All Tests – KTM 390 Duke test: the duchess of A2 licenses! – The extra toy

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KTM 390 Duke test: the duchess of A2 licenses !

All Tests - KTM 390 Duke test: the duchess of A2 licenses! - The extra toy

The KTM 390 Duke is the Austrian manufacturer’s response to the new regulations for the new A2 license … but not only! After more than 1,500 exhilarating km on its handlebars, MNC fell under the spell of this exhilarating beginner’s bike. Test.

The extra toy

On the condition of overriding the lack of protection and the pronounced bending of the legs, the 390 Duke is able to overcome not too long motorway stages. Capable of reaching more than 170 km / h (counter), it easily maintains a cruising speed of 130 km / h in sixth at 7,500 rpm.

But her thing is the road … The most tortuous possible and rather in arsouille mode, if possible! There, the 390 Duke will delight young budding pilots but also old veterans who will enjoy rediscovering the joys of small, light displacement.

It is rare to ride a motorcycle so light and so stable at the same time. Perfectly suspended, the Duke is super reassuring and healthy. Add to that its featherweight and the finesse of its pneumatic mounting and you get a hell of a weapon in the winding … What to show to much bigger !

But for that, it will not be necessary to spare the small mono of 44 ch. When we’ve known big monos, it’s a little unnatural to make this little 373 cc block scream. Linear but efficient, it loves to be whipped between 5,000 and 10,000 rpm. In this speed range, some vibrations are felt: nothing prohibitive however, especially from a single cylinder capable of taking as many turns. !

In the rise of Ventoux, the 44 hp of the Duke are a little to the penalty, especially when approaching the summit which culminates at nearly 2000 meters of altitude.

But in the descent where power is no longer important, the Duke shows a bluffing efficiency. Because the lightness of the machine is a guarantee of efficiency, but also of ease and safety. The feeling of control is more pronounced than on roadsters type CB1000R or Speed ​​Triple, certainly faster, but also heavier and therefore more difficult to catch up in case of excess…

Thus, the 390 Duke will delight novice pilots as well as the most experienced. The good ergonomics allow good mobility on the machine and will even allow a gentle and safe initiation to swaying. In an emergency, the braking system designed by Brembo‘s Indian subsidiary, ByBre ("By Brembo"), performs its functions very honestly..

Even if we do not find the bite and the feeling of the best bikes of the Austrian brand, the 390 Duke brakes very well. It is also equipped with an excellent disconnectable Bosch ABS, of which MNC has never had to deplore intrusive interventions – even in the wet.

Verdict: huge potential !

If its modest displacement of 390 cc does not make you dream at first glance, do not hesitate to go beyond its prejudices. This Duke 390 is a real antidepressant in these times of crisis, if only by the banana that it manages to stick to its pilot !

Its general manufacturing quality and high technological content are also serious advantages, as is its reasonable consumption. Finally, even if its lack of practicality and its sharp engine make it somewhat exclusive, its price is rather well placed: 5,115 € with disconnectable ABS as standard.

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