The KTM Duke 390 stands as a pinnacle of performance in the sub-400cc motorcycle segment, embodying the Austrian manufacturer’s ethos of “Ready to Race.” Launched in its first generation in 2013, this naked streetfighter has evolved significantly, with the latest third-generation model (Gen-3), introduced in 2023, bringing a host of upgrades that elevate its appeal. Manufactured in collaboration with Bajaj Auto in India, the KTM Duke 390 blends European engineering precision with cost-effective production, making it a favorite among enthusiasts globally, especially in markets like India. Known for its aggressive styling, razor-sharp handling, and a powerful engine, the Duke 390 caters to riders seeking a thrilling yet practical ride for both urban commutes and spirited weekend blasts.
This motorcycle isn’t just about raw power; it’s a technological marvel packed with features like a TFT display, ride-by-wire throttle, and a bi-directional quickshifter, making it a standout in its class. Whether you’re weaving through city traffic or carving corners on a twisty highway, the KTM Duke 390 delivers an exhilarating experience that balances performance with everyday usability. In this detailed overview, we’ll explore its technical specifications, available variants, pricing in major Indian metro cities, and an in-depth analysis of its features, performance, and competition.
Technical Specifications
Below is a comprehensive table of the KTM Duke 390’s technical specifications, compiled from ZigWheels, BikeWale, and KTM India’s official website, reflecting the 2024 model as of March 04, 2025.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 398.63 cc |
| Max Power | 46 PS (45.3 bhp) @ 8500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 39 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 89 mm x 64 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.71:1 |
| Fuel System | Bosch Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) |
| Transmission | 6-speed with bi-directional quickshifter |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, slipper clutch |
| Frame | Steel trellis frame with aluminum subframe |
| Front Suspension | WP APEX 43 mm USD forks, fully adjustable |
| Rear Suspension | WP APEX monoshock, adjustable preload & rebound |
| Front Brake | 320 mm disc with 4-piston caliper, ABS |
| Rear Brake | 240 mm disc with single-piston caliper, ABS |
| Tyres (Front) | 110/70-17 (Metzeler Sportec M9RR) |
| Tyres (Rear) | 150/60-17 (Metzeler Sportec M9RR) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15 liters |
| Mileage (Claimed) | 28.9 kmpl (combined, as per ZigWheels) |
| Mileage (Real-World) | 25.26 kmpl (city), 29.64 kmpl (highway) – BikeWale |
| Ground Clearance | 183 mm |
| Seat Height | 800 mm (adjustable to 820 mm) |
| Kerb Weight | 168.3 kg |
| Wheelbase | 1354 mm |
| Top Speed | 167 kmph (tested by BikeWale) |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Electronics | Ride-by-wire, 3 ride modes, launch control |
| Display | 5-inch TFT color display |
Variants
The KTM Duke 390 is available in a single variant in India, but it comes with two distinct color options that define its aesthetic appeal. Below is a table summarizing the variants and their color schemes as of March 2025.
| Variant | Color Options | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| KTM Duke 390 Standard | Electronic Orange | Available |
| KTM Duke 390 Standard | Atlantic Blue | Available |
Both colors feature the same mechanical and electronic specifications, with the choice boiling down to personal style preferences. The Electronic Orange is the signature KTM hue, exuding a bold and aggressive vibe, while Atlantic Blue offers a more subtle yet striking look.
Price in Metro Cities
The KTM Duke 390’s pricing varies slightly across metro cities in India due to differences in taxes, registration fees, and insurance costs. Below is a table of approximate on-road prices as of March 04, 2025, sourced from ZigWheels and BikeDekho. Note that the ex-showroom price is consistent at INR 2,95,398 (post a discount of INR 18,000 announced in late 2024), but on-road costs differ.
| City | Ex-Showroom Price (INR) | On-Road Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 2,95,398 | 3,57,000 |
| Mumbai | 2,95,398 | 3,70,000 |
| Kolkata | 2,95,398 | 3,62,000 |
| Chennai | 2,95,398 | 3,66,000 |
| Bengaluru | 2,95,398 | 3,68,000 |
These prices are approximate and subject to change based on dealership offers, additional accessories, and local taxes. For the most accurate quote, contacting a local KTM dealership is recommended.
About KTM Duke 390
Design and Styling
The KTM Duke 390 Gen-3 sports a radically updated design that amplifies its streetfighter persona. The split LED headlamp with integrated daytime running lights (DRLs) gives it a predatory stance, while the sharp tank shrouds and minimalist tail section enhance its aggressive appeal. The steel trellis frame, painted in KTM’s iconic orange, remains a visual highlight, paired with a lightweight aluminum subframe for improved rigidity and aesthetics. At 168.3 kg, the Duke 390 is light for its class, making it agile in tight corners and city traffic. The 800 mm seat height (adjustable to 820 mm) is lower than its predecessor, improving accessibility for shorter riders without compromising its sporty ergonomics.
The TFT display is a major upgrade, offering a 5-inch color screen with smartphone connectivity, navigation, and customizable layouts. Riders can toggle between Street, Rain, and Track modes, tailoring the bike’s behavior to the riding conditions. The angular lines and bold color options—Electronic Orange and Atlantic Blue—ensure the Duke 390 turns heads wherever it goes.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the KTM Duke 390 lies a 398.63 cc single-cylinder engine, a significant upgrade from the earlier 373 cc unit. This liquid-cooled, DOHC motor churns out 46 PS at 8500 rpm and 39 Nm at 6500 rpm, delivering power earlier in the rev range compared to its predecessor. This makes the Duke more tractable in low-speed city conditions, requiring fewer gear shifts, while still offering ferocious acceleration past 6000 rpm. The ride-by-wire throttle ensures precise power delivery, and the bi-directional quickshifter—a rarity in this segment—provides seamless gear changes, enhancing both performance and convenience.
On highways, the Duke 390 shines, easily hitting triple-digit speeds with a tested top speed of 167 kmph. Its slipper clutch minimizes rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts, while the launch control feature allows for rapid starts without wheelies—a boon for track enthusiasts. Real-world mileage figures of 25.26 kmpl in the city and 29.64 kmpl on the highway (per BikeWale) are impressive for a bike with nearly 46 bhp, offering a range of over 400 km with its 15-liter fuel tank.
Ride and Handling
The KTM Duke 390 is renowned for its nimble handling, thanks to its lightweight chassis and revised geometry. The steel trellis frame and aluminum subframe reduce weight while increasing stiffness, improving stability at high speeds and agility in corners. The WP APEX suspension—43 mm USD forks up front and a monoshock at the rear—is fully adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune compression, rebound, and preload to suit their riding style. This setup provides excellent feedback on both smooth highways and bumpy urban roads.
Braking is handled by a 320 mm front disc with a 4-piston caliper and a 240 mm rear disc, both equipped with dual-channel ABS that can be switched to Supermoto mode (disabling rear ABS) for advanced riders. The Metzeler Sportec M9RR tires offer decent grip, though they can feel slippery at extreme lean angles when pushing the bike to its limits. With a ground clearance of 183 mm, the Duke 390 handles speed bumps and mild off-road trails reasonably well, though it’s not designed for serious off-roading.
Features and Technology
The KTM Duke 390 is a tech-laden motorcycle, setting it apart from many rivals. The 5-inch TFT display is crisp and intuitive, displaying speed, gear position, fuel economy, and more, with Bluetooth connectivity for music and calls. The ride-by-wire system integrates three ride modes: Street for everyday riding, Rain for wet conditions with reduced power, and Track for maximum performance with minimal intervention. The quickshifter enhances the riding experience, especially during spirited rides, while launch control adds a playful edge for quick getaways.
Safety features include cornering ABS and traction control, ensuring confidence in diverse conditions. The LED lighting—headlamp, taillight, and DRLs—offers excellent visibility and a premium look. However, some riders note minor vibrations at low speeds, which subside as the revs climb, a characteristic of its single-cylinder design.
Practicality and Comfort
Despite its performance focus, the KTM Duke 390 is surprisingly practical. The 15-liter fuel tank provides a range exceeding 400 km, ideal for weekend getaways. The 800 mm seat height accommodates a broader range of riders, and the cushioned seat offers decent comfort for long rides, though a windscreen’s absence means wind fatigue can set in at high speeds. Engine heat dissipation is well-managed, minimizing discomfort in traffic. For city commuting, its light weight and sharp throttle response make it a breeze to maneuver, though the wide handlebar can be tricky in dense traffic.
Maintenance and Ownership
Owning a KTM Duke 390 comes with moderately high maintenance costs due to its premium components and performance-oriented design. Regular servicing at authorized KTM dealerships is recommended, with costs ranging from INR 2,000–3,000 per service, excluding parts replacement. The Metzeler tires and WP suspension add to the upkeep expense, but the bike’s reliability and build quality justify the investment for enthusiasts.
Close Competitors
The KTM Duke 390 faces stiff competition in the sub-400cc performance segment. Below are its primary rivals, with a brief comparison:
- Aprilia RS 457
- Engine: 457 cc, twin-cylinder, 47 bhp, 43.5 Nm
- Price: INR 4.23 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Comparison: The RS 457 offers a smoother twin-cylinder engine and sportier ergonomics, appealing to track-focused riders. However, it’s pricier and lacks the Duke’s raw streetfighter character and quickshifter at a lower cost.
- TVS Apache RR 310
- Engine: 312.2 cc, single-cylinder, 34 bhp, 27.3 Nm
- Price: INR 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Comparison: The RR 310 is more affordable and offers a refined ride with features like a quickshifter and ride modes. It lags behind in power and agility compared to the Duke 390, making it less thrilling.
- BMW G 310 R
- Engine: 313 cc, single-cylinder, 34 bhp, 28 Nm
- Price: INR 2.90 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Comparison: The G 310 R brings premium German branding and a comfortable ride but falls short in power and features against the Duke 390, catering more to casual riders.
- Yamaha MT-03
- Engine: 321 cc, twin-cylinder, 42 bhp, 29.6 Nm
- Price: INR 4.60 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Comparison: The MT-03’s twin-cylinder engine offers smooth power delivery, but its steep price and lack of advanced electronics like a quickshifter make the Duke 390 a better value proposition.
The KTM Duke 390 excels with its unmatched power-to-price ratio, advanced features, and versatility, making it the segment leader for enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance and practicality.
Verdict
The KTM Duke 390 is a motorcycle that redefines expectations in the mid-capacity segment. With its 398.63 cc engine, 46 PS power output, and cutting-edge features like a quickshifter and TFT display, it offers an unrivaled riding experience for its price point. Whether you’re a novice rider stepping up to a performance bike or a seasoned enthusiast craving agility and thrill, the Duke 390 delivers. Its pricing, ranging from INR 3.57 lakh to 3.70 lakh on-road in metro cities, reflects its premium positioning, justified by its superior engineering and versatility. Against competitors like the Aprilia RS 457 and TVS Apache RR 310, it stands out for its raw energy and tech-forward approach, cementing its status as the ultimate corner rocket.
