Renewing its commitment to big thrills in the small cc market, KTM has just announced its completely reworked single-cylinder Duke models for 2024. Boasting revamped LC4c powerplants, a new chassis and sharper aesthetics, the new Duke 390, 250 and 125 models continue to deliver class-leading technology and hooliganism in the entry-level naked bike scene.
The 2024 Dukes are based on an all-new, two-piece chassis, consisting of a lightweight steel trellis frame with a die-cast aluminum subframe—improving torsional rigidity and enhancing road feedback the Austrians say. The swingarm is also redesigned for ’24, as it contours around a new offset rear shock, which allows for a lower seat height. Measuring 31.5” across all-three models, all but the shortest riders will sit comfortably in the saddle.
KTM’s range of single-cylinder engines also received significant revisions. The latest LC4c powerplants (presumably still manufactured by Bajaj) feature reworked cylinder heads and transmissions, and comply with the latest EURO 5.2 regulations.
While KTM sites that the 390 is lighter and the 250 boasts a new SOHC design, peak power figures are unchanged for 2024, even with the Duke 390 growing from 373 to 399 cc. Outputs for the new Duke models are 15 hp, 30 hp and 44 hp respectively.
All three Duke models retain the familiar WP APEX suspension, with the 250 and 390 models receiving increasing levels of adjustability. A new 5-inch TFT display, Bosch EMS, anti-hopping clutch, cornering ABS and supermoto ABS modes are shared across the lineup. KTM’s Quickshifter is an optional add-on for all three Dukes, and the 390 is fit with a new launch-control system, allowing for 7,000 rpm clutch drops.
Visually, the new Dukes separate themselves from the ’23 models with new seats, fully-exposed exhausts underneath and longer bodywork along the tank that extends past the forks. Available colorways are differing combinations of Electric Orange and Atlantic Blue, while the Duke 250 comes in a unique Ceramic White.
There may be few big print headlines for the new 2024 Dukes, but there’s no denying that KTM continues to redefine what riders can expect from a compact-displacement motorcycle. We’re excited to see what they’re all about, but KTM’s latest presser leaves us with just one question. If this is indeed the 2024 single-cylinder Duke lineup, where’s the 690?
Via KTM, Images by KISKA GmbH and Rudi Schedl
