KTM Unveils Revamped 390 Duke and 250 Duke

[Admin]

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke. (KTM/)

For 2024, KTM is pulling out all the stops with its single-cylinder Duke lineup, bringing what it calls the biggest change to the model range since the 390 Duke’s introduction. Accordingly, both the 390 Duke and 250 Duke receive new engines, debut new chassis concepts, and move the entry-level game forward with revamped styling and electronics.

KTM says the single-cylinder LC4c platform has been redesigned. Details are scant, but the Austrian company says that both engines have “newly optimized cylinder heads and gearboxes.” The Duke 390′s engine uses a longer 64mm stroke to bring displacement up to 399cc (up from 373cc). KTM claims it produces 44 hp and 28.8 lb.-ft. of torque. The 250 Duke’s LC4c moves from DOHC to SOHC, reducing the components count and improving the power-to-weight ratio. Both engines use PASC slipper clutches, ride-by-wire throttles, and can be spec’d with quickshifters.

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke’s LC4c single has an updated gearbox and top end. (KTM/)

KTM’s chassis engineers have been busy, as the Duke singles sport an all-new chassis concept. The main frame is still a steel trellis design, but is completely revised for improved torsional rigidity and barely resembles the familiar skeleton of its predecessor. Gone is the trellis subframe; in its place is a shapely pressure die-cast aluminum subframe left fully exposed—no rear bodywork necessary. The new swingarm accommodates an off-center linkageless rear shock that gives more space for both the muffler and airbox and also helps reduce seat height. For good measure, there’s even a new triple clamp. To reduce unsprung mass, both models feature new five-spoke wheels with an open-hub design.

The 390 Duke is available in signature Electronic Orange and Atlantic Blue colors. Note the updated headlight’s sleek position lights. (KTM/)

The 390 Duke uses a WP Apex 43mm open-cartridge fork, adjustable for compression and rebound, and a WP Apex Separate Piston rear shock, adjustable for preload and rebound. The  250 Duke uses a nonadjustable 43mm WP Apex big piston fork and a WP Apex Emulsion shock absorber, adjustable for preload.

Both models in the range use ByBre braking components: a single 320mm disc and four-piston caliper up front, and a 240mm disc in the rear that uses a new twin-piston caliper.

KTM claims the 390 Duke and 250 Duke each weigh 364 pounds fully fueled.

The 390 has an updated 5-inch TFT dash lifted from other models in the KTM lineup. The 250 makes do with an identical looking unit, except its display is LCD. (KTM/)

In terms of electronics, KTM adds big bike value to these diminutive nakeds by using ride-by-wire throttles, LED lighting (headlight-only on the 250), 5-inch dashes (a TFT on the 390 and an LCD on the 250), and smartphone connectivity. Both models use KTM’s latest Supermoto ABS, which allows riders to switch off ABS in the rear.

For the first time, the 390 Duke gets ride modes and cornering MTC, which uses the input from the 3D sensor to adapt traction control during cornering. Two ride modes (Street and Rain) change throttle response and TC intervention to best suit the conditions. Additionally, the dash can be set to a “Track” layout. Not to be confused with a ride mode, “Track” merely adjusts the display, enlarging the tachometer while reducing the size of the speedometer. It also shows a lap timer, gear indicator, and MTC and ABS settings. For even more shenanigans, the 390 is equipped with launch control.

The depth of changes are most obvious when looking at the new swingarm, subframe, and main frame. (KTM/)

Updated styling is consistent with the Duke brand as we’ve known it; minimalistic bodywork and aggressive lines underscores the relationship with the LC8 and LC8c-powered twins. To distinguish the pair, the 250 uses more simplified tank covers/radiator shrouds and forgoes the 390′s headlight position lights (though they’re available as an option) for painted units.

Despite tremendous changes to the engines and chassis, KTM doesn’t suggest that weight and peak performance figures are drastically different from the outgoing models, which goes to show how much manufacturers invest to keep on top of stringent regulations. Still, there’s a lot to be excited about, as all the changes point to making safer, more modern motorcycles. It was only a couple of years ago that ride modes were being introduced to middleweight streetbikes, and now, in the 390 Duke we get an entry-level model that makes use of them. And you’ve got to give credit to KTM for having fun at all costs. The folks at Mattighofen must have been thinking: “If legislation requires ABS, we might as well make it Supermoto ABS to keep big brother happy and put a smile on riders’ faces.” Plus, launch control on an entry-level streetbike? Cool.

The 250 Duke is available in Electronic Orange (pictured) and Ceramic White colors. (KTM/)

Look for the 390 Duke at your local KTM dealership beginning in December and the 250 Duke in early 2024. There’s no word yet on pricing.

The KTM’s new swingarm sure is a far cry from the extruded swingers of yesteryear’s entry-level motorcycles. (KTM/)
The smaller Dukes’ looks continue to share a strong family resemblance with its middleweight and open-class naked bikes. (KTM/)

2024 KTM 390 Duke Specs

MSRP:	N/A
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder
Displacement:	399cc
Bore x Stroke:	89.0 x 64.0mm
Compression Ratio:	N/A
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	44.3 hp
Claimed Torque:	28.8 lb.-ft.
Fuel System:	Bosch EMS w/ ride-by-wire
Clutch:	PASC slipper clutch; mechanically operated
Frame:	Steel trellis w/ bolt-on cast-aluminum subframe
Front Suspension:	43mm WP Apex, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 5.9 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	WP Apex monoshock, spring preload and rebound damping adjustable; 5.9 in. travel
Front Brake:	Radial-mount 4-piston caliper, 320mm disc w/ cornering ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston floating caliper, 240mm disc w/ cornering ABS
Seat Height:	32.3 in./31.5 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.9 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	364 lb.
Contact:	ktm.com

2024 KTM 250 Duke Specs

MSRP:	N/A
Engine:	SOHC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder
Displacement:	249cc
Bore x Stroke:	72.0 x 61.2mm
Compression Ratio:	N/A
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	30.8 hp
Claimed Torque:	18.4 lb.-ft.
Fuel System:	Bosch EMS w/ ride-by-wire
Clutch:	PASC slipper clutch; mechanically operated
Frame:	Steel trellis w/ bolt-on cast-aluminum subframe
Front Suspension:	43mm WP Apex; 5.9 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	WP Apex monoshock, preload adjustable; 5.9 in. travel
Front Brake:	Radial-mount 4-piston caliper, 320mm disc w/ cornering ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston floating caliper, 240mm disc w/ cornering ABS
Seat Height:	31.5 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.9 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	364 lb.

View the full article