2018 K TM 390 DUKE
FIRST IMPRESSION
P86
The 375cc single-cylinder
engine sitting inside the KTM
390 Duke is thus one of the
most advanced singles ever
created. KTM claims the-little-
engine-that-could produces 44
horsepower, and I can assure
you that's plenty of poke for
lofting the front wheel away from
traffic lights.
Inside the engine sits a single
piston with a diameter of 89mm,
8mm up on what is allowed in
MotoGP. It's a big ol' lump of
a thing, and you'll really notice
it when you're cruising around
at low speed in first and sec-
ond gears as the engine tends
to thump along, and at these
speeds, the ride-by-wire throttle
response isn't really the nicest
to experience.
Like many engines with at
least a small sporting bone in
its body, the 390 really begins
to work when you're pushing it
hard. There's plenty of torque on
offer from the India-constructed
engine between 3000-6000
rpm, ride-by-wire throttle
response improving immensely
as the connection between bike
and rider grows and the speeds
get faster.
This connection is helped by
top quality WP suspension. It
may be non-adjustable up front
and with preload adjustment only
on the back, but the ride quality
is really good on the little Duke.
It's sprung quite soft but will
resist blowing through the stroke
when you hit sharp bumps when
cranked over at high speed.
The chassis remains lovely
The LED headlight
looks awesome on
the 390, just like the
big daddy 1290.
