In the world of A2-licence motorcycles, there has always been a divide. On one side, you have the sensible, worthy-but-dull commuters. On the other, you have the bikes that truly get your pulse racing. And since its inception, the KTM 390 Duke has gleefully resided in the second camp. But 2017 was the year the “Ready to Race” hooligan grew up – not by becoming sensible, but by becoming sophisticated.
The 2017 KTM 390 Duke wasn’t just a mild refresh; it was a comprehensive, ground-up transformation. It took the raw, unfiltered fun of the original and dressed it in a sharp new suit, armed it with class-leading technology, and refined its road manners, all without diluting its wild-child DNA. Years on, it remains a landmark bike in the lightweight naked category.
The most striking change is, without a doubt, the styling. The 2017 model finally shed the last of its entry-level looks and was restyled to mimic its monstrous sibling, the 1290 Super Duke R. The new, aggressive, split-face LED headlight is the centrepiece – it looks menacing, provides excellent visibility, and instantly made every rival look dated.
This is complemented by sharper, more angular bodywork and a newly exposed, two-piece, bolt-on trellis subframe, finished in that iconic KTM orange. This isn’t just for looks; it adds to the premium feel and makes for potentially easier repairs. The entire bike looks tauter, more muscular, and significantly more expensive than it is.
Climb aboard, and the premium experience continues. The old, cluttered LCD dash was replaced by a stunning, full-colour TFT display. In 2017, this was unheard of in the A2 class. It’s crystal clear, packed with information, and even features a light sensor to automatically switch between a white or black background for perfect day or night visibility.
This dash is also the hub for the new (optional) KTM ‘MY RIDE’ system, allowing for Bluetooth smartphone connectivity to manage calls and music directly from the new, illuminated switchgear on the left handlebar. This wasn’t just a new feature; it was a statement of intent that elevated the 390 Duke from a mere A2 bike to a fully-featured, modern motorcycle.
At the heart of the 390 is the same fiery 373cc single-cylinder engine, producing an A2-perfect 44 bhp. However, the 2017 model gained a full ride-by-wire throttle. This one change polished the Duke’s manners immensely. The snatchy, sometimes-abrupt throttle response of the old bike was gone, replaced by a smooth, predictable, and precise connection between your wrist and the rear wheel.
A new, side-mounted exhaust was added to meet Euro 4 regulations. This, combined with a new airbox, had the welcome side-effect of beefing up the mid-range torque. The result is an engine that’s still an absolute riot – it loves to be revved, barks with genuine aggression, and provides punchy, immediate acceleration that makes dicing through city traffic or attacking a B-road an addictive thrill.
While the original Duke was nimble, its suspension could be harsh and was the bike’s most obvious budget-conscious component. For 2017, KTM binned it. In its place came a brand-new, open-cartridge 43mm WP fork and a new WP rear shock.
The difference is night and day. The new setup is both plusher over bumps and far more controlled when you’re pressing on. It soaks up scarred city streets with a composure the old bike lacked, yet remains taut and responsive, providing excellent feedback.
This new-found poise is paired with a larger 320mm front brake disc (up from 300mm), developed with ByBre. This gives the 390 Duke serious, confidence-inspiring stopping power, all backed by a standard two-channel Bosch ABS system.
The 2017 update also made the Duke a much easier bike to live with. The most significant change for daily riders and weekend tourers is the new, larger, 13.4-litre steel fuel tank. This replaced the old 11-litre plastic one, finally giving the 390 the respectable touring range its engine deserved.
The ergonomics were tweaked, too. A new, taller 830mm seat and repositioned footpegs create a slightly more aggressive, engaged riding position that gives you a commanding view of the road and more room to move around.
The 2017 KTM 390 Duke is one of those rare bikes that truly lives up to the hype. It delivers the aggressive looks of a “Super Duke,” the technology of a bike twice its price, and a ride quality that is both thrilling and refined.
It’s the perfect A2-licence machine, not just because its 44 bhp hits the legal limit, but because it delivers 100% of the fun, 100% of the time. It’s a bike that teaches you, thrills you, and flatters you, all while looking like a million quid. It was the “Corner Rocket” that finally grew up, and it remains one of the most exciting, well-equipped, and desirable naked bikes on the market.
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