KTM 390 Duke review, test ride

KTM is providing a larger size radiator for the 390 in India, to safeguard the engine from excess heat. 

 

The 390 exhaust note is rorty, baritone and best served with a good helping of high revs. The new engine is impressive, always feeling smooth, vibe free and willing to rev. 

 

The 390 Duke is held together by a steel trellis frame. Its riding position is back upright, but still sporty as your legs bend below the knees, similar to as on the 200. There’s enough space for even taller riders to move around in the firm feeling riding saddle. Chunky 43mm upside-down front forks are standard, as are an adjustable monoshock and alluminium alloy swingarm. Ride quality on the European spec bike we rode felt taut, aiding the chassis as it delivered quick, sharp handling, although it’s confirmed the Indian spec bike has slightly softer suspension, so offering improved comfort over our scarred roads. The 390 Duke feels nice and light to handle, always commendably stable and responding swiftly to steering inputs and weight shifts. This new KTM likes going round corners, and does so with a neutral, confident air. This isn’t the most forgiving of motorcycles however, and deserves some respect, especially for riders who are new to this level of performance, as hasn’t yet been so readily available in India. 

 

Low-profile, tubeless Metzeler radial tyres will be standard on the India bike, these working to provide tenacious grip throughout our extensive, fast ride. Speaking of safety, the 390 comes with a four-pot, radial mounted single 300mm rotor disc in front and 230mm disc brake at rear, plus ABS. The Bosch 9MB, twin channel ABS braking system worked like a dream throughout our ride, barely intruding on brake feel ever but working smoothly, only when required, to swiftly react and make the perfect amendments for any excess braking, or poor road conditions. ABS can also be switched off, via a button on the instruments panel. Unlike the 200 Duke, on the 390 KTM has ensured the adjustable rear brake pedal is now more accessibly positioned.