Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1516895
QUICKSPIN I 2024 KTM 390 Duke P112 mess around with the fork while on test, but once I had a bit of preload in the rear, life was instantly more tolerable. The 390 held its line with more precision, not squatting under the weight of those massive 44 Austrian/Indian horses sitting beneath my loins. ByBre's four-piston brake system was adequate for the task but not mind-blowing. There's more than enough power, but the feel is a little lacking at the lever. However, it's not overly worrying considering the general quality of the rolling hardware. The brakes come with a two-channel ABS, and you can engage Supermoto Mode in the ECU, thus enabling you to do your best Chris Fillmore impersonation and back it into corners. Speaking of the electronics, they are all ad - justed via the new 1390 Super Duke R-inspired five-inch TFT display that allows for turn-by- turn navigation and phone pairing to answer calls and control your music via the KTMcon - nect app that works for Apple or Android. And if you want to be extra gangsta, KTM's launch control now allows you to hold the revs at 7000 rpm, dump the clutch and get near- perfect traffic-light GP starts every time. The 390 Duke has certainly matured in 2024, with the looks now more closely aligned with the bigger Dukes in the family. More extended side panels give the bike the look of a larger capacity steed and give it a little ma - turity. Full LED lighting abounds, and the gas tank has increased in size by 0.4 gallons to 3.9 gallons for a little extra time in the saddle. The KTM 390 Duke is undoubtedly the hardest-edge "learner" machine you can buy in America, but in the U.S., you don't have to start on a little bike. You can get a Hayabusa if you want, but I'd strongly recommend against that notion. The 390 is a gem of a machine if you want a sporty little bike with plenty of attitude that allows you to grow as a rider and then graduate onto something a little quicker. That's the proper way to have a long life as a rider, and there's hardly a nastier-looking first bike than the KTM 390 Duke on which to do it. CN 2024 KTM 390 DUKE ($6299) ENGINE: Single-cylinder, 4-stroke COOLING SYSTEM: Liquid VALVETRAIN: 4-valve DISPLACEMENT: 399cc BORE X STROKE: 89 x 64mm FUEL INJECTION: Electronic fuel injection system, 46mm throttle body EXHAUST: 1-1 TRANSMISSION: 6-speed CLUTCH: Wet, multi-plate, slip and assist ELECTRONICS: Riding Modes, ABS, Traction Control CHASSIS: Tubular steel FRONT SUSPENSION: 43 WP APEX inverted forks, compression and rebound damping adjustable REAR SUSPENSION: WP APEX monoshock, preload, and rebound adjustable FRONT BRAKE: Single 320mm disc, ByBre 4-piston radial monobloc calipers REAR BRAKE: Single 240mm disc, ByBre single-piston caliper FRONT TIRE: Michelin Power 6 110/70ZR17 in. REAR TIRE: Michelin Power 6, 150/60R17 in. WHEELBASE: 53.4 in. SEAT HEIGHT: 32.2 in. FUEL CAPACITY: 3.9 gal. WEIGHT (CURB, CLAIMED): 363 lbs. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S