2017 KTM Duke 390 review, test ride

The new 390 Duke looks meaner than before and is more manageable with major upgrades in features and equipment.

Published on Mar 10, 2017 06:40:00 PM

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Features and equipment

The 390 Duke receives a major upgrade in equipment and features. First up is that large colour TFT screen up front that displays a wealth of information and allows riders to change a variety of settings and sync their smartphones for phone call and audio controls. The menus can be toggled using buttons on the left switchgear. The screen is also light-adaptive, in the sense that it will adjust the brightness and colours of the screen to match the ambient light conditions. Even more uniquely, when in daylight running lamps (DRL) mode, it will switch the headlamp on if it senses poor ambient light conditions. The lights are bright, visible from a distance, whereas the DRLs are attractive and distinctive.

Additionally, the 390 Duke now gets adjustable brake and clutch levers to adapt to various gloves and rider hand sizes. The knuckle guards have been carried over from the previous 390 Duke. There is also a new suspension guard for the rear monoshock, a small piece of protective plastic to shield the suspension from mud, gravel and other foreign materials.

Should I buy one?

The 2017 390 Duke is yet another phenomenal bike from KTM. It really resets the rules for what can be achieved from a single-cylinder engine. It is explosive to ride, razor sharp in terms of handling, comfortable for longer stints in the saddle, decked to the brim with equipment and features and striking to look at. And with the inclusion of ride-by-wire and stronger brakes, it is more manageable than ever. And while, at Rs 2,25,730 (ex-showroom, Delhi), it does cost a bit more than its predecessor, few, if any, will disagree that you get so much more for that extra buck.

However, there is one important caveat – the 2017 390 Duke is just not as raw and manic as its predecessor. While the fact that it is more manageable will considerably widen its appeal and make it generally more usable, those who enjoyed the I-will-bite-your-head-off attitude of the older 390 will certainly find it in short supply.