KTM's 390, 250, 125 Duke Models Get Big Overhaul

The 2024 KTM 390 Duke has new bodywork, new frame, and updated chassis and engine. Photo: KTM

KTM may be Ready To Race, but it hasn’t forgotten about the entry-level end of its lineup. For 2023, the KTM 390 Duke, 250 Duke and 125 Duke are getting an overhaul, with new chassis, some engine updates and other tweaks.

Since its debut in 2020, the 390 has actually been a 373cc single-cylinder engine. Now, for 2024, that grows to 399cc, thanks to an increased stroke. The new engine meets Euro 5.2 emissions regulations, and is now rated for 44.2 hp and 28.8 lb-ft of torque. Depending who you ask, those may be slight improvements over 2023’s numbers, although the difference would be so negligible so as not to be noticeable—the bigger news is that max power kicks in farther down the rev range, which means a little less revving the guts out of your bike.

As for the 250 Duke and 125 Duke: These engines also get a top-end overhaul, presumably to meet emissions standards. The 250 model gets a particularly significant update, from a DOHC design to SOHC. All the single-cylinders also reportedly see some changes to the gearbox. And like the 390, the 250 and 125 see no major changes in power output. The 250 is still rated for 30 hp at the crank; the 125 is still rated for 15 hp.

Remember that these machines are sold as learner-legal bikes in markets where the power-to-weight ratio is calculated into the official stamp of beginner bike approval. KTM isn’t going to jam a whole lot of extra horsepower in there, as it would remove its ability to sell them to intended buyers.

All the new single-cylinders have ride-by-wire throttle, and customers can add a quickshifter at extra cost.

The 250 Duke is a little lower-spec than the 390, but has the same look and the same chassis. Photo: KTM

All the single-cylinder Dukes get a new chassis for 2024. On all machine, there’s a new steel trellis frame with die-cast aluminum subframe and a new swingarm. The swingarm re-design includes provision for an offset shock, similar to Kawasaki’s design from the 650 twin series. The WP APEX shock is preload-adjustable, but the fork (also WP APEX) is non-adjustable on the 250 and 125 models. The 390 gets an open-cartridge fork adjustable for rebound and compression in front, and rebound and preload in rear.

All machines also get a new set of lighter wheels, and other parts see weight reduction, including the new hollow front axle and a lighter brake disc. Aside from that tweak, it seems the brakes are mostly unchanged.

Bodywork is updated for 2024 on all models, and they get new seats.

All machines get a new 5-inch TFT screen that makes it easier to control the ABS and TC safety features and also including such niceties as a lap timer for the 390. The 390 Duke also gets aRAIN and STREET modes, and a new Launch Control feature, which helps you get off the line quicker. And, an IMU comes standard on all three machines, so even the small 125 gets leaning-sensitive ABS and traction control!

Even the 125 Duke is basically just a 390 with wimpier suspension and a smaller engine. They run the same frame and very similar electronics. Photo: KTM

With no major changes since 2020’s intro, except for the new wire wheels, we expect the 390 Adventure to soldier on for another year in the lineup, perhaps, but it will get an update to match the Duke before too long.

KTM has not confirmed North American pricing or availability for these new models yet, but we’d expect the 250 and 390 Duke here sometime in 2024.