Spied: 2017 KTM 390 Duke testing
The 2017 KTM 390 Duke has been caught testing in Spain and the images reveal the new bike in fair detail. The very capable steel-trellis frame appears similar to the current 390 Duke. Why fix, when it ain't broke, right?
The tank's shape, however, is all new and so do the tank extensions that are sleeker and stretch farther ahead, up to the forks. This in turn leaves most of engine and the radiator exposed. The new tank/panel design should help taller riders to latch on securely. The 2017 model seems to have lost the mid-panels, further exposing the frame. The rear section is all new too. It swoops back and ends in a new tail light section. Also, notice the integrated grab handles. The stalk that juts out from the bottom end of the tail piece, with the registration plate holder at the other end, is also new. More importantly, it seems to be made out of aluminium, instead of the plastic tail extension at the rear.
There's no clear shot of the headlamp, although it appears the similar to the one on the existing unit. The brakes look similar to the one on the 2016 KTM RC 390. The 320mm Brembo brakes, with ABS, is another significant update on the 2017 390 Duke. The wheels and Metzeler tyres remain unchanged.
In compliance with Euro 4 emission norms, KTM had hooked up a conventional exhaust on the 2016 RC 390. Expect the same unit on the 2017 390 Duke. Currently, the 390 Duke's engine produces 44PS and 35Nm. Expect a slight increase in these figures since the engine will be updated to meet the Euro 4 norms. There's also speculation that KTM may incorporate a second balancer shaft in the cylinder head which results in twin-cylinder like smoothness. KTM has already done this with the 2015 690 Duke's engine.
Expect KTM to reveal the motorcycle by the end of this year and launch it by early 2017.
Source: MCN
