30 Years of Duke – A KTM Celebration

It has taken me some time to recover and process the full-on sensory assault that was the 30 Years of Duke Media Event in Spain. Three all-new KTM bikes in one and a half days, with a dose of Gymkhana for good measure, made for a grand experience.

30 Years of Duke Media Event

On the docket were the 2024 models of the KTM 390 Duke, the 990 Duke, and the 1390 Super Duke R, the invigorating mountain roads of Almeria, Spain, and the Circuito de Almería. Presenting products in this truncated timeline format is unique regarding a media launch. There’s a lot of data to unpack, present, and then digest. As a moto journalist, it doesn’t make my job any easier, but it sure makes it a hell of a good time.

Instead of the almost always traditional narrated PDF or PowerPoint presentation (no shade on other manufacturers), we were introduced to each machine in a dialogue-based presentation by members of the KTM team, and it proved to be engaging and informative. The 30 Years of Duke celebration was underway.

2024 KTM 390 Duke

Capable and fun, the KTM 390 is best not described as an entry-level machine even though it checks all those boxes. It would be a misnomer to describe it as such based on its package and performance capabilities.

Powered by the new LC4c 398.7cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine, the 390 offered plenty of enjoyment in sharp, aggressive styling that leaves nil to be desired. The throttle response is impressively engaging. Rounding the bends of the mountainous twisties and rolling on the throttle with a solid response was more than satisfying.

The new two-piece steel trellis frame offers a lower seat height, opening the comfort level for various types of riders. The die-cast aluminum subframe and the new curved swingarm increase the 390’s noted stability and agility. The swingarm curves around the off-center WP APEX shock mounted directly to it. At the front, a pair of 43 mm WP APEX forks with compression and rebound adjustability lend to the 390’s stability.

The 390 has an impressive tech package that includes cornering traction control (MTC), launch control, a quick-shifter, and three ride modes: Street, Rain, and Track (a first for the 390). Track Mode converts the dash to a race data layout that spotlights your revs, lap times, and gear indicator. The dash itself is a new 5″ TFT display.

I always mention my metrics when writing reviews because they are essential as a reference point. I am a larger rider at 6 feet and 265 pounds, so the big man little bike effect, pertaining to the 390, is a reality. The lower seat height created the connection between the rider and the bike that some manufacturers often overlook. You feel that you are sitting with the bike, as opposed to sitting atop it, without feeling that you are being swallowed by it. Handlebars and controls were all within comfortable reach, making for a confident and competent ride experience.

2024 KTM 990 Duke

The 990 is the most practical selection for overall functionality and practicality. It is an aggressively styled naked asphalt assassin with the ideal blend of power and performance. It can be ridden daily and also has the sheer grit to hold its own on the track. On day two of the media event, we rolled out on the KTM 990s for a morning mountain blast and a solid stretch of highway.

Inside the new steel tube frame, the 990’s new LC8c 947cc twin-cylinder 4-stroke engine has an output of 123 horses. This new frame has greater rigidity (8% at the side and 5% in torsional stiffness), while the new die-cast swingarm offers flex with a 35% reduction of stiffness.

Standout features are the brake components and suspension setup. On the front end, the 990 employs a pair of 300 mm floating rotors mated to radially mounted 4-piston calipers with a radial master cylinder and adjustable 43 mm WP APEX forks. On the rear, a single 2-piston caliper grips a 240 mm rotor while a WP APEX monoshock handles the backend payload. The front forks are adjustable in 5 clicks for rebound and compression. Rotating mass has been minimized thanks to new lighter rotor mounts and rotors on the front wheel. These factors aid in the superb handling and stability of the 990 as we traversed up, down, and through the mountains, giving an exceptional performance on the highway at pace.

All pertinent data is readily available via the 5-inch, full-color TFT dash. Five ride modes include Rain, Street, Sport, Performance, and Track. Track mode lets you view lap times and lean angle data.

While the 390 was manageable, the 990 is more suited for a rider of my stature. It is ergonomically comfortable, with a new seat that gives a slight upward angle increase for stability and forward slide prevention. The four-position tapered handlebar and the rearsets comprise the relaxed but ready-for-anything riding position.

2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R and Super Duke R Evo

The beast! The 1390 combines bridled power with a healthy dose of brutality. Unlike the other test on-road sessions, the 1390 introduction and conclusion of the 30 Years of Duke media event was on track at the wonderful Circuit de Almeria. KTM Marketing Manager Gareth Davidson and Jeremy McWilliams presented the technical overview.

The visually menacing 1390 recalls the scene from Avenger’s Age of Ultron when Ultron unveiled his newer, beefier Vibranium form (I was going to make a Transformer film reference but thought better of it). The bike looks otherworldly with its tank spoilers, winglets, and new LED headlight.

At the heart of the 1390 is a 1350cc two-cylinder, four-stroke LC8 V-Twin powerhouse of 190 horses at 10,000 rpm with a max torque output of 145 at 8000 rpm. Power or power delivery was never really in question here. But, power without control is always a measuring point, and the 1390 lacks nothing in that department. Equipped with 4-piston Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers paired with 320 mm floating front discs, a 2-piston floating caliper, and a 240 mm disc on the back end, stopping power was not a concern. At the bars, the adjustable Brembo MCS master cylinder and maintenance-free Brembo clutch cylinder provide impressive feedback and feel.

Adjustable 48 mm WP APEX Open Cartridge forks at the front are on suspension duty, while a single WP APEX linkage shock with independent oil and gas reservoirs manages the rear.

The 1390 has a bevy of tech and rider aides. Like the 990, there are five ride modes: Rain, Street, Sport, Performance, and Track. The latter has the same features as the 990, plus the additional Suspension Pro mode that allows access to more customization features. Other aides offered include Engine Brake Control, 5-level Anti Wheelie, Traction Control, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The above-and-beyond feature is the Factory Start setting, which, when activated at a standstill, the rear shock lowers or squats for a better launch off of the line.

KTM pulled no punches in the development and execution of the Super Duke. As intimidating as it appears, the 1390 proved to be elegant and damn near graceful in motion. After the tech presentation on the second half of day two at the Circuit, I headed out onto the track for a sighting lap before being turned loose and left to my own devices.

My time on the circuit was limited as rain began to fall. However, I completed several laps to form a strong sense of what was happening between my legs — the rapture. It was like riding a bull that had been through a very loosely engaged behavior training course. The 1390 is that proverbial bull in the China shop that chooses not to break a single piece of antiquity.

I want another round with the 1390 Super Duke R and I’m not waiting another 30 years…

The Gymkhana event that KTM held for the media on the evening of the first night was a first for many of my colleagues and myself. It was a ridiculous amount of fun on the 2024 KTM 390 Duke. Watch the video below:

30 Years of Duke – KTM is just getting started

“No bullshit.” KTM clarified that their outlook for the event and the future as a brand was getting down to what mattered most. By looking back and celebrating the last 30 years of the Duke model, they plot the course for tomorrow and the day after, and the day after that.

30 years of Duke… That’s worth celebrating. Congrats.

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