KTM 390 Duke: The Unbeatable Bargain Of The Year?

Welcome to the universe of motorcycles where dreams are big, bank balances feel small and every launch feels like a new crush that’s just out of our league.

But just when you thought you’d have to sell a kidney to afford some serious performance, KTM enters the chat like a sugar daddy and drops INR 20,000 off the 390 Duke’s price. That’s the new love story between folks of a motorcycle brand and riders. The ex-showroom price is now INR 2.95 lakh, making it the best thing you can get under INR 3 lakh… well, legally.

Now, let’s not pretend that your girlfriend or mum would be thrilled about this news. “Why spend so much on a bike when you can buy something more practical?” they’ll ask, conveniently forgetting that you have been riding solo for years, both on the road and in life. But hey, at least with the Duke 390, you’ll get some serious action… on the streets.

But hold up! Just when KTM was enjoying the fame, Aprilia winked at the brand and walked into the party with the all-new street-naked Tuono 457. A naked streetfighter packing serious heat under the tank, sounds familiar, right? Suddenly, the boys in the biking community are divided. Is the Tuono 457 a new heartthrob or just another fling? More importantly, is the KTM 390 Duke still the best value for your hard-earned money? Let’s break it down.

Aprilia Tuono 457: A new challenger approaches

The brand unveiled this machine at EICMA 2024. This street-naked motorcycle shares its soul with the RS 457. It comes with the same 457cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces 46.9 bhp of peak power and 43.5 Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed gearbox, it promises a ride that’s both exhilarating and refined. The design is quintessentially Aprilia, featuring sharp lines, a brand-new headlamp setup and a muscular fuel tank. With features like adjustable USD forks, a mono-shock at the rear, dual-channel ABS, traction control and a TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, the Tuono 457 is poised to turn heads and quicken pulses.

KTM 390 Duke: Still the reigning champion?

Yes, the Aprilia 457 gained applause and the spotlight with its launch but the KTM 390 Duke is still the seasoned warrior with a proven track record. The Gen 3 is powered by a 399cc single-cylinder engine, delivering a hearty 45 hp and 39 Nm of torque. This power is harnessed through a six-speed gearbox equipped with a slipper clutch and a bi-directional quick-shifter, ensuring seamless gear transitions.

The 390 Duke’s design is a perfect blend of aggression and elegance. Its sharp LED headlamps, sculpted fuel tank and exposed trellis frame exude a sense of purpose and style. Ergonomically, it offers an upright riding position, making it suitable for both spirited rides and daily commutes. The 5-inch TFT display provides all the important information at a glance and includes smartphone connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, adding a layer of convenience to every ride.

In terms of handling, the KTM 390 Duke is equipped with WP APEX adjustable suspension, allowing riders to fine-tune their setup for optimal performance. The braking system features a 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc, complemented by dual-channel ABS with a Supermoto mode for those who crave a bit of controlled slide action.

Verdict

The Aprilia Tuono 457 has filled the gap for a proper street-naked machine between the KTM 390 Duke and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. This motorcycle is perfect for those who feel the KTM 390 Duke is a bit underpowered and the Yamaha MT-03 is extra expensive -- they now have a perfect choice to invest in. But KTM has recently dropped the price of the 390 Duke by INR 20,000 and the gap between the two motorcycles is now down to INR 1 lakh. The power figures, however, are not very different.

Surprisingly, no one is treating the new Aprilia Tuono 457 as the killer of the KTM 390 Duke because the Duke still fulfils the satisfaction point of the majority of Indian riders.

The 390 Duke offers brutal performance, the latest features and affordability that is hard to match. For riders seeking a motorcycle that delivers exhilarating performance without breaking the bank, the KTM 390 Duke remains the unbeatable bargain of the year.