Review of 2025 KTM 390 Duke Is This the Best 390cc Bike in India Right Now?
The new engine is put in, the 2025 KTM 390 Duke has made its way into the Indian market with better electronics and stylish looks. Placed among the strongest and most functional bikes in the 390cc segment, this new generation Duke is already a hot brand among the bikers. Now the question is easy, is 2025 KTM 390 Duke the best 390cc bike option today?
A Complete Redesign for 2025
KTM has completely updated the Duke 390 in 2025, as well. The motorcycle is now powered by a new 399cc liquid-cooled engine, that is more powerful, smoother in performance than the previous 373cc motor. The engine with its 44 bhp and 39 Nm of torque is smoother and more refined; more so at higher speeds.
The bike rides on a completely new chassis with a refined trellis frame, a new swingarm, and a better suspension system. The redesign not only lightens the Duke but also increases agility, allowing its riders greater control in urban traffic and along curvy roads.
Styling and Road Presence
One of the largest draws of the 2025 Duke is an aggressive new look. KTM has looked up to its larger siblings in the Duke family. The brighter LED headlamp, bulky fuel tank, and angular panels lend the bike a rough streetfighter appearance.
The TFT instrument cluster has now been revised to a higher-end feel and features a 5 inch full color touchscreen that also incorporates smartphone interconnection and navigation and music controls. The design is simple but futuristic, which means the new Duke 390 will be looked at everywhere.
Riding Experience and Performance.
The LC4c with the new 399cc engine provides exciting performance. The Duke 390 is never a sluggish machine and the 2025 feels even more reactive. It is reported that the bike pulls very hard in mid-range RPMs and feels explosive above 7,000 rpm.
It accelerates rapidly, the gearshifts are smoother with the bi-directional quick-shifter, the slipper clutch makes the riding experience stress-free. Throttle response is also clean and sharp because KTM has fitted the bike with ride-by-wire throttle.
The Duke is comfortable at 100-110 km/h on the highways and is nimble and manageable in urban surroundings. Some riders will add, though, that you can feel the vibrations at mid-RPM range, which can be annoying to those seeking a smoother ride.
Suspension, Braking and Safety
KTM has paid great attention to the handling. The Duke 390 is equipped with a fully adjustable 43mm WP APEX upside-down fork on the front and a monoshock on the rear. This allows riders the room to change the suspension settings to match urban riding or ride focused corners.
The braking functions are performed by 320mm front disc with radial caliper and 240mm rear disc supported by Cornering ABS and Supermoto ABS. All these factors ensure utmost safety in any unfortunate situations and give the riders the sense of security in the emergency situations as to sudden braking and taking sharp turns.
Electronics and Features
It also has the finest of the finest electronics, making the 2025 Duke 390 shine with its 390cc sub-400cc segment.
Key features include:
5 inch TFT Smartphone connectivity screen.
Turn-by-turn navigation
A number of riding modes (Street, Rain, Track)
Traction control system
Launch control (the first of this section)
Bi-directional quick-shifter
In particular, the track mode has impressed the fans, since it allows the riders to turn off the ABS on the back wheel and time lap records, which include the sporty DNA to the bike.
Comfort and Practicality
Although the Duke 390 is basically a sporty streetfighter, KTM has gone out of its way to improve on comfort. The new seat is larger and more comfortable, but long-distance touring has been found to be wearisome because of the upright but aggressive riding position.
The suspension is very good, but a bit stiff on the Indian rough roads. Traveling inside the city is comfortable, but the people who ride longer routes may choose to tighten the suspension.
The reason is fuel efficiency is fine at this level of performance. Cities will give about 24-28 km/l and highways with controlled ride approximately 35 km/l.
Price and Competition
KTM 390 Duke is priced aggressively in India and this will remain competitive in the 390-cc segment. Its biggest rivals include:
BMW G 310 R
Kawasaki Z400
TVS Apache RR 310 (faired option)
Of these, the Duke has the most developed electronics and the best sporting performance, so it is a full-value car even though it is more expensive than others.
Strengths of the 2025 KTM Duke 390
The largest power engine in its category.
State of the art electronics such as launch control and traction control.
Presence and aggressive styling on the road.
Suspension variable to improve manoeuvrability.
Feature-loaded TFT display
Negatives According to Riders.
Vibration felt between 4,500and 6,000 rpm.
Long ride comfort could be improved.
Naked styling causes wind to blow faster.
Bad roads as a punishment.
Expert Verdict
The 2025 KTM 390 Duke remakes what 390cc bike can be in India. Not only is it faster and agile than ever but also safer with its electronic package and smarter. The new Duke would appeal well to young riders, urban riders who intend to get beasts, and even experienced riders who intend to have fun with a second bike.
Unless comfort on long tours is your utmost priority, you might want to consider other alternatives or find aftermarket seat solutions. But, in terms of crude power, state-of-the-art features, and presence on the road, the 2025 Duke 390 is arguably the finest 390cc motorbike in the country at present.
FAQs on 2025 KTM 390 Duke
Q: What is the price of KTM 390 Duke 2025 in India?
A: It has a differentiated official price by the city, and in the premium 390cc segment.
Q How fast is the 2025 KTM 390 Duke?
A: Under ideal conditions, riders were recording a speed of about 160-170 km/h.
A: Does the new Duke ride well?
A: The rigid suspension and the sitting position would not suit very long tours, though it can easily cope with highways.
Q: What is the mileage of Duke 390?
A: 24-28 km/l in the city and 35 km/l on highways.
Q: Does the motor bike have quick-shifter and traction control?
A: Its 2025 Duke 390 will feature a bi-directional quick shifter and traction control together with cornering ABS and ride modes.
Final Take
The 2025 KTM 390 Duke is not an upgrade, but a redesign. KTM has raised the bar in the 390cc segment with its new engine, chassis improvements and segment first features. This Duke is the most thrilling in India right now among riders who value power, fashionable elements, and high-tech amenities.
