Confirmed: All-new 2017 KTM 390 Duke to be launched on February 23, 2017
It's time. OVERDRIVE exclusively brought you the details on the 2017 KTM 390 Duke from the Milan show in November 2016. And today, we have received confirmations that the all-new KTM Duke range will be launched in Mumbai on February 23, 2017. The 2017 model is all-new, unlike the 2017 KTM RC390 which recently received updates to meet Euro IV, including ride-by-wire, but this was a midlife update not a ground-up refresh for the KTM small sportsbikes range. The new KTM Duke range looks different and is likely to feel very different to ride as well.
The new 373cc engine on the KTM 390 Duke is similar to the current one - a liquid-cooled fuel-injected DOHC 4-valve single. Now it will also get ride-by-wire as OVERDRIVE reported earlier. This does also mean the side-slung exhaust. However, unlike as we reported earlier, the KTM is expected to gain 10kg in the process at the kerb, 7kg from the additional hardware and 3kg from the larger (steel) fuel tank.
On the chassis front, the KTM 390 Duke retains the geometry of the old motorcycle, but in the specification are larger (from our KTM RC390 experience, sharper) brakes but more importantly, entirely new suspension. The front forks are WP Split Forks, which is WP-speak for split-function forks. This means the 43mm upside-down forks will separate their job - compression and rebound - between the two legs. These will not, however, be adjustable in any way.
KTM officials exclusively told OVERDRIVE in Milan that the forks and the new rear shock absorber make the KTM 390 Duke feel more grown-up and sophisticated. The styling has functional advantages too. The KTM SuperDuke-inspired styling means the bike looks good with its LED cluster headlamps and all. But the crucial bit is that it makes the KTM 390 Duke a vital bit more spacious and that's a great news for taller riders and touring riders who both found the KTM just a wee bit too cramped.
The launch of the KTM 390 Duke and the KTM 200 Duke is set for February 23, 2017. Stay tuned to OVERDRIVE, we will be reporting live.
Starts Rs 2,52,928
373cc
6-Speed
43.50
37.00
25.00 Kmpl
Starts Rs 1,72,749
200cc
6-Speed
25.00
19.50
27.27 Kmpl
