Along with the 390, KTM has also revealed the new 250 and 125 Duke models.
Just a few hour prior to its global reveal, we have gotten a closer look into the all-new KTM Duke lineup. The most noteworthy change to the 390 Duke is its brand-new 399cc single-cylinder engine, although its output figures aren’t yet out. We’ll update this story as soon as they are.
Some technical details like peak output figures and the dimensions of these bikes are yet under wraps and we will update this story as soon as we get those.
- 390 gets all-new frame, engine, suspension, electronics
- All three get brand-new styling
- India-spec models likely to miss out on adjustable suspension, Michelin tyres
KTM 390 Duke, 250 Duke, 125 Duke: All-new underpinnings
The new 390 Duke’s engine has now seen a bump up in capacity to 399cc. Along with power and torque, the bore and stroke figures aren’t out either, but we won’t be surprised to see similar figures to the Triumph Speed 400. Although, beyond that point, this is likely to be an entirely different engine, which can be seen in the fact that the engine cases look different and that the chain is on the left side whereas it is on the right side on the Triumph.
This brand-new LC4C engine is nestled within an all-new steel trellis frame. Instead of the steel trellis subframe seen on the current 390 Duke, this new 2024 model uses a die-cast aluminium subframe, which is similar to the 790/890 Duke as well as the 1290 Superduke R. Other big changes to the chassis include an all-new curved aluminium swingarm to which is mounted the offset monoshock. This has been done to make more space for the larger airbox as well as the catalytic converter.
The international model is suspended on WP suspension units, with the fork being adjustable for compression and rebound, and the new offset monoshock for rebound and preload. Whether this adjustability makes it to the Indian model remains to be seen.
Even the wheels on these new models are lighter and are derived from the new-age KTM RC lineup. And like the new RC range, the brake rotors are mounted directly onto the wheels and have been moved to the right now. KTM is serious about keeping the weight of the new Duke range in check, and the footpeg hangers are made of forged aluminium. We’ll update this story with the correct weight figure when KTM releases the number.
While the international bikes are seen running Michelin tyres, the India-spec models will likely run on locally sourced MRF/Apollo rubber (like the new Triumph Speed 400) to keep costs in check.
KTM 390 Duke, 250 Duke, 125 Duke: electronics
The 390 Duke gets an all-new 5-inch colour TFT dash and for the first time gets riding modes. Rain, Street and Track are the three riding modes on offer and each mode progressively sharpens the power delivery. One neat trick the new 390 Duke now packs in is that it now gets Launch Control which can be accessed only in Track mode. This builds the revs to 7,000rpm and allows you to launch the bike as fast as you dare. Once it is launched, expect the 390 Duke to be the most affordable bike to pack in this feature.
While the international 125 Duke gets a TFT dash, the India-spec bike will likely ship with the same 5-inch LCD dash that is on the new-gen 250 Duke. All three models get Bluetooth connectivity which allows the rider to control music playback, access turn-by-turn navigation and take calls via the KTM app. To account for all these new features, KTM has given all these bikes brand-new switchgear, with the controls for the dash on the left hand switch cube. There is also a hazard light switch present on the left hand switch cube on all three bikes.
KTM 390 Duke, 250 Duke, 125 Duke: design
All three bikes sport an all-new, very edgy design language and each bike is available in two colours. This also marks a return for the underbelly exhaust for the 390 Duke, for the first time since the BS4 model came out in 2017.
The design is typical in-your-face KTM with loud colours and plenty of orange everywhere but the 390 has a unique styling cue that separates it from the other two. The LED DRL ‘eyebrow’ flanking the LED headlight is unique only to the 390 Duke, where the other two get a colour-matched plastic piece.
Vital statistics like power, torque and weight are not yet out for the 250 and 125 Dukes, and those will be added to this story as soon as they are out.
KTM 390 Duke, 250 Duke, 125 Duke: price, India launch
Currently, the 125 Duke, 250 Duke and 390 Duke are priced at Rs 1,78,892, Rs 2,38,221 and Rs 2,97,475, respectively. Considering the vast amount of changes that have taken place to the three models, expect to see a fair bump up in price to reflect the same, unless Bajaj pulls off a similar shocker as it did with the Speed 400’s price.
Considering that the new-age KTMs are being shown officially to the world tonight, expect them to make their way to India in the next few months.
All prices mentioned are ex-showroom, Delhi.
What do you think about these new Dukes? Would you pick them over the Speed 400? Has KTM made the styling too edgy? What price point do you think they will be positioned at? Let us know all this and any other questions you have in the comments section below.
