KTM 390 DUKE
THIS MONTH I HAVE MOSTLY BEEN… “Restricted to 6,000rpm.”
Firstly, I’d just like everyone to say a big hello to the new termer, the lil’ KTM 390 Duke. Being well and truly f**ked over on insurance means I’ve got to be in A2, and I figured this was the funkiest little number I could find. I mean look at her! For a 390 the KTM has a real presence, and isn’t just a toy – it means business. Oh, and as it only has a claimed 43bhp, I reckon it’s up to us to see how much of a weapon we can make out of an A2 bike!
When I first got her, there was a little leak in the coolant reservoir that was weeping slippery green fluid all over the front tyre which we got sorted straight away, but aside from that the build quality and finish on the little KTM is unreal. A little word of warning though, the first 600 miles should be used as a modern-day torture device. The single cylinder engine is incredibly lumpy for the first 150 miles thanks to the incredibly thick oil used from new, so until the magical 600-mile mark and first service there is an electronically imposed red line at 6,000rpm which is wonderful on long trips. Yes, it was a massive pain in the ass, but it really is a testament to the Duke and its nimble chassis that I could still have fun while not being able to go over 65mph.
But nowhere near as much fun as when you get her up and running properly. By the time you’ve hit the first service the engine is a completely different unit – I’m now over a thousand miles in and the Duke’s as smooth as Elvis Presley’s vocals; no word of a lie. Not only that but I forgot how much of a punch the little 390 packs – it really is a little weapon, and the perfect tool to hone in some stunting practice. I mean, I’ve already been aboard the wheelie and stoppie hype at every opportunity, although I think a taller sprocket would help out for getting it up in second.
We may have only spent a short time together but I’m actually surprised how exciting the Duke is – I mean, I absolutely love power, and to be kept on my toes with such a little bike is pretty damn impressive. My favourite part is being able to turn the ABS off for some proper fun, which gives a great sense of joy from the ‘not legal’ warning light. The rear tyre has taken a bit of a battering mind…
As I write this though, I’m already on the way to making her my own. The KTM Powerparts website is horribly addictive with the configurator, meaning a quick glance has ended up with more than £1,000 worth of bits. Oops. Following this though, I’m on the hunt for some more power and the best way of going about getting it; so if anyone has any experience with 390s then fire me an email over. Until then? More stupid riding, B-road madness and grabbing whatever parts I can to make my little KTM that little bit different. I love my job.