• New KTM 250 Duke and KTM 390 Duke have been launched tonight

• The KTM 250 Duke is priced from RM 21,730 (incl. 6% GST)

• The KTM 390 Duke is priced from RM 28,800 (incl. 6% GST)

One City USJ, 26^th September 2017 – The KTM 250 Duke and KTM 390 Duke has been launched to a great reception tonight.

The launched of the KTM 200 Duke in 2012 caused a sensation short of a revolution in the small capacity naked sportbike market. For it marked the introduction of a motorcycle that performance in terms of speed (for a 200cc bike), handling and braking, wrapped in a frame and bodywork that was different from anything before it.

The KTM 390 Duke was launched soon after to even more resounding success, followed by the KTM 250 Duke, which had racier features such as a slipper clutch.

Since then, KTM’s rivals have launched models to rival the Duke’s success, prompting KTM to refresh the smaller Dukes.

KTM Malaysia had launched the new 1290 Super Duke R earlier this year, then when pictures of the new baby Dukes started circulating on the internet.

Instead of following the same template across the range, KTM has taken the step to give both the 250 and 390 new looks for their own identities. Yet, the styling of both models still unmistakenly within the Duke’s family’s looks.

KTM 250 DUKE

The new 250 Duke has received what KTM calls, “… more than just an aggressive makeover.”

KTM has given the new KTM 250 Duke a newly designed headlamp, reminiscent of the 2014 KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

The new styling also brings along a bigger fuel tank (now 13.4 litres up from 11.1 litres), redesigned seats for sporty yet comfortable for long rides whether solo or with a passenger.

The Austrian manufacturer’s lay to claim has always been READY TO RACE, hence performance is always high on the list.

The 248.8cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, single-cylinder engine packs a healthy 30 bhp, which is sent through a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch for smoother corner entries. Spent gasses exit through a new exhaust system.

The forks are upsided-down WP (of course), but now features open-cartridges. The advantages are lighter weight and ease of maintenance due to fewer parts.

The frame and bolt-on sub-frame are also new.

Its lightweight steel trellis frame has been updated. The wheelbase is 10mm shorter for more agility, while the rider’s seat is now 30mm taller at 830 mm.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

KTM 390 DUKE

The new KTM 390 Duke has similarly been updated, but the changes are more extensive.

It’s overall appearance has taken on its top sibling’s – the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R – appearance. The headlamp takes its inspiration directly from the latter complete with split LED day running light and headlamp. The fuel tank and its flanks have also been updated for a fiercer look.

The new 390 Duke also features a multi-function, multi-colour TFT instrument cluster similar to the 1290 Super Duke R’s. The display adjusts its brightness automatically depending on ambient lighting. It also features Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone and is now controllable from the handlebar switches.

But it’s underneath all these new panels that matters the most.

The new model now features a Ride-by-Wire throttle, for smoother throttle response. The 390cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, single-cylinder engine has been upgraded to produce an impressive 44 bhp and 37 Nm of torque.

Additionally, a slip-and-assist clutch is featured in the new 390 Duke, compared to the previous model. The slip function eliminates rear tyre chatter in the event of aggressive downshifting, while the assist function helps to lighten clutch lever pull, besides performing as a self-servo function to apply more pressure on the plates when accelerating to ensure power is fully transmitted to the transmission.

The engine and chassis components are then attached to the new frame and bolt-on subframe.

With the increase in go, KTM didn’t forgo the stop department either. The new bike now features a larger, 320mm front brake disc with a Bosch ABS system providing a safety net.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

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