Noticias ALEJANDRO Posted February 13, 2024 Posted February 13, 2024 Back in 1994, KTM presented its first road motorcycle: the Duke was derived from a country motorcycle, with a kick-start engine and not very refined, but... it was the first step in an evolution that is now celebrating 30 years with a wide and highly evolved range of models. We have gone to Almería to test the new 390, 990 and 1390 Duke at this very special anniversary party. Three appetizer figures: these 2024 models change by 90 percent (the 390), 96! percent (the 990) and 60 percent (the 1390), compared to their predecessors. KTM really likes phrases or names with a message, and for this occasion the message was clear: “No Bullshit.” It's their way of declaring that Dukes are pure, “no nonsense” motorcycles, from the rebellious single-cylinder (here 390) to the brutal V-twin (1390). As I said above, 30 years is a long time, and in these three decades the KTM Duke has evolved a lot from that primitive single cylinder derived from a dirt bike. Especially in the case of the twin-cylinder 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R, which have the latest electronics, the change is abysmal... We are going to begin the review of the technical innovations of the new KTM Duke “30th Anniversary” with the single cylinders: we did not have the 125 there, but the 390, both by the way and as you know manufactured in India. The design is totally new, more aggressive and in line with the Super Duke. Metallic fuel tank, longer sides on the 390 to distinguish it, new lower seat, new narrower chassis with asymmetrical swingarm (the shock absorber is on the right) and cast aluminum subframe. The WP Apex suspension (43 mm fork) is adjustable on the 390 with a new system of few clicks (five) but more adjustment jump. A single disc at the front (320 mm) accompanies the rear (240 mm), on newly designed lightweight wheels fitted with Michelin tires. Noticias
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