KTM 390 Duke test: the A2 license with class and without restraint
The KTM 390 Duke launched in 2013 evolves at the same time as its little sister 125, with which it shares a lot: look, cycle part, equipment … On the engine side, the KTM roadster intended for A2 licenses complies with the Euro 4 standard but do not deflate. Test !
390 Duke test page 2 – The Full Power and Full LED Katoche
Heavier by 10 kg, the "three-ninety" is not only three times more powerful but also twice as torque as the "one hundred and twenty-five". Compared to the first version of the 390 Duke this time, the 2017 model develops 2 Nm more, despite the increasingly stringent emissions and noise standards.
On the first three reports, the 390 Duke has much more tone than its little sister 125 and has a good chance of taxing the competitors restricted to 47.5 hp (or 35 kW) but much heavier. More alive than the mono 125, the "gromono" 390 is also more vibrant.
As soon as the pilot opens the throttle, even slightly, he feels the frame beating between his heels and his knees. A bit as if the 89 mm diameter piston (60 mm stroke) was tapping the chassis! Fortunately, these pulsations disappear at constant low speed in the towers..
The flexibility of the engine is also surprising: on the first three reports always, it accepts to start again around 2500 rpm while the idle rises to about 1750 rpm. When fourth gear is engaged, however, it is better to stay above 3000 rpm.
Dynamic when the tachometer needle exceeds 4000 rpm, acceleration and relaunching still gain force beyond 8000 rpm. The mill stamped Racing KTM and Motorex (Swiss brand of lubricants, partner of the Austrians, including in MotoGP) has a modern distribution: 4 valves actuated by latches … And it shows !
In 2017, the 390 Duke is also equipped with a wireless accelerator system: the famous ride-by-wire, which does not benefit from the very last 125 Duke. Perfectly configured, the injection of the "small" Katoche is flawless, unlike that of the "mini" which cut the throttle a little brutally.
Another point that distinguishes the 390 from the 125: its sound much more flattering than that of the mono for A1 license. Even equipped with its original pot, the mono for A2 license plays a rather pleasant Moto3 tune !
Conversely, the aesthetics of the exhaust are puzzling: while the old model was ideally hidden under the engine, the new protrudes on the right side of the machine. In addition, the rivets and the support of the exhaust are too basic … And they are not the only ones.
As on the 125, the finish of the 390 can be improved on several levels: the footrest plates are made of plastic – "knock", the adjustments of parts such as the indicator support and the contactor cover vary depending on the model … But if MNC quibbles, it is to better reveal his crush on these little Katoches !
"Our 390 Duke is not a" low-cost "motorcycle. It must seem big because it is able to compete with machines of larger displacement and higher power", told us our hosts during their press conference . That’s why she adopts a "Super Look R"…
In many ways, the 390 Duke evokes the 1290 Super Duke R: tubular trellis painted in white and orange, also orange 10-spoke rims, plunging tank scoops, perforated front fender … And then there is this very low and fully LED like all lighting, indicators included.
Above is the instrumentation which takes the form of a color TFT panel, as on the very latest Adventure! An excellent way to stand out from the Japanese entry-level, to arouse the curiosity of the djeun’s … and to satisfy the owner !
The tachometer is clearly visible – and multicolored, which makes it easier to read -, the speed is displayed in very large, the gear engaged indicator in smaller. We also find: gasoline and engine temperature gauges, odometer, trips 1 and 2 each with their average consumption and speed as well as the driving time, remaining range, battery voltage, date…
When using the Bluetooth connection, the 21st century biker can check the reception signal of the paired smartphone and its battery level. Like the 125, the 390 allows you to manage – very briefly – your phone directly from the left stalk, without letting go of the handlebars..
Like the 125 Duke also, the 390 Duke sacrifices in 2017 certain practical aspects: the jumble of electric cables under the passenger seat leaves room for a yellow vest only. It is out of the question to slip a U, even of small size, and we even hesitate to place a disc lock…
If the pilot can be happy to quickly access the battery under his own saddle, his "co-pilot" bitterly regrets the disappearance of his handles, replaced by laughable notches in the covering of the new rear buckle. The – the news, too? – girlfriend will have to hold on to the driver !
The rain has finally stopped and more and more sun rays are breaking through the clouds: the roads in Turin are gradually drying up! Therefore, the Motorcycle Journal of the Net can increase the pace and better understand the performance of this new 390 Duke. Gas on next page !
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