Any motorcycle that has launch control fitted is practically guaranteed to be serious fun to ride, but combine that with an A2 licence-friendly machine and the KTM Duke approach of ‘No BS’ and you are left staring at the somewhat peculiar face of the KTM Duke 390.

But look past the unique styling and you’ll find a single-cylinder LC4c paired with some top-spec components & technology, and an overall lightweight riding character to create some real hooligan potential, something that any rider will be able to find serious enjoyment out of.

We had the 2024 KTM Duke 390 in for testing for two weeks - just how good is it, and could it be the most premium motorcycle (in terms of spec for the money) available in the A2-friendly market? Does this become one of the best fun-per-pound bike available in the A2 category?

KTM has gone back to the drawing board with the Indian-built 390 Duke for 2024, coming back with a revised bigger engine with 44 bhp, a new chassis and frame setup, new style, new 15-litre metal fuel tank, new wheels, a smartphone-connectable TFT dash, rider aids (rider modes, ABS (and switchable rear ABS), cornering traction control, launch control) and WP Apex adjustable suspension with side-mounted rear shock.

That leaves us with a 90% new Duke that continues the sheer riding pleasure the Duke franchise promises. This places the 390 Duke as a fierce rival to any other naked bikes in its class, which is plentiful and growing.

As of reviewing the new KTM 390 Duke, the listed price for a 2024 spec model is £5,699 – with the choice of two colours, a classic KTM Orange or Blue with orange. The style of the KTM 390 Duke is a love or hate situation, unfortunately, I’m not a huge fan of the visual style here – the front end in particular really doesn’t appeal – though fortunately, that has no bearing on the riding on offer.

There are plenty of KTM ‘powerparts’ and official accessories chuck on, including a Remus slip-on silencer to replace the underslung exhaust if you fancy it.

Against the rivals, it’s a premium option but packing a serious punch for the money. Triumph’s Speed 400 is currently £5,195, with the freshly announced Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 starting at £4,805. The Yamaha MT-03 is £6,105, with the CFMoto 450NK £4,999. There are plenty of other options to pick from, so check out the Top 10 A2 Motorcycles list.

Moving to the updated LC4c engine. For 2024 KTM has made tweaks to make it more playful on the road, whilst still meeting Euro 5.2 compliancy by upping the capacity from 373cc of the previous generation to 399cc – with a 64mm stroke (4mm up from previous) despite being lighter and smaller than before. It also has a new cylinder head and bigger airbox, and all in provides a sharp acceleration and feel on the road.

On paper, the liquid-cooled motor has ‘just’ 44 bhp and 39 Nm of torque, delivered smoothly and consistently through the gearbox. In 2024, peak power is a touch lower than the previous generation’s motor, but the torque is improved and achieved lower in the revs – again contributing to that hooligan feel KTM is after.

You can happily cruise at motorway speeds, and with enough torque and power low down to thoroughly enjoy cornering and backroad blasts – where you’ll certainly have the most fun. It’s easy to ride and by no means intimidating, but capable of pushing on when you work your way through the 6-speed gearbox (from 2^nd gear the engine opens up nicely).

Launch control works by limiting the revs to around 7 k when you twist on the throttle, ensuring your launch is smooth and controlled off the line – perfect for some private land gymkhana action.

Perhaps the most attractive asset of the KTM 390 Duke is the handling, given the 165 kg weight and slick components. Chief of the 390 Duke’s arsenal is the WP Apex suspension, which is adjustable in the 43mm front forks for rebound and compression, and at the off-centre rear monoshock for rebound and preload. It’s an accessible yet tall 820mm saddle, partly thanks to the narrow waistline from the steel trellis frame.

Though this saddle won’t be comfortable for extended stints, it feels like this the riding position encourages and favours spirited riding, with an aggressive stance with fairly high footpegs. Taller riders in particular may struggle to find comfort here – but comfort isn’t quite the goal with a Duke.

Moving to the brakes, you have a large 320mm disc up front with a radially mounted four-piston ByBre caliper, working with a rear 240mm disc and twin rear piston caliper. Braking power is adequate, though more experienced riders may expect a tad sharper brake feel when really pushing on, exercising the bikes gymkhana potential. Cornering ABS features from Bosch, and Supermoto mode can switch off the rear wheel ABS to enable some skids on the Michelin Power 6’s (private property only, of course).

Moving to the technology on offer, it’s a mixed bag, with one fault during our review period. The TFT display is slick and easy to use, though the backlit switchgear did fail – the indicator switch stopped working and refused to allow me to first turn off the indicator, not a huge issue with self-cancelling indicators, but then progressed to not allow me to indicate at all. The hazards did still work, which points to an issue with the cancellation button as opposed to the electrical.

KTM has since had a look, and upon disassembling and reassembling the switchgear they say it was working again, pinning the issue down to a ‘misaligned spring’. That would be a quick fix at a dealership, and certainly covered under the 2-year warranty, but a frustration nonetheless.

Moving on, you have 3 rider modes (Street, Supermoto (with lap timer and dedicated display), and Rain), and you can pair your smartphone for turn-by-turn navigation, music and calls. It’s a clear display, and intuitive to use with some customisable favourite buttons for quick switching. The lap timer is a fun feature to, perhaps, time your commute to work door-to-door.

The bike is fitted with a new larger 15 litre metal tank, and you also have LED lights all round, plus a bright DRL that is always on. Everything you’d need for a commuter machine that’s seriously fun to throw around.

Pros

• Hooligan character
• Premium components
• Handling is all about fun

Cons

• Aggressive seating position isn't comfortable for extended rides
• Not the best-looking bike
• Brakes could have a bit more bite

I’d recommend any rider after a grin-inducing ride to get a go on one of these updates 2024 KTM 390 Dukes, the sheer lightweight natured paired to the punchy motor and vast adjustability on offer ensures this motorcycle is a serious riot to ride around on. From testing the KTM Duke 125, it's a vast upgrade - if considering between the two with an A2 licence in hand, to me it's a no brainer.

However, it does therefore come with a caveat – it leans on an aggressive and purposeful ride, so if you’re after outright comfort then this may not be the ideal pick. But if you’re after a sharp and responsive ride character with a unique style, it will fit the bill in a way that’s perhaps the best amongst its peers.

Further, it’s not just a starter bike, and would make a wicked second bike – and the price is there to make that very appealing, with the satisfaction of using 100% of the power and tweaking the ride with customisable suspension and rider modes distinctly appealing.

Big thanks to KTM for the 390 Duke experience, check out their website for more information and specs.