Semiconductor issues continue to plague the industry, with February 2022 posting particularly gloomy sales numbers. The issue is affecting premium motorcycles in particular, and KTM dealers are facing supply issues for the KTM 390 Duke. Dealerships in Mumbai ,Chennai, Delhi and Bengaluru reported lack of availability for this motorcycle and are quoting waiting periods of up to 45 days for delivery.
Dealers say that the main culprit is the TFT display used on the 390 Duke, which is not available due to the global semiconductor shortage that continues to rage. While this TFT is shared by both the Duke 390 and the 390 Adventure, KTM appears to be in the difficult situation of having to ration out its limited semiconductor supply between models. At present, the updated 390 Adventure and RC 390, which will soon be launched, are taking precedence over the 390 Duke.
The 2022 390 Adventure is just around the corner and we expect it to receive updated colour schemes, among other things. Meanwhile, the new RC 390 has received a far more comprehensive update, and we expect it to finally be launched in India towards the end of this month.
Unlike the other 390s, the 390 Duke is not in line for updates anytime soon, and the shortage of supply is not linked to a model year update arriving anytime soon. KTM is, however, working on the next-generation 390 Duke, and has been spotted testing a significantly updated motorcycle with more comprehensive changes, especially in the chassis department. But this next generation is still some time away, and the earliest you can expect to see it is at the end of 2022.
The KTM 390 Duke comes with a 373.2cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 43hp and 37Nm of torque.
Would you still wait for the KTM 390 Duke, or would you consider something else in the market? Let us know in the comments below.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
