2017 KTM Duke 390 Test Ride Review

Ergonomics – KTM, with this generation of the Duke 390, has attempted to improve the riding posture by working on the position of the saddle and footpegs. While the racer junta ought to appreciate it for the control it gives over the motorcycle, tourers are going to miss the slightly relaxed riding posture offered by its predecessor. The new attacking position feels much better while cornering and taking U-turns since the handlebar now feels closer to the body. KTM has moved the keyhole closer to the rider and operating the buttons on the handlebar is a piece of cake. However, the fuel tank lid opens away from the rider unlike other motorcycles but one can get accustomed to this arrangement in a matter of days since this one, at 22-28 kms to a litre, has high appetite. Increased seat height and revised tank recesses help accommodate taller rides with ease. Seat compound has changed for good and the softer split seats now offer commendable support.

Performance – The 373.2cc DOHC engine of the Duke 390 was, and remains, a stonker of a motor. With the second generation, this powerhouse has been retuned to produce 37 Nm of torque while the power figures remain the same at 43.5 HP. From halt, the 100 km/hr mark is breached in 5.78 seconds and, due to a change in sprocket configuration (45 teeth instead of 44), the top speed has gone up as well. Moreover, all this drama is achieved earlier on in the rev range which translates to better low-end grunt. The 2017 Duke 390 also gets ride-by-wire throttle which takes away some uneasiness from the engine at low speeds. The sure-shifting 6-speed gearbox mated to a decently weighed clutch and backed by instant torque delivery makes the motorcycle comfortable to ride around in traffic.

The explosive power delivery of the 2017 Duke 390 is addictive but it’s tamed now

Just like its previous generation, the motorcycle is extremely engaging to ride in the mid-range as the surge of power can be felt at 5000 odd RPM which holds up well till the redline. The motorcycle shoots ahead and gathers pace like there is no tomorrow! Acceleration is brisk even beyond triple digit speeds and going well past 100 km/hr, the engine doesn’t feel out of breath either. Let alone staying ahead of traffic, you can give even performance cars a run for their money on the straights.

Where KTM has worked hard is the NVH department and the result is more than noticeable. There are none of the vibrations or roughness of the earlier motor which is a very welcome move. The side-mounted exhaust adopts a smooth tone to compliment the vibe-free nature of the motorcycle but, at times, one does feel that the muted growl is insufficient for the kind of power the Duke 390 serves. The larger fuel tank is made of metal and gets an EVAP system to prevent fuel loss from evaporation. However, I won’t whine about the fuel efficiency figures of such a brilliant performer. Not in the performance section, at least! The cooling fan is very audible and the company claims to have used an improved radiator setup to control heating but our stint with the Katoom tells us otherwise.