2018 KTM 390 Duke
The original KTM 390 Duke was introduced internationally in 2013. Two years later, in final hit the American shores. From a spec perspective, the 390 Duke seems underwhelming as we are used to big placement motorcycles here to take advantage of our wide open highways. Here unfortunately, this bike would be considered a entry-level motorcycle. Whereas internationally, this would be a seasoned riders everyday motorcycle. One thing I have learned in my 22 year experience on two wheels, is that often times the smaller bikes, bring the biggest smiles.
To make it stand out overseas, but also to appeal the American taste, KTM needed a wow factor that you just don’t get from your Honda Rebel 250. They designed it after its bigger brother, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. Honestly, the whole Duke lineup carries similar design, but the new bolt-on exposed tail section tubular frame is visible on the 1290, 390, and 125. The 790, and 690 use a different tail frame.
The 390 Duke has its recognizable ready to race, naked street bike frame, six LED bulb headlight, with a show stopping aggressive styling. It has a mono rear shock and comes into colors; white with orange accents (my favorite), and orange.
Now for the spec.
The KTM team has been hard at work over the past few years. They have found a way to take an already good below 500cc class motorcycle, and turn it into arguably the best.
It features a fuel-injected single cylinder and twin overhead camshafts tied to a six-speed transmission capable of 43.5 horsepower. This is where the preconceived notion of “entry-level” is thrown around like its a bad word. But the thing to remember is that this bike only weighs 362 lbs. wet. Which means that it is more than capable of being put to the test. You also have the newly designed clutch. KTM says its slipper clutch “prevents annoying rear wheel chatter when braking sharply or decelerating – and gives the wheel just that bit of braking for a controlled rear wheel slide. The latter allows the clutch to be pulled and controlled with just one trigger-happy finger – which saves energy when riding”.
Making this mighty mouse stand out even more, is the premium grade parts not normally found on bikes of this class. Things such as forged aluminum pegs and shifters, 2 channel Bosch ABS and state of the art digital display. The display has all the features you can ever want right at your finger tips. If you want to disengage ABS brakes, say for a rear slide, then its easy to find on the display drop down menu. Riders can also link their phones to manage calls and music. It also self adjust brightest to its surroundings so no worries on being blinded by the 5.2 in display down a curvy back road at night.
As for comfort, it has a newly designed seat with a 32.7 seat height. The seat was designed for long ride comfort, while maintaining big bike race ready feel. The 3.5 gallon steel tank has knee cutouts like the cafe racers of old, allowing taller riders to feel more comfortable. You will also find inverted 43mm forks that cut down on the dreaded vibrations found on previous generations when at high speeds.
As you can see, this is not your typical entry level motorcycle. To call it entry-level would actually do it a disservice with so much packed into one motorcycle, one can’t but be at least intrigued. This is a class leading motorcycle that beginner and seasoned riders would enjoy. Couple that with a starting price of only $5,499, the 390 Duke will fit many people’s budget fairly easy.
If you are skeptical that this mighty 390 can bring a smile to your face, swing by your local RideNow KTM dealership and see what all the fuss is about.