Get ready to rocket off the line, because, for the first time ever, the 2025 KTM 390 DUKE comes equipped with Launch Control as standard. With TRACK Mode selected and Launch Control engaged, the engine will peak at 7,000 rpm with a wide open throttle, waiting for the rider to release the clutch.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 KTM 390 Duke: THE CORNER POCKET ROCKET.
Introducing the 2025 KTM 390 Duke…
With the KTM 390 DUKE, the world around you becomes your very own gymkhana. Bringing exceptional agility, lightweight handling, and punchy performance to the street, this middle-weight bruiser is ready to take on any twists or turns. Packing state-of-the-art rider aids as well as adjustable suspension – and aggressive looks – the 2025 KTM 390 DUKE wears the crown when it comes to carving up the asphalt. This motorcycle is designed and developed in Austria, and assembled in India.
2025 KTM 390 Duke Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
KTM DUKE – 30 YEARS OF PURE, NAKED MOTORCYCLING
The last 30 years of the KTM DUKE model range can be summed up in one word: Evolution. From its humble beginnings in 1994 to its current status as a symbol of performance and innovation, the KTM DUKE nameplate has stood the test of time.
In 1994, KTM burst into the street scene with the first motorcycle to carry the DUKE nameplate. It featured a big-bore 609 cc single-cylinder engine, with ergonomics and styling that straddled the line between Supermoto and street fighter. It brought true hooligan personality to the street, unapologetically Naked and stripped back to the bare essence of what a motorcycle should be.
At the time, the 1994 KTM DUKE was a radical departure from traditional motorcycle designs. Featuring an exposed trellis frame, minimalist bodywork, and a single-cylinder engine, it was an anomaly in the market. However, it instantly captured the attention of riders seeking a raw and unbridled riding experience.
Such was its success that KTM introduced a more powerful DUKE II version in 1999, with sharper styling replacing the rounded body contours of its predecessor. Unknowingly, this would launch the Naked segment within the KTM street motorcycle line-up, with more engine capacities and cylinders being added to the DUKE range.
In 2005, the SUPER DUKE nameplate was introduced, boasting a powerful 990 cc LC8 V-Twin powerplant. The KTM 990 SUPER DUKE quickly reached cult status, leading the way for the KTM 990 SUPER DUKE R variant to tear into the market in 2008.
2008 also brought the KTM 690 DUKE to market, once again shaking up the design norms of the times. The 2008 KTM 690 DUKE was a hunkered down, powerful single-cylinder machine, with an underslung exhaust and aggressive, elbows-out riding position. This would later become the blueprint for the DUKE attitude.
2011 saw the rise of smaller capacity DUKE models, with the KTM 125 DUKE entering the market. This compact and energetic machine delivered ample power and easy maneuverability, without sacrificing any of the DUKE personality. This made it the ideal launchpad for future DUKE pilots, and future middle-weight models.
In 2012, KTM introduced the game-changing KTM 200 DUKE, with THE CORNER ROCKET KTM 390 DUKE joining the line-up in 2013. The KTM 390 DUKE became a favorite among urban riders, thanks to its nimble handling and punchy power delivery.
KTM then shook the Naked motorcycle segment in 2014, with the introduction of THE BEAST – the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R. With a 1,301cc V-twin engine at its core, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R gained the reputation of having the most powerful LC8 engine, which paved the way for a new segment and the more travel-focused KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT arriving in 2016.
The following year, 2017, THE BEAST received its first real update. Dubbed THE BEAST 2.0, the 2017 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R boasted power, suspension, and styling updates. But its new electronics package took center stage, with more refined rider aids and a new TRACK Mode setting the tone.
A turning point in the DUKE evolution came about in 2018, when KTM unleashed the KTM 790 DUKE, dubbed THE SCALPEL. This was the introduction of a new era of performance and style for the DUKE name, featuring a powerful parallel-twin engine, cutting-edge electronics, and a bold design. Moreso, it showcased the determination to dominate the middleweight Naked bike segment.
The KTM 990 DUKE – not to be confused with the KTM 990 SUPER DUKE of old – is powered by an all-new LC8c parallel-twin, bringing the fight directly to the 1,000 cc Naked segment. It boasts bigger dimensions, more tech, and more street presence.
Lastly, the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R and its stablemate, the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO, have evolved to be the ultimate pair of hyper-naked motorcycles with immense power, unmatched electronics, and an all-new direction in design.
KTM’S NO BULLSHIT CAMPAIGN ROARS TO LIFE WIITH THE SINGLE-CYLINDER KTM DUKE LINE-UP
Visually, the KTM 390 DUKE rightfully takes ownership as the leader of the pack with key differences from the rest of the single-cylinder DUKE line-up. Signature Electronic Orange and Atlantic Blue color options dominate the visual impact, with longer tank spoilers featuring prominent air intakes, larger radiator covers, and external LED positioning lights completing the package.
Power is taken care of by an all-new lightweight 399 cc single-cylinder LC4c engine. Not only is it lighter and more powerful than the previous generation, but it also brings EURO 5+ compatibility and refreshed attitude to the KTM 390 DUKE. THE CORNER ROCKET is the perfect motorcycle for the European A2 license.
The KTM 390 DUKE also boasts a 43 mm WP APEX Open Cartridge front fork with 5-click adjustment on rebound and compression and a split piston rear shock absorber with adjustable rebound and preload. This means handling can be tailored to perfectly match the rider’s needs.
Swing your leg over the new seat, and you’ll be greeted by an all-new 5” TFT display, with selectable ride modes. The default setting is STREET Mode, with RAIN Mode as the name suggests, is selectable in adverse weather conditions for less aggressive throttle response and Cornering MTC as standard equipment.
TRACK screen is available on the KTM 390 DUKE for the first time. This standard feature unlocks a world of hooliganism, enlarged rpm display, launch control, for that perfect start and even a lap timer. Unnecessary info gets reduced to the bare minimum.
2025 KTM 390 Duke Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
FIND THE RIGHT FIT
Adjustability
Finding that perfect balance when attacking your favorite stretch of tarmac, or sliding around some tight cone-marked corners is easy thanks to the KTM 390 DUKE’s 43 mm WP APEX open cartridge fork with adjustable compression and rebound. On the rear, the WP APEX Separate piston shock absorber can also be set for rebound and preload, to find the ideal mix between comfort and traction.
INFOTAINMENT
TFT Display & Connectivity
Everything you need at a glance. The 2025 KTM 390 DUKE features a 5″ bonded glass TFT dashboard. This is paired with a switch cube set that has 4-way menu switches that allow easy interaction with all vehicle functions – even smartphone connectivity. Speaking of which, All DUKE models are equipped with connectivity functions, allowing pilots to play music, take incoming calls, and get to where they are going with Turn-by-Turn.
NAKED AGGRESSION
Bodywork
Embracing its NAKED lineage, the 2025 KTM 390 DUKE has no shame in bearing it all. Casting an ever-impressive shadow, bristling with shark-like edges and visible air intakes, the KTM 390 DUKE boasts an aggressive stance. A metal fuel tank, color-injected plastics, and external LED positioning lights complete the package.
100% DUKE
Graphics
Premium looks come standard on the 2025 KTM 390 DUKE. A high-quality, multi-layered, wet-painted finish in either Electronic Orange or Atlantic Blue with clear-gloss graphics perfectly set off the unique DUKE textured seat cover. Make no mistake, this is 100% DUKE with 110% street-cred.
POWER HUNGRY
Engine
Boasting the latest generation in LC4c engines, the 2025 KTM 390 DUKE muscles up with a 399 cc capacity, more power, smoother acceleration, and lighter overall weight than before. Drawing from years of experience in the small engine game, the 2025 KTM 390 DUKE now also features an improved gearbox and an optimized cylinder head. Oh, and did we mention it is also READY TO RACE?
PICK YOUR POWER
Ride Modes
The 2025 KTM 390 DUKE gives its pilots a selection of RIDE Modes to best suit whatever conditions they find themselves in. With STREET Mode activated as standard, this unleashes all the KTM 390 DUKE’s fury, while RAIN Mode works to keep things a little more controlled in the wet. For flat-out track enthusiasts, we now give you TRACK Mode! All are easily toggled in via the TFT display.
Track Screen
TRACK Mode transforms the 5″ TFT display graphics to be more race-focused, enlarging the rev counter, showing the laptimer, selected gear display, reduces the size of the speed readout, and shows preferred rider aid settings. What’s more, TRACK Mode also allows riders to initiate Launch Control.
ROCKET OFF THE LINE
Launch Control
Get ready to rocket off the line, because, for the first time ever, the 2025 KTM 390 DUKE comes equipped with Launch Control as standard. With TRACK Mode selected and Launch Control engaged, the engine will peak at 7,000 rpm with a wide open throttle, waiting for the rider to release the clutch.
LIGHT UP THE DARKNESS
LED Lighting
Tearing a deep gash into the night, all 2025 KTM DUKE models come equipped with powerful LED lights in the front and at the rear. Not only do these work when the world becomes dark, but they also provide improved visibility when navigating busy traffic or misty road conditions.
RACE TO COMFORT
Ergonomics
Thanks to a long wheelbase, a low seat height, and excellent frame geometry, the 2025 DUKE range boasts incredible cornering behavior, stability, and handling proficiency. This, along with an already sterling reputation as being a THE CORNER ROCKET and an aggressive seating position, means the 2025 KTM 390 DUKE sets the standard when it comes to energetic NAKED machinery.
TAKE A SEAT
Seat
Excellent comfort for the rider and pillion, thanks to thick seat foam, a narrow profile, and racy ergonomics. Need for more or less seat height? The 2025 KTM 390 DUKE has a standard seat height of 32.2 in (820 mm), but can easy be decreased to 31.4 in (800 mm) with the optional KTM PowerParts seat offering.
FIND YOUR FOOTING
Footpegs
Lightweight forged aluminum footpeg hangers and grippy footpegs ensure riders have uninterrupted grip when banging through the gears, with high-end CNC-machined footpegs available from the KTM PowerParts catalog.
THE BACKBONE
Frame
The design features a 2-piece construction composed of a steel trellis main frame with a pressure die-cast aluminum subframe. The rear shock absorber is mounted off-center to allow for the large airbox which allows for the lower seat height and, at the same time, adding to the DUKE’s aggressive stance. Not only designed for looks, the primary objective of the frame design is to enhance vehicle dynamics by augmenting torsional rigidity, nimble agility, and enhanced feedback from the chassis.
CURVED PIVOT
Swingarm
A curved cast aluminum swingarm provides a sturdy and durable platform for the rear suspension system, featuring a direct shock absorber mount that is offset to the side, for that super-racy look. This also creates additional space for the new exhaust muffler, providing added attitude.
SPRING INTO ACTION
Fork
Upfront, a 43 mm WP APEX open cartridge fork with 150 mm travel keeps things in check, with adjustable compression and rebound settings.
MAX TRACTION
Rear Shock
On the rear, you’ll find an off-center WP APEX Separate piston shock absorber with 150 mm of travel and 60 mm of stroke. Rebound is easily adjusted with a 5-step clicker, and is also preload adjustable.
ROLLING THUNDER
Wheels and Tires
Reducing weight where it counts the most, the 2025 KTM 390 DUKE’s rims are wrapped in grippy Michelin Power 6 tires. This not only improves the overall handling characteristics but also means quicker turn-in and less strain on working components like axels and bearings.
STOPPING POWER
Brakes
On the front wheel, the KTM 390 DUKE boasts a 320 mm brake disc with brand-new four-piston radial calipers. The new design includes bigger disks to reduce the operating temperature with improvements in the resistance to fading and longer pad lifespan. On the rear wheel, a 240 mm brake disc is installed with a brand-new twin-piston caliper which carries the same benefits as the front wheel. Cornering ABS and SUPERMOTO ABS are also standard features.
2025 KTM 390 Duke – Totalmotorcycle.com International Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £5,699 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine
Torque 39Nm
Transmission 6-speed
Battery capacity 8Ah
Cooling Liquid cooled
Power in KW 33kW
Starter Electric starter
Stroke 64mm
Bore 89mm
Compression ratio 12.6
Displacement 398.7cm³
EMS Bosch EMS with RBW
Design 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine
Fuel-mixture generation Bosch EFI (throttle valve 46 mm)
Lubrication Wet sump
Chassis
Wheelbase 1357mm
Front brake disc diameter 320mm
Rear brake disc diameter 240mm
Front brake Four-piston radial fixed calliper
Chain 520 X-Ring
Frame design Steel trellis frame, powder coated
Front suspension WP APEX 43
Seat height 820/800 mm
Suspension travel (front) 150mm
Suspension travel (rear) 150mm
Tyre dimensions (front/rear) 110/70; 150/60
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
