For 2024, the single cylinder capacity Duke range has been given renewed punching power along with a few tweaks to differentiate between the different displacements, of which we get a 250 and 390 here in NZ.

2024 ktm 390 duke review

2024 KTM 390 DUKE
The enormous success of the KTM 390 Duke worldwide has been an essential part of the growth of KTM. For 2024, the KTM 390 Duke presents an all-new design, featuring the latest technology, adjustable suspension, impressive brakes, and renewed styling.

Updated bodywork will make sure it’s easier to tell the models apart, with the 390 Duke getting longer tank spoilers and radiator covers a new seat design, external LED positioning lights and a brand-new TFT display. There’s also a new high-quality, multi-layered wet-painted finish with overcoated graphics, along with a brace of new colour schemes, with a textured seat material and lasered textures on the inner spoilers.

Handling has been tweaked with an all-new frame, new lightweight wheels, and changes to the overall frame stiffness are designed to offer greatly improved feel and compliance – both on the road and on the track. And if you’ve struggled to get your feet down on a 390 Duke, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s a lower seat height than previous generations, without sacrificing any of the signature DUKE riding agility and feel.

There’s now a curved lightweight swingarm which contours around the relocated rear shock absorber allowing for a new muffler. The rear shock absorber is now also mounted off- center to allow for an optimally positioned airbox while reducing seat height and, at the same time, adding to the aggressive stance of the 2024 Duke.

ktm 390 duke review

New Powerplant
The new DUKE is powered by an entirely new generation of lightweight, compact small, single-cylinder engine dubbed the LC4c – c for compact. With an increased stroke of 64mm to reach 399cc of displacement, the 390 gains 1kW and 2Nm with a max output of 44hp and 39Nm of torque. With a dry weight of 165kg, the new Duke 390 should be more fun than ever.

Suspension is taken care of by a set of 43mm WP APEX open cartridge forks with easy compression and rebound adjustability in 5-click steps, while the rear features an off-center WP APEX shock absorber with 150mm of travel, with 5-click rebound hand adjustment and tool-adjustable preload. 

The 390 gets an updated braking package that’s now complemented by KTM’s state-of-the-art Supermoto ABS package as standard. There’s a 320mm brake disk and four-piston caliper up front, and a 240mm brake disk with a brand-new twin-piston caliper on the rear. This brake setup is not only visibly different with a new edgy design but also features anodized components. Furthermore, the KTM 390 DUKE boasts adjustable brake levers. There’s also cornering MTC as standard, which uses the input from the 3D sensor to adapt traction control in cornering situations, with the ability to be toggled on or off plus there’s Launch Control as standard equipment. So expect to see plenty of 390 Dukes sitting at the traffic lights with the revs at 7000rpm and the throttle pinned to the stop. This new feature is only accessible while in the TRACK screen mode. And you can now option the KTM accessory Quickshifter.

The final tech are the multiple riding modes, with STREET and RAIN Mode althering throttle response and traction control settings. And there’s LED lighting all round including DRL and auto-cancelling indicators. Connectivity is taken care of by the KTMconnect app, allowing the rider to control music, answer incoming calls and receive Turn-by-turn navigation. The new dashboard is supported by completely redesigned switchgear with optimised ergonomics and illuminated switches. Expect models to arrive in dealers early 2024 with pricing to be confirmed closer to the time.

2024 KTM 390 Duke

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