The journey of searching for the next best fit is continuing and even though I have partially set my heart on the middle-class sector it would be unfair to cut the smaller cc bikes out before giving them a shot. Let’s be honest technology and bikes in general have changed a tremendous amount since 2015…
This thought process got me looking at a few smaller cc bike options, keep in mind that seat height and comfort are my main priority. My fiancé has always been a KTM fan, I sometimes think his blood literally runs orange… So, he suggested that I have another look at the latest KTM 390 Duke. On a normal day, I would never even consider it, but KTM has made so many changes to their latest model that it was worth a try.
For 2024 KTM has gone all out with their styling of the all-new 390 Duke. Drawing inspiration from the very appealing Super Duke, they included details like the sharp lines of the fairings to the 5-spoke rims. Even though the 390 is built in India the built quality is almost identical to that of the Super Duke for the first time ever. The switch gear, engine casings, TFT display, headlight and suspension represent incredible Austrian quality.
Since we are highlighting the new changes to the bike, let us start with the seat height. I was pleasantly surprised when I swung my leg over the 390 Duke and managed to touch the ground on either side, the new and slimmer design of the seat has certainly made a difference along with the additional 10mm drop overall. KTM received a lot of feedback about the high seat height on their bikes and they wanted to open up their smaller sector to a wider range of riders, including the shorties. KTM heard us and they have arrived!
Turning on the ignition was quite an engaging experience as the ‘Ready To Race’ words appeared. The information displayed on their new 5-inch TFT compares well with that of the middle-class sector, you can easily forget that it is only a 390cc. The last small-capacity bike I rode was the Kawasaki Ninja 400 which had very basic technology, so it was quite a fun experience to flip through all the rider aids that are available.
Talking about rider aids, this little bike has 3 different rider modes (street, rain and track) with ABS and Launch control that can both be switched off. Of course, I’m not exactly your “Ready To Race” gal, so I left everything on Street mode and switched on. Oh, and FYI the 390 is also equipped with an up-and-down quick shifter which is something I have grown to love over the past few riding experiences. While out and about, I quickly realized that KTM riders are classified as “hooligans” for a reason; I barely touched the capabilities of what the 390 is made for!
Even though I didn’t get close to the limits of the 390, it was still a fantastic ride. It’s super light which boosts my confidence when lifting it off the sidestand and it’s extremely agile around corners which definitely made me feel incredibly comfortable. I’m not really someone who enjoys revving out a bike or a car when riding or driving around, so the fact that they raised the torque to provide power lower down in the RPMs was something I appreciated as KTMs are well known for being ridden aggressively.
Apart from my more relaxed riding style compared to that of your average KTM rider, I did test the bike to the best of my riding capabilities which does involve some enjoyable corners. Jumping from the Triumph Trident to the 390 I expected a bigger difference in the quality of handling, but with its adjustable WP suspension, both front and back, and the new stiffer frame the bike handled incredibly well and it was surprisingly stable for a smaller cc naked bike. The difference in handling was not all too different to that of the Trident—this is probably due to the fact that the Trident has non-adjustable suspension. Even though I’m not one to make many adjustments, I do feel like this could be a considering factor for some riders.
Overall, the KTM truly left a great impression, and I can see why it is such a popular bike amongst riders who seek a thrilling riding experience. I believe that by owning the 390 one could very easily up your riding skills with all the supportive technology that it provides. It comes as no surprise that it’s a favourable bike in the smaller cc sector as it does possess the most electronics and sophisticated suspension compared to its rivals, and all that at a very competitive price. If you are someone that enjoys a little extra excitement on your rides then you might want to consider this little machine. As for me, it was an eye-opener as to how exciting this sector has become.
For more information on the bike featured in this article, click on the link below…
