Best Modified KTM 390 Duke | Road Legal

We know you love your KTM 390 Duke, but you want more. More style, more power, more fun. You want to make your bike your own. The best and probably the only way to do that is to modify your KTM Duke 390.

The KTM 390 Duke is an awesome bike, but it can be even better and more fun to ride with the right modification, that suits your personality and taste.

In this article, we will show you how to modify your KTM 390 Duke in three ways: cosmetic, performance, and functional.

We will also give you some examples of modified KTM Duke 390s that have been done by professional customizers and enthusiasts. You can use them as inspiration or reference for your own project. And if you want to see some images of modified KTM 390 Duke, you can check out the graphic art I created for you.

Cosmetic Modifications

Cosmetic modifications are changes that affect the look of the bike without altering its mechanical components. These include things like stickers, wraps, paints, lights, mirrors, etc. Cosmetic modifications can give the bike a unique and distinctive identity, as well as improve its visibility and aesthetics.

Some examples of cosmetic modifications for the KTM 390 Duke are:

Badmaash by Rajputana Customs: This is a custom-built KTM 390 Duke that has been given a Scrambler look by replacing the stock fairing with a round LED headlight, a custom fuel tank with a multi-information LCD display, blacked out 17-inch alloy wheels with dual purpose Ralco tires, and a black-white dual-tone paint job. The bike also has a Powertronic mapping, a custom exhaust, and a BMC air filter for better performance.

X12 by Autologue Design: This is a bolt-on kit for the KTM 390 Duke that was made for Yuvraj Singh’s cancer foundation YouWeCan. The kit includes a tank cover, a new headlight cover, a radiator cover, a belly cover, side panels, a tail tidy, and a tire hugger. The bike also has a candy blue paint job and some performance upgrades like a Two Brothers full exhaust system, a Race Dynamics ECU upgrade, a BMC air filter, rear set footpegs, and CNC machined custom oil caps.

Kunka Motor Customs: This is a Thai customizer that showcased a modified KTM 200 Duke at the Thailand International Auto Expo. The bike has been given a futuristic look with LED lights, carbon fiber bodywork, an underseat exhaust system, and a digital instrument cluster. The bike also has some performance enhancements like an aftermarket air filter, an ECU remap, and an adjustable suspension.

Performance Modifications

Performance modifications are changes that affect the power output, speed, acceleration, handling, braking, and efficiency of the bike. These include things like engine tuning, exhaust systems, air filters, fuel injection modules, suspension systems, brakes, tires, etc. Performance modifications can give the bike an edge over its competitors and improve its riding experience.

Some examples of performance modifications for the KTM Duke 390 are:

Andreani fork internals: The stock forks of the KTM Duke 390 are not very adjustable and offer limited feedback. Replacing them with Andreani fork internals gives full adjustability for compression, rebound, and preload settings. This allows the rider to fine-tune the front suspension according to their riding style and road conditions.

JRi shock: The stock rear shock of the KTM Duke 390 is also very basic and only offers preload adjustment. Replacing it with a JRi double-adjustable shock gives full adjustability for compression and rebound settings. This allows the rider to balance the rear suspension with the front suspension and achieve optimal handling.

Mivv Ghibli exhaust: The stock exhaust system of the KTM Duke 390 is quite restrictive and heavy. Replacing it with a Mivv Ghibli slip-on exhaust reduces weight, increases airflow, and enhances sound. The Mivv Ghibli exhaust has a MotoGP-inspired look and is made of stainless steel with carbon fiber end caps.

Power Commander V: The stock fuel mapping of the KTM Duke 390 is quite lean and can cause issues like overheating and poor throttle response. Installing a Power Commander V allows the rider to adjust the fuel injection parameters according to their preference and optimize the performance of the engine.

Functional Modifications

Functional modifications are changes that affect the usability, comfort, convenience, safety, and reliability of the bike. These include things like luggage systems, windshields, crash guards, hand guards, seat covers, etc. Functional modifications can make the bike more suitable for different purposes and conditions, such as touring, off-roading, commuting, etc.

Some examples of functional modifications for the KTM Duke 390 are:

Enduro by MotoExotica: This is a KTM 390 Duke-based adventure bike that was built by Arjun Raina of MotoExotica. The bike has been modified to be a lightweight enduro traveler that can handle rough terrain and long distances. The bike has a long-travel suspension from the Royal Enfield Himalayan, a carbon fiber bodywork, an upgraded cooling system, a luggage rack, a windshield, and a dual-sport tire.

RC4 by Lusso Custom: This is a modified KTM RC390 that was made by Lusso car and bike customizers. The bike has been given a more aggressive and sporty design that improves on the aesthetics and aerodynamics of the stock bike. The bike also has a custom exhaust system, a performance air filter, an ECU remap, and a racing seat.

Handlebars: The stock handlebars of the KTM Duke 390 are quite wide and low, which may not suit everyone’s preference and riding posture. You can replace them with aftermarket handlebars that offer different shapes, sizes, and angles. For example, you can opt for a clip-on handlebar that gives a more sporty and aggressive look and feel, or a riser handlebar that gives a more upright and comfortable position. Some popular brands for handlebars are Renthal, Rizoma, and ProTaper.

Seat: The stock seat of the KTM 390 Duke is quite firm and narrow, which may not be very comfortable for long rides or pillion passengers. You can replace it with a custom seat that offers more cushioning, width, and height. For example, you can opt for a gel seat that absorbs shocks and vibrations, or a leather seat that adds style and durability. Some popular brands for seats are Corbin, Saddlemen, and Seat Concepts.

Windscreen: The stock windscreen of the KTM Duke 390 is quite small and does not offer much protection from wind blast and bugs. You can replace it with a larger and taller windscreen that offers more coverage and aerodynamics. For example, you can opt for a touring windscreen that reduces wind noise and fatigue, or a sport windscreen that enhances the look and performance of the bike. Some popular brands for windscreens are Puig, MRA, and Givi.

Conclusion

The KTM Duke 390’s aggression makes it a fun bike to ride, and can be modified in many ways to suit different needs. Whether it is cosmetic, performance, or functional modifications, the bike can be transformed into a personalized and unique machine that reflects the rider’s personality and style.