This month, we at AutoBidMaster are happy to feature an article by Punya Sharma. He has written hundreds of articles for many automotive publications including TopSpeed. Please enjoy!
For the last nine years, the KTM 390 Duke has served as an epic prospect in the entry-level naked segment. And for its 10th birthday next year, Team Orange has a big update in store for it. This overhauled MY24 Duke has now been spotted testing in a production-ready avatar near KTM’s headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria, which reveals some noteworthy details. To jog your memory, the current-gen 390 came out way back in 2017 and has only received minor tweaks in the last six years.
What’s New On The 2024 KTM 390 Duke?
The most notable update here is the streetfighter’s new design. It appears beefier than ever now, with much of the credit going to its all-new fascia and uber-edgy tank shrouds that extend beyond the forks–both inspired by KTM’s flagship 1290 Super Duke. At the rear, you now get a refreshed tail section, complete with a new T-shaped LED and aluminum subframe. You also get new, slimmer alloy wheels, likely borrowed from the new KTM RC 390. These aren’t as appealing as the current 10-spoke units, don’t you think?Like the design, the cockpit has a similar revamp. Gone is the rectangular TFT, and in comes KTM’s new squarish unit found on the 2023 890 Adventure. This not only has a new layout for better visibility, but we also expect smartphone connectivity, traction control, ride modes, and a bi-directional quickshifter, all as standard. New switchgear seems highly likely too, although the spy shots don’t show this.
The New KTM 390 Duke Has A Tweaked Powerhouse
Under all this, the 390 Duke has a single-cylinder powerhouse. It’s not the same 373cc mill, though, as we can spot different casings, a new header pipe, and an underbelly exhaust, unlike the side-mounted one present currently. This means the engine has different internals which hint at an increase in horsepower and engine capacity. We don’t expect it to breach the 50-HP mark, however, considering it currently produces 43 ponies at the crank.
As for underpinnings, the new model has an updated chassis, with a new subframe (as mentioned above) in place of the trellis unit. This is paired with an asymmetric swingarm, adjustable WP Apex upside-down forks, and a now-offset monoshock. You also get the RC 390-derived brakes and wheels, put in place to reduce unsprung mass. So the new Duke will be an even sharp handler by the looks of it. Its 330-pound dry weight will not change by much, though.
The New KTM 390 Duke Will Debut Soon
The spy shots show a near-ready motorcycle, equipped with all road-legal components (mirrors, number plate mounts, fenders, stickers), so the new 390 Duke’s launch seems imminent. KTM will likely introduce it in the next couple of months, followed by an Indian and European launch. Post this, we can expect it to hit the American market by late 2023 or early 2024, at an over $6,000 MSRP. For reference, it currently retails at $5,899, $500 more than its arch-rival the Kawasaki Z400. Would you buy it at this price point? Let us know in the comments.
Summing Up
KTM’s announcement of a new 390 Duke has created a buzz among motorcycle enthusiasts, with many eagerly anticipating its release. With improved power, handling, and technology, the new 390 Duke is expected to be a worthy competitor to the Kawasaki Z400. While we may have to wait a bit longer to see the official specs and release date, the upcoming 390 Duke is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the sportbike market.
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