When we talk about explosive performance at an accessible price, one motorcycle instantly comes to mind — the KTM 390 Duke. Since its debut in 2013, the Duke has ruled the sub-500cc streetfighter segment like an unchallenged monarch. Every rival that dared to challenge it found itself overshadowed by the Duke’s sheer aggression and dynamics.
But 2025 brings a new contender from Italy — the Aprilia Tuono 457 — and it’s here to end KTM’s dominance. Designed with a race-bred chassis and loaded with advanced electronics, the Tuono promises the thrill of a superbike in a smaller, more affordable package. So, can it dethrone the Austrian legend? Let’s find out in this detailed head-to-head review.
Design and Ergonomics
Aggression vs. Elegance
Both motorcycles embody the “naked streetfighter” attitude but with very different personalities. The KTM 390 Duke screams aggression from every angle — sharp tank extensions, a split LED headlamp, exposed frame, and bold orange accents. It looks futuristic, almost alien, and instantly recognizable on the road.
The Aprilia Tuono 457, however, takes a subtler yet equally purposeful approach. It borrows design cues from its bigger sibling, the Tuono 660, featuring a semi-faired look, angular LED headlamp cluster, and sculpted fuel tank. Its proportions look more mature and muscular — less flashy than the Duke but undeniably premium.
Comfort and Riding Posture
Ergonomically, these two machines offer very different experiences. The KTM 390 Duke keeps you nearly upright with a wide handlebar, making it ideal for city riding and short bursts of highway fun. Its seat height of 800mm suits riders of average height, though taller riders can opt for the optional 820mm seat for more legroom.
The Aprilia Tuono 457, on the other hand, leans slightly forward. The reach to the handlebar is longer, creating a mild front-biased stance that feels sportier but could strain your lower back on rough roads. At 800mm seat height, it’s accessible but can feel snug for taller riders. In essence, the Duke is the friendlier commuter; the Tuono is the sportier corner carver.
Build Quality and Features
Craftsmanship and Materials
KTM’s evolution in build quality over the years is remarkable. The latest 390 Duke feels tight, well-finished, and solid. Every switch, weld, and panel exudes quality. The Aprilia Tuono 457 impresses with its aluminium perimeter chassis — the only one in this segment — but small quality lapses, such as a flimsy key and slightly uneven headlamp housing, take away some of its charm.
Tech and Features
The 390 Duke leads the pack in equipment. It’s loaded with features that were once exclusive to litre-class machines:
- Adjustable suspension (compression and rebound damping)
- Cornering ABS and traction control
- Bidirectional quickshifter (standard)
- Launch control and cruise control
- 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity
The Tuono 457 offers a solid feature list too — three riding modes, switchable ABS, traction control, and preload-adjustable front suspension. But it misses out on damping adjustability and cruise control. Even the quickshifter comes as a ₹20,000 optional accessory, which the KTM includes as standard.
In short, the Duke gives you more features for less money, and that’s a serious advantage for tech-savvy riders.
Engine and Performance
Specifications
| Specification | KTM 390 Duke | Aprilia Tuono 457 |
| Engine | 399cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder | 457cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin |
| Power | 44.3 hp @ 9000 rpm | 47 hp @ 9500 rpm |
| Torque | 39 Nm @ 7000 rpm | 43 Nm @ 8000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed with quickshifter | 6-speed (optional quickshifter) |
| Weight | 168 kg | 175 kg |
Real-World Riding Experience
The Tuono 457 immediately feels special. Its parallel-twin engine delivers a creamy mid-range surge with a raspy exhaust note that builds character as revs climb. The throttle response is smooth, predictable, and refined — perfect for fast corner exits or highway overtakes.
The 390 Duke counters with a sharper and more aggressive throttle. It revs harder and faster, making it thrilling in short bursts. Its new LC4c engine is lighter, more responsive, and feels rawer than ever — the kind of personality that demands your attention every second.
In outright speed, the Tuono edges ahead slightly due to its twin-cylinder advantage, but the Duke feels more playful and visceral. On twisty roads, the Duke’s lightweight chassis and strong mid-range torque make it hard to beat.
Ride and Handling
Suspension and Stability
The KTM 390 Duke features fully adjustable suspension from WP Apex, allowing riders to fine-tune their setup for comfort or aggression. It feels firm but planted, giving you total control even while attacking corners or braking late.
The Aprilia Tuono 457 uses a stiffer setup tuned for stability at high speed. It’s incredibly composed during fast cornering, thanks to the aluminium chassis, but can feel harsh on rough urban roads. Both bikes offer precision steering, though the Duke’s lighter frame makes it slightly more flickable in tight turns.
Braking and Tyres
Both come equipped with dual-channel ABS, but KTM’s cornering ABS system adds an extra layer of safety when braking mid-corner. The Duke’s brakes feel more progressive, while the Tuono’s setup delivers stronger initial bite. Both use premium tyres offering excellent grip for spirited riding.
Performance and Efficiency
| Metric | KTM 390 Duke | Aprilia Tuono 457 |
| 0–60 km/h | 2.8 sec | 3.1 sec |
| 0–100 km/h | 5.5 sec | 5.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 165 km/h | 175 km/h |
| City Mileage | 28 km/l | 27 km/l |
| Highway Mileage | 33 km/l | 32 km/l |
In real-world riding, both are quick, efficient, and adrenaline-packed. The Duke feels more urgent at lower speeds, while the Tuono rewards smooth riders with higher top-end refinement.
Fuel efficiency remains similar, and both bikes can comfortably deliver around 30 km/l in mixed conditions — quite reasonable for this performance bracket.
Pricing and Value
| Parameter | KTM 390 Duke | Aprilia Tuono 457 |
| Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi) | ₹3.11 lakh | ₹4.10 lakh (estimated) |
| Service Cost (annual avg.) | ₹4,000–₹5,000 | ₹6,000–₹7,000 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
The KTM offers more equipment, better tech, and lower maintenance — all for nearly ₹1 lakh less. The Aprilia, however, appeals to riders who value exclusivity, refinement, and twin-cylinder sophistication.
If performance-per-rupee matters most, the Duke remains unbeatable. But if you’re after Italian style and smoother long-distance capability, the Tuono 457 makes a compelling case.
Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Both the KTM 390 Duke and the Aprilia Tuono 457 represent the pinnacle of what sub-500cc streetfighters can offer today.
The 390 Duke is the ultimate hooligan — lighter, sharper, and loaded with advanced electronics that make every ride feel like an event. It’s an absolute joy for riders who thrive on aggression, city maneuverability, and sharp cornering.
The Tuono 457, meanwhile, feels more sophisticated and mature. It blends power and poise beautifully, offering smooth acceleration and high-speed stability. Its twin-cylinder engine and chassis refinement give it a big-bike feel that’s unmatched in this segment.
Final Verdict:
If you want the best value, most fun, and maximum features — go for the KTM 390 Duke.
If you want Italian flair, composure, and long-distance performance — the Aprilia Tuono 457 will steal your heart.
Either way, the 2025 streetfighter battle has never been this close — and that’s great news for riders everywhere.
