2024 KTM 390 Duke and 250 Duke Review | First Look
KTM has announced two small-displacement naked-bike models – the 390 Duke and 250 Duke – that brings what the company says is “more punching power, improved handling, and clear differentiation of attitude between the displacements.”
KTM added that the new models represent the biggest change to the sub-500cc capacity Duke model range since the first KTM 390 Duke. The result is a complete redesign with new engines, an all-new chassis concept, and new styling.
Related: KTM 390 Duke Review | Road Test
Both bikes feature an entirely new generation of single-cylinder engines dubbed the “LC4c” – including displacements of 250cc and 399cc – that have been completely redesigned with newly optimized cylinder heads and gearboxes, as well as meeting the latest emissions standards. They also feature throttle-by-wire, a new Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC), and optional Quickshifter+.
Related: KTM 200 Duke, 390 Duke, 890 Duke, and 1290 Super Duke R | Comparison Review
The new LC4c engine in the 390 Duke represents a bump in displacement from the previous 373cc mill, but not only is it more powerful than the previous generation, it’s also lighter. The 250 Duke also features an improved power-to-weight ratio over the previous generation 200 Duke, with a new SOHC design that is lighter and simpler with fewer components.
The 390 Duke boasts a 43mm WP APEX open-cartridge fork with five-click adjustment on rebound and compression and a split-piston rear shock with adjustable rebound and preload. This means handling can be tailored to perfectly match the rider’s needs. Suspension on the 250 Duke is taken care of by a nonadjustable 43mm WP APEX open-cartridge big-piston fork and a WP APEX emulsion shock with preload adjustability. Travel is 5.9 inches front and rear on both bikes.
For stopping power, both bikes feature a radially-mounted 4-piston caliper grabbing a 320mm disc in front – a 20mm increase over the previous 200 Duke. Rear braking power has been increased on both bikes to a 2-piston caliper and 240mm disc, and both feature the latest version of cornering Supermoto ABS and cornering traction control.
For 2024, a new two-piece frame design – comprising an all-new steel trellis main frame with a pressure die-cast aluminum subframe – enhances dynamics by augmenting torsional rigidity. This also adds improved agility and enhanced feedback from the chassis, with new triple clamps and a revised offset improving handling characteristics, control, and stability.
The frame is now also mated to a new curved lightweight swingarm, which contours around a relocated rear shock. This is mounted off-center to allow for a larger airbox design while reducing overall seat height, which KTM says was purposefully engineered into the new bikes’ design to allow for greater accessibility without compromising on stability or handling. The 390 Duke has a seat height that is adjustable between 31.4-32.2 inches, with a 31.4-inch seat height on the 250 Duke.
Visually, the 390 has longer tank spoilers featuring prominent air intakes, larger radiator covers, and external LED positioning lights. The 250 casts a slim and compact shadow thanks to smaller tank spoilers compared to the 390 Duke and aligned with painted headlight surrounds.
Both models feature a 5-inch TFT display and smartphone connectivity as standard. Each bike has Street and Rain mode, and the Track screen is available on the 390 Duke for the first time. This standard feature unlocks an enlarged rpm display, launch control, and a lap timer. Unnecessary info gets reduced to the bare minimum.
The 2024 KTM 390 Duke will come in KTM’s Electronic Orange or Atlantic Blue, arriving in dealerships in December, while the 2024 KTM 250 Duke will come in Electronic Orange and Ceramic White, slated for arrival in early 2024. Pricing has not yet been announced.
For more information, visit the KTM website.
Check out more new/updated bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
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