As someone who has been following the world of motorcycles for years, I was excited to see KTM unveil the 2025 KTM 390 Duke. This bike has always been a favorite of mine, thanks to its sharp design, thrilling performance, and feature-packed setup. While KTM hasn’t changed much mechanically this year, they have introduced a new color option and the much-awaited cruise control system, making it an even more practical choice for riders like me who enjoy long highway rides. The 390 Duke continues to compete with bikes like the Triumph Speed 400, Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, BMW G 310 R, Yamaha MT-03, and TVS Apache RTR 310. Here’s what I think about the latest version.

A New Color for 2025 KTM 390 Duke

One thing I always love about KTM is how they keep things fresh with new color schemes. This time, they’ve introduced Ebony Black, which adds a stealthy, aggressive look to the Duke 390 lineup. It joins the existing Electronic Orange and Atlantic Blue options. Personally, I think the blacked-out version looks the best—it enhances the bold styling and sharp bodywork, making the bike look meaner than ever.

Cruise Control: A Game-Changer

I was thrilled to hear that KTM has finally added cruise control to the 390 Duke. This feature was previously seen on the new-gen 390 Adventure, and I always felt it would be a great addition to the Duke as well. For someone like me who enjoys long highway rides, cruise control is a real lifesaver. It helps maintain a steady speed, reduces wrist fatigue, and makes the ride much more comfortable. This is a significant update, and I’m glad KTM has finally brought it to the Duke series.

Updated Switchgear for Easy Control

To make the cruise control function easy to use, KTM has updated the switchgear on the left handlebar. Now, there’s a dedicated cruise control button, along with plus and minus toggles to adjust the speed. This small but important update makes engaging and adjusting cruise control effortless. I appreciate how KTM focuses on rider convenience without complicating things too much.

Same Powerful Engine, No Complaints!

KTM has kept the 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine unchanged for 2025, and honestly, I have no complaints. This engine delivers 44.25 bhp and 39 Nm of torque, which is more than enough to keep the ride exciting. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a bi-directional quickshifter, the performance remains punchy and fun, whether I’m riding in the city or pushing the bike on the highway. KTM did increase the engine size from 373cc to 399cc in the last update, so I wasn’t expecting any major changes this year.

Feature-Packed as Always

One of the biggest reasons why I love the KTM 390 Duke is its feature-rich package. The 2025 model continues to offer all the advanced tech that makes it stand out. Here are some of the features that I think make this bike special:

• 5-inch TFT Display with Bluetooth connectivity for calls, music, and navigation.
• Launch Control to help with aggressive acceleration.
• Multiple Riding Modes, including the new Track Mode for spirited riding.
• SuperMoto ABS, which allows for better handling in extreme conditions.
• Quickshifter, making clutchless gear shifts smooth and effortless.
• Self-Canceling Indicators, which add a premium touch.
• Speed Limiter, useful for controlling top speed in certain conditions.
• Cornering ABS and Traction Control, making the ride safer in turns.
• Fully Adjustable Suspension, so I can fine-tune the ride based on my preference.

Why I Think the 2025 KTM 390 Duke is a Great Choice

I’ve always considered the Duke 390 to be one of the best streetfighters in its segment. It has the right mix of performance, styling, and technology. The 2025 update makes it even better by adding cruise control and a stunning new color option. While the core mechanicals remain the same, I don’t see that as a downside because the Duke 390 was already a well-balanced machine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a motorcycle that is fun to ride, packed with modern features, and offers great performance, the 2025 KTM 390 Duke is worth considering. Personally, I love the addition of cruise control, and I think it makes the bike even more versatile. Whether you’re a new rider or someone who has been riding for years like me, this bike has a lot to offer.

Would I upgrade to the 2025 model? If I didn’t already own a Duke 390, I’d definitely be tempted! What do you think about the new updates? Let me know!