Upcoming KTM 390 Duke - ZigWheels Free Advice

  • Published May 17, 2022
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The 3rd generation 390 Duke has its work cutout, here’s our advice to KTM for the upcoming bike.
 
KTM 390 Duke Spy Shots 720 x 54

The KTM 390 Duke is a special bike for Indian bikers. When the first generation motorcycle made its debut, we finally had a bike that not only upscaled the performance envelope but also it didn’t cost a fortune to own. KTM recently launched the updated 390 Adventure, and the 2022 KTM RC 390 is being prepped for its India debut; the Austrian brand has focused its attention on the 2023 390 Duke. We have already seen some pics of the test mule internationally, and the bike is expected to be unveiled later this year globally. So here’s the ZigWheels Free Advice to KTM on the upcoming 390 Duke. But before we get to the advice aspect, here's a quick refresher about the details of the new 390 Duke based on the spy pics.

What we know so far

KTM 390 Duke Spy Shots 720 x 54

Style

  • Same headlight as the 390 Duke.
  • Styling similar to the 890 Duke as you can see on the tank extensions.
  • New subframe makes the rear look tighter and compact.
  • All LED lighting and a TFT screen.

Engine

  • Not much details are available but the engine case is different.
  • A2 licensing norms for Europe, means the power and torque figures could be similar to its predecessor (45PS, 37Nm).
  • KTM might retune the engine for better tractability and refinement.
KTM 390 Duke Spy Shots 720 x 54

Updated Foundations

  • New subframe and redesigned trellis frame.
  • Lighter components to drop some pounds.

New goodies

  • The 2023 390 Duke could get traction control and riding modes.
  • Navigation and more connected features on the TFT screen.
  • Cornering ABS as seen on its siblings.

For more in-depth information of the specifications, features and other aspects of the motorcycle, check out our spy shot analysis here.

ZigWheels Free Advice

KTM 390 Duke Spy Shots 720 x 54

Please, KTM, give us desi bikers adjustable suspension. If TVS can do the same with the Apache RTR 200 4V, we don’t see any reason for you to skip it. One of the main reasons for the KTM 390 Duke’s popularity was that it introduced many segment-first features and it’s high time that it brings forth some innovation.

More importantly, the price. The new KTM RC 390 is supposed to be launched at Rs 3.14 lakh, that’s Rs 37,000 more than the older model. No wonder KTM sales have suffered due to this revised pricing strategy in the recent past. KTM products are also facing more competition in the form of the BMW G 310 R and the Honda CB300R. Yes, both these motorcycles don’t have outright fire power to match the Duke, but they are pretty much similar in terms of kit and premiumness.

KTM 390 Duke Spy Shots 720 x 54

If we take the new RC 390’s price into consideration, the 2023 KTM 390 Duke could retail easily above Rs 3 lakh (ex-showroom), and that’s almost as expensive as the Royal Enfield 650 Twins. I agree that the 390 Duke will offer better performance and more features, but KTM was known for its competitive pricing. So please, KTM, don’t be so greedy.

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KTM 2023 390 Duke STD Price in India
City On Road Price
Delhi Rs. 3,95,787
Kolkata Rs. 4,02,739
Bangalore Rs. 4,36,885
Hyderabad Rs. 4,29,819
Mumbai Rs. 4,09,073
Ahmedabad Rs. 4,02,959
Pune Rs. 4,09,073
Chennai Rs. 4,09,735
Patna Rs. 4,01,791
Jaipur Rs. 4,20,306
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