[IshaanIan]

Originally Posted by drive_angry

Slightly OT:

Sir, if you don't mind me asking, why did you purchase a 2016 duke model when KTM is going to revamp its complete fleet in 2017?

KTMs are simply not touring machines. The Duke may have an upright riding posture but it still has light weight rims, stiff ride and is kmown for its agility as a sporty streetfighter. I myself had bought an RC390 back in March knowing that their new line up will be coming only next year. I dont know about folks that expect comfort, versatility and reliability, but for me the only factors were outright performance and dynamic ability. The 390 is already running very high compression and using a heavy piston as well. Fact is the 390 duke and rc are on the limit of the power to weight ratio restrictions that a european A2 license permits so the likelihood of the new bikes performing better on track and in terms of power output, seems slim to me. For people like me who wholeheartedly subscribe to the KTM brand ethos and who hold nothing against them for committed taxing riding posture and vibes etc who have gone for the current 390s just based on their hardcore focussed nature, I doubt the 2017 lineup will have anything new to offer in that aspect. Folks that wish for more features, better quality, better looking information displays, comfier seat cushioning, more refinement etc. Will actually have something to look forward to as I believe these new bikes will be made to be more mature and more palatable to a wider audience to further justify the high premium the bikes demand over their competition in the American and European markets and to uplift the brands image here in our own country. If you are someone who cares a lot about that, then wait.

[barcalad]

Look what the cat dragged home.

[The Brutailer]

From the rear angle. New taillight! I kind of preferred the old duke's taillight design. Let's see how it looks when it's launched.

Oh and if you hear the sound in the video from where this photo has been taken, the bike still sounds the same (maybe albeit a bit less louder)

[nishsingh]

Originally Posted by The Brutailer

From the rear angle. New taillight! I kind of preferred the old duke's taillight design. Let's see how it looks when it's launched.

Oh and if you hear the sound in the video from where this photo has been taken, the bike still sounds the same (maybe albeit a bit less louder)

The new taillight looks quite bright though, so definitely safer!
For everyone's benefit, this is the video from which the frames were taken -

http://youtu.be/eART3FsdqiI

[rohitoasis]

One more sighting.

This time a detailed walkaround.

Here you go. Would be happy if Duke 690 type instrument cluster actually is as detailed in the Dukelings as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym8e_NaJmYs

How much ever i love having what i already have in my Duke 200, i am so so tempted by this bike. God give me the will to hold on a bit more.

[The Brutailer]

Absolutely wicked. It has power modes and a TFT color display? Wow!

Feel sorry for it's competitors.
Only one word to describe this bike : EPIC!

[barcalad]

Here are some new pictures. Note that the tyres are Michelin Pilots.

[payeng]

Looks like the 2017 KTM 390 Duke get Riding Modes. Which means "Ride By Wire" should be present on it as well.

Currently the cheapest bike to get Ride by Wire and Riding Modes in India is the Triumph Bonneville T120.

It's a Big Deal. Good work KTM!!!


Work cut out for the not yet launched BMW G310R.. Appears that the bar has been raised.

[The Brutailer]

Originally Posted by payeng

Looks like the 2017 KTM 390 Duke get Riding Modes. Which means "Ride By Wire" should be present on it as well.

Yeah, amazing stuff. It's good for amateur riders who without having any skills and experience, bought this as their first bike because of the accessibility due to low cost and get into accidents.

Now, atleast they'll have the option to decrease the power to say 30 bhp? Anywho, all this is still a speculation. Let's hope it's true!

[niranjanrvce]

Looks like the 2017 D390 is going to be 'almost' an all new bike! As a previous D390 owner, I am excited at the rate of changes KTM brings in. My take based on the scoop videos so far:
Likes:

• Bolt on Trellis frame! Observe that the rear part of the Trellis frame is now bolt-on unlike the single welded frame from the current Duke. What does that mean? Well for starters, it should provide a more flexible platform to create variants like an Adventure model. Will KTM finally deliver on the Adventure promise?
• Power Modes is an awesome feature add-on and will hopefully offset some of the Euro 4 neutering
• Better+ Cooler looking LED lights. The 390 can do with more powerful headlamps.
• The bike looks Hot, what with that TFT screen and Super duke stance. The competition must be in a state of disbelief already

.

Stuff that might not be so good:

• New exhaust mandated by Euro 4 norms might mean a neutered bike. The Duke 200 is a very different bike from the first lot to the current one. Will the 390 go the same way? or worse?
• Michelin Pilot Streets?! Come on KTM, these tyres can't hold a candle to the Metz M5s or M7s. A big downgrade.
• The new frame 'might' bring a slight change in handling - can't say for better or for worse yet obviously. Hopefully the tyres are not an indication of a 'softer' bike.
• Wonder what happens to the RC390 now - if they redo it based on this platform, will the razor sharp handling remain? Power modes should help on the track though.

Anyway this is an excited rambling based on very early peeks into the bike. A lot can change when it finally lands on the streets.

[payeng]

The Riding Mode on the 2017 390 Duke is making me rethink of the Pulsar VS400...

One main reason why the "Current" KTM 390 Duke was out of my consideration was because it's engine/gearing/performance was too high strung... It always felt like a frantic machine which begged to be ridden aggressively.. ALL THE TIME.

It might sound odd but I am actually looking forward to ride the new 390 Duke with Riding Modes... as it should provide the option to ride with a mellowed/softer performance setting.

[praful]

Originally Posted by payeng

Looks like the 2017 KTM 390 Duke get Riding Modes. Which means "Ride By Wire" should be present on it as well.

The display unit does not have any buttons. In all probability those buttons on the handlebar could be to toggle the display modes and not riding modes as such.

Riding modes maybe an overkill on a starter bike(internationally).

[payeng]

Originally Posted by praful

The display unit does not have any buttons. In all probability those buttons on the handlebar could be to toggle the display modes and not riding modes as such.

Riding modes maybe an overkill on a starter bike(internationally).

You got a point there.

Nevertheless, the rear seat seems generous compared to the current Duke.. should make you rethink for the 2017 390 Duke.

[praful]

Originally Posted by payeng

should make you rethink for the 2017 390 Duke.

I am

But the new Duke with the bolt on sub frame hints at the possibility of the ADV and all of a sudden the the VS400 is out of contention. All said and done the next 6 months should reveal a clearer picture of things to come. *If* the ADV does sneak its face, I'm ready to wait until its released.

This gives time to the VS400 to stabilize as a platform too. Though the Duke should not be considered if pillion comfort is a mandatory requirement. Because in essence the Duke is meant to be a fun to ride brat of a bike, not something that has the qualities to lug around a pillion.

[payeng]

Originally Posted by praful

I am

But the new Duke with the bolt on sub frame hints at the possibility of the ADV and all of a sudden the the VS400 is out of contention. All said and done the next 6 months should reveal a clearer picture of things to come. *If* the ADV does sneak its face, I'm ready to wait until its released.

This gives time to the VS400 to stabilize as a platform too. Though the Duke should not be considered if pillion comfort is a mandatory requirement. Because in essence the Duke is meant to be a fun to ride brat of a bike, not something that has the qualities to lug around a pillion.

Bajaj could have a trick up its sleeve in the form of an irresistible price tag on the VS400.. the 2017 Duke would most certainly see a hike in its price tag.

Funny how the BMW G310 seems almost out of the race now.