All-new KTM 390 Duke : Special Preview!

The Bajaj-KTM combo has indeed given comprehensive thought to take the game a notch higher with a firm and determined approach in the fiercest of markets. They have carefully charted a course in the affordable performance motorcycle space in India rather than run ahead of themselves by jumping into the high end CBU fray. It’s a strategic policy that encompasses long-term benefits while raking in slow but steady short-term returns as the Pulsar and now the KTM 200 Duke have shown.

Building further on the fundamentals of affordable performance is the soon-to-be-launched KTM 390 Duke that packs in blazing performance, world class equipment, solid fit and finish and a 200 like radical exterior make-up wrapped up in an attractive price package. Expect the 390 Duke to be priced in the region of Rs 2 - 2.2 lakh (on-road) which is indeed an alluring price for a machine that makes a whopping 44PS of power at 9,500rpm and 35Nm of torque at 7,250rpm, weighing just 139kg (dry), translating to a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio of 316.5PS/tonne!

Though referred to as the 390, in line with KTM nomenclature policy, the bigger Duke for India will be powered by a 373.2cc water-cooled single-cylinder DOHC fuel-injected engine mated to a six-speed transmission. While the basic architecture of the motor remains similar to its younger sibling, it features all-new crankcases and also significant changes starting with an obvious increase in its bore into stroke of 89mm x 60mm equalled by a higher compression ratio of 12.5:1, as against the 11.5:1 of the 200 Duke. The 373.2cc engine is packaged inside the same ultra light trellis frame as employed on the 200 Duke, but on the 390 it is finished in trademark KTM orange unlike the black frame of the 200 Duke.

To handle the added bulk of the bigger motor, the chassis has been beefed up and reinforced while the suspension components provided by White Power aka WP, are also stiffened to take care of the increased performance and added weight. The wheelbase has been increased by 6mm, from 1,361mm on the 200 Duke to 1,367mm on the 390 Duke, while overall seat height is 10mm lower at 800mm compared to the 200 Duke’s 810mm saddle. Other change includes marginal increase in the fuel tank capacity with the bigger Duke now being able to hold 11 litres of petrol as against the 200 Duke’s 10.5 litres. We would have liked a larger tank for minimal refuelling stops, for more riding and less stopping!

On the outside though, the bigger Duke remains more or less unchanged running the same gorgeous and radical exterior make-up as the smaller 200. Noticeable changes include the bright trademark KTM orange paint for the trellis frame and new sticker/paint scheme screaming aloud the 390 Duke tag. While the international market product will feature ABS, it is still not known if ABS will be provided for India. Expect the 390 Duke (Read : KTM 390 photos, technical details updated) to hit Indian KTM dealerships by February.

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KTM 390 Duke Technical Specifications:

Type: 4-stroke Single cylinder liquid-cooled 4-valve DOHC
Engine capacity: 373.2cc
Bore x Stroke: 89 mm x 60 mm
Compression ratio: 12.5 : 1
Power: 44PS at 9,500rpm
Torque: 35Nm at 7,250rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
Starter: Electric
Wheelbase: 1,367mm
Ground clearance: 170mm
Seat height: 800mm
Weight: 139kg
Tank capacity: 11 litres
Brakes (Front): 300mm disc
Brakes (Rear): 230mm disc
Tyres (Front):  110/70 - R17
Tyres (Rear):  150/60 - R17