The naked range of KTM is hugely successful: the Austrians sell more Dukes than off-road models worldwide last year. The Duke 390 has also been a big success in many markets around the world and for the 2015 model year, the small naked bike with advanced technology and refined details will be available in the U.S. with an MSRP $4,999. R.I.P. Kawasaki Ninja 300?
2015 KTM Duke 390
More than meets the eye – that is the basic idea behind the 390 Duke. The result is a motorcycle with the dimensions and weight of a 125 but the power and the performance of a veritable sport bike. The bike has proven to be the happy medium for many motorcyclists: quick, nimble, light, economical, and safe. At a full 32kW (44hp) from 373cc of displacement and less than 140 kilos dry, the 390 Duke’s dynamics will not just beat many bikes with more displacement but also make it a sporty alternative to expensive maxi-scooters, carving its way quickly through urban traffic and scorching down the back roads.
Are you looking for a tiny license plate holder for your Duke? Then see this R&G Tail Tidy Licence Plate Holder for KTM 125/200/390 Duke (moulded, with aluminium hanger)
Thanks to sophisticated design details, the single cylinder engine turned out extremely compact. In fact, it’s so compact that the 390 Duke uses the same ultra-light trellis frame as its smaller sibling. Combined with its low weight, this ensures absolutely superior handling qualities. For the state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine, the Austrian designers pulled out all the stops, from the four-valve cylinder head with DLC coated finger followers, to the dry-sump lubrication with crankcase evacuation, to a three-way catalytic converter, in order to combine maximum power with impressive refinement, extreme reliability and great eco credentials. WP Suspension components matched to the dynamic performance, as well as a top quality braking system developed in cooperation with Brembo and combined with a disengageable ABS by Bosch ensure top precision, full control and maximum safety – perfect conditions for unlimited riding enjoyment, and leaving riders of much larger sport bikes behind in a state of utter amazement.
The second smallest Duke is a big hit
The 390 Duke offers everything that has made motorcycles great at all times: adequate power, superior torque and reasonable costs at extremely low weight. It is super easy to ride and brings all its superiority to bear wherever maximum agility is called for. In short: No other bike will get you more fun for the money! As an option, the 390 Duke is also available with power restriction for A2 license holders (Europe).
The bike’s single-cylinder engine once again underlines KTM’s exceptional development potential. The latest materials and production technologies not only ensure ample torque and overwhelming acceleration across the powerband but also good manners in everyday use, as well as outstanding fuel economy. At 373cc, the engine only weighs 36kg, and thanks to sophisticated design details like the vertically stacked transmission shafts, the engine turned out extremely compact. Moreover, it delivers a punchy 32kW (44hp) thanks to such technical refinements as Nikasil cylinder coating and forced oil lubrication with performance-boosting crankcase evacuation. The 390 Duke offers an outstanding engine performance and can’t be compared to other competitor bikes in the 350cc class
The 390 Duke features a trellis frame made of thin-walled, top quality steel tubes and is distinguished by an extremely well-balanced rigidity distribution as well as superior stability. A different frame design with comparably low weight and characteristics has not yet been invented.
Aggressive styling
Check this Akrapovic exhaust for the largest Duke: Akrapovic KTM 1290 Super Duke Titanium Full Exhaust System 61305999000
The amply sized WP Suspension upside down front forks offer similar mounts of torsional rigidity as the frame. They have 150mm of wheel travel and at 43mm
and the same diameter stanchions as those of the KTM 690 Duke – genuine top equipment to ensure maximum stability and precision. They deliver a sensitive response, extremely precise control of the front wheel and a crystal clear feedback to the rider.
There’s another parallel to the 690 Duke: the extremely lightweight lattice aluminum swing arm is designed and produced following the same principles as the swing arm of the 690 Duke. It is distinguished by the highest torsional rigidity, ensuring excellent stability. Directly linked, the WP Suspension rear shock offers no less than 150mm of travel.
The bike is equipped with an outstanding braking system. On the front wheel, a radial four-cylinder caliper clamps down on a 300mm brake disc. It is supported from the rear by a 230mm disc and flating caliper – state-of-the-art braking technology by Brembo subsidiary Bybre.
USD fork, radial brake, a real shock frame and swingarm, great design – it’s your turn Ninja 300.
Source: KTM
