KTM has nailed it in terms of insane value for performance propositions. This rather subtle Austrian motorcycle manufacturer has painted the world orange in a record time period. And the KTM 390 Duke has played a crucial role in doing so. KTM had a rough history and is a well-revered name in the motocross arena. It is now slowly creeping up in Moto GP as well. KTM redefined entry-level motorcycling when they pitched the 390 Duke back in 2013.
Aptly called the pocket rocket and having a street cred in India, where it is manufactured primarily under Bajaj Auto. It provides the best possible power-t0-weight ratio of any entry-level offering and that remains its killer highlight. Packed with an impressive suite of riding aids, KTM has managed to get notable attention in the states among the likes of Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, despite being a new-comer.
For 2021, KTM 390 Duke has not changed much, apart from two new color options - gray and white. 2021 happens to be the last year for the 1st Generation Duke 390 as well as RC 390. The next-gen models are in their final stages of testing and will replace the current ones in 2022. Currently, the 2021 KTM 390 Duke competes against the likes of Kawasaki Z400, its twin - the Husqvarna Swartpilen 401, and the Honda Cb300R.
The 2021 KTM 390 Duke remains unchanged and packs one of the best power-to-weight ratios in the segment, starting at an MSRP of $5,599.
2021 KTM 390 Duke Packs A 44 hp Single Cylinder And Is A Fiesty One
KTM has carried forth its fiesty single-cylinder pot for 2021 as well. We expect this year to be the last for the engine configuration as well, as there are rumors of it being heavily upgraded for 2022. It is a 373 cc. liquid-cooled high compression engine that churns out a segment-leading 44 hp @ 9,000 rpm and 27.3 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm. It is coupled to a close-ratio 6-Speed manual gearbox that comes with a slipper clutch. It also comes with a hydraulic-assist for the clutch for seamless precise upshifts and downshifts.
2021 390 Duke Does 0-60 Mph In Of 5.5 secs; Power-To-Weight Ratio Impresses
The 2021 KTM 390 Duke's killer highlight happens to be its power-to-weight ratio. This feather fellow comes in at a wet weight of just 329 lbs. This puts the orange monster at a serious weight advantage over its competition and helps it do 0-60 mph in a swift 5.5 seconds. The 390 Duke has a top speed of 99 mph and is quite the brute for a single-cylinder 400cc motorcycle, across the rev-band.
2021 KTM 390 Duke Remains A Nimble Motorcycle, A Well-stacked A2-Ready Option
KTM has designed the 390 Duke to be insanely agile. Nothing much has changed on the dynamics front for 2021, and the 390 Duke continues to be an addictive riding machine built for the urban jungle. It has a wheelbase of just 53.4-in and a steep 25-degree of rake. The suspension duty is taken care of by heavy-duty 43mm upside-down WP forks up front with 5.6 in of travel, and mono-shock at the rear with 5.9-inch travel.
The seating is upright and you seldom feel stressed because of the riding position. It sure is a bit leaned for added aggression but is still quite comfortable for an all-day ride routine. All of this combined provides for a drool-worthy riding layout which has made the KTM 390 Duke an instant favorite among beginners and experienced riders alike. It also is an A2-ready setup and fares well for new riders.
2021 390 Duke Is Loaded With Riding Aids And Technology; Segment-Leading Aspect
There still isn't another motorcycle in this segment that packs the same level of riding aids and added electronics like the 390 Duke. For 2021, no new features are added here, as you require none more! It is one of the few motorcycles in the segment that comes with ride-by-wire. Another first in class is the TFT color instrument cluster of the 2021 390 Duke. It displays all of the data in a dynamics and simple-to-read layout.
You also get automatic screen adaptation for day and night. Also KTM MY RIDE is a near software that helps hook your smartphone to the TFT screen. Information like incoming calls, messages, and audio player is displayed on the instrument cluster. The switchgear on the left also houses the menu select layout which can be used to toggle through the various settings on the TFT display.
Tweaking the blipper rpm value can also be done on the go. Dual-Channel ABS by BOSCH is standard and can be toggled on or off in the settings with the Supermoto mode. There are no new additions for this year as KTM is planning on bringing out many segment-firsts for 2022 including traction control and cornering ABS.
Minimal Bodypanels And Sharp Design Cues - KTM 390 Duke Is An Aggressive Bike
The 2021 KTM 390 Duke continues to flaunt a minimal yet sharp body language and can find its sport as one of the best-naked motorcycles as well. It is highlighted by the bright orange shade that KTM is generally synonymous with. Two new shades are offered for 2021 - White and Gray. The 390 Duke continues to flaunt its aggressively angled LED headlamps. It along with the overall structural layout has been heavily inspired by its big bad brother - the KTM 1290 Super Duke R which happens to be one of the unruliest motorcycles out there.
The split-seat layout adds to its sporty appeal yet is comfortable for your daily hauls. Talking of reliability, there hasn't been any major reports from consumers, and KTM has faired well in this aspect. The 2021 KTM 390 Duke continues to come packed with a warranty of 2 years on all its street motorcycles that includes the 390 Duke.
Sources: Press.ktm.com, Ktm.com, Cycleworld.com, Ultimatemotorcycling.com, Totalmotorcycle.com