2022 KTM 390 Duke: Key Highlights Of The New-Generation Duke

Looks like KTM is brewing something really interesting in its backyard with the 2022 KTM 390 Duke being spotted testing recently. This upcoming motorcycle is a radical departure from the current-generation model in several ways. Here’s everything we know about the bike so far, and more:

Scalpel Gets Sharper with a More Aggressive Design

The 2022 KTM 390 Duke looks similar to the test mules of the next-generation KTM 125 Duke and 200 Duke that were spotted a little over a week back. The new 390 Duke, as well as the other two motorcycles, look like miniature versions of the KTM 890 Duke. While the trademark insect-like split LED headlamp is retained, the fuel tank extensions that flank it look much sharper. Even the radiator shrouds are new.

More importantly, there appears to be a duct only on the left side of the bike. We reckon it could be a vent to direct the hot air from the engine, away from the rider. That said, this vent is only on one side, hinting at an asymmetrical design language. We’ll know its exact purpose once KTM unveils the motorcycle officially. The tail section also looks new, courtesy the new subframe. The indicators and the tail lamp are LED as well. Like the current-gen model, this one too gets a proper TFT instrument cluster, presumably with smartphone connectivity.

A Tweaked Heart, Perhaps?

KTM seems to have made quite a few changes to the engine. The engine casing itself appears to be slightly different and the powertrain seems to have been positioned a bit higher and more towards the front than before. This has enabled re-routing of the exhaust system directly below the engine. The new engine alignment also explains the additional bracing.

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The current bike already produces a healthy 45PS and 37Nm, so KTM may either improve its refinement or offer multiple riding modes, at least as an option. After all, the engine already uses a ride-by-wire throttle, so installing one wouldn’t be too much of a hassle for KTM. We reckon it could also get basic traction control like the KTM 390 Adventure. These additions should go really well with the already existing bi-directional quickshifter-enhanced 6-speed transmission with an assist-and-slipper clutch.

Updated Foundations Too

While the 2022 KTM 390 Duke continues to use a trellis frame, the subframe appears to be different. It seems to be inspired by the KTM 890 Duke’s unit. Even the cast aluminium swingarm is new and looks a lot sportier than before. We reckon these tweaks should enhance the bike’s handling, while also contributing to weight savings. Thanks to the new swingarm, the rear monoshock is now an offset unit. On the other hand, the front end is likely to continue with the same WP inverted fork. Oh, and the brakes are new too. The bike gets a new rotor, likely a 320mm front unit, clamped to a radial caliper from ByBre, and a new rear disc with a single-piston ByBre caliper. As usual, the bike will likely continue with a dual-channel ABS unit with SuperMoto mode. The alloy wheel design also looks different and they could be lighter than the ones before.

Expected Launch Timeline, Pricing and Rivals

The 2022 KTM 390 Duke could be launched in India in mid-2022. With all the aforementioned updates, KTM may command a big premium over the older-generation model, currently pegged at Rs 2.75 lakh post the recent price hike. Expect KTM to price the upcoming model at around Rs 3 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete against the BMW G 310 R, Bajaj Dominar 400, and the upcoming TVS Apache RTR 310. That said, you could also opt for the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 for around the same price.

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