Back in March, KTM India launched the much awaited 2017 Duke 390 (here is our detailed review). This new generation Duke 390 comes with BS4 compliant engine. But the Duke 390 variant which it replaced, the 2016 Duke 390, was powered by a BS3 compliant engine.

With launch news of 2017 Duke 390 doing rounds since a its debut at EICMA 2016 in Nov last year, many who were planning on purchasing the Duke 390 decided to wait for the new model, rather than buying the 2016 model. This in addition to the fact that sales of BS3 compliant vehicles were banned by Supreme Court from 1st April, added to the woes of manufacturers and dealers as stocks of 2016 variants started to pile.

It has come to our notice, that some KTM India dealers, who were not able to sell their BS3 stock before the 31st March 2017 deadline, are now selling them at an even more affordable rate. The image above was shared by IceAgeOnWheels on Facebook. They have stated that KTM Boisar is selling the same bike for INR 1.5 lakh. How is this possible if govt has banned sale of BS3 vehicles?

The catch being, on paper these are not new bikes as they are already purchased by the dealer and now they are passing it off as second hand bikes. But, they are brand new, with 0 km reading on the odo.

Not only the new D390 has a waiting period of a minimum of 3 months, it also costs about INR 1 lakh more. So in case you are looking to purchase a Duke 390, this seems to be a brilliant deal at just INR 1.5 lakh on road (including all taxes and 1 year insurance).

Speaking about the 2016 Duke 390, it comes with slipper clutch. What exactly is slipper clutch? This is a type of clutch which was introduced especially for racing bikes. When down shifting at higher speeds (also engine braking), the rear tyre holds up. This causes loss of traction, and is disastrous in most conditions. The ABS won’t help, as it kicks only when you brake. Here is where the slipper clutch comes in the picture. Many KTM owners had complained about the lack of slipper clutch, especially in the 390. Finally, KTM has introduced slipper clutch in Duke 390.

2016 KTM Duke 390 has a service interval of 7,500 kms, instead of the 5,000 kms of older 390 variants. Highlights include – LED turn signals with black borders, and new handlebar grips (like the RC 390. Apart from this, upside down front fork and rear monoshock get added plastic cladding thereby giving it enhanced protection against dust and dirt which is considered a worth addition specially considering Indian road conditions.

Engine remains the same, 1 cylinder 4 stroke engine mated to a 6 speed transmission. It weighs a total of 147 kgs (11 kgs lighter than 2017 D390), sits on a wheelbase of 1,340mm and has ground clearance of 178.5mm. Seat is at a height of 820mm while fuel tank capacity stands at 10 liters.