KTM set the performance standards in the sub 500cc segment with the launch of the 390 Duke back in 2013. This made other manufacturers up the performance quotient in their motorcycles and in 2023, KTM managed to outdo all its competition again in terms of performance.
However, it wasn’t KTM alone who updated its motorcycles, as TVS and Triumph have launched new motorcycles themselves, which promise to offer exciting performance, technology, and big-bike appeal. So how does the 2024 KTM 390 Duke compare against the new TVS Apache RTR 310 and the Triumph Speed 400? Let’s take a look.
2024 KTM 390 Duke vs competition: Design and styling
The new KTM 390 Duke is based on a trellis frame and features a sharp design language with tank shrouds that extend to the forks, a split seat, an underbelly exhaust, and a sharp tail section. The KTM has always been a sporty-looking motorcycle and the updated version has taken the design language to the same extreme.
The TV Apache RTR 310 is a totally new motorcycle, based on the BMW G 310 R, and features a sporty design, keeping in mind the RTR DNA. The motorcycle gets a sharp headlight, a muscular tank, a side-slung exhaust, and a minimalistic rear end, which gives the RTR 310 a unique design.
Compared to the KTM and the TVS, the Triumph Speed 400 takes a totally different approach in terms of design, as the motorcycle wears a more retro classic look with its round headlight, single-piece seat, upright riding position, side-slung exhaust, and minimal bodywork. All three motorcycles have distinctive designs, appealing to users accordingly.
| Model | Price |
| KTM 390 Duke | Rs 3.10 lakh |
| TVS Apache RTR 310 | Rs 2.43 lakh onwards |
| Triumph Speed 400 | Rs 2.33 lakh |
2024 KTM 390 Duke vs competition: Features and equipment
All three motorcycles are equipped with 17-inch wheels, tubeless tyres, disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS, electronic nannies, USD forks, monoshock at the rear, LED lighting, and more. However, there are a few differences that set them apart.
The KTM and Apache get adjustable forks and a 5-inch TFT dash, while the Speed 400 settles for a semi-digital instrument cluster. Also, all three motorcycles have traction control, which can be turned off in the 390 Duke. Also, the TVS takes it a notch further with cornering cruise control, ventilated seat, wheelie control and rear lift control. The KTM gets cornering ABS and launch control.
On the features front, the KTM and TVS get smartphone connectivity while the Speed 400 misses out on this, making it the least-equipped motorcycle. However, when taking costs into concern, the Triumph Speed 400 is the most affordable of the three.
2024 KTM 390 Duke vs competition: Engine specifications
All three motorcycles are powered by a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox, tuned to offer the best performance. Amongst the three motorcycles, the KTM and the Apache RTR 310 get a quickshifter, while on the latter, it is not standard.
| Specifications | 390 Duke | RTR 310 | Speed 400 |
| Displacement | 399cc | 312cc | 398cc |
| Power | 45bhp | 35bhp | 39.5bhp |
| Torque | 39Nm | 29Nm | 37.5Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed |
As the specifications show, the TVS Apache RTR 310 has the lowest displacement and the lowest power, while the KTM 390 Duke is the most powerful. In the real world, the performance is exactly as the spec sheets say.
2024 KTM 390 Duke vs competition: Which one should you choose?
If performance is on your mind, the KTM 390 Duke is the go-to choice, as it not is the most powerful, but the best handling motorcycle as well. The Triumph Speed 400 is powerful, but the engine is not as excited as the KTM, but offers a good balance between performance and practicality, especially with its pricing. The Apache, on the other hand, is KTM excitement but tuned down.
Given the three options, personally, it would be the new KTM 390 Duke, as that bit of extra money spent also gets you better suspension, braking, handling, and a sense of excitement that very few motorcycles can offer.