KTM 390 Duke New vs Old: Differences Explained

(Update: KTM has launched the 2024 390 Duke in India at a fantastic price! More about it in our launch story.) 

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke has been finally unveiled and it has substantial changes all around that make it completely different from the current-gen bike. But, what are the changes, though? Let’s have a look:

Design and Chassis:

The most obvious change that comes to mind while looking at the new 390 Duke is that it has somehow taken an already aggressive design to another level. The new metal tank is muscular and the tank extensions are much sharper compared to that of the current-gen 390 Duke. The shape of the tank extensions also enhances the mass-forward look compared to the existing Duke. 

The LED headlight is an all-new design with the DRLs now sitting on a separate floating panel around the headlight. The rear-end has been completely redesigned as well.

The design overhaul complements the heavily updated chassis. One of the major changes is the all-new steel trellis frame with the sub-frame now made of pressure die-cast aluminium and the new curved cast swingarm. As a result, the monoshock is now put in an offset position, allowing the positioning of the new under-belly exhaust.

 

This helps in better mass-centralisation. Compared to the current-gen Duke, KTM says the revised chassis has contributed to changes in the overall stiffness offering better feel and stability when pushed to the limits. Also, the current-gen Duke 390 gets a seat height of 822mm whereas the new-gen bike has a seat height of 820mm as standard. An 800mm high seat is also available as an option.

The current-gen Duke 390 has a kerb weight of 171kg. In the case of the 2024 390 Duke, KTM’s international website has the bike’s weight (without fuel) listed as 165kg. Also, the current-gen bike’s dry weight is listed as 150kg on the brand’s UK website.

Engine:

The 2024 390 Duke gets an all new bigger engine from the new LC4c range of power plants that power the next-gen 250 as well as 125 Duke. With a bore x stroke of 89mm x 64mm, the stroke is 4mm longer than the current-gen model. The 390 Duke has been known to be frantic with a not-so-great low-end grunt. But that could change thanks to the longer stroke, not to mention the higher displacement, which should ensure lesser stress on the engine. Also, with the new engine, the power and torque figures have gone up by 1.36PS and 2Nm. Also, the new bike gets an optimised cylinder head and gearbox, along with a larger airbox for better breathability. KTM also claims the new engine is lighter than the unit in the current-gen Duke. Interestingly, the bore and stroke figures of the new 390 Duke are the same as the Triumph Speed 400s! 

Suspension:

The fully-adjustable suspension setup on the new-gen 390 Duke should not only ensure a more sophisticated damping, but will also give the buyers more flexibility in adjusting the suspension according to their weight and preferences. Also different on the new bike is the offset position of the monoshock complimented by the new swingarm. More importantly, the India-spec 2024 390 Duke will also get adjustable suspension. 

Brakes:

The rotors on the new streetfighter are lighter along with the lighter alloys (similar to that of the KTM RC 390), which should result in better handling characteristics thanks to reduced unsprung mass when compared to the current-gen Duke. KTM has also used more anodised components, and claims it offers better corrosion resistance. 

Wheels & Tyres:

As mentioned above, the alloys on the 2024 390 Duke are lighter with fewer spokes. Also, the wheels get an open hub design along with a hollow axle, which add to the weight reduction. All in all, the lighter wheels should result in easier manoeuvrability, and quicker direction changes than the older Duke. 

The current-gen 390 Duke comes equipped with Metzeler Sportec H-rated M5s tyres. The international-spec model of the 2024 edition bike gets Michelin radial tyres, while the India-spec model will get Apollo tyres. 

Features:

In terms of features, the 2024 KTM 390 Duke and the current-gen model have these in common: all-LED lighting, 5-inch TFT instrument console, slip-assist clutch, quickshifter, Bluetooth connectivity for calls and music control and SuperMoto ABS. However, the 5-inch TFT instrument console on the 2024 model is an all-new unit and it now comes with turn-by-turn navigation while the quickshifter is now available only as an optional feature. 

Additionally, the new-gen 390 Duke gets cornering ABS (as standard), new illuminated switchgear with 4-way menus switches, two riding modes (Street and Rain), and a Track screen mode that changes the layout of the TFT console and also enables launch control (a segment first). Other new additions include self-cancelling indicators, a cruise control, and a speed limiter function that would be really helpful on roads where there are speed restrictions. These additions should make the 2024 390 Duke a much better highway-friendly motorcycle than the outgoing one.

Price & Colours:

The current-gen KTM 390 Duke is available at a price tag of Rs 2,97,475. The 2024 390 Duke is expected to be priced at Rs 3.30 lakh (all ex-showroom Delhi) and will be launched in September 2023. The 2024 390 gets the Electronic Orange and Atlantic Blue colour options, while the current-gen 390 Duke gets Dark Galvano and Liquid Metal colour options. 

If the predicted price turns out to be true, then the 2024 390 Duke will be a value-laden premium performance streetfighter that’ll have the potential to be one of the best-sellers in the segment.