KTM has once again raised the bar in the performance bike segment with the new Duke 390. Known for its aggressive stance, thrilling performance, and premium technology, the 390 Duke blends style with substance like no other bike in its class. It is not just a motorcycle; it’s a complete package that excites every rider — from urban commuters to weekend tourers.
Powerful yet lightweight
The Duke 390 stands out with its lightweight trellis frame and powerful 398.7cc single-cylinder engine. The combination gives it a remarkable power-to-weight ratio, allowing effortless acceleration and sharp cornering. The engine churns out around 44.25 bhp and 39 Nm of torque, making it one of the most exciting machines to ride under the 500cc category. Its dry weight of just 168 kg means riders get unmatched agility with full control on tight city roads or open highways.
Head-turning design
The Duke 390 is a visual masterpiece. From its sharp tank extensions to its aggressive LED headlamp setup, it screams performance even when it’s standing still. The exposed orange-painted trellis frame, high-quality plastics, and minimalistic tail section add to its aggressive look. Every angle of the Duke reflects KTM’s racing DNA, and it turns heads wherever it goes.
Smart TFT display
One of the most attractive features of the KTM Duke 390 is its fully digital 5-inch TFT display. It offers turn-by-turn navigation, music control, incoming call alerts, and smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth. The display adjusts brightness automatically depending on ambient light and keeps riders informed with real-time updates like gear position, fuel consumption, ride modes, and more. It’s smart, intuitive, and perfect for tech-savvy riders.
Advanced ride modes
The latest Duke 390 now comes with multiple ride modes – Street and Rain – which help tailor the performance according to road conditions. The Rain mode softens throttle response and activates full traction control to ensure safety during wet conditions, while Street mode unleashes full engine performance for daily rides. These modes make the bike adaptive and safer, even for beginner riders.
Exceptional mileage
Despite its performance-focused setup, the KTM Duke 390 offers impressive fuel efficiency. On real-world roads, the bike delivers a mileage of around 30 to 35 kmpl, depending on riding style and conditions. With a fuel tank capacity of 15 liters, it offers a decent range for city commutes and highway touring without frequent fuel stops.
Cornering ABS and traction control
Riders get superior braking confidence thanks to the inclusion of Cornering ABS. This safety tech ensures that even while leaning into corners, the bike maintains its stability during emergency braking. KTM has also added lean-sensitive traction control, which prevents wheel spin and gives more grip during aggressive turns or sudden throttle inputs. It’s tech usually seen on high-end superbikes but now available on a 390cc machine.
Slipper clutch and quickshifter
KTM offers both a slipper clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter as standard in the Duke 390. The slipper clutch helps in smooth downshifting without wheel lock-up, especially useful during spirited riding. Meanwhile, the quickshifter enables clutch-less gear changes both up and down, enhancing acceleration and offering a race-bike-like experience on regular roads.
Adjustable suspension
The front USD forks and rear monoshock come with full adjustability for rebound and compression. This means you can fine-tune the bike according to your weight, riding style, or terrain. Whether you prefer stiff suspension for track rides or soft damping for daily use, the Duke gives full freedom to customize your ride quality.
Comfortable ergonomics
Despite its aggressive looks, the Duke 390 offers a surprisingly comfortable riding posture. The upright handlebar, well-cushioned split seat, and slightly rear-set foot pegs provide a perfect balance between sporty and relaxed ergonomics. Riders of various heights will find it easy to maneuver and ride for long durations without fatigue.
All-LED lighting
The bike comes equipped with all-LED lighting – headlamp, tail lamp, and turn indicators. The signature split LED headlight not only looks futuristic but also provides excellent illumination in dark conditions. The visibility and attention to detail in design reflect KTM’s commitment to premium quality in every component.
Touring-ready features
KTM Duke 390 isn’t just a street machine; it’s also equipped for touring. With good mileage, comfortable ergonomics, smartphone navigation, and an accessory-ready setup (for luggage and mobile holders), it becomes an ideal bike for weekend trips or long-distance adventures. Some users even modify it slightly with windshields and panniers to make it a compact touring beast.
Competitive pricing
Considering all the features and performance it offers, the Duke 390 is priced quite competitively. In the UK market, its price starts around £5,500, while in India, it’s available near ₹3.2 lakh (ex-showroom). Compared to its rivals like the BMW G 310 R or the TVS Apache RR 310, the Duke offers superior electronics and performance at a similar or even better value.
Ideal for new and experienced riders
Whether you’re a beginner stepping into performance bikes or an experienced rider looking for an agile machine for daily and weekend thrills, the Duke 390 checks all boxes. Its electronics package ensures safety and support, while the engine performance delivers a rewarding riding experience.
Regular updates from KTM
KTM continues to update the Duke lineup with timely upgrades. The latest model comes with revised engine internals for better heat management and emissions control, improved throttle mapping, and chassis tweaks for enhanced balance. KTM’s active community and widespread service network also make ownership experience reliable.
Strong community support
One of the major benefits of owning a Duke 390 is the growing KTM community. From weekend rides to touring clubs and online rider groups, there’s a strong base of passionate owners who share advice, upgrades, and support. It’s not just about riding the bike; it’s about being part of a movement.
Final thoughts
The KTM Duke 390 is not just another motorcycle in the sub-500cc category. It’s a perfect combination of bold design, cutting-edge technology, high performance, and practicality. Whether you ride through city traffic, cruise on highways, or corner on mountain roads, this beast delivers an unmatched thrill. For the price it demands, it offers features and tech found in much bigger and costlier bikes.
If you’re searching for a bike that turns heads, performs like a monster, and still manages to be fuel-efficient and smart, the KTM Duke 390 might just be your next perfect ride.