In this column, we will discuss how the KTM 390 Duke bike has become a cult classic among the younger generation of biking enthusiasts in India. The bike is now available at a price of ₹2.97 lakh (ex-showroom) with a price hike of just ₹1,000. That means the price hike is very small.

The bike is very popular for its excellent performance, sporty design and advanced technical features. Moreover, it is a direct competition to the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 bike in the current market. The article warns that we can know the full details of this bike in the following areas.
KTM 390 Duke: Key Highlights
The price of this bike is ₹2.97 lakh (ex-showroom). It has a 399cc liquid-cooled engine and is capable of producing 45.3 bhp of power.
Its main competitors are the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and the Triumph Street Triple 400. Since all these bikes are competing with each other, there are many features that customers need to consider while making a choice.
Performance and Engine Features – Road King
Engine Details
The KTM 390 Duke bike comes with a 399cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. This engine is capable of delivering 45.3 bhp of power (at 9000 RPM) and 39 Nm of torque (at 7000 RPM). It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and comes with a Quickshifter+ feature, which helps in smooth gear changes.
Performance
The bike has the ability to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, making it a very fast bike. Moreover, its top speed is 170 km/h, which classifies it as a sporty street bike. Coming to the mileage side, the research gives a fuel economy of 30 to 35 km/l in road conditions, which further emphasizes its efficiency.
Technology & Features: Futuristic Features
The KTM 390 Duke bike is provided with a 5-inch color TFT digital dashboard, which comes with Bluetooth connectivity. Through this, the user can see mobile connectivity, notifications and music controls right on the screen.
Among the smart features, the main one is the traction control that is provided with three different modes, which controls the vehicle’s grip according to the road conditions. There are also high-end safety features like Super Moto ABS and Launch Control. In addition, a technology called Quickshifter+ helps in easy gear changes without using the clutch.
In terms of lighting features, the bike has an ALL-LED headlight, tail light and turn signals throughout, which provides enhanced visibility and style at night.
Design & Ergonomics: Street Fighter Look
The exterior design of the KTM 390 Duke bike is designed with a true street fighter look. Its aggressive headlight design and sharp tank cuts give the bike a sporty and solid look. Moreover, the open trellis sub-frame structure is designed to reduce the weight of the bike, which results in an overall low weight of the vehicle and superior ergonomics. The 17-inch metallic orange alloy wheels add to the bike’s color intensity and distinctiveness.
In terms of ergonomics, the seat height of this bike is 800 mm, making it easy for new riders to ride. The bike weighs only 166 kg (excluding fuel), making it easy to handle in city traffic. It offers both excellent handling and comfort.
KTM 390 Duke vs Competitors: Why is Duke better?
Feature | KTM 390 Duke | Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 |
---|---|---|
Power (bhp) | 45.3 | 44.9 |
Torque (Nm) | 39 | 39 |
Display | 5″ TFT | 5″ TFT |
Price (₹ Lakhs) | 2.97 | 2.89 |
Warranty | 2 Years / 30,000 km | 2 Years / 30,000 km |
Key Features of the KTM 390 Duke
One of the main strengths of the KTM 390 Duke is the high power it delivers. Compared to other competitors, the Duke offers an additional 0.4 bhp of power, which makes it a great choice for users who want a sporty riding experience. This helps in fast and aggressive riding.
Also, KTM’s wide service network is a big plus point. With more than 400 dealers in India alone, getting the bike maintained and serviced is very easy. This will reduce the worries of owning a bike.
Conclusion
At a price of ₹2.97 lakh, the KTM 390 Duke offers great on-road performance and advanced technology features. This makes it the best in its class and beats many of its competitors.
However, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, which is in the same category, is available ₹8,000 cheaper. Therefore, customers who value design and style may prefer the Husqvarna. But for those who want power, performance and a riding experience, the KTM Duke is a better choice.