2024 KTM 390 Duke First Ride Review: Madness On 2-wheels

The updated 399cc engine makes a bit more power and torque than before

• But more importantly, 80 percent of its power and torque is available from as low as 5,000 rpm
• In terms of design, the new 390 Duke is multiple notches above the previous one
• The bike has stayed as mad as it was while being a lot more practical and usable 

A decade ago, KTM made a significant impact on the Indian motorcycle market with the introduction of the 390 Duke. This bike offered outstanding performance, agile handling, and excellent value for money. In 2017, we witnessed the arrival of the Gen-2 Duke, which, while an improvement, didn't quite redefine the game.

However, this third-generation iteration of the Duke holds the promise of being the game-changer we've all been anticipating. To determine just how much of an evolution this new Duke represents, we need to delve into some crucial questions.

2024 KTM 390 Duke: Design & Features

One of the most significant areas of discussion is what you're currently looking at – the design. KTM's designs have always been a matter of personal taste, and this latest Duke continues that tradition. Drawing inspiration from the Super Duke, it features larger and sharper tank extensions along with an unconventional headlight design. To be candid, it looks considerably better in person than it does in photographs. During our brief time with the motorcycle, the design actually grew on us quite a bit.

2024 KTM 390 Duke: Engine

KTM hasn't merely added superficial enhancements; they've made substantial changes to the core of this motorcycle, starting with its engine. The headline news is the increase in displacement, going from 373cc to 399cc. This modification has resulted in a boost in power and torque, with an increase of 2.5PS and 2Nm, bringing the figures to 46PS and 39Nm. What's even more exciting is that these peak figures now kick in earlier than before, making the bike's performance even more accessible.

2024 KTM 390 Duke: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

In the handling department, the new 390 Duke continues to embody the signature fun-to-ride character that Dukes are known for. It feels natural and easy to handle, offering a seamless connection between the rider and the bike. Your legs can easily latch onto it, and the body position feels incredibly intuitive. The bike is quick to respond to steering inputs but maintains a reassuring sense of stability, even during aggressive cornering.

2024 KTM 390 Duke: Dimensions

While maintaining its exceptional handling characteristics, this new Duke has significantly improved its ride quality, especially when traversing our often challenging road conditions. Some might even describe it as approaching plushness. It does an impressive job of smoothing out sharp bumps and addressing smaller imperfections, all while maintaining its overall composure.

In terms of adjustability, you have the ability to fine-tune the suspension to your preferences. Up front, you can adjust compression and rebound, while at the rear, you have options for preload and rebound. Although the adjustment windows are not extensive, with only 5 clicks available for all damping settings, they still offer enough flexibility to noticeably alter the bike's feel without compromising its stability or safety. This allows riders to customize the suspension setup to their weight and riding style, enhancing the overall riding experience.

2024 KTM 390 Duke: Price

KTM has priced the new 390 Duke at a very competitive Rs 3.10 lakh, ex-showroom. That means it’s just Rs 13,045 more than before. 

Verdict

The first two generations of the 390 Duke were undoubtedly impressive, but they often came across as somewhat single-minded and rough around the edges. Although the second generation made notable strides in addressing these issues, this latest version manages to retain all the beloved Duke attributes while making significant improvements in rounding out those rough edges.

This 2024 KTM 390 Duke remains a thrilling motorcycle with a strong hooligan streak, perfectly suited for those who love to ride aggressively. However, it also brings substantial enhancements in terms of ride quality, making it less finicky at low speeds and low RPMs. The seat height is now more accessible, and ground clearance has increased significantly from 151mm to 183mm, making it better equipped for exploring various terrains – something 390 Duke owners often enjoy.

While you might have some reservations about its appearance when you approach it each morning, as soon as you're onboard and in motion, the 2024 KTM 390 Duke proves to be an absolute riot, delivering a blend of fun and practicality that's hard to beat.