KTM 390DUKE Review
In this column, I will introduce the "Owner Review Summary", a collection of reviews based on the voices of owners who have actually ridden various motorcycles from Webike Community's My Bike.
In this article, I will bring you the real voices of owners about the 390 DUKE!
This is what the 390DUKE motorcycle is!
This is the 390cc model of the DUKE series, produced by Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM; the DUKE series is available in a wide range of displacements from 1,290cc above to 125cc below, and the 390DUKE is the top-of-the-line model in the DUKE series that can be ridden with a standard motorcycle license. First introduced in 2014, the 390 DUKE made a splash with its 373cc engine in a body shared with the 125cc model, and in 2017, a model change for the 390 DUKE will further refine its unique styling with LED headlights and TFT LCD gauges of the same design as the higher-end model. I did.
Most of the owners seem to be attracted by this unique style. The 390 DUKE is the only motorcycle in the mid-size class that you can enjoy the unique design of a foreign motorcycle that has not been made in Japan. And yet, as mentioned before, the combination of a lightweight body and a powerful engine seems to be well suited to the Japanese roads and seems to work everywhere. It is good that you don't have to worry about getting in and out of the parking lot as well as when you are riding it because it is light in handling. It seems that the vehicle compared with 200 and 250 of the same DUKE series is chosen more often than the Japanese manufacturer, and the vehicle seems to be chosen with the drive and equipment that compensate for the concern of the inspection.
Two major points of dissatisfaction were mentioned as being a little difficult to drive at high speed because of its lightweight and single cylinder, and the poor load capacity. However, there were many people who seemed to take both of these points as the other side of advantages and gave priority to the usability of city driving and design. The trouble seems to be decreasing because of the model change, but it is a foreign motorcycle. It is recommended to buy it from an authorized dealer when you buy it.
A quick summary
- Recommended for people who want to do everything with one device
- If you are attracted by the unique style not found in Japanese manufacturers, buy it!
- I'm sometimes confused about the 250 because of the inspection, but the ride and equipment make up for it.
- There is no loading capacity because it is a design priority
- The current model has aged well, but it's good luck to buy it from an authorized dealer just in case.
So here's what the owners of the 390DUKE have to say about it in person!
Motive for purchase, purpose, and compare models
Motivation for purchase
- I'm switching from the DUKE 200. I had fun with the 200 and it was fine for normal use but I needed to up the ante a bit for top speed and such.
- I chose the 390DUKE because I wanted a motorcycle that I could handle lightly as I was getting old and weak.
- I wanted a motorcycle that is as slim and light as possible.
- I was also attracted to this style, which is not found in Japanese motorcycles.
- It's the only motorcycle I could think of that would be ideal.
Purpose
- For all-around use.
- Touring, city riding, and easy riding.
- I enjoy the gymkhana-like stuff.
Compared models
- 200DUKE
- 250DUKE
- I wanted a little more power, as the 200 was still fun. But when I compared the equipment on the 250 and 390, I had to choose the 390 one. The only thing I'm not happy about is the inspection.
- I don't think there is any other Japanese motorcycle that can be compared to this one. This is a very unique motorcycle.
Satisfaction/Advantages
For the purpose
- Lightness and ease of handling, this is more than I imagined & tested.
- It is a versatile motorcycle that can be used for commuting, touring, and track.
For riding performance
- It's fun. It's light. How about electronic throttle? I thought it would be a good idea, but it's more responsive than I expected.
- After all, lightness is justice. It's very easy to handle and good acceleration. The clutch lever is very light.
- Lightness is essential, easy to turn, and the clutch lever is very light.
For appearance
- What's good about it is that the visuals are super handsome.
- The design and the division (for better or worse) are not found in Japanese motorcycles.
- As an old DUKE owner, I didn't feel comfortable with the new design at first, but now it's possible.
- Good style, color LCD - easy to read meters
- The TFT color meter was easier to read than I expected for both day and night.
- The TFT LCD and LED headlights are both good, but what I personally liked best was that each switch icon is self-luminous.
Dissatisfaction/Disadvantages
For the purpose
- I think it depends on how you ride, but it gives a low-level warning when the mileage is less than 300km.
- The style is good, but not at all loaded.
- They're not very good at loading, but that's not what I'm looking for in this motorcycle, so no complaints!
- There is no load capacity. If you want to do overnight touring, you must install a bag.
For riding performance
- For better or worse, the engine feel is single-cylinder. The shaking is greater than that of the multi, but it is small for a single cylinder.
- It's very easy to turn around, but straight-line stability is bad. You need to be careful in crosswinds on the highway. You will want a steering damper.
- High-speed driving due to its lightweight, and a little bit of stability due to the wind
- I feel like I'm too busy changing gears.
For appearance
- None
Advice to prospective buyers (about maintenance and experience of failure)
About Maintenance
- In Japan, aftermarket parts are hard to come by, but if you look overseas, there are countless custom parts available at a reasonable price. If you can get over the English language, you can customize your motorcycle the way you want to.
- I'm going to use 250 if you really don't want to do the inspection, but I think 390 is a better value for money if you are able to do the inspection for the user if you think about the difference in equipment.
- The low-down kit is also available on the market, which is recommended for people of small stature who are concerned about their footing.
- It is not recommended to buy from other than authorized dealers because of the high risk involved.
- This model is made in India. This model is made in India.
- Fuel is high-octane.
Failure experience
- Compared to the previous model (-16), the engine feel is better. There is no stalling of the previous model.
- Minor problems have decreased with the model change, so maybe it's time to buy.
Recommended for people like these
- I recommend it as a first-time motorcycle because it is light
- I want to do everything from commuting to touring, to the track.
- 390 is the best choice in DUKE for all-around use.
