Meet the 2018 KTM 390 Duke
Since 1992, Austrian manufacturer KTM has been a motorcycle and sports car maker that’s been known for its Enduro, Motocross, and Supermoto off-road motorcycles. Since the late '90s the company has expanded into street motorcycles and thrived in the market.
In 2015, the company reported they sold almost as many street motorcycles as they did off-road vehicles, the model for which they were mostly known. The company became the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Europe in 2012, and remain the leading off-road motorcycle manufacturer across the world.
Video source: Motorcycle.com
The first street bike, made by KTM for the Duke line, was the Duke 620 in 1992, the naked bikes in the Duke and Super Duke model series offer bikes with displacement from 125, 390, 690 and 1290cc. The latter 1290cc R Superduke bike features a two-cylinder four-stroke 75-degree cylinder LC8 engine, while the KTM 390 and KTM 690 and KTM 690 R Duke models feature a single-cylinder four-stroke LC4 motor.
The KTM 390 Duke is a 373.2cc single-cylinder standard motorcycle that debuted at the 2012 EICMA show. It has been sold in the U.S. since 2015. Since then, the 390 has been redesigned and simplified, which was meant to align the 390 to its beastly big-brothers, the Super Adventure R and 1290 Super Duke R.
Apparently, since 2015, KTM has made it a mission to attack all the whined-about problems with the original 2015 KTM 390. The changes made to the 2017 model included updates to the dash, brakes, ergonomics, engine, suspension, frame, seat and pretty much anything else you could think of. What came out if it for the 2018 model is a light, powerful, and a tech-savvy bike that gives a thrilling ride that, while fun enough for veteran riders, is excellent for a beginner bike.
When it comes to the engine of the 2018 KTM Duke 390, the single-cylinder engine with twin overhead camshafts delivers a maximum power of 43.5 PS at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 37 Nma at 7,000 rpm. The bike is comfortable and provides plenty of space for movement and even, dare I say it, relaxed touring if you’d like. The handlebar grips are a bit more raised and forward, while the new dogleg levers can adjust and range five positions.The chassis is state-of-the-art and features a lightweight steel trellis frame, and the bike’s center of gravity makes it easy to maneuver easily, which is great for beginners. Also perfect for beginners is the large, well-lit and easy-to-read dash which ensures you remain in control. You’re able just to sit back and enjoy the ride with a relaxed seating position and excellent handling, what could be better?
2018 KTM Duke 390 Specs
- Category: Naked bike
- Engine type: 373.3 cc single cylinder, four-stroke
- Bore x stroke: 3.5 x 2.4 inches
- Power: 44 HP
- Fuel system: Injection
- Fuel control: DOHC
- Ignition: Bosch EMS
- Lubrication system: Wet sump
- Cooling system: Liquid
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Final drive: Chain
- Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch / mechanically operated
- Chassis, suspension, brakes, and wheels
- Frame type: Steel trellis frame, powder coated
- Front Brakes: Double disc, ABS, four-piston radial fixed caliper
- Rear brakes: Single disc, ABS, single-piston floating caliper
- Dry weight: 328.5 pounds
- Seat height: 32.7 inches
- Ground clearance: 7.3 inches
- Wheelbase: 53.4 inches
- Fuel capacity: 3.54 gallons
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