KTM Cup Season 3 Selection Round 1: Controlled Racing, Uncontrolled Madness
KTM 390 Duke replaces the RC 390, as the new KTM Cup race bike
KTM Cup Season 3 kicked off with plenty of excitement, anticipation, and a whole lot of orange. The most exciting part for us was the all-new KTM 390 Duke race bike, which has now officially replaced the KTM RC 390. Seeing the naked Duke in a proper race trim was exciting enough, but riding it was the real reason we were there.
At a glance, the race bike looked more or less similar to the road bike, however it had some significant changes. KTM gave the bike a headlight cowl, new tail-section, rearset footpegs, lever protectors, a foam seat, and a new belly pan. The bikes also had fresh sets of sticky Reise Moto TraceRad tyres.
We got to ride the bikes around a makeshift go-kart track that was extremely tight, technical, and a whole lot of fun. We were given around five laps on the course, riding at a steady pace while following a lead rider. No outright heroics, no full-send moments, just enough to get a feel for how the race-prepped Duke behaves. And even at that controlled speed, the bike felt sharp, eager, and very much ready to race if unleashed properly.
As the riding wrapped up, the evening shifted gears completely, thanks to Rok Bagoros. The legendary stunt rider put on a crowd-pleasing show, effortlessly throwing around the new KTM 160 Duke, and the 390 Duke, both prepped up specially for stunting. Rok also managed to make the mighty KTM 890 Duke dance like it was nothing. Wheelies, stoppies, balance tricks, and everything in between. It was the perfect reminder of KTM’s wild side.
Chaotic? Yes. Controlled? Eventually. But boring? Not for a second. KTM Cup Season 3 delivered an experience that was raw, energetic, and unmistakably orange. Getting to ride the brand’s new race bike, and witnessing a legendary stunt rider dance with some of our favourite KTM bikes, the Mumbai selection round was quite a memorable experience.
KTM 390 Duke R User Reviews
- Owner ReviewOne of the best performances sports bike with great mileage in city around 24 and on highway 30 which is good according to a sports bike with this much performance, writing style is also very comfortable, not to aggressive and the bike, very easy to manuver. I think you should go for this bike if you are looking for great performance with efficient mileage and comfort riding style.Read More
- Review of my duke 390My purchase of the bike was the best thing ever. It was always my dream to buy a 390 and the performance is the best in its class. The maintenance is very cheap, mileage is decent according to this engine. Overall, its the best bike in its segment. Beast for a reason. Comfort and performance is on next level.Read More2
- 2025 duke 390Its a great bike for beginners. The quick shifter, cruise control feature and the throttle response makes the ride really smooth. My experience with bike has been amazing and even on long rides the ride is comfortable. There is nothing more to say about it, you just have to experience it. At this price range, I don't think you will find a bike with these many features.Read More1 1
- The beast on the loose 9k driven only KTM Duke 390Most aggressive 398 cc powerful bike only driven 9000 km in less than 2 yrs. It delivers a surgical riding experience with a punchy engine that surprisingly settles into great fuel economy on long highway scratches. It just got minor scratches on tank pad else its mechanically mint. If you want raw power then this is for you.Read More4 5
- very best bikeRiding experience is too good, this bike is futuristic at this price range. looks are awesome 398 cc, this bike can handle turns very well, maintenance period is too long 30 kmpl good range as an 400 cc bike. Very well designed, engine performance is too good into 3.5 lakhs segment good option to buy.Read More4 5