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KTM 250 Duke and KTM 390 Duke Launched! – Priced from RM 21,730

  • New KTM 250 Duke and KTM 390 Duke have been launched tonight

  • The KTM 250 Duke is priced from RM 21,730 (incl. 6% GST)

  • The KTM 390 Duke is priced from RM 28,800 (incl. 6% GST)

One City USJ, 26th September 2017 – The KTM 250 Duke and KTM 390 Duke has been launched to a great reception tonight.

The launched of the KTM 200 Duke in 2012 caused a sensation short of a revolution in the small capacity naked sportbike market. For it marked the introduction of a motorcycle that performance in terms of speed (for a 200cc bike), handling and braking, wrapped in a frame and bodywork that was different from anything before it.

The KTM 390 Duke was launched soon after to even more resounding success, followed by the KTM 250 Duke, which had racier features such as a slipper clutch.

Since then, KTM’s rivals have launched models to rival the Duke’s success, prompting KTM to refresh the smaller Dukes.

KTM Malaysia had launched the new 1290 Super Duke R earlier this year, then when pictures of the new baby Dukes started circulating on the internet.

Instead of following the same template across the range, KTM has taken the step to give both the 250 and 390 new looks for their own identities. Yet, the styling of both models still unmistakenly within the Duke’s family’s looks.

KTM 250 DUKE

The new 250 Duke has received what KTM calls, “… more than just an aggressive makeover.”

KTM has given the new KTM 250 Duke a newly designed headlamp, reminiscent of the 2014 KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

The new styling also brings along a bigger fuel tank (now 13.4 litres up from 11.1 litres), redesigned seats for sporty yet comfortable for long rides whether solo or with a passenger.

The Austrian manufacturer’s lay to claim has always been READY TO RACE, hence performance is always high on the list.

The 248.8cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, single-cylinder engine packs a healthy 30 bhp, which is sent through a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch for smoother corner entries. Spent gasses exit through a new exhaust system.

The forks are upsided-down WP (of course), but now features open-cartridges. The advantages are lighter weight and ease of maintenance due to fewer parts.

The frame and bolt-on sub-frame are also new.

Its lightweight steel trellis frame has been updated. The wheelbase is 10mm shorter for more agility, while the rider’s seat is now 30mm taller at 830 mm.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves, single-cylinder
Compression ratio 12.6 : 1
Bore X Stroke 72.0 mm X 61.1 mm
Displacement 248.8 cc
Fuel system Bosch electronic fuel injection
Maximum power 30 bhp (23 kW) @ 9000 RPM
Maximum torque 24 Nm @ 7250 RPM
TRANSMISSION  
Clutch PASC slipper clutch
Gearbox 6-speed
CHASSIS
Front suspension WP 43mm USD forks, 142 mm travel
Rear suspension WP single shock, adjustable for preload, 150 mm travel
Front brakes Single 300 mm disc, single-piston radially mounted caliper
Rear brake Single 230 mm disc, single-piston floating caliper
ABS Bosch MB9.1 Two channel
Front tyre 110/70-ZR17
Rear tyre 150/60-ZR17
FRAME & DIMENSIONS
Frame Steel trellis
Swingarm Two-sided, cast aluminium
Trail 95 mm
Rake 25 degrees
Wheelbase 1357 mm
Seat height 830 mm
Dry weight 147 kg
Fuel capacity 13.4 litres

 

KTM 390 DUKE

The new KTM 390 Duke has similarly been updated, but the changes are more extensive.

It’s overall appearance has taken on its top sibling’s – the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R – appearance. The headlamp takes its inspiration directly from the latter complete with split LED day running light and headlamp. The fuel tank and its flanks have also been updated for a fiercer look.

The new 390 Duke also features a multi-function, multi-colour TFT instrument cluster similar to the 1290 Super Duke R’s. The display adjusts its brightness automatically depending on ambient lighting. It also features Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone and is now controllable from the handlebar switches.

But it’s underneath all these new panels that matters the most.

The new model now features a Ride-by-Wire throttle, for smoother throttle response. The 390cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, single-cylinder engine has been upgraded to produce an impressive 44 bhp and 37 Nm of torque.

Additionally, a slip-and-assist clutch is featured in the new 390 Duke, compared to the previous model. The slip function eliminates rear tyre chatter in the event of aggressive downshifting, while the assist function helps to lighten clutch lever pull, besides performing as a self-servo function to apply more pressure on the plates when accelerating to ensure power is fully transmitted to the transmission.

The engine and chassis components are then attached to the new frame and bolt-on subframe.

With the increase in go, KTM didn’t forgo the stop department either. The new bike now features a larger, 320mm front brake disc with a Bosch ABS system providing a safety net.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves, single-cylinder
Compression ratio 12.6 : 1
Bore X Stroke 89.0 mm X 60.0 mm
Displacement 373.2 cc
Fuel system Bosch electronic fuel injection
Maximum power 44 bhp (32 kW) @ 9000 RPM
Maximum torque 37 Nm @ 7000 RPM
TRANSMISSION  
Clutch PASC slipper clutch
Gearbox 6-speed
CHASSIS
Front suspension WP 43mm USD forks, 142 mm travel
Rear suspension WP single shock, adjustable for preload, 150 mm travel
Front brakes Single 20 mm disc, single-piston radially mounted caliper
Rear brake Single 230 mm disc, single-piston floating caliper
ABS Bosch MB9.1 Two channel
Front tyre 110/70-ZR17
Rear tyre 150/60-ZR17
FRAME & DIMENSIONS
Frame Steel trellis
Swingarm Two-sided, cast aluminium
Trail 95 mm
Rake 25 degrees
Wheelbase 1357 mm
Seat height 830 mm
Dry weight 149 kg
Fuel capacity 13.4 litres

 

PICTURE GALLERY

Wahid's lust for motorcycles was spurred on by his late-Dad's love for his Lambretta on which he courted, married his mother, and took baby Wahid riding on it. He has since worked in the motorcycle and automotive industry for many years, before taking up riding courses and testing many, many motorcycles since becoming a motojournalist. Wahid likes to see things differently. What can you say about a guy who sees a road safety message in AC/DC's "Highway to Hell."

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