June 2013, KTM predicted the future of small-capacity performance motorcycles in India by inventing one – the 390 Duke. And thanks to its class-leading power-to-weight and bhp-per-lakh ratios, it didn’t take KTM much to become a brand respected by sport and touring enthusiasts alike. While the fun and manic 390 Duke is yet to come across a true rival of calibre, it seems KTM isn’t resting on its laurels.
Leadership and learning are intricately connected to each other and KTM, the leader in its segment, has mastered the trick of relentlessly improving its bikes and staying ahead of the pack. And this time too, it’s no different. KTM has taken its inimitable 390 and made it even better, and that’s what you see here; the 2017 KTM 390 Duke. More orange, edgy and taller than before, this MY17 could easily pass off as an extensive upgrade, but KTM insists it has completely revamped the motorcycle and this one is the 390 Duke Version 2.0. No, it’s not officially called that.