Just over a year after it was spotted in Europe, KTM has been spotted testing the next generation 390 Duke on Indian roads for the first time. The Austrian company has substantially developed the next-generation 125 Duke and 250 Duke, and we can expect the three to make their global debut later this year at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy.
The next 390 Duke features many upgrades over the current model, and the test prototype appears to be nearly production-ready. An evolutionary design with split twin LED headlamps and new LED DRLs, as well as sharper, LED turn signals. With tank expansions on either side, the muscular fuel tank is edgier.
Sharper bodywork, an underbelly exhaust system, a compact tail section with a new LED tail bulb, upside-down front forks, new split seats, and so on are all features. With the re-engineered subframe, you could also see a new swing-arm section and a reworked lightweight trellis frame. The new swing-arm is visible beside the side-mounted mono-shock rear suspension, which also has white springs. The curvier section on the lower part of the tank extension may help with aerodynamics.
The powertrain might remain unchanged, the 373.2cc single-cylinder DOHC fuel-injected liquid-cooled engine delivering a maximum power output of 42.9 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 37 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm. It comes standard with a six-speed transmission with a slipper and assists clutch.
The TFT instrument cluster with navigation may also receive visible updates. Front and rear disc brakes will be used, aided by a dual-channel ABS system, while electronic aids such as cornering ABS, quick-shifter, traction control, adjustable handlebars, and so on may be available.
Given the numerous changes that the 2023 KTM 390 Duke will receive, the bike is likely to cost more than Rs 3 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). While it may make its international debut later this year, it will most likely not hit the Indian market until the first half of 2023.
