KTM 390 Duke

Every once in a while, a bike comes along that really makes you smile every time you ride it. The KTM 390 Duke has been doing that since 2013. The first-gen model brought proper performance to the Indian market at an affordable price. Over the years, it kept getting better. Now, in 2025, KTM has taken things even further with an all-new version.

From the moment you swing a leg over the new 390 Duke, it feels special. It looks aggressive, has a new chassis, more power, and a ton of features. It has grown up in all the right ways but hasn’t lost the fun and madness KTM is known for. So, let’s know about this motorcycle in detail.

• The 2025 KTM 390 Duke now looks more muscular and aggressive than ever before. It gets inspiration from KTM’s bigger 1290 Super Duke.
• That LED headlight design grabs attention instantly. The sharp tank extensions and compact tail section give it a very sporty look.

• It comes in two colours: Atlantic Blue and Electronic Orange. The Atlantic Blue, in particular, stands out beautifully on the streets.
• One of the coolest visual elements is the exposed aluminium subframe. It not only adds to the design but also shows the bike's performance-focused build.

• The 390 Duke comes packed with tech. You get a 5-inch colour TFT screen that looks great and shows all key info.

• It has smartphone connectivity via the KTM Connect app. You can get call alerts, music controls, and turn-by-turn navigation.
• There are three riding modes: Rain, Street, and Track. Each changes how the throttle and ABS behave.
• Track mode gives you access to Launch Control, which is fun to use if you're into quick starts.
• One of my favourite features is Cruise Control. On long rides, it gives your throttle hand a break.
• The bike also has cornering ABS and traction control based on the lean angle. It’s a safety net that works silently in the background.

• The bike comes with a 398.63cc engine that makes 45.3 bhp and 39 Nm of torque. That’s more than enough for spirited city rides and quick highway runs.

• When you ride in the city, the bike feels very relaxed. You can stay in higher gears without constantly shifting down.
• The motorcycle even gets a quickshifter that works well in most cases. You can shift up and down without using the clutch.
• On the highway, it runs beautifully. During our test rides, the 390 Duke cruised at 100 kmph and felt effortless. It pulls hard when you twist the throttle.
• What surprised us was how tractable the engine is at low speeds. You can ride around in 4th gear at 35 kmph, and the engine doesn't complain.
• If you like quick acceleration, this bike will make you grin. It goes from 0-100 kmph in just under 6 seconds.
• Yes, there are some vibrations at certain RPMs, especially near the pegs and handlebars, but they never feel annoying or harsh.
• For a performance bike, the fuel economy is impressive. We got about 26 kmpl in the city.
• On the highway, the mileage went up to nearly 29 kmpl. That’s very decent considering how fast this bike can go.
• So you can easily do 330 to 350 km with a 15-liter fuel tank before needing to refuel. That’s great for weekend trips.

• The new frame and suspension setup make the 390 Duke feel very nimble. It flicks easily through traffic.

• Even during quick direction changes, the bike feels planted and stable. You really feel in control.
• On twisty roads, it’s a treat to ride. It responds immediately to your inputs and holds its line perfectly.
• The suspension can be adjusted for both comfort and sporty riding. That’s a big plus. You can tweak it based on your weight or road conditions.
• During our ride on broken city roads, it never felt too harsh. Even over potholes or speed breakers, it stayed composed.
• The braking is one of the strong points. The 320mm front disc offers solid bite and confidence-inspiring stopping power.
• Even under hard braking, the bike stays stable. You can brake late into corners and it won’t feel unsettled.

• The rear disc works well too and complements the front brakes nicely.

• The dual-channel ABS with SuperMoto mode is great. It lets you slide the rear if you're riding off-road or just having fun.
• The Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres do a good job in most riding conditions. But when pushed hard into corners, they could use more grip.

• The riding position is sporty but not too aggressive. The handlebars are wide and slightly pulled back, which gives good control.
• At 800mm, the seat height is accessible. Riders around 5'7" or taller can easily manage it.

• The seat itself is long and lets you move around to find a good riding posture. Its cushioning is a bit on the firmer side. So for long rides, you might want a break every now and then.
• The footpegs are slightly rear-set, which may feel a little tight for taller riders during long hours.
• As for pillion comfort, it’s actually quite good. The rear seat is lower and wider than before. Even shorter pillion riders can hop on easily.

If you want a quick and aggressive bike, the 2025 KTM 390 Duke is great. It delivers strong power and handles very well in every condition. The tech features are modern and useful for daily rides. Yes, the seat is firm, and the panels could fit better. Still, the bike feels exciting every time you twist the throttle. Overall, it offers great value for its features and performance under 3 lakhs.