2024 KTM 390 Duke: The Possession

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November 23, 2024

Do you remember watching *The Mask*, the movie? If you are currently suffering from an unexplained lower back ache or knee pain, we will take a wild guess and say that you do. Then you will remember the main protagonist of the movie, Stanley Ipkiss. An unassuming bank teller who lives a mundane life until he happens upon a magical mask with mystical powers.

Wearing the said mask causes a comical transformation of Stanley Ipkiss from a goody two shoes to the maniacal, terror-inducing, menace to society called The Mask. It seems like an absurd concept in real life, well, except when you straddle the KTM 390 Duke and turn on the ignition. The moment you do, you feel it. The transformation. You, the cautious, rule-abiding rider, suddenly feel a surge of energy that’s hard to ignore.

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The KTM 390 Duke isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s your mask. The throaty growl of the engine, the aggressive stance, the razor-sharp handling—all of it conspires to bring out a side of you that you didn’t even know existed. Almost like you are possessed. And it’s all the doing of the new KTM 390 Duke.

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More Aggression and Attitude

Once you get rolling, you’ll quickly realize it’s not just about the specs. The bike’s fierce character is perfectly in sync with its predatory design. The new 390 Duke, which has always been known for its aggressive design language, embodies aggression like never before.

The design is unmistakably KTM, with every detail and part engineered to match its performance. Clad in an all-new electronic orange color with contrasting black graphics, the new 390 Duke commands attention with a razor-sharp look, accentuated by an aggressive new LED headlight unit.The position and daytime running lights are seamlessly integrated into the headlight’s profile, adding to its menacing stance.

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The newly sculpted fuel tank and sleek bodywork amplify the Duke’s ferocity. Longer tank spoilers with prominent air intakes, larger radiator covers, and an underbelly exhaust complete this brutal package.

Delivers a Knockout Punch 

But the KTM 390 Duke doesn’t just look the part—it delivers. This year, KTM is celebrating 30 years of the Duke’s legacy, and they’ve marked the occasion with the most aggressive upgrade yet. The new 390 Duke cranks up the intensity, channelling the raw power of its formidable lineage.

Swing a leg over the redesigned seat, and you’re greeted by an all-new 5” TFT display, packed with every detail you need. As you twist the throttle, the 390 Duke makes no apologies—ready to tear up the tarmac with relentless force.

Powered by an all-new LC4c engine with a larger 399cc capacity, the new 390 Duke roars with 46 PS and 39 Nm, all while tipping the scales at just 168.3 kg. From low revs to the redline, the bike’s relentless performance ensures it’s a fierce contender on any street, leaving no doubt about its ability to outshine any other single-cylinder competitor in its class.

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At its core, the 390 Duke is a no-compromise performance machine. With a lightweight, agile chassis, it exudes confidence, whether you’re carving through twisty corners or blazing down flat stretches.

Every twist of the throttle, every lean into a corner, reminds you that the 390 Duke is not just a bike—it’s a machine that coaxes you to do things you never would. It’s like the mask tightening its grip, egging you on to wring that throttle and create havoc. The fading profanities of the startled pedestrians disappearing into your rearview mirrors only bring an evil grin across your face.

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Pushes the Limits 

The transformation doesn’t stop with raw power, razor-sharp handling, and a possessed rider. The new 390 Duke is a technological beast, packed with cutting-edge electronic rider assistance systems.

Equipped with cornering ABS for unmatched control, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) with selectable ride modes—Street, Rain, and Track—Quickshifter+ and launch control for blistering acceleration and seamless gear shifts, and Supermoto ABS for sliding into corners, the 390 Duke ensures you’re always in command.

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For the first time, Track mode is available on the 390 Duke, unleashing a beastly machine with a larger RPM display, launch control for a savage start, and a lap timer to track your dominance on the track. Yet, even with all this power at your fingertips, the 2024 390 Duke doesn’t sacrifice nimble handling.

The advanced vehicle dynamics maintain its razor-sharp steering, while the ergonomics cater to a broad range of riders. With a lower seat height of 800mm and thicker seat foam, it ensures added comfort for both rider and passenger, even as you push the limits of what this bike can do.

The new Trellis frame, aluminum sub-frame, and redesigned swingarm offer ultra-precise handling, instilling confidence with every ride. The fully adjustable 43mm WP Apex Open Cartridge USD forks with 150mm travel and 5-click adjustments for rebound and compression, combined with an off-center WP Apex adjustable rear monoshock, allow you to tailor the handling to fit your exact needs, making the 390 Duke an extension of your instincts.

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For superior stopping power, the bike comes equipped with a 320mm front disc brake with four-piston radial calipers, a 240mm rear disc brake with a twin-piston caliper, and standard Cornering ABS and Supermoto ABS. These features ensure unrivaled control and safety across any terrain, allowing you to ride more aggressively.

Hits the Bullseye 

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke is a full-throttle overhaul—a beast that’s been unleashed to redefine the standards within its class. With a new engine, an all-new chassis concept, and a fresh styling that cranks up the aggression to match KTM’s legendary design language, this bike is not for the faint of heart. In its quest to be the most performance-focused naked streetfighter within the sub-500cc class, the KTM 390 Duke ticks all the right boxes mechanically, while deploying extreme new styling. It’s a no-compromise motorcycle that delivers thrilling, high-octane performance to excite even the most demanding riders, all while providing unparalleled confidence on every ride.

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For 2024, the KTM 390 Duke undergoes its boldest transformation yet, ensuring that every ride is not just a journey but an experience that pushes you to the very edge of exhilaration. If you’re searching for a machine that can unleash your inner beast while still offering the precision and control needed for everyday rides, the KTM 390 Duke is your perfect match. It’s more than just a bike—it’s an experience that transforms every ride into an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

However, it also transforms the rider into something that they might not be. There will be times when the Duke 390 instils a false sense of confidence in you, with its tech and expulsion of unbridled power that cannot be challenged in the segment. This is where you will be required to put on your big boy shoes and remind yourself that as riders, you have a reputation to build and uphold.

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As motorcyclists, we have a reputation to build and uphold. The motorcycling community has faced its share of negative perceptions over the years, and reckless behaviour only serves to reinforce those stereotypes. No matter how strong the urge to let loose, we trust that our readers understand the importance of being responsible riders. Safety—both your own and that of others— must always be the top priority. Embrace the thrill the KTM 390 Duke offers, but do so with the maturity and respect that our community demands.

Published Date: 2024-11-23 18:16:06
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