Sunday, May 12, 2013
2013 KTM 390 Duke Preview
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In 2013 KTM has pleasantly surprised fans of lightweight streetbikes with its announcement of the 390 Duke.
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The 390 Duke features a 390cc, 44-horsepower Single into the compact but strong frame of the 125/200, DOHC Single is highly oversquare, with an 89.0mm bore and 60mm stroke. The compression ratio is a substantial 12.6:1, and the engine breathes through a 46mm EFI throttle body. Both injection and ignition are managed by a Bosch integrated digital system. This bike delivers those 44 peak horses at 9500 rpm, and its 26 foot-pounds of peak torque comes in at 7250.
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This bike comes with single 300mm rotor and four-piston Brembo caliper do the work up front, with a 230mm rotor and a single-piston floating Brembo caliper at the rear. With dry weight of just 307 pounds, the 390 Duke looks to have a power-to-weight ratio that should deliver terrific acceleration and throttle response. Based on its specifications, this bike should deliver outstanding agility, terrific acceleration and easy handling.
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The 390 Duke promises to be the meanest little beast one can buy for less than 5000 euros ($6400 U.S.).
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