Menus
- Duchess of competition
- Discovery
- On track
- Conclusion
- 390 Duke Cup Partners
- 390 Duke Cup Series Equipment Summary
Duchess of competition
125 Duke, 200 Duke then 390 Duke, the Austrian manufacturer has been dynamically investing the small-displacement market since 2011, while keeping its letters of nobility. Finishes, equipment, the small Duchesses indeed offer remarkable services. In addition, the sport versions of these models will be launched shortly, called RC125, RC200 and RC390. But the Mattighofen firm does not wait for all that and creates its first cup on the track: the 390 Duke Cup !
Composed of 6 dates, this new competition is aimed at pilots wishing to compete in a light category with a reasonable budget. Without sacrificing performance and quality…. KTM spirit obliges. Thus, to participate, pilots will have to purchase a particularly supplied pack worth € 7,100, including: a KTM 390 Duke, the pilot’s complete equipment (Shoei helmet, Gimoto tailor-made suit, KTM gloves and boots PowerWear), a KTM PowerParts accessories kit for the motorcycle (Akrapovic silencer and its support, a set of discs, a fall protection kit (crash bars, casters, hand guards), a shoe, a seat cowl, a fork crown), a PKS sticking kit with all the partners, a set of Dunlop tires and a set of CL Brakes brake pads and 2 days of preparation and training on the Pôle Mecanique d’Alès circuit !
As a reminder, the standard machine alone is priced at € 5,199. The KTM offer is therefore particularly attractive…. It will just be necessary to pay 350 € for the entry to the tests. For the first edition, the number of pilots is limited to 40.
Discovery
With its specific trim, the 390 Duke Cup optimizes its curves. Handguards, side guards, contoured shell and enlarged hoof strengthen its presence. The little one becomes a race animal. As a reminder, taking the cycle part of the 125 and 200, it is based on the same tubular steel trellis frame, the rear loop of which is welded to the assembly. A probably economical choice, but a delicate pawn in the event of a heavy fall damaging this element. The whole wraps around a 375 cc, twin-ignition, single-cylinder, weighing only 36 kilos. Compact, its housings contain a forged piston circulating in its nikasil treated cylinder, as well as superimposed gearbox shafts. Hyper square, the bore-stroke ratio is 89 mm for 60 mm of stroke, favoring power and a high turn grip. Thus, 44 horsepower (35 kW) are obtained at 9,500 rpm and 3.5 da.Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm, for a full weight of less than 150 kg !
To slow down its daring evolutions, a radial-mounted Bybre (Brembo) front caliper and four pistons pinch a 300 mm disc. The opposing single-piston element bites a 230 mm wafer. Disconnectable, the ABS comes to cover the whole. Finally, the WP suspensions consist of an inverted 43 mm fork and a monoshock type shock absorber, both non-adjustable. The latter manages the aesthetic cast aluminum swingarm.
Extremely thin and light, the KTM, dressed in essentials, actually finds an ideal place on the circuit. With its 800 mm height, the seat of the 390 Duke will accommodate small sizes, as well as the largest. However, the latter will have to deal with narrow ergonomics, less favorable to their physique. Neken flat handlebar with variable diameter, robust saddles, aluminum plates and triple clamps, large diameter fork, the steering gear also speaks a qualitative language. In comparison with which the instrument unit appears well reduced, on which we especially deplore a summary readability of the tachometer. On the other hand, the engaged gear indicator can be very useful.
On track
It is on the route of the Carole circuit (Ile de France) where one of the rounds of the Cup dedicated to the 390s takes place, that I take the Duke Cup. The course is rather well suited to these medium displacement machines. From the outset, the Duke flaunts its lightness and ease of being taken in discovery mode. Because, apart from its boiler, one could believe oneself on one of its two sisters of lower displacement, as the machine seems small. After the first lap, we force the pace. Large curves, tight sequences, Mattighofen’s small steed enchants with its rigidity and the precision of its cycle part. Extension of its pilot, it pilots itself to the gaze, diving naturally with the rope to come out valiantly. As long as we are at the critical speed of 7,000 rpm minimum, because below, no salvation. The maximum torque then revives the Duke with enthusiasm, which is seconded by the peak of power a few cables away from the switch (10,250 revolutions / minute). It is then time to upshift, before switching off. It is difficult to trust the digital tachometer, which is difficult to read at a glance. In the long run, we change speed by ear, the metallic melody of the Akrapovic silencer effectively serving as a sound cue..
Only the long straights make it necessary to pass the 6 and the majority of the sequences are managed in third with original reduction (crown in 45). This choice then requires keeping a higher passage speed in order to maintain an efficient pick-up speed. Advantage we knit less selector. Which is not a bad thing, because the box is not a model of precision and softness. In addition, on the angle, looking for a report quickly makes the machine oscillate. Due to its light weight, the pilot’s movements logically lead to these parasitic movements. Nevertheless, others will prefer an element with 47 teeth, to try to extract themselves stronger from the pins..
In the second session, I force the pace, testing even more the grip of the Dunlop Sportsmart 2 equipping the Katoche. These envelopes already have three sessions in the gum, including a strong rolling in Alès. Despite everything, their condition is very satisfactory and their grip flawless. This is another strong point of the Austrian, she saves tires. With this fitment, the machine finds an ideal complement to its chassis dynamism, optimizing its angle changes..
This general liveliness allows possible course corrections, especially since taking the brakes in a bend does not freeze the steering. The simple front disc offers a progressive bite and easily dosed, but delivers little feeling. You will take care to disconnect the ABS, this oversight can cause some gardening at the end of the straight line. The road system is not calibrated for sports use and lengthens braking. This precaution taken, we can delay braking without surprise, but more power would have pleased me more.
On these decelerations, the fork reacts gradually and dives without excess, benefiting from a firmer hydraulic on my mount. In the same way, the rear preload is also a little too important. Once reduced, the machine then maintains a better trim when braking too hard..
The last test session gives me the opportunity to optimize the piloting of the little Duchess and validate my impressions. You don’t get tired riding a machine so light and easy, but the ergonomics, for my meter eighty-four, are spartan, cramped. Apart from this (bad) excuse to justify certain driving approximations, I had trouble finding my bearings during the first runs. Subsequently, the obviousness of the 390 Duke tempers this feeling. Voluntary, the single-cylinder has a good length and a correct availability (from 7,000 to 9,500 turns), but suffers from a pulling handle that is too long. Also, in large curves, it will be necessary to strive to maintain a high passage speed to limit the use of the selector. A good flight school in fact. In short, the ease of the Austrian hides the need for a minimum of technique to get the best out of it..
Conclusion
To further boost its competition image, but on the circuit this time, KTM is successful with these machines of the same type. Its engine will not go back to a mythical CB 500, "queen" of the Carole circuit for many, but its rigorous cycle part and its impressive equipment give it a completely different driving pleasure..
Easy and efficient, the Austrian benefits from a truly attractive offer for those who want to enter a championship while limiting their investment. Thus, an average budget of 13,500 euros (Cup pack included) seems to be sufficient for the various participants for the season. Well sheltered behind its protections, the 390 Duke should also suffer little from possible falls. The most expensive seems to be the silencer of the pack, 500 €, which risks more than the original exhaust, much shorter ….
Taking up most of the specific features of the road model, but endowing itself, like its pilot, with a complete set of equipment, the 390 Duke Cup plays a big card seduction. For € 7,100, the offer is attractive and the endowment just as much: a KTM 390 Duke for the winner and many prizes offered for the places of honor by the partners of the event. Notice to jockeys in need of sensations, places are still available…. The little Duchess is waiting to be boldly mounted to take you to the ecstasy of pole position.
Strong points
- Bloated Cup Pack
- Pack Cup price
- Voluntary motorization
- Cycle part
- Finishes
- Lightness
- Economical machine
Weak points
- Ergonomics for adults
- Hardly legible instrument block
The technical sheet of the KTM Duke 390 Cup
390 Duke Cup Partners
Prestigious partners are associated with this cup: Shoei, Dunlop, CL Brakes, Pôle Mecanique d’Alès, PKS, Gimoto, KTM Assurance, KTM Finance, KTM PowerWear, KTM PowerParts, Motorex and Wheelcom. The media partner is Moto & Motards.
390 Duke Cup Series Equipment Summary
- A KTM 390 Duke
- Complete pilot equipment: Shoei helmet, Gimoto tailor-made suit, KTM PowerWear gloves and boots
- A KTM PowerParts accessories kit for the motorcycle including an Akrapovic silencer and its support, a set of discs, a fall protection kit (crash bars, casters, hand guards), a shoe, a seat cowl, a head fork
- A PKS sticking kit with all partners
- A set of Dunlop tires and a set of CL Brakes brake pads
- 2 days of preparation and training on the circuit of the Mechanical Pole of Alès
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Apart from the handlebars, very zolie!
Thank you !