New KTM 390 Duke revealed, gets bigger 398cc engine

1. 390 Duke gets all-new frame, engine, suspension, electronics
2. All three get brand new styling
3. Indian models could miss adjustable suspension, Michelin tyres

KTM 390 Duke, 250 Duke, 125 Duke: all-new underpinnings

This brand-new LC4C engine is nestled within an all-new steel trellis frame. Instead of the steel trellis sub-frame seen on the current 390 Duke, this new 2024 model uses a die-cast aluminium sub-frame, which is similar to the 790/890 Duke as well as the 1290 Superduke R. Other big changes to the chassis include an all-new curved aluminium swingarm, which gets an offset-mounted monoshock. This has been done to make more space for the larger airbox as well as the catalytic converter.

The international model is suspended on WP suspension units, with the fork being adjustable for compression and rebound, and the new offset monoshock for rebound and preload. However, it remains to be seen if this adjustability makes it to the Indian model.

Even the wheels on these new models are lighter and are derived from the new-age KTM RC line-up. And like the new RC range, the brake rotors are mounted directly onto the wheels and have been moved to the right now. KTM is serious about keeping the weight of the new Duke range in check, and the foot peg hangers are made of forged aluminium. The release only mentions weight (without fuel) for all models. The 250 and 390 Dukes weigh an identical 165kg, while the smaller 125 Duke weighs 154kg.

While the international bikes are seen running Michelin tyres, the India-spec models will likely run on locally sourced MRF/Apollo rubber (like the new Triumph Speed 400) to keep costs in check.

KTM 390 Duke, 250 Duke, 125 Duke: electronics

The 390 Duke gets an all-new 5-inch colour TFT dash. It gets three riding modes – Rain, Street and Track – and each mode progressively sharpens the power delivery. One neat trick the new 390 Duke packs in is Launch Control, which can be accessed only in Track mode. This builds the revs to 7,000rpm and allows you to launch the bike as fast as you dare. We expect the 390 Duke to be the most affordable bike to pack in this feature once the bike’s prices are announced.

While the international 125 Duke gets a TFT dash, the India-spec bike will likely ship with the same 5-inch LCD dash that is on the new-gen 250 Duke. All three models get Bluetooth connectivity, which allows the rider to control music playback, access turn-by-turn navigation and take calls via the KTM app. To account for all these new features – and a hazard light switch – KTM has given all these bikes brand-new switchgear, with controls for the same on the left hand switch cube.

KTM 390 Duke, 250 Duke, 125 Duke: design

All three bikes sport an all-new, very edgy design language and are available in two colours each. This also marks a return of the underbelly exhaust for the 390 Duke for the first time since the BS4 model came out in 2017.

The design is typical in-your-face KTM with loud colours and plenty of orange everywhere, but the 390 has a unique styling cue that separates it from the other two. The LED DRL ‘eyebrow’ flanking the LED headlight is unique only to the 390 Duke, where the other two get a colour-matched plastic piece.

Vital statistics like weight and fuel capacity are not yet out for the new Dukes yet, and we’ll update these too as soon as they are out.

KTM 390 Duke, 250 Duke, 125 Duke: price, India launch

Currently, the 125 Duke, 250 Duke and 390 Duke are priced at Rs 1,78,892, Rs 2,38,221 and Rs 2,97,475, respectively. Considering the vast amount of changes to the three models, expect to see a fair bump up in price to reflect the same, unless Bajaj pulls off a shocker as it did with the Speed 400’s price. The new-age KTMs could make their way to India in the next few months.

All prices mentioned are ex-showroom, Delhi. 

What are your thoughts on the new Dukes, and would you pick them over the Speed 400? Let us know in the comments section below.