KTM 390 Duke [2021] vs KTM RC 390 [2020]

We test 2020 KTM 390 Duke BS6 around Bajaj’s Chakan test track to bring you these first impressions.

The 2013 Duke 390 was fast, fun but flawed. The new one though is as much fun and well rounded machine.

Call it the baby 1290 Super Duke R or the BMW G310R destroyer, the 2017 390 Duke is a new bike from KTM that is made in India and exported to the world. The older iteration of the 390 Duke was known for its aggressive nature and the ability to keep up with some parallel-twin bikes on the highway. The 2017 390 Duke does that too, but offers more features, is comfortable and has a design that can make the owner the talk of the town. 

From its design and features to chassis and engine, almost everything has been revised with an aim to make it more versatile. In that case, have these changes played their part and made it more desirable?

This is the first major update for the sharp, slim and tempting KTM RC390. The obvious change on the new bike is the new colour scheme; it's still black and white but it now gets an extra splattering of orange. The new-for-2017 RC390 also gets a new belly pan courtesy an all-new exhaust system. The underbelly exhaust gives way to an aluminium end can, which may not be to everyone's taste, but personally, I think it looks fine. It makes the 390 sound better too, especially at full clip. The new RC390 also gets adjustable levers for both clutch and brake.