KTM 390 Duke review, test ride

Hot on the heels of their successful Indian debut with the 200 Duke in 2012, KTM and Bajaj Probiking are all set to launch their second motorcycle in India, the 390 Duke. This is the first KTM ever to be sold in all 76 markets KTM today has a presence in. The big-single 390 is a naked, road going streetbike, produced at Bajaj's Chakan facility on the outskirts of Pune, India. Like the 200 Duke, the sporty 390 promises a lot on paper, with a star studded spec list, but what does it feel like on the road? And what better place to bring you this initial impression from, than behind the dashing looking 390's handlebars on top class roads around Salzburg, Austria, KTM's home turf.  

 

The 390 Duke shares a lot with the 200 Duke. New colours tell the two bikes apart and there’s a bit more visual mass on the 390. The 390 is compact for its class, yet looks purposeful. The 390 Duke shows off the same sporty KTM 'ready to race' DNA as the 200, being a flamboyant, edgy and aggressive looking machine with an unashamedly modern air.