2026 KTM 390 Duke Review

2026 KTM 390 Duke
Equipped with a strong single-cylinder engine, premium technology, and performance-focused ergonomics, it delivers a big-bike feel in an agile, accessible package. For 2026, that gets further enhanced with an all-new WP FCR4 Brake caliper for improved stopping performance, as well as two new colorways for added street presence.
ReviewKey FeaturesFeatures & BenefitsSpecifications

2026 KTM 390 Duke 2026 KTM 390 Duke 2026 KTM 390 Duke 2026 KTM 390 Duke

2026 KTM 390 Duke: THE CORNER ROCKET.

Introducing the 2026 KTM 390 Duke…

With the KTM 390 DUKE, the world around you becomes your very own gymkhana. Bringing exceptional agility, lightweight handling, and punchy performance to the street, this middle-weight bruiser is ready to take on any twists or turns. Packing state-of-the-art rider aids, an all-new frame, adjustable suspension – and aggressive new looks – the KTM 390 DUKE wears the crown when it comes to carving up the asphalt.

The KTM 390 DUKE maintains its leadership as the ultimate all-round lightweight Naked, fusing everyday practicality with impressive performance.

Equipped with a strong single-cylinder engine, premium technology, and performance-focused ergonomics, it delivers a big-bike feel in an agile, accessible package. For 2026, that gets further enhanced with an all-new WP FCR4 Brake caliper for improved stopping performance, as well as two new colorways for added street presence.

 

 

 

2026 KTM 390 Duke Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

RAW, UNFILTERED NAKED PERFORMANCE: THE 2026 KTM DUKE RANGE SETS THE PACE FOR THE NEW YEAR

KTM roars into model year 2026 with its most complete Naked lineup to date, delivering raw performance for every rider – from lightweight urban agility to full-scale, knock-out punch Hyper-Naked domination.

The 2026 range showcases bold design evolution, cutting-edge technology, and the unmistakable attitude that has defined the DUKE family for three decades. With models spanning from compact city performers to range-topping powerhouses, KTM continues to set new benchmarks in the Naked motorcycle segment.

Last but not least, the 2026 KTM DUKE lineup will be completed by the most powerful BEASTs in the orange stable. “April changes everything. Two of the most extreme DUKE models in the history of KTM will hit harder than ever before! Sharper. Lighter. Meaner. Power that resets expectations, precision that hunts apexes, torque that could turn the world on its own axis. Watch this space!“, says Gareth Davidson, Product Marketing Manager Street.

Enhancing the new 2026 generation KTM DUKE line-up even further, a comprehensive range of KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear is specifically designed to fit the new DUKE range and its riders, providing performance, style, protection, and comfort.

 

 

 

2026 KTM 390 Duke Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Finding that perfect balance when attacking your favorite stretch of tarmac, or sliding around some tight cone-marked corners is easy thanks to the KTM 390 DUKE’s 43 mm WP APEX open cartridge fork with adjustable compression and rebound. On the rear, the WP APEX Separate piston shock absorber can also be set for rebound and preload, to find the ideal mix between comfort and traction.

Everything you need at a glance. The KTM 390 DUKE features a 5″ bonded glass TFT dashboard. This is paired with a new switch cube, with 4-way menu switches that allow easy interaction with all vehicle functions – even smartphone connectivity. Speaking of which, all DUKE models are equipped with connectivity functions, allowing pilots to play music, take incoming calls, and get to where they are going with Turn-by-Turn

Embracing its NAKED lineage, the KTM 390 DUKE has no shame in bearing it all. Casting an ever-impressive shadow, bristling with shark-like edges and visible air intakes, the KTM 390 DUKE boasts an aggressive stance. A metal fuel tank, color-injected plastics, and external LED positioning lights complete the package.

Premium looks come standard on the KTM 390 DUKE. A high-quality, multi-layered, wet-painted finish with clear-gloss graphics perfectly set off the unique DUKE textured seat cover. Make no mistake, this is 100% DUKE with 110% street-cred.

Boasting the latest generation in LC4c engines, the KTM 390 DUKE muscles up with a 399 cc capacity, more power, smoother acceleration, and lighter overall weight than the previous generation. Drawing from years of experience in the small engine game, the KTM 390 DUKE now also features an improved gearbox, and an optimized cylinder head, and is ready to adopt EURO5+ emission standards. Oh, and did we mention it is also READY TO RACE?

The KTM 390 DUKE gives its pilots a selection of Ride Modes to best suit whatever conditions they find themselves in. With STREET Mode activated as standard, this unleashes all the KTM 390 DUKE’s fury, while RAIN Mode works to keep things a little more controlled in the wet. For flat-out track enthusiasts, we now give you TRACK Mode! All are easily toggled in via the TFT display.

TRACK Mode transforms the 5″ TFT display graphics to be more race-focused, enlarging the rev counter, showing the laptimer, selected gear display, reduces the size of the speed readout, and shows preferred rider aid settings. What’s more, TRACK Mode also allows riders to initiate Launch Control.

Get ready to rocket off the line, because, for the first time ever, the KTM 390 DUKE comes equipped with Launch Control as standard. With TRACK Mode selected and Launch Control engaged, the engine will peak at 7,000 rpm with a wide open throttle, waiting for the rider to release the clutch.

Tearing a deep gash into the night, all KTM DUKE models come equipped with powerful LED lights in the front and at the rear. Not only do these work when the world becomes dark, but they also provide improved visibility when navigating busy traffic or misty road conditions.

Lightweight forged aluminum footpeg hangers and grippy footpegs ensure riders have uninterrupted grip when banging through the gears, with high-end CNC-machined footpegs available from the KTM PowerParts catalog.

 

The frame features a 2-piece construction composed of a steel trellis main frame with a pressure die-cast aluminum subframe. The rear shock absorber is mounted off-center to allow for a larger airbox while reducing seat height and, at the same time, adding to the DUKE’s aggressive stance. Not only designed for looks, the primary objective of the frame design is to enhance vehicle dynamics by augmenting torsional rigidity, improved agility, and enhanced feedback from the chassis.

A curved cast aluminum swingarm provides a sturdy and durable platform for the rear suspension system, featuring a direct shock absorber mount that is offset to the side, for that super-racy look. This also creates additional space for the new exhaust muffler, providing added attitude.

Upfront, a 43 mm WP APEX open cartridge fork with 150 mm travel keeps things in check, with adjustable compression and rebound settings.

On the rear, you’ll find an off-center WP APEX Separate piston shock absorber with 150 mm of travel. Rebound is easily adjusted with a 5-step clicker, and is also preload adjustable.

Reducing weight where it counts the most, the KTM DUKE range has made significant inroads at reducing unsprung mass thanks to a set of lightweight wheels, wrapped in grippy Michelin tires. This not only improves the overall handling characteristics but also means quicker turn-in and less strain on working components like axels and bearings.

On the front wheel, the KTM 390 DUKE boasts a 320 mm brake disk with brand-new four-piston radial WP FCR4 brake caliper. The new design includes bigger disks to reduce the operating temperature with improvements in the resistance to fading and longer pad lifespan. On the rear wheel, a 240 mm brake disk is installed with a new single-piston WP RCF4 caliper which carries the same benefits as the front wheel. Cornering ABS and SUPERMOTO ABS are standard features.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2026 KTM 390 Duke – Totalmotorcycle.com International Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $6,499 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $8,499 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £5,699 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Engine

Design

1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine

Displacement

398.7 cm³

Power

45 PS

Torque

39 Nm

Transmission

6-speed

CO2 emissions

79 g/km

Cooling

Liquid cooled

Engine cylinder

Single cylinder

EMS

Bosch EMS with RBW

Engine oil

Motorex Formula 4T 15W/50

Engine stroke

4-Stroke

Chassis

Front brake disc diameter

320 mm

Rear brake disc diameter

240 mm

Front brake

Four-piston radial fixed calliper

Chain

520 X-Ring

Frame design

Steel trellis frame, powder coated

Wheelbase

1357 mm

Suspension

Front suspension

WP APEX 43

Suspension travel (front)

150 mm

Suspension travel (rear)

150 mm

Front suspension adjustment

Compression and rebound adjustable

Rear suspension setting

Rebound adjustable

Rear suspension addition

Preload adjuster

Dimensions

Seat height

820/800 mm

Weight fully fueled

165 kg

Front wheel diameter

3 “

Rear wheel diameter

4 “

 

 

 

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

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