The KTM Duke 390 revolutionised motorcycling in India, creating popularity for a whole new segment in the country. Folks in the Philippines, though, have taken their love for KTM Duke 390 one step ahead. They have fitted the street naked's powerplant to an underbone - Suzuki Raider 150 Fi.
KTM has been manufacturing the Duke 390 in the Philippines since June 2017. The motorcycle is powered by a 373.2 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-valve, DOHC mill. Coupled to a 6-speed gearbox, the engine can produce 43.5 PS of maximum power at 9,000 rpm and 37 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm. Also, the powerplant is assisted by a slipper clutch. The KTM Duke 390 tips the scales at 163 kg.
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However, we are not entirely sure if this swap is the pre-slipper clutch unit or not. Apart from that, we are not sure what effect the KTM Duke 390’s powerplant will have on the Suzuki Raider 150’s chassis. In fact, we have seen several builds bending the chassis of the transplant vehicle because of the significantly more powerful donor engine.
The Suzuki Raider 150 though is no kid in the block. It is powered by a 147.3 cc DOHC, 4-valve engine which has a high 11.5:1 compression ratio. To give you an idea of how sporty that compression ratio is, the Yamaha R15 v3.0’s has a compression ratio of 11.6:1! Besides that, the KTM Duke 390 engine in the Suzuki Raider 150 Fi is fitted with an aftermarket Akrapovic exhaust unit.
Also Read: Upcoming 300-400 cc motorcycles in India
KTM has started readying an update for the Duke 390 and it was testing a prototype in Germany recently. The test unit had a new frame, swingarm and rear sub-frame. It is said that the updated model will mount a new powerplant with a bigger intake and a redesigned exhaust manifold. This will help it meet the upcoming stricter Euro 5 emission norms.
In India, KTM-Bajaj will launch the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 before the updated KTM 390 Duke, later this year.
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