Motorcycle manufacturer KTM is testing a new prototype model of their 390 Duke which is quite popular not only in the Indian market but also with new and seasoned riders around the world. Even their small capacity engines produce a lot of punch, but the only drawback is their compact size. KTM has now turned their attention to this and it seems like KTM are beefing up their machines for a new big-bike look and feel. This could be a boon to heavyset riders which were repelled because of the bikes’ small size.
The spied KTM 390 Duke appears to have a reworked chassis with a proper classic trellis frame which very close to that on the Ducati Monster and also a new sub-frame with larger seats to go along with it. The swingarm appears to be machined out of billet aluminium indicating that this may only be an early prototype and obviously, it will not be seen on the production model. The triple clamp up front is also machined and now holds what appear to be fatter upside-down forks. The engine hangs from reworked cast alloy spars like the current model and the exhaust appears lower with a larger catalytic converter which will keep emissions in check. The exhaust is similar to its older brother 790 Duke and the lowered position will help keep the centre of gravity low.
The tank in the spy pictures appears to be the inner metallic unit without its plastic bodywork. The bike is also expected to retain the same TFT colour display and other electronic hardware. Mechanically the engine looks same and will possibly be reworked to cope with new emission standards.
The outgoing KTM 390 Duke in India is powered by a 373.2cc, single-cylinder, four-valve, DOHC motor producing 43.5 BHP of maximum output @ 9000 RPM and 37 Nm of peak torque @ 7000 RPM coupled to a constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with a slip-assist clutch.
At this point, the bike looks in its rough early prototype stage and will not be hitting the streets anytime soon. However, we can expect KTM to reveal this bike along with the much awaited KTM 390 Adventure and also the new RC 390 at the EICMA show in Milan later this year.
So, this means that we could get a total of 3 new KTM motorcycles in India next year.