THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KTM is always known for its off-road motorcycles in their SX, EXC series, and now it is slowly conquering the streets through its Duke series. Focused power, playful handling, top quality and hot design, that’s the new KTM 390 Duke. Unlike its previous version Duke 200, the new 390 ensures you maximum riding fun, powerful propulsion and optimum user value. Thanks to the full-blooded motorcycle
technology.
The bike is just super light and this weight balance is more appreciated when you hit the twisties. Featherweight chassis with high-quality components add endurance and the orange powder-coated, steel tubular space frame forms the light and stable backbone of the 390.
The 373.2cc single cylinder, 4 stroke engine with 35 Nm @ 7,000 RPM torque and a power of 43.5 Ps @ 9000 RPM guarantees you ultimate racing action on the highways, reaching 100 km/hr in just a few seconds. But, on bad roads, the ride quality of the Duke 390 is stiff and you may feel every bit of the strip, nudging your every bone.
“I love this bike. It is such a beast that it is perfect for racing and most of my friends are using it for performing bike stunts”, says Prashanth, a Duke rider.
If you are not quite familiar with super bikes, you may even wonder where the 390’s silencer is. The compact, three-chamber silencer is positioned close to the bike’s overall centre of gravity to centralise the masses and for ensuring frisky handling.
One of the key features of Duke 390, that distinguishes it from the earlier model is its ABS braking system. The potent brake system with radially-bolted, four-piston calliper and 300 mm disc diameter delivers you extra control on sharp turns and drifting tracks. With its multi-function cockpit, LED indicators, slim head lamp and muscular fuel tank, it looks like a small sporty beast. Compared to other bikes of its class, Duke 390 stands a step far ahead in terms of price and top speed. But in case of mileage, it depends on the rider and platform.
“We sell almost 25-30 Duke bikes per month. The majority of our clients are youngsters,” says Salil Vellody, dealership manager, KTM Kozhikode.
Moreover, Duke 390 does not offer a city-friendly ride as it does tend to heat up quite a bit in stop-gap traffic, due to which it always knocks in anger when it is under 3000 RPM. But for biking maniacs, there is nothing more pure you can get at this price. Duke 390 feels raw and unadulterated in a way which can instantly pull a wide grin across your face. It is available in three colours - mix orange, black and white and costs more than ` 2 lakh on the road.