2017 KTM Duke 390 Review and Video

KTM is a brand which has become immensely popular in India within a short span of time. Hardly any other motorcycle maker has seen this kind of success. KTM is in a commanding position in the Indian bike market. It also is an aspirational brand that almost every youngster wants to his hands on. For a sub-5 lakh bike, this offers great performance and technology. While the earlier KTM Duke 390 set a new benchmark, the 2017 KTM Duke 390 takes it several notches higher.

The Duke 390 looks radically different from the earlier version. It takes its inspiration from larger Dukes. The bike looks sleek and also larger than the earlier one. It features split headlamps, daytime running LEDs, LED taillamp, TFT screen which make it much more premium now. A new suspension setup has transformed the bikes handling characteristics. Some of the features too are first time ones in the industry.

The same 393cc engine continues to be offered on the Duke 390. The engine now meets BSIV norms The power and torque figures remain the same. The gearbox is also the same six-speed unit. The bike now also comes with Ride-by-Wire technology and also a slipper clutch. How good is the 2017 KTM Duke 390? Read further for our detailed review.

2017 KTM Duke 390 Video

2017 KTM Duke 390 Price in India

The 2017 KTM Duke 390 now costs more than earlier. This is mainly due to the new chassis, BS-IV upgrade and new features like the TFT screen.  This bike is full made in India hence localization levels are very high, this gives it a price advantage. This gives a lot of leverage to the company to price it competitively. The bike has been priced at INR 2.5 lakhs (on-road, New Delhi).

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2017 KTM Duke 390 Specifications

2017 KTM Duke 390 Dimensions

2017 KTM Duke 390 Features

Key Features

• TFT Screen
• Ride-by-Wire
• Slipper Clutch
• Open cartridge USD front forks
• Dual channel ABS
• Side slung exhaust
• Split LED headlamp
• LED taillamp
• Larger steel fuel tank

The 2017 KTM Duke comes with new features. KTM has taken a big leap and introduced a TFT screen as the instrument pod. This feature is seen only on bikes costing beyond INR 10 lakhs. Also, only a few of them have it even in higher segments. The screen has tell tale lamps on one side and the speedo and tacho on the other side. As you rev more, the tacho indicator changes its colour, to indicate higher RPMs. The digital speedo display increases in size as speeds increase, thereby warning the rider of higher speeds which are visible clearly.

2017 KTM Duke 390 Top Speed

2017 KTM Duke 390 0-100

There are controls for the trip meters, time and date as well. You can connect bluetooth and audio by pairing your smart phone and it allows you to control music and calls via a toggle switch on the left switchgear.  The TFT screen is adaptive and adjusts its brightness as the the light conditions. This is an awesome feature, to say the least. The bike does on have navigation, currently, however, this can be added later on, as the system is ready for it. The new KTM Duke 390 has taken several leaps and now the competition needs to do the catching up.

The bike also gets a slipper clutch, ride-by-wire technology and also rear disc brakes. It has a slide slung exhaust now and split headlamps which are LEDs.

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2017 KTM Duke 390 Design

The first thing you notice on the 2017 KTM Duke 390 is the new headlamp. This a split design one and is inspired by the Super Duke 1290. The new Duke 390 is a very attractive bike, much more than the earlier model. There are daytime running LEDs on the headlamp. The bike looks sportier coz of the darker orange colour and the stylish body graphics. The graphics are new on the bike and and so is the  branding. The fuel tank is now a metal one.

The chassis of the New Duke 390 is all new. It is a more robust one and offers much improved ride and handling. The wheelbase of the new Duke 390 is shorter by 10mm, this is due to the new chassis. With all the new styling, the bike is a real looker and can make heads turn wherever it goes.

The bike also gets new mirrors and these are now wider and have a better field of vision. The seat is all new and has much better cushioning and is also wider. This has increased the comfort quotient of the bike. The side slung exhaust also adds to the more powerful look of the bike and sounds good too with a deeper note.

2017 KTM Duke Engine

The 2017 KTM Duke 390 is power by a 373cc engine. It delivers 43bhp and has 37Nm of torque. The torque has now increased by 2Nm and the power remains the same. This egnine is the same as the earlier model but now comes with BSIV norms. There are few tweaks done to the engine. The grab is the same six-speed unit.

The bike also gets a slipper clutch for better control and even Ride by Wire technology which enhances throttle response. There is a side slung exhaust, which makes the bike sound different. The note of the 2017 KTM Duke 390 is now deeper and more refined, also easy on the ears. We like it.

The top speed of the 2017 KTM Duke 390 remains similar to the earlier model. We managed a top speed of 160km/hr on the test track. Triple digit figures set in very quickly for the 2017 KTM Duke 390.
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0-100km/h takes about 5.6 seconds.

The weight has increased due to addition of the new exhaust, a stronger chassis too.
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But then the performance has been bumped up for similar acceleration. The throttle response is much better now. The power that it produces now is more linear than before. It is even better to ride in the city.

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2017 KTM Duke Ride and Handling

The 2017 KTM Duke 390 is the same in terms of performance. In fact now it has better rideability. With the added torque that sets in earlier, the bike is more maneuverable and even more fun to ride. Also, with the updated chassis and the open cartridge upside down forks, it handles much better too. The ride is better now and the new seat plays a vital role in enhancing the comfort level. The foot pegs are now placed slightly higher and also pushed back. The 2017 KTM Duke 390 is a pleasure to make it dive into corners and it urges you to push it more.

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2017 KTM Duke 390 Safety Features

The 2017 KTM Duke 390 comes with Bosch 9MB dual-channel ABS. The front disc brake is the same four-piston radial fixed caliper one with a 320mm disc. The rear brake is a single-piston floating calliper with 230mm disc.

  There is a slipper clutch too. 

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2017 KTM Duke 390 Mileage

In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2017 KTM Duke 390 returns about 35 km/l on the highway and about 28 km/l in the city. The mileage is similar as before. With BS-IV, we could expect a reduction. As mileage isn’t the main criteria for a KTM rider, the primary focus is on performance.

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2017 KTM Duke 390 Competition

KTM is targeting the upcoming BMW G310R, TVS Akula 310 and even the twin-cylinder Benellis as well. The Duke 390 is in a league of its own. KTM is one of the highest selling bike in this segment, however it now that the segment is growing. The company is looking at adding more and more updates to make the it competitive and retain its market share.
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Verdict

The 2017 KTM Duke 390 is more expensive now. However, with the addition of new features like a new chassis, the TFT screen, open cartridge USD forks, Ride-By-Wire, slipper clutch and even the side slung exhaust, the bike is still good value for money. Its performance makes it beat even bigger machines in acceleration and top speed. The improved riding dynamics make the 2017 KTM Duke 390 a fantastic package to consider. It is difficult to get this much at this price.

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