ktm 390 duke custom tft display factory

KTM 390 Duke owners are being treated by Evotech Performance with a wide range of new parts. Add race style with a new tail tidy and exhaust hanger, ramp up the crash protection with various bobbins and guards, and make maintenance easier with paddock stand bobbins. And none of it is particularly expensive, either...

They say big things come in small packages and that’s been the hope for the 390 Adventure ever since KTM CEO Stefan Pierer first mentioned it in an interview some 7 years ago. Well after years of rumors, speculation and spy photos, it’s finally here, in the flesh.

Starting off with a 373cc single-cylinder motor borrowed from the 390 Duke, the pint-sized powerplant pumps out a respectable 43 horsepower and 27.3 ft-lbs of torque. Plus it comes packed with premium components you typically don’t get standard in this category like a TFT display with Bluetooth integration, a charging port on the dash, tapered aluminum handlebars, crash bars, skid plate, hand guards, adjustable windscreen, ByBre (Indian Brembo) brakes, and WP suspension with damping adjustments front and rear. Rider aids are also impressive like cornering ABS that is Street/Off-Road switchable, lean angle-aware traction control, a slipper clutch, optional quickshifter, and smooth fueling thanks to ride-by-wire throttle.

That’s a lot of primo componentry for a budget-oriented adventure bike, but the one important area where KTM may have skimped a little is in wheel choice. Whereas its big brothers come with 21” front and 18” rear wire-spoke wheels, the 390 Adventure sports 19”/17” cast aluminum hoops. Also, the suspension travel is much lower than usual for KTM adventure bikes, measuring 6.7 inches up front and 6.9 inches in the back, along with a ground clearance measurement of 7.8 inches.

Decisions were likely made to hit a specific price point, but it is important to keep in mind the smaller wheels and lower suspension do help get the seat height down to a more reasonable 33.6 inches and also improves maneuverability — important factors for any entry-level machine. However, KTM’s statement that the new 390 Adventure was made for touring and ‘light’ off-roading had me wondering if I should check my ‘Ready to Race’ expectations at the door.

So is it an adventure bike worthy of the orange brand? Or just another budget lookalike ADV without any true off-road intentions? As a big fan of small bikes, I was thrilled to get some seat time on this long-awaited newest addition to KTM’s family to find out what it’s all about, and how it matches up with other bikes in the category. Read on for the straight scoop!

While the 390 Adventure is based on the 390 Duke, it shares a strong family resemblance with the 790 Adventure, with the exception of the low-slung fuel tank. Everything from lighting to the side panels, windscreen, display, seating, and GPS mount are a close match, just shrunk down to a smaller package… But it’s no minibike either. The ergos feel full sized in the seated position, with a comfortable reach to the bars and enough room to move around in the saddle. The distance from the seat to the footpegs is also comfortable for taller riders like myself at 6 foot 2 inches. Although in the standing position, it is slightly cramped with the bars feeling a bit low and too far back for my size, even with the handlebar supports set in the high/forward position.

Turning on the display, the 5” Color TFT looks similar to the 790 and 1290 Adventures’, with a low glare design that switches colors for night and day. Its interface and control switches are just like the big bikes when configuring ABS and MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) settings, although there are no rider modes. Instead, there is one standard fuel map and you can either turn traction control On or Off. ABS is also simplified with either Street (front and rear) or Offroad (front only) settings only. You can also set shift warning lights for two different RPMs and custom configure your home screen. About the only thing I didn’t find on the display was outside temperature, which is a nice tool to have for understanding current road conditions.

The display is also compatible with the KTM My Ride app that allows you to connect your phone and headset via Bluetooth. Once connected, you can take calls, adjust your music and receive turn-by-turn navigation on the bike’s display, all managed with the left thumb controls. The larger display makes things easier to see what’s going on in your peripheral vision and the thumb controls keep the rider’s hands on the handlebars where they should be.

Firing up the 390 for the first time, it sounds subdued compared to KTM’s heart-pumping twin-powered machines but it’s not without character. An initial test run revealed a flat powerband that doesn’t ‘wow’ the rider with low-end pop or high RPM surge. It’s just smooth and steady throughout. But you can get the front wheel up in first gear and ride a wheelie, if you clutch it. The suspension feels firm, which is unique for a bike in this class. And when setting up sag for around 230 pounds of rider and gear, I was surprised to find the preload on the shock was not even close to maxed out — a good sign for things to come on the trail. But first, the pavement…

The 390 Adventure feels steady on the highway and the windscreen is decent in the high position. For my height, the windscreen blocked the wind up to about nose level. That may not be great for a full day of highway riding, but it keeps the majority of wind off of you and it’s way better than not having anything. As mentioned previously, the seating position, along with the distance to the handlebars and pegs, is comfortable for taller riders and I didn’t feel cramped even after hours in the saddle.

Pointing the 390 Adventure toward twistier asphalt was a much more enjoyable ride. Here you can really feel some of the street DNA it inherited from the 390 Duke. Turning is effortless on the light maneuverable bike. Plus with the more street-friendly 19”/17” wheel combo, it’s easy to switch lines mid turn, and it doesn’t feel twitchy or sensitive to inputs.

But if you are in a hurry, the lightweight 390, with its stock Continental TKC 70 tires, gives you plenty of cornering speed, and the high pegs mean you have an abundance of lean angle before toes begin to scrape. The suspension’s firmness also keeps the chassis stable without much dive or squat during aggressive sport riding.

As you might expect, that smooth, flat power curve works great in the dirt. Even with Traction Control off, the torquey thumper motor keeps the rear tire glued to the ground in the lower RPMs. You really have to get the revs up, or be riding in sand or mud, to get any wheel spin. Moreover, the TC system seems to be turned for street and doesn’t have the sensitivity of KTM’s off-road traction control systems found on bikes like the 790 Adventure or 690 Enduro. Keep it on only if you are new to off-road riding and you are sticking to packed dirt roads.

With its reasonable ground clearance and a firm suspension, you can take the 390 Adventure through semi-rocky terrain without a lot of bottoming on the skidplate. It feels plush through the choppy stuff and the well-damped suspension helps ensure you don’t get bounced off the horse. Its small bike agility allows you to snake your way around obstacles rather than power through them. Which is the best approach for this bike, because if you do hit sharp-edged ruts or boulders in the road, the front fork will let you know it doesn’t like it by giving you a loud thunk! Cranking up the compression damping on the fork helped make this occur less often, but 6.7 inches of travel does have its limits if you want to ride it like a dirt bike.

One type of terrain the bike struggled with was in the sand. Perhaps it’s the smaller 19”/17” wheel combo, the smooth TKC 70 tires, a shorter wheelbase, a steering head angle that is a little steeper than most adventure bikes, or all of the above. But the result is that the front wheel wants to tuck right away in deep sand. Throwing some knobbies on the bike would be helpful if you intend to do anything more than the short patches of sand during your adventures on the 390. Otherwise, pin it to win it!

Another small annoyance was having to repeatedly turn the Traction Control off in the dirt. If the kill switch is turned off with the ignition on, it loses the Off setting. Or even if you just stall the bike and restart it within a few seconds, it sometimes loses the setting. I haven’t noticed traction control being this finicky on other KTM models before.

KTM has done a great job of creating a capable, entry-level ADV Bike at a price point that makes it easier for new adventure riders to get started on an orange bike. You don’t get all the premium components and hard-edged performance of their larger machines, but it’s a step ahead of the competition for this category.

Thanks to ex-Baja Champ Quinn Cody, who helped develop suspension settings for the Americas and Europe, the 390 Adventure has good spring rates, adequate suspension travel and a range of damping settings so you aren’t stuck with whatever comes from the factory. It works well in the dirt for all but the most aggressive riding, and raises the bar in its class with its ability to travel further off the beaten path than the Honda CB500X, Kawasaki Versys-X 300 or the BMW G310GS.

The 390 Adventure has enough power to keep up with bigger bikes too, although I do wish it were smoother on the highway. Comparing it to other single-cylinder models, KTM 690 Enduro R is smoother at 75mph with its dual balancer shafts. Yet without a windscreen, highway stints on the 690 are rough. The 410cc Royal Enfield Himalayan is also a smoother operator, but that’s in part because its limited-performance motor keeps the revs down. The 390 Adventure does feel smoother than either the BMW G310GS or CRF250L Rally though. But perhaps the 390’s vibration woes can be resolved with heavy bar-end weights and vibration damping footpegs.

We’d love to see a set of wire-spoke wheels come standard on the 390 Adventure but cracking a wheel is less of a concern on a bike in this weight class. If you are looking to do more than just light off-roading, then a set of spokes might be your first mod, along with a cushier seat, and it could use a rear rack for carrying a top bag as well… There are a lot of custom mods you might ‘like’ to do, but from a practical sense there aren’t a lot of things it really ‘needs’ because the 390 Adventure is a versatile, well-equipped machine right off the showroom floor.

When it comes to low displacement naked bikes that are sure to turn heads, KTM is undoubtedly one of the first brands to come to mind. Especially now, that the Austrian manufacturer has adopted a similar design language across its entire range of street bikes. I mean, how can you not look twice when, at first glance, you think you just saw a 1290 Super Duke R?

It started in 2017, when the KTM 390 Duke received by far the biggest styling change the manufacturer has done with its commuter bikes. Taking design cues from its bigger brother, the 1290 Super Duke R, the relaunched 390 Duke came with a similar split LED headlight, angular lines, exposed two piece trellis frame, and a full color TFT display. This lead the 390 Duke to gain massive success, not just in India, but the rest of the world.

What the KTM 250 Duke misses out on, however, is the premium full color TFT dash which is currently found on the 390 Duke. The 250 Duke retains the same orange-backlit LCD display, which quite frankly, is starting to look a little long in the tooth. What"s more, is the fact that the 250 Duke is now Rs 4,000 more expensive, at Rs 2.09 lakh.

BMW has updated its entire K 1600 lineup, which includes four models powered by a liquid-cooled, 1,649cc inline-Six. The engine is now Euro 5 compliant and still makes 160 peak horsepower, though it now arrives at 6,750 rpm, 1,000 rpm earlier than before. Peak torque has increased to 133 lb-ft, up from 129, at 5,250 rpm. All models get a new 6-axis IMU; engine drag torque control (MSR); BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) “Next Generation”; “welcome,” “good-bye”, and “follow me home” light functions; an updated cornering LED headlight; a 10.25-inch high-definition TFT color display with integrated map navigation (via the BMW Motorrad Connected app) and Bluetooth connectivity.

The lovable, popular Grom has been Honda‘s top-selling streetbike since it was introduced in 2014. Now in its third generation, the 2022 Honda Grom gets a revised engine, a new 5-speed transmission, a larger fuel tank, a thicker, flatter seat, and fresh styling. Large bolts on the bodywork and a new two-piece design for the down pipe and muffler make the Grom easier to customize. Base price is $3,399, and another $200 gets you ABS. The Honda Grom SP ($3,499, above) comes in Pearl White and includes special graphics, gold fork tubes, and gold wheels.

Eagerly anticipated since a concept was shown at EICMA in 2019, the 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 is an all-new adventure bike based on the KTM 890 Adventure platform. It’s powered by the same 105-horsepower 890cc parallel-Twin, and it’s equipped with a fully electronics package, adjustable long-travel suspension, 21-inch front/18-inch tubeless spoked wheels, and much more. MSRP is $13,999.

The 2022 Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse gets the larger, more powerful Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin, the 4-inch display with Ride Command, and standard ABS. Sixteen-inch wheels have chrome spokes and gloss black rims, and nearly everything gets a menacing, blacked-out look. The Chief Bobber Dark Horse comes in Black Smoke, Titanium Smoke, and Sagebrush Smoke, and pricing starts at $18,999.

The up-spec 2022 Indian FTR S features a Bluetooth ready 4.3-inch Ride Command touchscreen display, giving riders access to three selectable ride modes and IMU-supported rider aides like cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, rear-wheel lift mitigation, and stability control. Standard equipment includes a fast-charging USB port, an Akrapovič slip-on exhaust, and fully adjustable Sachs suspension. It’s available in Maroon Metallic (above) and White Smoke, and pricing starts at $14,999.

For touring riders who want more power, safety, and sophistication, the 2022 Indian Super Chief Limited features a quick-release windscreen, saddlebags, a touring seat with passenger pad, floorboards, and traditional pullback handlebars like the base-model Super Chief. The Limited adds the Thunderstroke 116 V-twin, standard ABS, and a 4-inch round display with Bluetooth-connected Ride Command. Chrome finishes and rich metallic paint make the Super Chief Limited extra special. It comes in Black Metallic, BlueSlate Metallic, and Maroon Metallic, and pricing starts at $20,999.

Indian Motorcycle, Jack Daniel’s, and Klock Werks Kustom Cycles have teamed up to create the 2022 Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Challenger Dark Horse. Marking the sixth year of the partnership and limited-edition series, the latest model draws inspiration from Jack Daniel’s renowned Tennessee Rye whiskey. This premium, factory-custom model is available only by special order through Indian dealers starting October 21. MSRP is $36,999.

A popular middleweight sport-tourer since it was introduced in 2008, Kawasaki’s 649cc parallel-Twin-powered Versys 650 gets new traction control, refreshed styling with an adjustable windscreen and LED lighting, and a new TFT color display with Bluetooth connectivity. The 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 is available in Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black for $8,899 or Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black for $9,099. The 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT with handguards and saddlebags is available in Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black for $9,999.

With the introduction of the 390 Adventure in 2020, KTM established a new benchmark for the small-capacity adventure category. The 2022 KTM 390 Adventure builds on that foundation with new traction control with Street and Off-Road modes, stronger five-spoke cast wheels shod with Continental TKC 70 tires, and new graphics inspired by KTM’s Dakar-winning Factory Rally team. MSRP is $6,599.

Joining the 890 Duke and 890 Duke R in KTM’s 2022 lineup is the new 890 Duke GP. Based on the 890 Duke, it stands apart with orange-and-black livery inspired by KTM’s RC16 GP racebike. Orange bodywork replaces the normally all-black panels covering the subframe, and there’so a special orange passenger seat cover with special “890 Duke GP” graphics. The orange treatment continues with orange powdercoated wheels and orange highlights on the front fender and headlight frame. MSRP is $11,899.

KTM’s top-dog, off-road-ready adventure bike, the 1290 Super Adventure R gets a range of updates for 2022, including engine and chassis tweaks, updated WP XPLOR suspension, Bridgestone AX41 tires, rally-inspired bodywork, and more.⁠ MSRP is $19,499.

The street-oriented 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has been updated with even more tech, comfort, and performance for the open road. Its engine is lighter, its chassis has been updated, and it gets new WP APEX Semi-Active Technology (SAT) suspension. It also gets radar-assisted adaptive cruise control (ACC) and a new 7-inch TFT display. MSRP is $19,499.

Known as “The Beast,” the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo features new WP Semi-Active Technology (SAT) suspension with three modes (Sport, Street, Comfort); an optional Suspension Pro package adds three additional modes (Track, Advanced, and Auto) as well as automatic preload adjustment with three levels (Low, Standard, and High). The throttle-by-wire system features a new 65-degree quick-turn throttle (reduced by 7 degrees) for a faster and more responsive throttle while also reducing rider wrist angle as well as elbow drop at full throttle. The 1290 Super Duke R Evo is powered by the same liquid-cooled, 1,301cc V-Twin that makes a claimed 180 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. It gets more aggressive bodywork and two new colorways. MSRP is $19,599.

The 2022 KTM RC 390 gets new engine mapping and a revised airbox that helps its liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, 373cc Single make more torque. New rider-assist electronics include cornering ABS with supermoto mode, cornering traction control, and an optional quickshifter. It’s ready for road or track with all-new GP-inspired bodywork, revisions to the chassis that save 13 pounds, updated WP Apex suspension, improved ergonomics, a larger fuel tank, and a TFT color display. MSRP is $5,799.

Limited to 1,000 in individually numbered units worldwide and based on the XE, the 2022 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition (above) honors the King of Cool with unique Steve McQueen branding on the tank and handlebar clamp, an exclusive Competition Green custom paint scheme, premium Scrambler accessories fitted as standard, and a certificate of authenticity with signatures from Triumph’s CEO, Nick Bloor, and Chad McQueen. Pricing starts at $16,400.

The 2022 KTM RC 390 is a high-performance Supersports machine with its roots firmly planted on the race track. Featuring an impressive technology package, as well as race-derived styling, handling characteristics, and addictive power delivery, the KTM RC 390 is a real-world racer with undoubted pedigree.

The 2022 KTM RC 390 uses the proven 373 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine to maximum effect. Revised engine mapping, improved torque figures, and smoother, hard-hitting power delivery means this state-of-the-art powerplant churns out unmatched performance.CHASSISFrame

A new, ultra-lightweight frame design saves 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) over the previous generation, making use of a trellis frame and bolt-on subframe, which also gives the 2022 KTM RC 390 improved high-speed stability and increased rider feel. The result? Faster lap times.ERGONOMICSHandlebars

Taking its lead from the pinnacle of 2-wheeled racing, the KTM RC 390 echoes the design of the KTM RC16 racer in both styling, ergonomics and Factory Racing-inspired color options.SOFTWARE & ELECTRONICSTFT Display & Switchgear

An all-new TFT dashboard lets you see all the important information you need at a glance, or allows you to customize what you want to see via intuitive switchgear. The ambient light adaptive sensor also means the display adjusts to changing light conditions automatically, so that you maintain perfect visibility, day or night.

- The switch gear allows you to customize your motorcycle electronics like Supermoto ABS, MTC, Quickshifter+, Cornering ABS, Shift rpm, peak rpm and much more

While finding a good beginner bike can be tricky, it is also a fun process. There are quite a few bikes out there that tick all the right boxes for a beginner bike. One such beast is the KTM Duke 390. This Duke monster is a smart and strong ride. Light, powerful, packed with state-of-the-art technology, it guarantees to give you the thrills, whether you"re an experienced rider or just starting off.

KTM has a reputation for manufacturing sturdy and stylish bikes, and the Duke 390 is no exception. As the makers state, the KTM DUKE 390 is a pure example of what draws so many to the thrill of street motorcycling. Ready to #GetDuked, are you?

At the heart of the latest Duke 390 is a compact, lightweight engine with a commendable punch of 44 hp (32 kW), making it one of the most powerful options out there for A2 riders. Not only does this engine deliver impressive torque and acceleration, but it also contributes towards a positive fuel economy. Whether you take the Duke 390 to the streets, or to the race track, the ingenious intake design and the meticulous fuel injection system is bound to leave a fine impression. It"s hard to believe that all that power is packed in a nimble dry weight of just 149 kg. The sporty bike leaves behind all the traffic thanks to the 46mm throttle body, strong stroke, and quick acceleration. When the engine-back torque gets very high, the slipper clutch opens up and assists you. By doing so, it prevents the rear wheel from chattering, while braking sharply, and provides wheel support for a controlled, rear-wheel slide. The throttle response is aided by the ride-by-wire system. The 390"s ride-by-wire system makes sure the torque is delivered perfectly. It also ensures your throttle commands are electronically translated into throttle valve positions, thus, enhancing your road and race-track riding experience. The latest KTM Duke 390 also resembles the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R. Wondering how? Well, the four valves in the cylinder head of the 390 are actuated by twin overhead camshafts, and carbon-coated cam followers, just like 1290.

State-of-the-art injection electronics, and close-ratio, combined with the smooth 6-speed transmission help this beast achieve ""white-knuckle"" performance. The bike comes with a green initiative too, as the regulated catalytic converter helps by producing minimal emissions, even when you"re riding full throttle. The high power-to-weight ratio ensures that the Duke 390 matches all requisites for an A2 driver"s license. The precisely crafted exhaust system, comprising of a side exhaust, a link pipe, and a silencer, complete the power delivery system in this road monster.

Light, agile, versatile, and super strong, the KTM Duke 390 is the all-around perfect choice for a beginner. The chassis on this bike comes loaded with top-notch attributes. For instance, the 390 KTM duke comes standard with lightweight, high-quality, WP forks. These performance forks use open-cartridge technology, which aids the 390"s on-road performance. It is perfect for all aspects of riding - from comfortable cruising to racing away on the closed racing circuits. The bike comes with a pre-installed, progressive 150 mm spring which allows it to conquer all forms of terrain. You can count on the sturdy suspension as the preload is adjustable. Whether you"re riding with someone or carrying a bit of luggage, you won"t feel a tad bit of inconvenience.

For all its superior performance attributes, the Duke 390"s best attribute is arguably its stunning design and style-quotient. We"ve always been smitten by KTM"s design and ergonomics and the Duke 390 is no different. The stunning bodywork, combined with KTM"s custom paint and color combination makes this beast completely un-missable. If you think that"s it, you"re wrong! The Duke 390 features one of the best-in-class, innovative multicolor TFT display. Upon revving the engine, the TFT display changes colors, either to spur on you or to tell you to back off, if the engine is cold. You can switch through different modes for various assistance features by using the illuminated menu switch on the left of the handlebar. Adding to the beauty of this monster is an aggressively-styled LED headlight - a reference to its big brother, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R. The parking light consists of 20 LEDs - a necessity given the soaring speed of this beast. Keeping your safety in mind, the makers have equipped the Duke 390 with dual-circuit BOSCH ABS. The wheels on this big boy add to the power, stability, and impeccable looks of this roadrunner. 17-inch cast alloy wheels are perfectly combined with a 110mm front tire and a 150 mm rear tire. These Pro-Spec tires - renowned for their strength and grip, no matter what the conditions - are wrapped in premium rubber to enhance grip and evenly distribute the Duke 390"s body-weight.