ergonomics, a metal fuel tank, loses its engine block, lowers its seat height by 10 mm (820 mm standard) and hides its exhaust under the engine. Great for lowering the center of gravity.
Despite its efforts on the engine, wheels and chassis, Katoche has not succeeded in controlling the Duke's mass inflation. It has gone from around 160 kilos (150 dry) to 165 kilos.

kTM points out that the instrument panel is new. It's bigger, with new graphics and a redesigned control pad (on the left thumb). Connectivity is now standard, allowing control of calls, music, and simplified "Turn-by-turn" GPS navigation with the in-house app.

mattighofen imposes significant inflation on its 390 Duke III, still close to that of the first 700 roadsters. On the other hand, Triumph and BM have opted for a softer pricing policy for their younger models, corresponding to a less aggressive design, and a little less electronics and power. An opportunity to choose a side or a philosophy.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos