2024 KTM 390 Duke - Top 5 Pros and 5 Cons Explained

Last year, KTM India introduced the latest generation of its popular Duke 390. The new model gets a thoroughly revised chassis, a bigger engine, and better technology. Loaded with segment-best options and hardware, the KTM 390 Duke is one of the popular mid-segment naked sports bikes in India. Below, we explain to you the top 5 positives and 5 negatives that we have experienced on it. Also, you can join our 91Wheels WhatsApp channel to get the latest automotive updates.

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KTM 390 Duke - 5 Positives

True Performance Upgrade

The newest model of 390 Duke is a true upgrade in terms of performance. The new 399cc single-cylinder LC4C engine is a blast to ride. It produces around 45.3 bhp of peak power and 39 Nm of peak torque. But, it certainly feels much more powerful than these numbers due to its superb ECU tuning. Not to mention, the riding modes and the slick 6-speed transmission help in achieving 0-100 kmph in just 5.9 seconds. Its performance can outlast any road for any rider quickly.

Adjustable Suspension

Another big upgrade is the suspension setup on the 390 Duke. It now has an adjustable front as well as rear suspension. The 5-click adjustable WP Apex USD front shocks and the 5-step adjustable rear WP Apex monoshock, provide numerous settings for the rider to try. One can easily try different settings to suit their riding style and road conditions. The suspension is on the stiffer side but still, it provides ample adjustments so that the riders can enjoy its true potential.

Agile Handling and Balance

Agility and balance have been two major highlights of the Duke series bikes. The 390 Duke has improved these two major factors exponentially, as compared to the outgoing model. The new bike is very agile to handle inside the city as well as around the curves and bends. The rider can easily filter it in the city traffic, while one can also kneel down on the curves and bends of the mountain regions. The chassis balance is amazing and under emergency braking conditions the bike tends to remain in a straight line.

Superb Braking Power

With the new model, KTM has also upgraded the braking power of the 390 Duke. It now gets a bigger 320mm front disc brake and a 240mm rear disc brake. A dual-channel ABS is standard while there are various traction modes that the rider can choose depending on the riding conditions. During our test, the brake bite of this setup was more than sufficient. Even under repeated braking conditions on the downhill sections, there was no brake fade. The ABS works perfectly, and the bike remains in control, even after being ridden hard and fast for longer durations.

Numerous Electronic Aids

KTM is known to equip its bikes with the latest technology. The 390 Duke is a prime example of it, as the newer model is equipped with a TFT console that supports Bluetooth connectivity. The bike also has ABS modes, traction modes, ride modes, and even a launch control mode, that the rider can use on the go. All these combined with the LED lights and the multi-info display, make the new Duke a fully-loaded bike in its segment.

KTM 390 Duke Detailed Ride Review

Before you proceed towards reading the negatives of the new Duke 390, make sure to go through our detailed ride video review below.

KTM 390 Duke - 5 Negatives

Lack of Low-End Torque

The new 399cc engine is surely a big upgrade in terms of power and torque, but, the lack of low-end torque remains a concern on the newer Duke. The bike struggles consistently in the city traffic due to the lack of the lower powerband. The rider needs to keep it above 3,000 revs, to use the best of its engine. Hence, the constant shifting of gears is needed, which makes the rider tired quickly.

Engine Heat

Being powered by a liquid-cooled high-compression engine, the new Duke heats up a lot. This heat might not bother while riding, but, inside the city traffic, it becomes cumbersome to bear this heat after a few minutes of riding. The heat wave is felt majorly on the legs and during a traffic jam or bumper-to-bumper traffic, it becomes a major issue to handle it. Also, the more an engine heats the more wear and tear of internal parts occurs.

Hard Seat Comfort

The split seats of the new Duke are better in terms of design but they lack cushioning. The seat comfort factor is one such factor that buyers who are willing to do touring will not like much. While it is not a major problem as there are many aftermarket solutions to the firm cushioning, we wish that the OEM seats could have been better and more comfortable. Also, the pillion seat might feel narrow to some users.

Aggressive Stance

The Duke series motorcycles are known for their aggressive riding stance and looks. The new-gen 390 Duke has become even more aggressive to look and ride. The design of the new model might not appeal to everyone, especially with the loud colour combinations. Additionally, the rear-set footpegs and front-set handlebar provide an aggressive riding position that is not suitable for every rider.

Expensive Than Ever

No doubt that the build quality, engine, character, and technology have improved on the new bike, but all of it comes with a steep cost. The first-gen Duke became popular due to its value-for-money nature, but, the latest generation has lost this tag. It is a fairly expensive bike when compared to the rivals, and at Rs 3.10 lakh ex-showroom, we feel there are equivalent options available at a lower price.

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