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Few motorcyclists would associate KTM’s Duke series with mild manners. Instead, attitude and aggression commonly characterize the lineup — all the way down to the pint-sized 200 Duke. While an attitude adjustment isn’t in order any time soon, the Austrian OEM adds a touch of sophistication to the 2024 390 Duke and 250 Duke.
A newly developed steel trellis frame and die-cast aluminum subframe form the foundation of both small-capacity entries. KTM claims the new setup enhances torsional rigidity, which improves agility and feedback, in turn. Those aren’t the only chassis upgrades, either. The triple clamps now feature a revised offset at the front end, while an all-new curved swingarm bolts to a side-mounted shock out back.
Team Orange outfits the 390 Duke with a 43 mm WP APEX fork offering five-click adjustability for compression and rebound. Users can also modify the WP APEX monoshock’s rebound by hand. Preload adjustment requires a tool, however. The 250 Duke, by contrast, sports a non-adjustable 43 mm WP APEX front end and preload-adjustable WP APEX emulsion shock.
To complete the chassis, KTM turns to a five-spoke, open-hub wheel design. Along with a lighter front brake disc and hollow front axle, the wheelset reportedly reduces rotating unsprung mass (compared to previous generations). Both models opt for the same braking hardware, with a four-piston radial-mount caliper fore and a larger 240 mm rotor aft, but the 390 wears Michelin Road 5 tires while the 250 rolls on Vredestein Centauro rubber.
Of course, neither is going anywhere without an engine. KTM’s newly christened LC4c single powers both diminutive Dukes. In 390 form, the thumper arrives with a 398.7 cc displacement. The powerplant’s 89 mm bore remains intact but Team Orange increases stroke to 64 mm (four mm over the 373 cc engine’s 60 mm stroke). That extra volume results in a slight performance uptick, with KTM claiming 33 kW (44.25 horsepower) and 39 Newton-meters (28.76 foot-pounds) of torque.
Similarly, the 249 cc single gains capacity in the stroke department, too. Compared to the 2023 KTM 200 Duke it replaces, the 250 Duke retains a 72 mm bore but bumps stroke up to 61.17 mm (from 49 mm). As such, the quarter-liter mill whips up 23 kW (30.84 horsepower) while torque peaks at 25 Newton-meters (18.44 pound-feet), according to the Austrian firm. However, the 250 Duke doesn’t enjoy a weight advantage, with both the 390 and 250 tipping the dry scales at a claimed 165 kg (363.76 pounds).
To help distinguish the 390 Duke from its smaller sibling, KTM dresses up the model with LED position lights, extended tank spoilers, and radiator shrouds. The same strategy applies to the tech suite. Both Dukes benefit from selectable Supermoto ABS, all-around LED lighting, updated switchgear, and connectivity functions. Much of the similarities end there, though.
KTM endows the 390 with a five-inch TFT display whereas the 250 receives a revised LCD dash. In addition, the 400 cc-class naked bike flaunts cornering traction control, ride modes (Street and Rain), and a track-oriented screen layout. When activated, the Track screen also unlocks Launch Control, which limits the engine to 7,000 rpm prior to a race start. As expected, KTM’s Quickshifter+ doesn’t come standard on either model, but it's offered as an optional add-on for 390 and 250 Duke customers.
As of the time of writing this, KTM hasn’t disclosed North American pricing or availability of the 2024 390 Duke and 250 Duke. On the other hand, the brand’s U.S. website already features both models, so more information should follow in the coming months.
| 2024 KTM 250 Duke | 2024 KTM 390 Duke | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | TBA | |
| Engine | 249 cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve, single | 398.7 cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve, single |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, chain | |
| Claimed horsepower | 30.84 | 44.25 |
| Claimed torque | 18.44 foot-pounds | 28.76 foot-pounds |
| Frame | Tubular steel | |
| Front suspension | WP APEX 43 mm fork; 5.9 inches of travel | WP APEX 43 mm fork, adjustable for compression and rebound damping; 5.9 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | WP APEX shock, adjustable for preload; 5.9 inches of travel | WP APEX shock, adjustable for rebound damping and preload; 5.9 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Four-piston radial fixed caliper, 320 mm disc with ABS | |
| Rear brake | Two-piston radial fixed caliper, 240 mm disc with ABS | |
| Rake, trail | N/A | |
| Wheelbase | N/A | |
| Seat height | 31.5 inches | 32.3 inches/31.5 inches |
| Fuel capacity | N/A | |
| Tires | Vredestein Centauro | Michelin Road 5 |
| Claimed weight | 363.76 pounds (dry) | |
| Available | TBA | |
| Warranty | 24 months | |
| More info | KTM.com | |
| Vredestein Centauro |
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