low, courtesy BS6
The ground clearance as compared to the BS4 version is slightly lower (please review the technical specifications below) owing to the changes in the exhaust system as per the new norms. To talk about the exhaust note – the bike sounds more like its cousin the Bajaj Dominar and probably a bit like a tiger somewhere in the rev band.
No clutch this
The 2020 KTM 390 Duke comes with a Quickshifter+ – a standard feature available only in superbikes so far. This first in class, bi-directional Quickshifter had to be tested. So on slower parts of the track all I did was both upshift and downshift gears without using the clutch lever. Yes as claimed by KTM India the Quickshifter+ allows smoother shifts without compromising the power loss.
SMARTPHONE OR MINI COMPUTER?
This is one of the features that I hope comes as a “Bolt on” for Bajaj Dominar, at least as a slave display. Its confusing at first but pretty intuitive and doesn’t take much time to adapt to. Be it shuffling through the playlist or toggling with super-moto ABS this is a breeze. While off hand i do not recall the 2017 display, this one seemed alot more smarter compared to its predecessor.
Comfort
Legend has it that when you sit on the pillion seat either hold on or get blown away! The first iteration gave its pillion a G-force moment. However, this new grab rail not only allows for seating comfort, once can also back in luggage with all types of fasteners with much ease. All this because of a seat! The All new chiseled and well cushioned pillion seat is a welcome move. Also, not only does it add to the cutting edge styling, it adds to the ergonomics too. Now one need not worry about trading in their orange beasts for Sunday grocery purchasing scoots.
Her perspective
Adding to this new found comfort is the all new grab rail that gave my test pillion (read photographer) a scheme to upgrade her Bajaj Dominar pillion seat with this find after a quick spin in the pit lane area. Additionally i figured why limit the lady to just being a pillion? In the gentlemen fashion I offered her to take her place on the rider seat of this bike as well . As compared to her Bajaj Dominar (2018), She found the seat to be more comfortable. Also it offered her optimum leg room. This confidence coming in from a novice motorcyclist certainly is worth the extra read. For Ladies who want to take the throttle and just not be a mere pillion the KTM scalability is beyond breaking stereotypes.
HANDLING
Indeed I saved the best for the last, did I? The handling and braking of the 2020 KTM 390 Duke is a worth a swap (with my 2017 Bajaj Dominar). This iteration comes with Supermoto ABS. This offers more slides and drifts just at a thumbs distance. The bike does feel nimble on corners with sufficient room for knees when you want to tightly lock them in. Unlike its cousin, the Bajaj Dominar 400 the seat design and cover allow for quick shifts on and off the seat while riding.
Note: The motorcycle was tested in its stock nature without any change to external dynamics like addition of additives, suspension tuning etc.
DESIGN
All new graphics scheme
ABS
ABS with Supermoto
PRICE
Rs.2,52,928 (ex-showroom Delhi)
BS6 DIFF
Rs. 4,716
COLORS
Silver Metallic & Ceramic
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Type
Single Cylinder, 4 Valve, Liquid Cooled, FI, DOHC
Engine Capacity
373.3 cm³
Power
43.5 PS at 9,000 rpm
Torque
37 Nm at 7,000 rpm
Clutch
Assist & Slipper
Brakes (Front)
Disc 320m, 4 piston fixed caliper
Brakes (Rear)
Disc 230mm, 1 piston Floating caliper
ABS
Bosch Dual Channel (with Supermoto)
Chassis
Split Steel Trellis Frame
Front Suspension
WP-Open Cartridge USD Ø 43 mm
Rear Suspension
WP-Monoshock
Weight (w/o fuel)
163 Kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
13.5 lit
QUICKSHIFTER
Quickshifter +
NEW
ride-by-wire, slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS with Supermoto
SEAT
All new chiseled and well cushioned pillion seat
Grab Rail
grab rail and tailgate common to both (200 & 390) models
SUSPENSION
Open cartridge front suspension for increased handling
DIPPER
A 3 in 1 integrated dipper switch with high beam
TOP SPEED
156kmph (on track)
exhaust note
A refined Bajaj Dominar like base note
POWER LOSS BS6
NO POWER LOSS
HANDLING
Nimble on corners with sufficient room for knees
Headlamp
no change
Ground Clearance
reduced due to all new cat con box
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2020 KTM 390 Duke – 50 shades darker OR ORANGIER, nevertheless its ready to race!!
Photo Credits: http://womanias.com/
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