KTM 390 Duke test: the duchess of A2 licenses !

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 lethal Weapon !

But what do they have to crawl like that? Are they all in reserve or what? That’s what I say to myself, hilariously, under my helmet, passing entire cohorts of bikers surprised by the downpours that fall on the small roads of the hinterland of Nice !

As they all seem to be in "survival" mode, I happily whirl around from turn to turn with the banana under the helmet. Am I the best pilot in the world? Certainly not ! I’m just riding the new KTM 390 Duke, the ultimate weapon on small roads !

To achieve this enviable result, KTM "simply" grafted a 373 cc and 44 hp mono in the ultra slim chassis of the 125 and 200 Duke (read in particular our). The association gave birth to a monster … No power, but pleasure (s) !

Note that the model tested was in "full power" (44 ch), therefore only accessible to holders of the motorcycle license A. Those who have just obtained the A2 license will have to be content with a version – slightly – flanged to 40 hp in order to comply with the legislative constraint fixing the maximum weight / power ratio at 0.2 kW / kg for beginner bikers (read our).

In addition, our test bike was fitted with Continental ContiAttack SM tires while in dealerships, the 390 Duke will be supplied with Metzeler Sportec M5s. A difference in ga (o) even which is not prohibitive, but which still deserves to be pointed out…

A known face

The 390 takes up the dynamic and attractive design of the 125 and 200 Duke. For some, this will be its main fault: the lines and dimensions are so similar to those of the small Duke that it is easy to confuse them. Not very rewarding for the owners of the "fat"…

Available only in black, orange, and white, only its orange-dyed mesh frame distinguishes it from its "little sisters". A coloring that goes divinely very well, since it refers to the R series of the Austrian manufacturer! The model in our test had beautiful orange rims which further enhanced its sex appeal..

Like the 125 and 200 Duke, this 390 has Indian blood flowing in its hoses: this little sporty roadster is indeed fully assembled in India in a factory of KTM’s partner and shareholder, Bajaj.

Nevertheless, the design and development of the bike is 100% KTM original: the 390 Duke is therefore not a sluggish entry-level "exotic", but on the contrary does honor to the house culture. Faithful to the motto "Ready to Race", the beautiful carries high-end peripherals (radial brakes at the front, hollowed out swingarm, WP suspensions, etc.) and advanced mechanical solutions..

Capable of withstanding the 11,000 round trips per minute of the piston, its 89 mm diameter cylinder is, for example, treated with Nikasil (nickel and silicon carbide, a coating that limits friction while promoting heat exchange for climbs in temperature but also more efficient cooling. A sophisticated injection developed by Bosch and a disconnectable ABS from the same supplier are also part of the game..

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