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 3 – MNC tests road holding (s)
To get away from the city center as quickly as possible, our opener takes the motorway leading to Turin airport. This type of route is not supposed to pose a problem for our "Austro-Indian" motorbike: "the Duke has to fulfill very thick specifications. In Malaysia for example, its users cover several hundred kilometers on highways. through the hot and humid jungle, "says a KTM engineer.
For its part, Site is content to cross at legal speed about ten kilometers, without any mechanical problem – who doubted it? – but not without inconvenience … Indeed, at 130 km / h in sixth, the engine spins at 8000 rpm and makes the footrest and saddle sizzle !
Absent because dispensable on the 125, weights are placed at each end of the handlebars of the 390 and properly isolate the hands. Tolerable on a roadster for short escapades on the fast track, it will nevertheless be necessary to improve the comfort of the feet and the buttocks on the 390 Adventure currently in development….
Arrived on small roads, the small Duke gives complete satisfaction, especially in terms of suspensions. The original WP inverted 43 mm fork is evolving this year: it spares the rider rather well on bumpy roads and reassures on completely broken ground.
Destroyed by harsh winters and hot summers, the asphalt that passes under our wheels certainly does not spare our machine. "Internally, this kind of driving is called a ‘Heavy Duty’ test, in order to check that even on the worst roads, the bike behaves correctly. This is important for Indian customers, for example".
It is clear that the 390 is doing very well in these difficult conditions, no doubt better than other roadsters of "medium displacement" restricted for the A2 licenses. We note in passing that the ground clearance of 185 mm makes it possible to overcome substantial obstacles. Like high Parisian sidewalks !
The featherweight of the Katoche plays a major role in its ability to absorb bumps and avoid potholes. And it facilitates the task of the suspensions as much as that of the pilot besides, this one having the impression of driving a 125 … Which, in terms of chassis, is true.
As we mentioned on the first page, the 390 Duke shares many characteristics with the 125 Duke. If the suspension settings differ, the chassis and geometry, rims and tires are scrupulously the same on the "small" Katoche and on the "mini".
Beginner riders are sure to find the 390 to be very easy to maneuver with the engine off and easy to handle in mountain passes. In addition, thanks to its good turning radius, it is easy to turn around in a dead end or in a city center parking lot..
The driving position is perfectly identical to that of the 125. Despite its airs of 1290, the 390 is therefore very compact. Its tank may gain 2.4 liters of capacity (or 64 km of autonomy if we rely on the average consumption displayed by the onboard computer of our Duke at the end of our test), it remains very thin and allows to grip the machine well.
3 cm higher than the first 390 Duke, the saddle allows small riders to tiptoe on either side. Adults never feel cramped on board: thanks to the deep and wide saddle – but a little hard – they can get away from the handlebars and extend their legs a little further..
Continuing its test on slightly better paved roads, Site acknowledges that the 390 Duke did not steal its nickname "Corner Rocket", or cornering missile. This "little" motorcycle allows you to go very hard in curves, whether they open or close for that matter because neither the reasonable power of the mono nor the neutral braking on the angle does not risk disconcerting the apprentice "païlote".
When it comes to braking, MNC found that the large 320mm front disc (instead of 300mm previously on the 390 and currently on the 125) provided a welcome extra power. We would also have appreciated that the radial-mounted caliper of origin ByBre (Indian subsidiary of Brembo!) Grips more sharply. But after all, KTM must first and foremost satisfy – and reassure – beginners.
The rear brake is the same as before – the same as on the 125 too! – and does not attract negative criticism. Ditto for the Bosch ABS which takes care that the two wheels never lock. We note in passing that it can be completely deactivated, or just from the rear, for Supermoto enthusiasts, a bit cowardly.
Staying on standby all afternoon in the dry, the ABS was quickly requested by MNC at noon, on the soaked track of the old FIAT factory. The opportunity to realize that the interventions of the system were minimal in terms of braking distance and not very sensitive to the level of the controls.
Note in passing the pneumatic selection of KTM: Metzeler M5 Sportec which are a little dated, it’s true, but still seize a lot. New bikers are much less likely to be a little scared on this type of original assembly than on obscure Chinese or Indian brand models "with rubber" much less engaging !
In addition to their very good grip in the wet and then in the dry, the Journal moto du Net appreciated their rapid rise in temperature, particularly reassuring during the photo shoot in cool temperatures. The dashboard of the little Duke does not display the outside temperature, but the snow on the sides was enough to cool our enthusiasm !
Reassuring for those who are not used to single cylinders and their superior engine braking, the anti-slip clutch – specific to the 390 Duke – prohibits any risk of the rear wheel jamming. Even by dropping the gears too quickly, MNC did not feel the slightest wiggle of the rear axle. We do not feel more discomfort in the clutch lever, pleasantly soft and adjustable in spacing on the 390 (brake only on the 125).
Finally, it was when accelerating that the rear of the 390 Duke did not fully convince us. Indeed, its stability is put to the test when the 44 horses of the "gromono" are released by the goret installed on the handlebars … In this case, a small bump is enough for the shock absorber to rebound. slightly, gradually shifting the trajectory of the motorcycle.
However, it is very likely that the new A2 licenses, which are primarily intended for this 390 Duke, will not reach this limit until late. After two years, maybe? If so, it will be time to move on … Why not ?! Or a future, to send even bigger gas … To be continued on MNC: stay connected !
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