Motorcycle specifications KTM390 Duke 2026 Fashionable scoundrel

A roadster in the 400/500 range has been gaining popularity in many ways for some time now. Rather smart with the Triumph 400 Speed, a little manga-esque with the Kawa Z 500, "robotic" with the MT-03, impertinent with the G 310 R, tempting with the 450 NK, sanguine with the Tuono 457—and cheeky with the KTM 390 Duke. We are witnessing its third major evolution, and surely the most significant since its creation a decade ago. This evolution will be completed in 2026 with a few improvements: new colors and a WP FCR4 brake caliper.

But the essence of its identity dates back to 2024: its appearance is unmistakable. Even more tense, cut by Ultron-style protuberances (a villain from The Avengers), disturbed and venomous, the Austrian's face symbolizes madness. It could not be otherwise for this member of a family of hysterics. The aura and the marketing identify the machine as a brat.

In general, this kind of progression starts with more watts. That's kind of the case here. The engine's displacement has increased slightly thanks to a longer stroke. An extra 4 mm of movement, a few cm3 gained to reach 398.7 cm3 and improve performance just a little bit. The real purpose of this extra space is not so much the extra horsepower (now 45 hp in the single) or the extra 2 Nm. It's more about being ready for the Euro5+ standard. Since they were working on the engine anyway, KTM took the opportunity to optimize the cylinder head and gearbox.

The Duke spirit in flesh and blood

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 shock absorber mount. 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 completely new, with anchor 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 demands a cast aluminum structure, as on the Superduke 1290 R. This desire for mimicry has also led to much larger side panels.
The suspension has also been upgraded. The 43 mm APEX inverted fork can be adjusted for rebound and compression. The dual-piston shock absorber offers preload and rebound adjustment. Katoche is keen for A2 riders on the big "little Duke" to have a very sophisticated machine, like the "king of 400 roadsters."

This is undoubtedly why the electronics have been upgraded. The 390 Duke now has two riding modes, "Rain" and "Street," which affect engine response, while traction control and angle-sensitive ABS work behind the scenes. These kinds of extras are relatively useless when the bike is fitted with good tires. No worries on that front, with Michelin Power 6 tires fitted as standard. But let's not forget that this is a 45 hp 400, not a fire engine. Common sense has its limits, which marketing and fashion tend to ignore.
There's also "Track" mode, which displays a stopwatch on the 5-inch TFT screen, more space for the engine speed, and a launch control system. Superbike-style launch control for a 45 hp roadster? The shifter remains an option .
Katoche hasn't installed a "fun" mode, but it's implied with the Supermoto ABS, which allows you to disable the anti-lock braking system on the rear.

The Duke also gets new rims with fewer spokes and lighter weight, a rimless front brake disc (still 320 mm), a 10 mm larger rear disc (240 mm), new calipers, forged aluminum footpegs, a two-tone dual seat, improved ergonomics, a metal tank, loses its engine guard, lowers its seat height by 10 mm (820 mm as standard) and hides its exhaust under the engine. This is great for lowering the center of gravity.
Despite its efforts on the engine, wheels, and chassis, Katoche has not managed to control the Duke's weight gain. It has gone from around 160 kg (150 kg dry) to 165 kg.

KTM points out that the dashboard is new. It is larger, displays new graphics, and is paired with a revamped control pad (on the left thumb). Connectivity comes standard, allowing you to control calls, music, and simplified turn-by-turn GPS navigation with the in-house app.

Mattighofen has revised the price of its 390 Duke III, bringing it closer to that of the first 700 roadsters and more in line with a very active market. This is also to limit the impact of Chinese competitors and to hold its own against Triumph and BMW, which have opted for a more moderate pricing policy for their smaller models, corresponding to a less aggressive design, slightly less electronics, and less power. It's an opportunity to choose a side or a philosophy.

M.B - Manufacturer photos