As the whole nation awaits with anxiety, the conglomerate of two automakers that has captured the imagination of a significant chunk of bikers seems to be carrying out the final checks in its much-anticipated product.
Yes, the projected upcoming raw rage, Duke 390 has been spotted again in Pune by one of the readers of Indian Autos Blog. Bajaj will be launching it pretty soon withing a matter of a few weeks from now.
CHANGES SPOTTED:-
- REAR TYRE HUGGER – It seems to be high on the list of the manufacturer’s add-on list. Is it an ARAI mandate or because of the fact that monsoon will follow Duke 390’s launch? However, we feel it has taken the brawniness that would have been on display if the rear tyre was exposed, in all its meatiness! Nonetheless, you can always get rid of that whenever you wish.
- ALLOY WHEELS – There seems to be the availability of black alloy wheels as an option. We raise our thumbs in acknowledgment, as we feel that helps in scaling down the extreme flashiness that was on display with the alloy wheels splattered in orange. But the orange option would probably be available as well, to stay true to KTM’s ethos!
The Duke 390 will carry forward the baton from exactly where the Duke 200 left it. Last year, an evil looking product arrived draped in orange attire, and it created a frenzied fan following. Boasting of neck-breaking acceleration, the Duke 200 attained a cult status on the Indian roads.
However, it was not enough. Fans and followers wanted a beast that would be much rapid, with more horses on tap. The manufacturer obliged, bringing in a product the kind of which has never been seen before. True, with a kerb weight that is slightly higher than the Duke 200 but with a power figure that’s nearly double, the Duke 390 boasts of a power-to-weight ratio which demands serious respect to avoid the front wheel from going northwards!
Though the Duke 390 would be easily mistaken for the Duke 200 by the uninformed, there’s a lot more to it than what meets the eye.
- METZELER TYRES- Unlike the MRF Rubber on Duke 200, the Metzeler M5 Sportec on the Duke 390 will be a whole lot grippier, adding a whole new dimension to the well sorted out department of braking and handling.
- THE MILL- It is not a bore-and-stroke job of the Duke 200’s mill. It is much more advanced. We had talked about it here.
- VISUAL TWEAKS- An exposed trellis frame bathed in orange adds to the naked-street fighter image, unlike the Duke 200. Expect orange alloys and newer decals on the tank shroud area.
Duke 390 Price
Though the actual price will only be known when KTM will launch the bike in India, however, of what little understanding we have, expect it to be priced somewhere around 2.4-2.5 Lakh.
Duke 390 Technical Specifications
- Engine: 4 stroke water-cooled single cylinder
- Engine capacity: 373.2cc
- Torque: 35Nm at 7,250rpm
- Power: 44HP at 9,500rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Dry Weight: 139Kg
- Power-to-weight ratio: 316.5PS/Tonne
- Clutch: Hydraulic operated
- Fuel system: Bosch EFI
- Ignition system: Bosch EMS83
Also Read: KTM Duke 390: A Closer Look
Pic Source: Indian Autos Blog
