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KTM 390 Duke in the HP driving report

A2 burner with Euro 4 update

Content of

The PS test shows whether the KTM 390 Duke will remain the ruler in the A2 segment even after the Euro 4 update.

The tour guides at KTM enjoy their work, and they like to share it with the journalists at presentations. Just like on this trip, where a group of fun-loving scribes drills through the winding hinterland of Turin behind a particularly motivated, full-throttle Mattighofener in a fresh KTM 390 Duke. Smart choice of route, because the tight, third category streets are Duke territory: a lot of unclear ripples, pocky asphalt, odometer reading tends to be in double digits – here are the 44 lively little horses that the mechanically unchanged 373 cubic engine even after the Euro 4 update its single combustion chamber, just right. Especially when they gallop as wide awake as in the new Duke. With the overhaul that is due, KTM is giving the Beastie Boy a ride-by-wire, and this helps the already not exactly sluggish throttle response of the single to even more pep. Use of power and controllability are sensational for a single cylinder, assuming a minimum speed of 3,500 turns, the punch in the middle is quite considerable. Single-cylinder fans will appreciate the rustic signs of life of the simply compensated unit, if you like it to be completely vibration-free, you can do it KTM 390 Duke maybe better a bow.

KTM 390 Duke in the HP driving report

A2 burner with Euro 4 update

The Euro 4 KTM 390 Duke is 10 kilos heavier

Although the KTM 390 Duke with its upgraded equipment (full LED headlights, TFT display, tank enlarged by 2.4 to 13.4 liters, larger brakes, higher-quality chassis components) has put on ten kilograms, but with a sinewy 149 Kilograms dry cannot be said to be overweight. A positive side effect of the rejuvenation treatment: owners of the A2 lobe can now drive openly with 44 hp, the previously necessary throttling to 41 hp is no longer necessary. In terms of power-to-weight ratio, the KTM 390 Duke continues to represent the feasible optimum in the small class. And as a proof of what is possible with this 44 hp, our guide dashes up the tricky switchbacks of Piedmont. He already knows the route, we don’t, and this is the next insight: The single-disc brake system at the front now has teeth. Previously rather blunt, a disc diameter that has grown by 20 to 320 millimeters and sintered metal linings help the Bybre system to achieve more stopping power and stability. In view of the sometimes still damp stains on the asphalt, knowledge of a reliable Bosch ABS also helps when braking late. The anti-lock device can easily be deactivated via the menu and even offers a super-moto mode in which it only works at the front – exemplary sporty.

Like a doped squirrel

But instead of drifting, it is now necessary to give in to keep up with the gymnast. And giving in, the KTM 390 Duke takes care of that with the determination of a doped squirrel. On 110 or 150 soles (Metzeler Sportec M5), the three-hundredweight flea has practically no resistance to steering impulses, dives nimbly, but neutrally towards the apex, only becomes a little wobbly shortly before the pegs start sparking. In an inclined position as well as on the following, bumpy straight, there is clear progress in terms of the chassis. So far, the 390s produced by Bajaj in India have been very softly tuned, also with regard to the road conditions in the actual target markets, more swaying due to the spring travel than being significantly dampened. In itself not a big problem with such a light machine and bearable in view of the sharply calculated purchase price – but still nice that something has happened here. By fine-tuning the WP components, the curve spinner now appears much tighter and pumps less, which is very beneficial for stability and accuracy. On the chassis side, the new KTM 390 Duke now feels as premium as the chic tubular frame with screwed-on rear, the fine swing arm and the pretty full-fledged appearance suggest that.

And something else looks premium: For the first time in this price range, a TFT display is in the driver’s field of vision. The dashing cockpit is easy to read, offers a wide range of functions and is easy to operate via the left end of the handlebar, as with the Super Duke R. You could even connect Bluetooth devices and add the next MP3 (or take calls) at the push of a button, but we have that Don’t want to try it out during the oxyhydrogen-heavy ride. Incidentally, the seating position has also been revised: a little more front-wheel-oriented, a little more space for taller pilots, but still more upright and comfortable. All-round suitable for everyday use with a well-dosed pinch of “attack” – fits. Even before the update, the bestseller KTM 390 Duke was the sportiest offer in the A2 class. Thanks to the fine-tuning of the motor mapping, the brakes and especially the chassis, the little Duke is now a little better and has become a really tough nut to crack for the competition. Criticism? In addition to the pithy vibrations (a matter of taste), only the loud radiator fan actually annoyed in the final city traffic.

KTM 125 Duke

"The spawn of the beast" is what KTM proudly calls its smallest duke. The self-confidence is no coincidence, as the 125cc, like its largely identical 390s sister, looks very, very similar to the big Super Duke R. Technically, the KTM 125 Duke, which (like the 200 and 250 variants not available from us ) also comes off the assembly line at Bajaj in India, inherits many of the KTM 390 Duke’s delicacies: tubular space frame and truss swing arm, LED headlights, TFT display, ABS – everything identical to the Beastie Boy and not just quite grown-up for a 125cc. The smooth-running engine delivers the class-standard 15 hp and rewards hard-working shifting feet with good propulsion. The chassis received the same improvements as the 390, except for the brakes this Duke still has to be content with a single 300 disc at the front. That’s enough for a 125cc. The price of the little arsonist: a fair 4,598 euros.

Buy used KTM 390 Duke in Germany

1000PS marketplace app

The selection of used KTM 390 Duke is large.

The KTM 390 Duke has always been popular with A2 customers and you can feel that on the used market. The selection of used 390 Dukes is enormous, as are the differences in prices. Many examples have already been refined with PowerParts, but there are also plenty of standard KTMs to be found. Here is a price comparison: used KTM 390 Duke in Germany.

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