Three generations in 12 years
Active development
The Duke 390 has had three full generations: 1st gen 2013-2016, 2nd gen 2017-2023, 3rd gen 2024+. Each was a major redesign — new chassis, updated engine, more electronics. KTM treats the Duke 390 as an active development platform, not a static budget bike. Most A2 bikes get one major redesign per decade; Duke 390 gets two.
Engine architecture
Single throughout
Every Duke 390 has used a liquid-cooled DOHC single — KTM signature small-bike formula. Capacity grew 373 → 399cc with the 2024 redesign. Single-cylinder gives the bike A2-friendly low-end torque, light weight and cheap maintenance.
Power similar
+1bhp
44bhp 1st gen → 45bhp 3rd gen. Almost identical peak power — A2 licence limits it to 47bhp anyway, and KTM has not pushed past that. The 3rd gen makes the same peak power deeper in the rev range, with more torque.
Real cost change
−£550
Duke 390 was £4,799 in 2016 (£6,250 today). 3rd gen Duke 390 is £5,699 for 2026 — about 9% cheaper in real terms. KTM has held the price almost flat in real terms while adding cornering ABS, ride-by-wire, lean-sensitive TC, TFT, ride modes. Big tech upgrade for similar money. 2026 brings new WP FCR4 brake calipers and updated colours; engine and chassis carry over from the 2024 redesign.
Why this lineage works
KTM/Bajaj partnership
KTM partnered with India Bajaj Auto in 2007 — Bajaj builds KTM small-capacity bikes (125, 200, 390 across Duke/RC/Adventure ranges) at scale in India, sells them globally. Manufacturing in India keeps prices down; KTM brand and engineering keeps quality up. Result: a properly-engineered A2 bike at competitive pricing.
Weight gain
+16kg
139kg dry 1st gen → 155kg wet 3rd gen. Modern bike is heavier — bigger engine, more electronics, larger fuel tank, full ABS hardware, TFT instruments. Still light by class standards but no longer the featherweight of the original.
Cheapest way in
£2.5k
A clean 1st-gen Duke 390 from 2013-2016. The original — light, sharp, hooligan, simple. Probably the cheapest way to put a proper KTM in your garage on the UK used market. Service intervals are short and the engine has had some niggling issues (water pump, fuel pump) over the years, but a well-maintained one is great value.
