KTM 390 Duke 2024 Test

It's no surprise that KTM has chosen to unveil the 390 Duke in Andalusia. The stunning coastline and picturesque mountain roads around Almería provide the perfect setting for unforgettable rides on a naked bike. This region in southern Spain not only boasts a captivating blend of historical charm and modern sophistication, but also offers a plethora of scenic wonders that truly enhance the riding experience of the 390 Duke. From the awe-inspiring coastal roads of the Mediterranean to the twisty passes of the Sierra de Alhamilla, the route has been meticulously planned for you, as always, with Calimoto.

KTM's A2 bikes are considered top-tier in their class, and the new 390 Duke is a prime example of this. It surpasses the previous standard effortlessly, boasting a magnificent 5-inch TFT display with elegant animations, a fully adjustable chassis, a quickshifter, and backlit switch units. For a detailed overview of the entire equipment, please refer to the detailed presentation report on the 390 Duke. This report will primarily focus on the test ride experience.

When KTM introduced the initial KTM Duke in 1994, it was equipped with a 609 cc single cylinder engine producing 50 hp. The first street bike from Mattighofen, adapted from the off-road models of the Orange brand, weighed 168 kg with a full tank, was a rugged performer, and didn't exactly fly off the shelves like the current Duke series. Nonetheless, it marked a significant milestone that paved the way for the brand's growth over the past three decades.

Featuring 45 horsepower from 399 cubic centimeters, the latest KTM Naked Bike, the entry-level Duke (excluding the 125cc for now), closely rivals the original 620cc Duke. Weighing in at 165 kg ready to ride, it even trims down 3 kilograms from the original Duke. Furthermore, it now offers two riding modes - Street and Rain, a quickshifter, cornering ABS, and lean angle-dependent traction control. These are advancements that were beyond imagination back in 1994, across all vehicle categories.

In real-world riding, the 390 Duke's responsive, close-ratio transmission shines. The bump in displacement has definitely improved the model, however, it's still necessary to keep the single-cylinder engine revved up to access its power. Shifting gears is a must, but the smooth 6-speed gearbox makes it a breeze. While the optional quickshifter may not be KTM's top-of-the-line offering, it performs reliably and, at least during our test ride, without any issues.

The performance of the engine on the KTM Naked Bike is impressive, especially considering it is a single cylinder. The bike's compliance with the stringent Euro 5+ standard is clear with the pre-silencers and catalytic converters located beneath the engine. The underfloor silencer is subtle, producing a discreet sound that is not overpowering. Even with the optional Remus slip-on exhaust installed on the test model, the sound remains unobtrusive. One positive aspect is the smoother power delivery in Rain mode compared to Street mode, making it more beginner-friendly in challenging riding conditions.

The chassis of the new KTM Naked Bike has seen significant improvements over the previous model. It now boasts a 43 mm WP-APEX open cartridge USD fork with 5-way adjustment for rebound and compression, along with a split-piston monoshock that has adjustable rebound and preload. These upgrades place it well above its competitors in terms of adaptability to the rider's preferences. The fork's suspension travel has been extended from 142 mm to 150 mm, matching the rear shock's suspension travel.

In practical terms, the five levels of adjustability prove to be the ideal choice; each click results in a noticeable difference. A more intricate setup would likely be excessive for the majority of riders. The configuration is also suitable for individuals with a higher body weight. The suspension truly exceeds expectations for an A2 bike, with the basic setup striking a successful balance between sportiness and comfort. When riding with a passenger, you may find the limits are reached more quickly, although we were unable to confirm this during our test. As we pushed the little Duke to its limits, it became evident that it can also be overwhelmed. The disparity with the 990 Duke, which is €9000 more expensive and which we had the opportunity to test the following day, was unmistakable. It's an unfair comparison, as mentioned, but a glaring one given the circumstances of the test.

KTM has implemented major updates to the chassis of the Naked Bike. The new triple clamp is accompanied by a redesigned frame and a curved, lightweight swingarm. These new components enhance the stability of the 390 Duke when riding. I will discuss the ergonomic benefits of the shock absorber placement, which has allowed for a lower seat height, later on. Visually, these changes represent a successful advancement that complements the aggressive design of the new 390 Duke.

The new KTM Naked Bike offers a premium look in the A2 class. This is evident from the stylish mirrors to the newly designed switch unit on the left handlebar end. The backlit buttons provide a high-quality tactile feel, allowing for intuitive operation of various settings, such as activating the Super-Moto ABS, without the need for constant visual attention. The overall finish, including paintwork, decals, and materials used, exudes quality. The 390 Duke showcases a level of craftsmanship that surpasses its predecessors. KTM has truly elevated its standards in terms of quality with the 390 Duke, putting it on par with, if not ahead of, its competitors!

The tire dimensions - a 110 in the front and a 150 in the rear - promise plenty of agility, and the KTM Naked Bike certainly delivers on that front! Surprisingly, the top-of-the-line Michelin Power 6 is used as the stock tire. It's worth noting that this is the version of the sporty road tire made in Thailand, due to logistical reasons. The compound remains the same, and no other shortcomings were observed during the test ride. It's great to see that KTM is providing entry-level riders with a premium product, rather than opting for a cheaper, lower-performing alternative for cost-saving reasons. A high-quality tire can make all the difference in challenging situations.

In comparison to its predecessor, the KTM Naked Bike has lighter rims, which were borrowed from the super-sporty RC390 model. This change also led to the relocation of the single front brake disk to the right-hand side. The braking performance of the bike is satisfactory for its class, but I would argue that the braking performance within the engine - chassis - suspension - brake system is its weakest aspect.

Now we reach the point where KTM had the most room for improvement. The previous 390 model was a bike that maintained many of the strengths that the current 390 Duke still possesses. For taller riders, longer rides in particular were a challenge due to the limited space. A 10 mm reduction in seat height on the 2024 390 Duke to a seat height of 820 mm, with an optional lower seat available at just 800 mm, made me concerned during the preparations. Has it now become even more compact?

After testing it out, I can confidently say that even at 1.87 meters tall, the KTM 390 Duke is a fantastic ride. Whether I resemble the classic "monkey on a grindstone" while on the bike is up for debate. What's certain is that I've never felt more at ease on a 390 Duke than on this one. KTM has successfully made the A2 naked bike appealing to a broader audience, as the previously high seat height of 830 mm deterred some from considering the Duke. The pillion seat has also been enlarged, making it feasible to carry a passenger comfortably.

The handlebar width and the steel tank, now increased to a capacity of 15 liters, give the 2024 version of the KTM Naked Bike a more mature look. The knee grip is improved compared to its super-slim predecessor, allowing for better contact with the bike using your thigh. With a low fuel consumption of just 3.4 liters per 100 km, the larger tank provides a range of 400 km even at higher speeds. During KTM presentations in the mountains of southern Spain, where full throttle is common, a range of 300 km is easily achievable.

Now let's talk about the flip side, or more neutrally, the result of these new advancements, enhancements, and features. The price is 6,999 euros in Austria, 6,299 euros in Germany, and 6,990 CHF in Switzerland. It's a substantial amount for an A2 motorcycle. However, you're getting a lot here that you won't find in others, so your wallet may open up after just a few test rides. If the weather allows, you can take it for a spin now. The KTM Naked Bike 390 Duke 2024 is already on the market!