Once again, the next-gen KTM 390 Duke was seen being tested right here in India, where it will be made. The new machine is revealed in this close-up.
Next-gen KTM 390 Duke: engine updates
The latest spy shot of next-gen 390 confirms many changes previously seen in previous sightings. These changes include engine revisions, as shown by the new engine covers. The rerouted exhaust system also suggests that there have been internal and external modifications. The intake routing is also different from the current motorcycle. This will be the most extensive update to this engine in a while.
We will have to wait to see an official spec sheet to find out if the 399cc displacement increase is true. The test mule has a bigger radiator and a twin-fan setup, whereas the current Duke only has one fan. This could indicate that the new bike has more power due to increased displacement. The extra fan could also be used to cool the engine. This is a possibility, although not as serious as before, but still an issue on the 390 Duke. With its twin fan setup, the 390 Adventure does better heat management.
Next-gen KTM 390 Duke: chassis updates
Although the next-gen machine has more bodywork, the visible portion of the frame appears very similar to the current model. The revised swingarm is what is visible. It appears to have a slightly different design and shape. The new, very neat-looking wheels and brakes from and the newly updated RC 390 will be passed to the Duke. The front brake disc will no longer have a carrier and the wheel will shift from one side to the other. This will reduce unsprung mass and improve agility.
KTM also changed the suspension system extensively for this bike. They now use an offset rear monoshock. Although the shock has been repositioned is not visible in the image, you can see the gap where it was placed on the current bike. Expect tweaks to the tune and possibly increased adjustability. KTM has a tendency to offer greater suspension adjustability in India than it does in India. It remains to be determined what bike the bike will be sold with. With its last update, the RC 390 got rebound damping adjustment for its monoshock. This will likely be included on the new Duke in India.
New styling and features for the next-gen KTM390 Duke
The most obvious of all changes is the new bodywork. All panels have been redesigned to fit the new model. The most striking feature of the changes are the tank extensions. They are longer and sharper than the current bike. The new headlight has been added, as well as a new seat profile, making them appear more spacious. Redesigned mirrors look sharper, just like the rest. There have also been some changes at the touch points.
The switchgear looks different. There is a red switch at the top of the left cube. This switch is not available on the current bike. This could be a safety switch. The hand levers are not adjustable, and they don’t seem to be adjustable. KTM has not removed the adjustable levers on the current machine. This would be strange, but it could just be something that this test mule uses. The lever in black is the one that’s visible, while the lever on the other side has a bare-metal finish. It’s very likely that the next-gen production model will have adjustable levers.
Expected Features in new KTM Duke 390:
- New alloy wheels
- New bodywork
- Expected more power
- Redesigned chassis
- Quickshifter++
- New exhaust system
The 390 Duke already has a Bluetooth-enabled TFT screen, dual-channel ABS, and a bidirectional quickshifter. All these features will be available on the next-gen model. It will also get an IMU and a traction control system like the RC 390 that was received in its most recent iteration.
India launches the next-generation KTM 390 Duke and prices
This test mule looks pretty good, with the exception of a few areas such as the hand levers. This is not only the first time this next-generation machine has been seen in India. It appears production-ready. This all points to the fact that the Duke will soon be updated and almost certain to break cover this year. The add-ons and improvements to the current machine will result in a modest increase in the price of the Duke, which currently stands at Rs 2.96 lakh (except for Delhi).
