2017 KTM 390 Duke launch review

The 390 Duke has made a great fist of setting a path for KTM riders from the LAMS scene to the larger capacity Dukes.

As we learnt at the bike's international press launch in Austria, the design brief for the 390 Duke was pretty simple: it had to be light, compact, agile and fun, as well as being easy to live with and service.

As KTM's first global model – it went onto be sold in every market where the brand operates – the 390 Duke has held up its end of the bargain very well with a rev-hungry single-cylinder powerplant, angular and aggressive but integrated styling, 'comfy but commanding' ergonomics that are equally as great in the city as on winding country roads, excellent slow-speed fuelling, quality finish and a nice spread of ratios in the six-speed gearbox. Oodles of both form and function.

The 390 Duke isn't cutting through as well as it was, so the updated 390 Duke has probably come at just the right time. Priced at $6995, the revised model comes with a raft of updates, including a ride-by-wire throttle, slipper clutch, a larger fuel tank (now 13.4 litres, up from 11), revised rider and passenger seats and a side-mounted exhaust.

Add to that the LED lighting, a large 5.2-inch TFT display, a bolt-on sub-frame and adjustable hand levers.

That's a significant progression for the baby Duke, and Bikesales joined a throng of local media to sample the updated machine (alongside the carry-over fully faired RC390) just a day after riding the pride of the Duke fleet – the booming 1290 Super Duke R – at Sydney Motorsport Park. We also enjoyed a quick spin on the 1290 Super Duke GT, so it was quite a couple of days...

A change of pace for sure, but the route that KTM Australia mapped out for us was great fun, and showcased the 390 Duke's ability to perform very well in a wide variety of environments.

We were fairly impressed with the fuelling on the previous model, but the ride-by-wire throttle has taken refinement to another level, operating in absolute synchronisation with the best sub-500cc LAMS engine in the business.

The engine has a nice seat-of-the-pants buzz about it, very much like the 690 Duke, but at the same time you don’t have to rev the absolute ginger out of it to keep the momentum up – the bottom end and mid-range hold the plot together before the top-end kicks in. That's a level of versatility that isn't normally extolled as a virtue in this class. There's minimal vibration, too.

The 373cc liquid-cooled single produces a claimed 44hp (32kW) at 9500rpm and 35Nm at 7250rpm. Throw KTM's signature trellis frame into the mix as well as WP suspension and the 390 Duke is a delight to throw around – even though the new model weighs a few kilograms more than the predecessor.

At 100km/h and in top gear the KTM's revving at a tick over 5000rpm, which is about the zone you want to be in for a sharp overtake or just crisp acceleration.

Those broad bars only add to the 390 Duke's appeal and, on the few occasions when we did push the suspension, chassis and brakes through the Royal National Park, the bike was nothing but competent and in control. Sure, it's a LAMS bike and has its limits, but you won't reach them as early on the Duke 390 as some others. That's the ace up the bike's sleeve.

The suspension – made in India by WP, itself a subsidiary under the KTM umbrella – comprises a non-adjustable front fork and a monoshock that’s adjustable for preload. The brakes, which come with two-channel Bosch ABS, are also bang on target.

The bike is certainly compact, both visually and when the time comes to climb aboard. My 172cm frame made for a perfect fit, while the 830mm seat height is getting up there but is manageable for most people – and the bike's feather weight helps to reduce any potential anxiety.

Screen sensation
A TFT screen on a LAMS bike – how glorious is that! The 5.2-inch display is only a smidgeon smaller than what's found on larger capacity KTMs, and it presents all the relevant information in a clear and concise manner. The display automatically adapts its illumination to the ambient light, and there's a four-button menu switch on the left-hand switchblock to toggle through all the modes including average fuel consumption, actual fuel consumption, average speed, trip time, and a range-to-empty readout.

The TFT screen really sets the 390 Duke apart from its competitors – in fact, in terms of handling, performance, refinement, rider inputs and looks it really carves out its own niche. And all in a value-packed price.

Meanwhile, pillions don't get a bad deal on the 390 Duke, but it's probably not a machine were you'd want to throw someone on the back all the time. If that's the case, you probably should be looking at a larger LAMS machine.

Summing up
The updated KTM presents a more sophisticated mechanical and electronic package, goes further on a tank of fuel , is more comfortable – and remains the same involving bike it's always been. It's a LAMS bike that even holds the interest of experienced riders for longer periods, which is why KTM is happy to pitch the little single against a variety of machines on the Aussie market.

And it's the same price as it was in 2013 – even with all those extra goodies added.

SPECS: 2017 KTM 390 DUKE
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, single-cylinder
Capacity: 373cc
Compression ratio: 12.9:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Maximum power: 44hp (32kW) at 9500rpm
Maximum torque: 35Nm at 7250rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Cable, slipper

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Tubular-steel trellis
Front suspension: WP inverted 43mm telescopic fork, non-adjustable
Rear suspension: WP monoshock, adjustable for preload
Front brakes: Single 320mm disc with radial-mount four-piston BYBRE caliper, ABS equipped
Rear brake: Single 230mm disc with single-piston BYBRE caliper, ABS equipped
Tyres: 110/70ZR17, 150/60ZR17

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 149kg
Seat height: 830mm
Wheelbase: 1357mm +-15mm
Fuel capacity: 13.4 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $6995
Test bike supplied by: KTM Australia
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres