The KTM Duke 390 has consistently been one of the most popular performance-oriented motorcycles in the 300–400cc segment, offering a perfect blend of sporty design, high performance, advanced features, and urban agility. With the 2025 version, KTM has refined the Duke 390 to enhance rider experience, technology, and safety, while maintaining its aggressive streetfighter appeal.
This article provides a complete 1500+ word review of the KTM Duke 390, covering design, engine, performance, handling, electronics, safety, variants, pricing, rivals, and overall buying guide.
Overview of KTM Duke 390
The KTM Duke 390 is a naked street motorcycle designed for riders seeking high performance, aggressive styling, and lightweight handling.
Key highlights include:
- Lightweight chassis for excellent maneuverability
- Powerful 373cc single-cylinder engine
- TFT display with connected features
- Aggressive streetfighter design with sharp lines
The 2025 KTM Duke 390 builds on its predecessors’ success by offering improved ergonomics, technology, and safety, making it a complete package for both city commutes and spirited rides.
Design and Build Quality
The Duke 390 is known for its aggressive streetfighter aesthetics. KTM has focused on sharp lines, premium finishes, and sporty proportions in the 2025 model.
Exterior Design Features:
- Front fascia: LED headlamp with DRLs for a modern look
- Body panels: Sharp and muscular tank design with aerodynamic styling
- Tail section: Minimalist tail with LED indicators and integrated tail lamp
- Color options: Bright and striking colors such as Orange, Black, and White
The premium build quality ensures durability while maintaining a lightweight frame, contributing to superior handling and performance.
Chassis and Suspension
The KTM Duke 390 features a trellis frame, which is lightweight yet rigid, offering precise handling.
Suspension setup:
- Front: WP USD (Upside Down) forks for better stability and damping
- Rear: WP monoshock with adjustable preload for comfort and sporty handling
This setup ensures excellent cornering ability, stability at high speeds, and smooth ride quality even on rough urban roads.
Engine and Performance
The KTM Duke 390 is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, delivering impressive power and torque.
Engine specifications:
- 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine
- Maximum power: 44 bhp @ 9,000 rpm
- Maximum torque: 37 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
- Fuel injection with Bosch EFI system
Transmission:
- 6-speed gearbox with smooth shifting
- Slipper clutch for better downshift control
Performance Highlights:
- Top speed: 157 km/h (approx.)
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds
- Agile and responsive, ideal for urban commuting and highway rides
The Duke 390 combines power, agility, and lightweight handling, making it one of the most exciting motorcycles in its segment.
Braking and Safety Features
KTM prioritizes safety with a robust braking system and modern electronics.
Braking System:
- Front: 320mm disc with radial caliper
- Rear: 230mm disc
- Dual-channel ABS for safer braking in all conditions
Safety and Electronics:
- Slipper clutch for controlled downshifts
- Traction control for enhanced stability
- LED headlamps and tail lamps for visibility
- Optional KTM My Ride connectivity for smartphone integration
These features ensure a safe and confident riding experience, both in city traffic and on highways.
TFT Display and Technology
The 2025 KTM Duke 390 comes with a full-color TFT display that offers smartphone connectivity and ride information.
Display features:
- Speedometer, tachometer, trip meter, fuel gauge
- Gear indicator and average fuel consumption
- Turn-by-turn navigation via KTM My Ride app
- Call and message notifications (connected via Bluetooth)
The display enhances rider convenience, safety, and modern appeal, giving the Duke 390 a tech-forward edge.
Fuel Efficiency and Tank Capacity
Despite its performance focus, the KTM Duke 390 offers reasonable fuel efficiency for a 373cc motorcycle.
- Fuel tank: 13.4 liters
- Mileage: Approx. 25–28 km/l depending on riding style
- Riding range: Around 330–370 km per tank
The fuel-efficient engine allows for longer rides without frequent refueling, ideal for both city and highway use.
Ergonomics and Riding Comfort
The Duke 390 offers a sporty yet comfortable riding posture:
- Upright seating with slightly forward-leaning posture
- Split seat design for rider and pillion comfort
- Clip-on handlebars for aggressive yet controlled handling
The ergonomics make it comfortable for daily commuting and spirited weekend rides, without causing fatigue during long rides.
Exhaust and Sound
The KTM Duke 390 features a single-side exhaust with a sporty tone.
- Aggressive exhaust note enhancing streetfighter feel
- Compliance with BS6 emission norms
- Stylish design complementing the overall bike aesthetics
The exhaust delivers a thrilling sound signature, adding to the performance experience.
Variants and Pricing
The KTM Duke 390 is offered in single variant options with minor customization choices:
Expected Price 2025:
- Ex-showroom: ₹3.2 lakh – ₹3.5 lakh (India)
Available Variants:
- Standard streetfighter setup
- Color options: Orange, Black, White
KTM positions the Duke 390 as a premium yet accessible performance motorcycle in the 300–400cc segment.
Rivals and Market Competition
The Duke 390 competes with other premium naked bikes in the segment:
KTM RC 390: Fully faired sibling with similar engine but sportier posture.
Yamaha R15 V4: High-revving engine and sporty fairing, but less torque.
TVS Apache RR 310: Fully faired with similar performance but heavier.
KTM Duke 250: Slightly less power and torque, lighter price point.
The Duke 390 stands out for its lightweight chassis, aggressive design, and high-performance engine, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful 373cc engine with excellent torque
- Aggressive streetfighter design
- TFT display with smartphone connectivity
- Lightweight chassis for agile handling
- Dual-channel ABS and slipper clutch for safety
Cons:
- Slightly high price compared to smaller 250cc bikes
- Rear seat could be more comfortable for pillion
- Fuel efficiency lower compared to commuter bikes
Conclusion
The KTM Duke 390 2025 remains one of the best choices in the premium naked bike segment, offering:
- High-performance 373cc engine for thrilling rides
- Aggressive streetfighter styling and premium build quality
- Advanced TFT display with smartphone connectivity
- Safety features including dual-channel ABS, slipper clutch, and LED lighting
With its combination of performance, technology, and style, the KTM Duke 390 is ideal for enthusiasts, city riders, and weekend warriors, making it a benchmark in the 300–400cc category.