New KTM 390 Duke launched at Rs 3.11 lakh, bookings open

KTM has launched the Gen 3 390 Duke in India, priced at Rs 3,10,520 (ex-showroom, Delhi). This makes it about Rs 13,000 more expensive than the bike it replaces, which is still listed at Rs 2,97,475 on the KTM India website.

1. New KTM 390 Duke gets all-new 399cc, 45hp, 39Nm engine
2. New frame, offset monoshock, lighter wheels and brakes
3. Electronics package now includes track mode, launch control
4. Bookings open now, deliveries by mid-September

KTM has adopted a – as the company calls it – “no clickbait, no bullshit” marketing campaign for these next-gen Dukes. There have been no teasers or promo videos to build hype; KTM has just been dryly putting information out there. It was the same when the global unveiling happened on August 22, and it’s the same today with the price announcement.

Gen 3 KTM 390 Duke engine and chassis

There is a great deal that’s new on this next-gen 390 Duke – it’s an all-new and now larger motor, displacing 399cc and pumping out 45hp and 39Nm (1.5hp and 2Nm more than before). This engine is housed in a completely new trellis frame that now features an aluminium sub-frame and all-new suspension – a revised upside-down fork and a new offset monoshock attaching to a redesigned swingarm.

The big news here is that the India-spec motorcycle does now get the full extent of suspension adjustability, whereas in the past it missed out compared to the overseas version. What this means is that the front fork can be adjusted for compression and rebound damping, while the monshock features rebound and preload adjustability.

Gen 3 KTM 390 Duke design and features

Then there’s the updates to the styling and the features. These new tank extensions and the redone headlight region might not be to everyone’s tastes, but the additional features being offered here are sure to please the majority. You now get three riding modes: Rain, Street and Track, each one offering sharper power delivery than the last. The latter also throws in launch control, and traction control is now standard. As with the outgoing machine, this new 390 Duke also packs in cornering ABS and a bi-directional quickshifter.

Gen 3 KTM 390 Duke pricing and rivals

With all this taken into account, the Rs 13,000 price hike for this updated Duke actually seems very reasonable, and Rs 3.11 lakh seems like a fair price to pay. That said, it is a good deal more expensive than the recently launched TVS Apache RTR 310 (Rs 2.43 lakh to 2.64 lakh), which can’t quite match the performance levels of the KTM, but does bring in some unique features. You can read our comprehensive review of the new RTR here. 

Gen 3 KTM 250 Duke launched at Rs 2.39 lakh

In addition to the new 390, KTM has also launched the updated 250 Duke. Like its larger sibling, it also gets a new trellis frame, aluminium sub-frame, suspension, wheels and brakes. It’s also been treated to the updated styling, and looks very much like the 390. However, it continues with the same 249cc engine that has been serving it since its inception. Priced at Rs 2,39,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), this updated bike is a mere Rs 779 more expensive than before.

Bookings for both new bikes are now open on the KTM India website for an amount of Rs 4,500, and the company says that the pair will reach showrooms by mid-September.