2017 KTM 390 Duke First Look Preview
When the KTM 390 Duke was released in 2013, it became an immediate hit, attracting many entry-level riders under the KTM umbrella. The Baby Duke became a favorite urban machine for the Ultimate Motorcycling staff due to its around-town agility and under $5,000 price point.
Things only get better for 2017; the “Ready to Race” brand out of Austria has significantly updated the styling of 390 Duke, bringing it closer to the looks of another favorite at Ultimate Motorcycling, the 1290 Super Duke R. The 2017 KTM 390 Duke receives sharper body work, a new LED headlight and a full-color TFT digital dash—all traits taken from the 1290 Super Duke R.
[Visit the 2017 Motorcycle Previews page]
But KTM didn’t stop there; the seat and pillion was redesigned, and the rear bolt-on subframe is now exposed. The 3.5-gallon steel fuel tank is larger for increased range, and redesigned for more comfort.
In the engine department, the 390 Duke’s 373cc liquid-cooled single that produces 44 horsepower @ 9500 rpm now features Ride-by-Wire throttle.
As for suspension, the steel trellis frame is complimented now by a new 43mm WP upside-down fork. Braking performance also improves with a new 320mm front rotor vs. the 300mm rotor on the outgoing model. Just like last year, the KTM 390 Duke returns with a two-channel Bosch 9MB ABS system.
KTM has not released pricing or availability, though we expect the 390 Duke to remain around the $5,000 mark. We’ll have more during our First Ride Review of KTM’s new Baby Duke.
