2013 KTM 390 Duke - First Look

KTM has pleasantly surprised fans of lightweight streetbikes with its announcement of the 390 Duke, a bike that promises to be the meanest little beast one can buy for less than 5000 euros ($6400 U.S. at presstime). KTM’s engineers have shoehorned a 390cc, 44-horsepower Single into the compact but strong frame of the 125/200 Duke to produce a roadster with incredible potential for the price.

With its claimed dry weight of just 307 pounds, the 390 Duke looks to have a power-to-weight ratio that should deliver terrific acceleration and throttle response. The dohc Single is highly oversquare, with an 89.0mm bore and 60mm stroke. The compression ratio is a substantial 12.6:1, and the engine breathes

through a 46mm EFI throttle body. Both injection and ignition are managed by a Bosch integrated digital system. The 390 (which actually displaces 373cc) delivers those 44 peak horses at 9500 rpm, and its 26 foot-pounds of peak torque comes in at 7250.

Not only does the 390 share the same 53.8-in. wheelbase, 25-degree steering rake and 100mm front-wheel trail with its smaller brothers, they all use the same 43mm WP fork and shock, as well as the braking system. A single 300mm rotor and four-piston Brembo caliper do the work up front, with a 230mm rotor and a single-piston floating Brembo caliper at the rear.

Based on its specifications, the 390 Duke should deliver outstanding agility, terrific acceleration and easy handling.