Since its release in 2013, KTM?s 390 Duke has become a staple in the entry-level segment. It?s amassed a slew of awards but despite its plus points?a sub-330lb dry weight, modern reliability and high-end suspension?the little Duke is one of the most commonly-overlooked platforms for customization.
One of the handful of shops that have recognized the merits of the Austrian single is Australia?s Ellaspede. The Brisbane outfit has given the Duke 390 a blacked-out, off-road-oriented makeover?and provided an alternative to the newly unveiled KTM 390 Adventure.

The build started life as a low-mile 2017 390 Duke, and was commissioned by a client who already owns a one-off Honda CT110 from Ellespede. He was looking for something a little more powerful and contemporary, which would also be capable of some light trail duties. ?The intent was to make the stock 390 Duke look a little less futuristic, reduce some of the ?forward? angles, and create a bike that looks like it could be a factory KTM concept,? explains Ellespede?s Hughan Seary.

The team began by tearing the 390 down to the chassis, before looping off the stock subframe and replacing it with a bespoke structure that was reportedly the result of no less than 16 hours of work.
A custom ribbed, tucked and rolled saddle was fashioned for the new framework, hiding a one-off electronics tray underneath. An LED taillight, Motogadget m.blaze pin indicators, and Ellaspede?s own ?Ninja Star? tail tidy keep the back of the b...