2017 KTM Duke 390 spied up and close

The KTM Duke 390 had every enthusiast awestruck when it was first unveiled in 2013. Naturally, the sequel to this pocket rocket was going to be an even bigger attention magnet. While there is no shortage of spy shots and speculation surrounding its successor, a new video has revealed few crucial bits of information about the 2017 Duke 390.

A lot has been said about the KTM’s new styling philosophy, and there is no doubt that it looks like a clear step above the current range. The sharp new headlamp and the edgier bodywork have added even more aggression to the Duke 390. The 2017 Duke 390 ditches its underbelly exhaust in favour of a conventional canister, a step taken to make it Euro IV compliant.

The switchgear of the 2017 Duke 390 gets a four-button setup. This might either be to facilitate changing of power modes on the fly, which is an indicator that this model will get a ride-by-wire system, or it might just be a toggle switch to go through the menu. It also loses the headlamp switch which means that the LED unit gets an always on system. The instrument cluster gets a new digital display. Another important change is that the Duke 390 test mule in the video sported Michelin Pilot Street radials in place of the current bike’s Metzler. While these tyres aren’t as sticky or performance-focussed as the Metzlers, they are sure to reduce the maintenance costs for the owners, while helping the company keep the sticker price of the bike in check.

By the looks of it, the Duke 390 in the video seems to be ready to hit the production lines. We can expect the motorcycle to make its global debut at either the INTERMOT Show in October or the EICMA Show in November. We can safely assume the new Duke 390 to be launched here by early 2017.