KTM 390 Duke 2024 Review

KTM is wired a little differently to other motorcycle brands. The Austrian firm introduced its redesigned, learner-friendly 390 Duke street bike to media with a stunt show from Rok Bargaros, and a “gymkhana”, which saw journalists pitted against one another in head-to-head battles around a series of cones and barrels.

The fact that this “race meet” included skids, wheelies, rolling burnouts and an impromptu appearance from MotoGP legend Jeremy McWilliams, proved that KTM certainly has a drop of hooliganism in its blood. Not that any of us were complaining…

Today’s motorcycle industry is one that tends to shy away from the outlaw spirit which characterised two-wheel riding for much of its middle history. So KTM’s self-described “No Bullshit” approach with its new Duke range is a breath of fresh air.

And it helps that the 390 Duke – which KTM says is 90 per cent new – is a brilliant motorcycle that blends affordability and user-friendliness with great build quality and huge fun factor. In simple terms, there are not many LAMS-approved models that offer this much value for money.

The KTM 390 Duke is built in India by Bajaj Auto. Many people might relate that fact to lower build quality, but that is definitely not the case with the 2024 model. 

Priced at approximately $8695 ride away, the 390 Duke is definitely in the “cheap” category, but when you see the bike in the flesh, the build quality and attention to detail, coupled with the impressive list of features, suggests this bike should be at least another $2k.

Since its introduction 2013, the 390 Duke has gone through a few updates. But the 2024 model includes a completely new frame with increased stiffness, an offset WP rear shock for the first time, a new-generation engine designed to be lighter and more durable, a larger airbox, new electronics, and Michelin Power 6 tyres as standard. The bike is also lighter thanks partly to new wheels, and the power figures have increased to 45hp and 39Nm. Considering the price has only risen by $500, that is a fair amount of value.

Competition in the 350cc-400cc roadster category includes Royal Enfield’s 350 range ($7890 to $8890 ride away), the Honda GB350 ($8016 ride away), the new Harley-Davidson X350 ($8495 ride away), and Kawasaki Z400 ($8493 ride away). But perhaps the only bikes that match the 390 Duke are its Swedish cousins, the Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen (pricing TBA), and the new Triumph Street 400 ($8990 ride away) and Scrambler 400 X ($9990 ride away).

Notably, the new Triumph pair (which recently launched in Australia) are built in the same factory as the 390 Duke. When I first learned this, I assumed it would be the same platform, but both KTM and Triumph assure us there are no shared parts except for the ByBre brakes.

While the Triumph models are impressive machines with equally affordable price tags, my early thoughts are that the 390 Duke is a better overall package. The build quality feels better and it offers slightly more value in the tech department. Only a head-to-head would truly separate them though, and for now it is simply a matter of styling preference. Do you want in-your-face Austrian hooliganism? Or do you want sensible British elegance? There will be people in both camps. 

I’ve already mentioned the build quality, which is really surprising given the price and the bike’s origin, but the suite of electronics is also quite impressive.

The 390 Duke features a new TFT dash inspired by the 1390 Super Duke R. KTM says it is not the same hardware, but the rider experience is the same. There are also two ride modes, switchable traction control, cornering ABS, and LED lighting.

But if all that wasn’t enough, KTM also offers smartphone connectivity, launch control, a quickshifter, and heated grips as options. There are not many other bikes (if any) at this capacity and price point that offer that kind of technology.

On the road, the 390 Duke ticks even more boxes. The ride position and ergonomics are comfortable and suitable for both inner city commuting and twisty mountain roads, while all the controls feel well placed and easy to reach.

Weighing it at only 165kg wet, the 390 is incredibly agile, flickable, and manageable for even the smallest of riders. In fact, at times the bike felt almost too lightweight, in that it felt a little wild and loose at higher speeds.

But the Duke handles well and holds a nice line through corners, while the suspension presented no apparent issues. And despite not being the most powerful stoppers, the ByBre brakes get the job done without fuss too.

The most impressive aspect of the 390 Duke is the upsized engine, which has been greatly improved from the previous iteration. It has class leading performance figures, and it shows too, with quick acceleration, a solid mid-range, and the ability to sit on up to 150km/h comfortably.

In a bid to prove its credentials, KTM asked Bagoros to pilot a stock 390 in the aforementioned Gymkhana. He proceeded to drift through every corner as if it was nothing. Yep, the 390 might be LAMS-approved, but it can absolutely be a hooligan’s dream ride.  

To be honest, price and capacity considered, there isn’t a lot to complain about, but there are a few things. Naturally, the engine runs out of puff at the upper decks of the rev range, and 170km/h was about all we could eek out of it on the fast Spanish roads. But those facts are irrelevant for the intended audience.

Elsewhere, the fueling isn’t spot on and feels a little patchy at times, while the initial power at low revs is a little soft. The bike needs a decent handful off the line in order to make the most of the quick acceleration.

Towards the end of our ride loop, a few riders (myself included) started experiencing some excessive rear-wheel slippage. It was possibly an issue with the road surface, but it did pose the question of whether or not the Michelin Power 6 was up to the task. On face value, it seems like good rubber for the price, but I’d like a little more time to decide.

The orange colourway is definitely the pick of the bunch, with the blue option exposing the, shall we say, more affordable nature of the bike. In orange, the 390 Duke looks just as premium as its bigger 990 and 1390 siblings. An optical illusion, perhaps, but still…

My only other complaint? The indicator switch was too awkward and fiddly.

Comparisons and shootouts will inevitably happen, but in my mind, right at this moment, the 390 Duke is the best learner motorcycle available on Australian shores. It treads the line between ease-of-use and performance better than any other bike, and it bats well above its bargain price tag. It comes with all the right safety and tech features (and some) and looks stylish and well-built.

The upcoming Husqvarna 401s (which use the same platform) will obviously give the Duke a good shake, while the new Triumph 400 models are also great alternatives if you prefer classic British style. But the KTM 390 Duke is a really impressive machine and a huge improvement on the previous version.

KTM’s marketing spin uses the phrase “No Bullshit”, which is good, because I’m sure there are a lot of people that think its BS that a $8k learner bike can be this good. But believe me, it is that good.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder
Capacity: 398.7cc
Bore x stroke: 89mm x 64mm
Engine management: Bosch EFI with 46mm throttle body

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 45hp at 8500rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 39Nm at 7000rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: PASC slipper

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel trellis frame, powder coated, bolt-on casted aluminium subframe
Front suspension: WP APEX 43mm, 150mm travel, open cartridge, compression and rebound clickers
Rear suspension: WP APEX monoshock, 150mm travel, separated piston 5 clicks, preload adjuster
Front brakes: 320mm discs with ByBe four-piston radial caliper, ABS
Rear brake: 240mm disc with ByBre twin-piston floating caliper, ABS
Tyres: Michelin Power 6

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 165kg
Seat height: 820mm
Wheelbase: 1357mm
Fuel capacity: 15 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $8695 ride away
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres