KTM has introduced a new sub-350cc version of the 390 Duke, enabling it to benefit from the lower tax bracket under GST 2.0. As with the new Triumph 400 line-up, the downsizing has been achieved by reducing the stroke, resulting in a slight drop in peak output figures. This new model now carries the 390 Duke name, while the existing 399cc version has been renamed the 390 Duke R, and both will be sold concurrently. Here’s a breakdown of what sets the two apart.
KTM 390 Duke vs 390 Duke R: What stays the same?
The chassis, suspension, brakes and electronics are identical on both bikes
Both the standard 390 Duke and the 390 Duke R have the same Gen-3 chassis, featuring a steel trellis main frame with an aluminium subframe. The suspension setup is identical too, with a WP Apex USD fork up front and a rear monoshock. Braking hardware remains unchanged: a 320mm front disc paired with four-piston radial calipers and a 240mm rear disc with a twin-piston caliper. Both bikes also run the same lightweight wheels and have identical dimensions, including wheelbase, ground clearance, seat height and fuel tank capacity.
The electronics package has been carried over as well, including cruise control, launch control, ride modes, traction control, cornering ABS, a bi-directional quickshifter and the same 5-inch TFT display.
KTM 390 Duke vs 390 Duke R: Engine and performance
The Duke R gets a larger 399cc engine with more power and torque
The primary difference between the KTM 390 Duke and the 390 Duke R lies in their engine displacement. The new 390 Duke uses a downsized version of the 399cc single thanks to a shorter stroke, resulting in a 349.3cc liquid-cooled unit that produces 41.5hp at 8,600rpm and 33.5Nm of torque at 7,000rpm. The 390 Duke R with the larger 398.6cc engine delivers 46hp at 8,500rpm and 39Nm at 6,500rpm – 4.5hp and 5.5Nm more. Both bikes weigh the same at 168.3kg, giving the 390 Duke R an advantage in terms of power-to-weight ratio as well.
KTM 390 Duke vs 390 Duke R: Colour schemes
The two get different colour schemes and graphics
The KTM 390 Duke and 390 Duke R are identical in design, sharing the same aggressive bodywork, with the colour schemes being the only visual differentiator. The 390 Duke features a black frame and wheels, while the 390 Duke R gets them finished in orange. The tank graphics also differ – the 390 Duke prominently displays ‘390’ badging, whereas the 390 Duke R highlights ‘Duke’ as the dominant graphic.
KTM 390 Duke vs 390 Duke R: Price
The KTM 390 Duke is priced at Rs 2.77 lakh, while the 390 Duke R costs Rs 3.39 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi), making the latter Rs 62,000 more expensive. For the extra money, you’re essentially paying for a bump in performance, and whether that premium is justified will depend on how much you value the added horsepower and torque. If outright performance isn’t a priority, the new 390 Duke presents a compelling package, offering the same chassis, suspension, brakes, electronics and features at a more accessible price point.
Ved Janve
Dinshaw Magol
