Although it shares the 390 moniker with its predecessor, the 2024 KTM 390 Duke is an entirely new motorcycle, including the motor and the chassis. This model isn’t an update—it’s a new motorcycle. Let’s go over what has changed.
- The new LC4c motor in the 2024 KTM 390 Duke is completely different from the outgoing smaller displacement powerplant. From the new wet-sump lubrication system to the longer stroke, it is simply a new motor. Only the configuration is the same—DOHC single w/ a four-valve head and the 89mm bore. The motor is lighter, though KTM doesn’t say how much weight was cut.
- The 4mm-longer stroke gives the new 390 a 26cc displacement boost over the previous generation compact naked, upright sportbike, with an emphasis on torque production. The new 390’s torque peak is 1.5 ft-lbs higher, and the 44-horsepower peak is an increase of over one horse. We don’t have numbers on where those peaks hit, however.
- The combustion process starts with a larger airbox that boasts new intakes. At the other end, the exhaust system is new from end to end.
- The motor has two ride modes, along with cornering traction control. Riders can switch between Street and Rain modes via new switchgear. Riders will monitor the setting on a new five-inch TFT display. Launch control is a standard rider aid, while launch control is standard, and track-day riders can select the just-the-facts Track display. The KTMconnect app returns to pair your smartphone to the dash using Bluetooth.
- A quickshifter for the six-speed transmission is optional. The clutch has assist and slipper functions.
- The steel trellis frame is all-new. It is matched up to an arched cast aluminum swingarm and a bolt-on cast aluminum subframe. The wheelbase is unchanged at 53.4 inches, and the height of the new seat is a touch lower at 32.2 inches. We don’t have rake and trail numbers yet.
- The new swingarm mount for the shock is linkage-free and cantilevers the rear suspension unit. The new muffler sits underneath the curve of the swingarm, below the lower shock mount. That puts it much closer to the center of gravity.
- The WP Apex suspension is all-new and more adjustable. The fork has full damping adjustment and is an open-cartridge internal design. The shock has only rebound damping adjustability. There are five damping settings available at each end. As is often the case with lower-spec WP suspenders, there is no spring-preload adjustability.
- The wheels and brakes are completely different from previous models. The 2024 KTM 390 Duke’s 320mm front disc is 20mm larger in diameter than before. Also, the disc is bolted to the spokes, rather than a hub. The rear disc is now 240mm, up 10mm from last year. Brembo calipers have been replaced by Brembo-manufactured Bybree budget units. The front caliper is still four-piston and radially mounted, while the rear caliper retains a two-piston design. Highly regarded Michelin Power 6 rubber returns. Bosch 9.3MP ABS replaces the 9.1MP iteration.
- Along with everything else, the plastic is all-new. The already no-frills KTM 390 Duke gets an even fiercer countenance in 2024.
- The 363-pound curb weight 2024 KTM 390 Duke is a few pounds heavier than last year, primarily due to an increased fuel capacity. The 3.9-gallon fuel tank is also new, and carries 1.6 quarts more high test than before.
- The lighting is all-new and all-LED. The turn signals are now self-canceling.
- The 2024 KTM 390 Duke hits American soil next month. The MSRP is yet to be announced. However, you can start considering which colorway you prefer—Signature Electronic Orange or Atlantic Blue. KTM has plenty of accessory PowerParts available, and you’ll see several of them in the action and location photos by Rudi Schedl.
ENGINE
Type: Single cylinder
Displacement: 399cc
Bore x stroke: 89 x 64mm
Maximum torque: 29 ft-lbs
Maximum power: 44 horsepower
Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 valves
Fueling: Bosch EFI w/ 46mm throttle body
Lubrication: Wet sump
Transmission: 6-speed (quickshifter optional)
Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ assist and slipper functions
Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
Frame: Powdercoated steel trellis w/ cast aluminum swingarm and removable cast aluminum subframe
Handlebars: Tapered aluminum
Front suspension; travel: Damping-adjustable WP Apex inverted 43mm open-cartridge fork; 5.9 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Cantilevered, linkage-less, rebound-damping adjustable WP Apex Separate Piston shock; 5.9 inches
Wheels: Cast aluminum
Front: 17 x 3.00
Rear: 17 x 4.00
Tires: Michelin Power 6
Front: 110/70 x 17
Rear: 150/60 x 17
Front brake: 320mm disc w/ radially mounted Bybre 4-piston caliper
Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ Bybre 2-piston floating caliper
ABS: Bosch 9.3 two-channel w/ Supermoto mode
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
Wheelbase: 53.4 inches
Seat height: 32.2 inches
Fuel capacity: 3.9 gallons
Curb weight: 363 pounds
Colors: Signature Electronic Orange; Atlantic Blue
2024 KTM 390 Duke Price: $TBA MSRP
