Next-gen KTM 390 Duke leaked ahead of launch, major changes incoming

Spy shots of the next-gen KTM 390 Duke have been circulating for quite some time, and now, the production-spec bike has been spied ahead of its launch. This generational change will mark the first time the bike gets a drastic overhaul since the BS4 iteration came out in 2017.

1. New engine casing, revised exhaust routing indicate major updates
2. New colour similar to the 1290 Super Duke R
3. TFT dash, switchgear is all-new

Next-gen KTM 390 Duke spied: what can be seen?

As we have reported earlier, the engine on the bike is due for a comprehensive update and the next-gen KTM 390 Duke gets a new engine casing design, revised exhaust routing, an O2-sensor – now located on the exhaust header pipe – and a relocated coolant reservoir. It remains to be seen whether the current 373cc engine receives a comprehensive overhaul or receives a bump up in displacement.

Another major change is the presence of an adjustable front fork (visible through adjusters on the fork caps), which might finally mean that the 390 Duke will get adjustable suspension. Conversely, the bike that has been spied here could be an export-spec model, since the smaller-capacity KTM bikes are manufactured right here in India. It remains to be seen whether KTM India will offer adjustable suspension on the new 390 Duke, even as an option.

The offset monoshock could also feature some level of adjustability, likely rebound and preload, since the current RC 390 features a similar-spec monoshock.

The braking hardware is also all-new, and, for the first time on a sub-400cc KTM model, the caliper and disc are positioned on the right hand side instead of the left. The caliper is mounted directly on the cast alloy wheel, a la the updated RC 390.

The biggest change visually to the bike is in the design language and the 1290 Super Duke R-inspired colour scheme, which for the first time, adds blue to the colour palette of the 390 Duke (following in the footsteps of the 390 Adventure and RC 390). 

The tank extensions have cut-outs, which enhances the edgy design of the bike and the tank itself appears to be different, which could mean the current bike’s 13.4-litre fuel capacity could change. The headlight unit itself appears to be different and it seems that the next-gen 390 Duke will miss out on the plastic shrouds that have been present on the LED headlight since 2017. The switchgear and the TFT dash are also brand-new units and with this update, the 390 Duke is expected to finally get an IMU, enabling cornering ABS and traction control, like its siblings.

While we can’t see the rear of the bike, going by the spy pics from before, it gets a new offset monoshock that’s mounted directly to the main frame. Although not visible here, another different component that’s been spied earlier is a reworked swingarm. 

Next-gen KTM 390 Duke price, India launch

Considering that the next-gen KTM 390 Duke is now production-ready, a launch is likely in the coming months. It remains to be seen whether the bike breaks cover first in international markets or on our shores. Historically, the KTM 390 Duke has always been launched in international markets followed shortly by an India launch. Keeping in mind the updates that are going to be made to the bike, the next-gen KTM 390 Duke will likely come with a higher price tag than its current asking price of Rs 2.97 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

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