The 2017 KTM 390 Duke has arrived in Australia with a host of technical features and stunning styling like its biggest brother.
The new model is now $6995 (+ on road costs), which is the same price it was launched at in 2015.
New features include: bigger 13.5-litre metal fuel tank up from 11 litres, a new orange and white trellis frame, ride-by-wire throttle, TFT instrument display, LED headlight, larger 320mm front disc brake, new exhaust and styling that makes it look more like the biggest and baddest naked KTM, the 1290 Super Duke.
The 390 Duke has sadly never reached its potential in Australia, although last year, it increased sales 28.2% to 391, while KTM road bikes also showed a spike of 22.2% to 1656.
It sits behind the Yamaha MT-03 but ahead of the Honda CB500F.
That could change with the 2017 model which has sharper and bolder styling highlighted by the 20-piece LED headlight replacing the old halogen light. It also has a more modern LED taillight.
KTM has also improved the ergonomics with a bigger rider saddle section.
Apart from the styling, the biggest attraction is the longer range from the now-metal fuel tank.
Together with the more comfortable saddle it means longer trips aboard the new bike.
KTM claims the ride-by-wire throttle and Bosch engine management give better fuelling and throttle response.
Braking is also improved with a 320mm front disc and there is now a slipper clutch to prevent rear wheel lock-ups under downshifts.
Otherwise, the six-speed transmission and 375cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine are the same with 32kW and 37Nm of torque.
It now comes with a TFT instrument display rather than the old digital instruments, plus handlebar-mounted controls and KTM’s My Ride app to allow you to connect to an android phone to the bike.
However, it remains to be seen whether this budget novice end of the market wants all that hi-tech and a premium price tag.