In 6 Pics: 2023 KTM 390 Duke Is Ready To Race

The next generation 2023 KTM 390 Duke has been in the works for sometime now. We’ve watched it slowly take to its production ready avatar over the last year or so, but this is its first unmasked sighting in motion. Here are its key highlights in seven pics:

The most distinct change in this next-generation KTM 390 Duke is its design, and there’s no escaping it, it looks amazing! The motorcycle looks beefier and visibly more muscular than the current Dukes. What’s helping are new tank extensions and a completely redesigned rear end.

Another striking change is the new LED headlight with redesigned DRLs and new T-shaped tail light which could be shared across the board on all future Dukes. Even the rear view mirror stems have been redone and they appear wider. This could help with better visibility than before. 

The split seat design has been reworked and the rider seat appears to be girded by a new plastic frame which looks pretty cool. The new handlebar and seat setup appears to offer a more relaxed and upright riding stance. 

In terms of hardware, this new 390 Duke gets an all-new steel trellis with aluminum subframe and a new aluminum gullwing swingarm. While the WP Apex fork is expected to be compression and rebound adjustable, the new off-set monoshock may offer preload and rebound adjustable. 

Brakes and wheels are familiar, these are the same as what we have seen on the new RC 390. This new setup has helped KTM keep the unsprung mass in check helping in overall agility.

Not to forget there will be an update to the 390 Duke’s electronics package. The new 390 Duke will likely get cornering ABS, two ride modes (sport + urban) and a reworked traction control system like on the 390 Adventure.  One big thing we are all hopeful for is finally getting navigation on new TFT console. Fingers crossed!

Finally, speaking of performance. We have all been hoping that this next generation KTM 390 Duke ushers in the new 399cc engine which is rumored to be in the works. While we do not expect the current power figures (43.5PS and 37Nm) to change, the bigger displacement will certainly help with tractability and refinement without compromising its A2 friendliness. 

What are your thoughts on this next generation KTM 390 Duke, you think it’ll be better and meaner than before? Well for now all we can do is wait and watch because it's highly likely that KTM will debut the motorcycle at EICMA this year and follow it with a launch soon after. KTM could price this motorcycle closer to the Rs 3.20 lakh mark, nearly Rs 20-25k more than the current generation 390 Duke which is priced at Rs 2.96 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).   

Source