2018 KTM Duke 390 Review

This 2018 KTM Duke 390 is a great little entry level standard bike with some good money put in the right places. It has rough edges for sure but the engine, suspension and handling are spot on.
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[@TwoWheelObsession]

TWO recommended products: www.amazon.com/shop/twowheelobsession Visit TwoWheelObsession.com for all the new content! My other channels: CigarObsession: kzbin.info My Bike Reviews: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJS3coiVna2ZY7M My How-To Videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKGbnnaZhKdqrZI My Vlogs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/amLcgoqifLynoZI Gear Overview Videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHvGfYp_n7WVnJI Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/twowheelo Some music by ichillmusic.com Join My FJR Enthusiasts group: facebook.com/groups/793722307402142/ If you have a common question it is probably answered here: twowheelobsession.com/faq/

[@DrWarfighter]

The 2017-18 are exactly the same, for those wondering. I have a 2017 390 that's been back countless times for warranty issues, it's had a new screen ($1600 retail), oil pressure sender unit, thermo fan, paint issues, corrosion on the aluminium headlight frame, headlight failure ($1500), multiple valve adjustments outside of service periods, the stand fell off (no thread locker) the right mirror glass fell out, all in just over 10k kms. But on the upside, it wheelies just fine, it gets to its top speed fairly quickly (173kph MAX), 300+km range, it was cheap. Mine was just over 8kNZD with the akra exhaust.

[@ripmax333]

Batman for such many issues, to me ,in my opinion it doesn’t represent a good deal. Which is a shame, I didn’t try one yet, but spec wise it does really look like a fun bike to ride. But so many issues..

[@42much1]

You probably got out of luck with your bike, dude. There are lots of good reviews of the same bike all around. But I am balancing this one against the more reliable Yamaha Mt03, so thanks for your opinion.

[@kanishkvarma8804]

Bullshit. You obviously didn't treat it right. My duke 390 is working flawlessly.

[@MShazarul]

I wanted to get one but I have read quite a few review that mentioned about the bike getting recall.. Seems like this isn't a good bike to keep for all the trouble worth

[@Slycarlo]

Thats because its made in india fucking low build quality

[@cadwarrior]

Did my verry first ride tinight with my brand new 2018 Duke 390, Holy Sh... This bike is perfect, tons of fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@snowboardinpassout]

Lovely review. Thinking of one in Denver.

[@TheJakeCoughlin]

I was there for the test ride! Fun little bike for sure.

[@timothyhoover9343]

I have been looking at one for my son and in the Seattle Washington area the 2017's are going for $3999.00 plus around $500 dealer fees, and we cannot forget the sales tax.. I would not pay too much more than that.

[@danmurphy1994]

It really sounds great and gives off the same vibe as the superduke 1290 R from the viewers perspective, just scaled down a bit. I didn't know you could buy this in the USA till now either!

[@charlesbonfante9188]

Great video. Thanks. Would this suit a rider who is 5ft 8?

[@richfromlondon3254]

Yep!

[@jamesabbakiss7657]

CigarObsession!

[@az_pit_viper4270]

If you don't mind me asking, we are about the same size, what was the top speed you were able to get it to without it struggling?

[@Tuesdaysgonewtw]

And yet another video that screams (NEVER BUY A DEMO BIKE).

[@danielmak33]

Because he highly rev the bike. Not a good behaviour.

[@mop0014]

He doesn't seem to be able to change gear.

[@danielmak33]

@UNFINISHED FOOTSTEPS Well, they way he treated an engine will always easy to damage the engine, and the gear box. To understand why, first you need to re view the way he ride. Any motorcycle will break down if rided by that "style". Hard riding is okay, but that is beyond, its torture. And over reving the limit red line or always near that rev limit will easier to a dead engine.

[@danielmak33]

If you want to play harder, upgrade your engine, never use stock parts to play too hard. The stress is already high.

[@mop0014]

@@danielmak33 completely right. He wasn't riding hard, he was riding badly.

[@pepperthepep]

Great Review! How would you rate the Duke 390 for longer distances (2-5h)?

[@TwoWheelObsession]

Sorry, I have no idea

[@vuphat1129]

KTM duke 390 2018... very good

[@1990-t1j]

Start at 5:20

[@petebusch9069]

What a shame this bike has so many negative comments

[@thehexter1]

Hey Bryan, did you get a chance to ride any of the Adventure bikes, 1290 or 1090? Would be very interested in your thoughts on those.

[@TwoWheelObsession]

No, everything was booked after my first ride, it got completely swamped.

[@thehexter1]

TwoWheelObsession Bummer

[@cx9drvr]

Thanks for the review. I ride an FJR and have been looking at this bike for over a year to ride as a city commuter. Sounds like you really enjoyed it. Will seriously consider it now.

[@paulallen-01]

This bike was in my crosshairs for a while, I love the styling and on paper it looks like it’s a blast to ride, but then I started to actually research it and came to find out that it’s just a shiny turd that drives great

[@Njubish]

I was considering this bike over the ninja 400, until I saw this video and the comments. Wow...

[@robertcullison8782]

Hi Bryan. I would like for you to ride the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S when and if you get a chance. Also the new Kawasaki Z900RS, that should high on you list in the near future.

[@jessetrue2956]

How tall are you and how much do you weigh?

[@mrvwbug4423]

If you're looking at small sportbikes check out the new Ninja 400. The wobbly levers on the 390 are a bad sign. The levers on my 2009 Versys are rock solid after 12k miles despite the previous owner dropping it on the right side.

[@therebelliousgeek4506]

It's just cost cutting. It's the best value for money bike you can get.

[@jdroofcleanpw]

ARJUN REDDY $2500 more? The two bikes are the same price. At least in the US.

[@jens3945]

Josh Davis Ninja 400 costs $11 000 while the Duke 390 costs $7500 in Norway.

[@krishnabudhathoki1739]

Shoul i go for white or orange duke 390??

[@HeartsRain]

Hey, do a video on your helmet cam set up!

[@wasewasp282]

so, looking for a single cylinder sporty bike ? take a look at the new husqvarna, fantastic on paper, unique looks, stock it sounds like a angry dragon should be out soon. i am looking in to drive one myself if i can find a test bike

[@TwoWheelObsession]

Yes it's cool on paper except for the laughable price. We have one dealer within 3 hours and they only stock dirt bikes.

[@glenjamin2703]

I was seriously considering one of these new gen 390 dukes but found way too many people with a lot of issues. It seems that the higher end ktms made in Austria are the only way to go. These India made budget bikes like the 390 duke and bmw 310 are just really poorly made.

[@SuperRider-RS]

bmw 310 is not even released in India but they have used same engine in TVS 310rr and people are praising the bike, much better build quality than KTM 390.

[@glenjamin2703]

Bharath Bharadwaj it’s funny how this works. The bmw 310 is made in India and has already been available in North America for close to a year now. In any case, there are already several reviews on the 310 and yes they do praise the bike for it’s usable power, features and handling characteristics but will it stand the test of time? Reliability is one of the must haves in my criteria when shopping for a new bike and I don’t think either the 310 or 390 will deliver. My guess is that a lot of components will start to fail prematurely. On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and good with a wrench, then it’s hard to beat what the 310 and 390 offer at those prices.

[@SuperRider-RS]

Agreed, I hope they identify and fix these issues at QC and not at the hands of buyers and some of the parts could also be compromised as they come under budget otherwise everyone would be buying a top brand motorcycle such as Kawasaki, Triumph, Harleys..

[@therebelliousgeek4506]

I would prefer a japanese machine for it's reliability, but overall it's hard beat Ktm in price battle. I mean even if the parts fail(which isn't likely to happen) it will still be a better value for money product. People in India take those little ktms (even ktm 200s) to Himalayan moutains, and they still perform extremely well even in those extream conditions, so...

[@chimneycheck]

Glen Goncalves I have the KTM 390 RC and have never been happier with the bike.

[@randyhauss6842]

I did. Actually I rode it a couple of times. Nice video.

[@mikecallaghan6377]

How much was it compared with your guess

[@PavanMS87]

That's a wonderful bike!

[@aljaztravnik]

This bike is 4450€ in Slovenia.

[@theNatsos]

Gosh , after seeing this video I feel sorry for the bike 😫

[@omeshjain7242]

Do you get the feeling that you are sitting on the front tyre? How tall are you?

[@TwoWheelObsession]

As I said 6'2". No, completely natural riding position.

[@PeterPrism]

Thanks x post

[@Steve-motorcycles]

Why Rev the fuck out of it.

[@danielmak33]

Stephen Byford because he may not know how to treat a bike.

[@sarahdell4042]

Loose brake levers, ride by wire throttle stuck, another bike smoking. Keeping up that stellar reliability image #ktm

[@aj_wuwei]

I have owned it for over a year and never had any of the issues that people are reporting ... Amazing bike

[@Blitzkrieg63]

@@aj_wuwei My uncle has one and he has done something like 110k kms on it. And then I ask him if he got any issues and he said he didn't get any single issue. Only the TFT screen but it was ok after update. It's a really nice bike. (Non English speaker, don't mind the mistakes)

[@JTinFL]

Did you ride the Super Duke or GT? I know you're not interested in purchasing either of those bikes but you owe it to yourself to ride one.

[@TwoWheelObsession]

I tried but it was a 4 hour wait, they only let us sign up for 1 at a time - really bad setup.

[@JTinFL]

TwoWheelObsession If you're ever in Houston, you're more than welcome to ride my GT for your channel.

[@moscty]

Ninja 400??? I would be all over a Kawasaki in the 400 range if they took the Ninja 400 and made a KZ400 retro bike.

[@gabrielowens8607]

moscty or the versys x400. I'd pay cash

[@brendantuomey3910]

You should review the new ninja 400!

[@TwoWheelObsession]

I will be!

[@SuperRider-RS]

I too was worried about the QC of Duke 390 but they have fixed a lot issues' my friend got one just a week ago and he's happy with the bike but i'll wait for another few months and get the latest release but seriously i'm concerned of the Ride By wire electrical issue with the White KTM there and that could get deadly if it happens in middle of the ride.

[@TwoWheelObsession]

Thats not what ride by wire means. There are still cables, it was a mechanical issue.

[@SuperRider-RS]

Okay, i thought the sensor was malfunctioning anyway this was the first review i found a ktm having this problem so shouldn't be a bother I hope.

[@Ciki92]

@@SuperRider-RS hows yr friends duke doing?

[@DeiHarper9361]

I've asked the question I'm about to ask on many motorvlogs/channels that deal with motorcycles, many times; but what bike would you prefer for a bigger guy in terms of gut/weight, and as a beginner? I'm 5'9 between 340-360lbs. I know I could avoid all of this by simply getting off of my rear-end and lose a couple pounds.. Or in my situation a couple hundred pounds, but I really want a motorcycle. I don't want to look like I'm swallowing the bike, and I also don't want to look disproportionate on one. Sorry if this is confusing and cluttering but I need to know. Google and yahoo answers aren't helping at all.

[@DeiHarper9361]

I'd like to add, that I prefer more of a sport bike styling, but I do not discriminate.

[@LouCFur90]

No joke, google "motorcycles for fat guys" and there are plenty of articles to read. It's ok dude, we all like to ride and thats what is important. There are several Hondas that have dual clutch transmissions (automatic) if shifting isn't something you are ready for. The best thing you can do is go to a few dealers and sit on a bunch of bikes. If a salesman jokes about your weight, tell him to piss off and give the commission to the next guy. Good luck dude!

[@DeiHarper9361]

patrick henry lol busa, I have no doubt I'd be responsible enough to ride a Hayabusa, but I don't want to whisky throttle and send it a mile down the street. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[@DeiHarper9361]

LouCFur90 Thanks a lot, man. I will definitely google that, and do a little research there. Thanks for the information, and kind words.

[@LouCFur90]

You got it man. Take care.

[@bwxmoto]

Is that made in India?

[@sebastian9147]

BWX yes

[@JimmyHamAnp]

You should check out Jay Leno's review of the new Husqvarna big singles @ kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJWZkICjptCcftk

[@TwoWheelObsession]

Yeah I saw it....CRAZY msrp for what they are.

[@el8356]

how much???

[@LibertyNotLicense]

$4k today at that dealership.

[@Oldschool503]

Price?

[@SpykeHellboy]

8500Euros in Europe

[@LibertyNotLicense]

$4k today at that dealership.

[@dylandylan5171]

WHO ABOUT KTM RC 390????????

[@kellyj5389]

Never rode a ktm.

[@yoski203]

Junk

[@LouCFur90]

First the Indian Scout is a small v-twin and now the 390 is a big single, lol. Anywho, its made in India junk.

[@TwoWheelObsession]

Yep. Little singles are the kawi and Honda 125s and scooters. Big twins are the 1700+

[@LouCFur90]

What about that 690 enduro sitting in front of you at the event though? The comment section got fired up on that Indian review video. It was pretty funny to watch all those guys defend something they had probably never even seen in person.

[@jeetrockstarlive]

India Junk??? Typical people

[@LouCFur90]

Sorry man. The quality control simply isn't there. The 390 lines have a reputation for recalls and blown up engines. Don't take it personal. I said it is junk, not the people who made it.

[@jeetrockstarlive]

LouCFur90 its okay man. No issues. I personally own one of these and in India, this bike is giving people a taste of performance in an affordable price range. Anyways i respect ur opinion 👍