2017 KTM 390 DUKE

The KTM 390 Duke has been given an update for 2017! Being one of my favourite models it’s worth a revisit and specification update. I’m genuinely surprised that the KTM 390 doesn’t feature more on the road, in my daily travels since it looks great and has one of the most powerful engines in the class. The KTM Duke 390 is still learners and LAMS compatible in Australia. The price of the 2017 KTM 390 DUKE is $6,990 in Australia.

The 2017 KTM Duke 390 now features a connected instrument panel, yes a first in the class and great feature for new riders. It is a TFT panel just like small TV. You can contact your iPhone of Android phone to the motorcycle! Won’t be long before we get a Knight Rider style KITT computer. The display tells you the basics like time, date, temperature and then extends that to   telling you the gear you are in, gear shift light, battery level, adjust the Anti-lock brake sensitivity, your distance travelled, average speed, fuel and distance remaining. Finally, it also tells you that the side stand is still down and that you have a phone call or message. That said this sort of tech is expected in any new vehicle in 2017 and beyond.

In terms of engine the KTM 390 doesn’t seem to have any more in terms of power. However the significant revision of the exhaust plumbing was required to meet tighter emissions and so there’s a huge muffler now. The muffler doesn’t detract from it’s appearance and makes it look like a bigger motorcycle.

The design revisions for the 2017 model extend to the increase in size of the fairing and headlight design making it look even sportier and in line with the styling of the much bigger DUKE 1290 R rather than the unchanged 690 version. The 2017 DUKE 390 looks even better that’s for sure.

If want arguably the best looking and equipped small capacity motorcycle for commuting or as a first motorcycle for  learning and LAMS purposes you need to check out the KTM 390 DUKE. The initial price under $8000 is competitive with other 300cc motorcycles and differs from them buy having higher quality parts and as I may have mentioned – it looks better? It’s the next best model next to the Honda CB400 in my books.