The KTM 390 Duke and the KTM 125 Duke of 2024 have been launched by the Austrian brand with an evolution compared to previous years, as the small Dukes enter their third generation.
KTM’s confidence in their new single-cylinder nakeds is evident from the first line of their press release, which states: “[The 2024 KTM single-cylinder Duke range] boldly adopts a no-nonsense attitude and punches well above its weight.” On one hand, it’s the typical PR speech, but on the other hand, swear words are not exactly common in company press releases. It makes us wonder if KTM’s MotoGP rider list had a hand in its drafting. As for the bikes themselves, there are changes in all of them.
On the surface, the new graphics and paint are applied with a wet paint approach in multiple layers, with the graphics overlaid on the base paint. Additionally, there is a specific textured seat material for the Duke range and laser textures on the inner spoilers.
The fairing on which the paint is applied is also new. Overall, the purpose of these changes was to create greater differentiation between the different models. Thus, the Duke 125 has smaller spoilers on the tank, for example, than the 390, whose tank spoilers also incorporate air intakes. Additionally, it has a new seat design complete with an orange highlight, and is complemented by a TFT screen and LED position lights. Both new Dukes for 2024 have a new metallic fuel tank.
The frame and subframe are also new for 2024, allowing for a lower seat height compared to second-generation models. Keeping the steel trellis layout, KTM adjusted the stiffness to try to find more compliance and agility. The cast aluminum subframe is also new for 2024, reducing weight compared to steel units and enhancing the look of the bikes due to its exposed position (i.e., not covered by fairings). In other parts of the frame, we find new rims; new triple clamps with a new offset; a new lighter and curved swingarm; a new silencer; and a new off-center positioning for the shock absorber, allowing for a new silencer and a new airbox position. Both the 125 and 390 are equipped with 43mm WP APEX forks and separate piston WP Apex shock absorbers, with 150mm of wheel travel at each end. The difference between the two is that the 390 has five-click compression and rebound adjustment in the front and rebound adjustment in the rear, while the 125 has no front adjustment and only tool-adjustable preload in the rear.The Michelin provides Road 5 tires for the 125 Duke and 390 Duke in 2024; while the brakes have lighter discs. They are also the same for both motorcycles, with a front disc of 320 mm and four-piston radial calipers; and a rear disc of 240 mm with a two-piston floating caliper. In the engine, there is also a generation change for the LC4c engine: the cylinder heads are redesigned compared to the previous generation, the gearbox is new, and for the 390, the displacement is increased from 373cc to 399cc due to a 64mm stroke. The 125 maintains its displacement of 124.9cc, but reduced weight through a new SOHC arrangement that reduces the number of components. Additionally, there is a PASC clutch and a ride-by-wire system. The most interesting electronic addition for the 2024 Duke 125 and Duke 390 is perhaps the Supermoto ABS that comes as standard and remains activated after the ignition is turned off to maintain its settings when the motorcycle is restarted. Cornering MTC also comes as standard on the 390 Duke, as well as the Track driving mode, which joins the Street and Rain modes. Both motorcycles have launch control as standard, and the Quickshifter+ is available as an extra.Connectivity through the KTMconnect application is also possible through the 5-inch TFT screen.
