Is the KTM 390 Duke The Most Advanced Entry-Level Bike To Date?

[@jamespreacherbeck4306]

Never been a KTM fan, but the adjustable suspension on a small bike is pretty nice. Add in the TFT display with new features... pretty hard to beat in small bike category.

[@shawnh4528]

Bro, can you help me understand the use of adjustable suspension and how often do we use it. Looks like there's some level of calculations involved to calculate the compression and rebound levels.

[@jimstenlund6017]

@@shawnh4528 Seems most useful on the racetrack, which the RC390 is meant for. You could get a bike with non-adjustable suspension and it’s just fine, especially normal street riding.

[@JustinMaines]

@@shawnh4528 Adjustable suspension can become a (black) rabbit hole for sure, but if you are under or over the average weight the manufacturers build for, it can make the bike better for you. Three clicks on the rear shock made my bike better for me especially entering corners (I'm 150 lbs. without gear). Its not just for track as mentioned below (I've never ridden on a road track). It can be 'calculations', but a lot of it is feel, I've been riding since the early '70s though. I realize that a new rider won't have years of knowing how they want it to feel, but I bet they can find someone to help them out. You will only use it until you find your settings, and then probably never think about it again.

[@yahoodlums]

Imagine a 490 twin version of this bike with 60+ bhp.

[@BorisBlade7]

They need a 590, somethin between this and the 790. Its a huge gap. But I would not complain about a 490.

[@tillsonburgindoormx]

Once you get a 100 HP bike (790/890 Duke) you never wanna go back to a sub 100HP bike and honestly don't usually want more power. It's the perfect spot I think. A 490 Twin would be heavy... it's what all companies deal with when they make small cc twin engines. @@BorisBlade7

[@RC-br1ps]

They missed the bus. The Chinese have filled that gap. Short sighted and arrogant executives who refuse to listen to what their customers want, eventually sink the brand.

[@eflanagan1921]

@@RC-br1ps mr pierer is cashing out imho

[@C.A.MARSUPIAL-ys6tl]

I wish. I have the 390 and it's awesome but would love a 490 Duke KTM because KTM are a fantastic ride 👍

[@DerekFrampton]

I have loved this bike for YEARS. EVERY rendition just keeps getting better and better

[@everythingisIAM]

dont they run hot though?

[@DerekFrampton]

@@everythingisIAM If you race 'em at redline, yes. If you're in a cooler, or less humid climate, then no. BUT they do regulate themselves quite well as they're less than 325cc, which is tiny compared to Liter bikes and larger that need more efficient cooling systems etc. BUT the cooling system that comes with this bike specifically seems to be from what I've read and spoken to peeps that own 'em more than sufficient.

[@everythingisIAM]

@@DerekFrampton hey thanks, im trying to decide....want a lighter bike but not too slow

[@DerekFrampton]

@@everythingisIAM 300+CC bikes are anything but slow. I can ride them at 75MPH+ '120.7 KPH' (our highway speeds here in the USA) with zero problem and still have top end left for when/if I need it. Cheers

[@michaelrieser9928]

I picked up one of these for a lighter bike that is budget friendly. They get great reviews, all the previous Generations. I come from 900-1000 cc naked bikes but I needed a break from expensive repairs and services. So far it rails the back roads, has plenty of power, super quality, extras are less money then larger bikes. On the freeway I can push it to get the power but I miss the larger tires and more weight. But for most kinds of riding I think it’s the best fit and can handle any type of riding

[@DerekFrampton]

Correction, this is not a SMALL DISPLACEMENT machine, it's a MID Displacement IMO. due to all the way down to 50cc, as well a 125cc, 150's, 250's etc. THOSE are small displacement. Just sayin', BUT thanks for this review on an amazing bike!

[@jimstenlund6017]

Yeah, 250cc and less is small. Which is what most of the world rides.

[@DerekFrampton]

@@jimstenlund6017 So thankful I don't have that problem :) USA! Blessings!

[@jimstenlund6017]

@@DerekFrampton Living outside of the US is a “problem”?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

In the Duke lineup, it is small. 400cc on the bottom, 1350cc on the top. That makes 875cc right smack in the middle. In non-USA countries I suppose 125cc or 200cc is bottom.

[@DerekFrampton]

@@exothermal.sprocket Pointing out that there are smaller Duke displacements than the 390... just sayin'. the 390 is actually in the bottom third.

[@jirkakunc28]

How tall you? And how can i fit motorcycle with 189 centimeters. Thank you

[@MasalMann]

Ive a 2018 one and its very comfortable and im same height as you

[@obliviondio]

Entry level? Is that because it has a small motor? Please tell me how a 1000c gxsr is fun in the city compared to a smaller bike.

[@jimstenlund6017]

GSXR1000 sounds better, that’s about it.

[@hagestad]

Not because its small. Its because it cost about as much as rear shock for sports bike. Its equivalent of about 4000$ in India were its made. Now imagine how much do they charge you where you live. Now you know how Cycle World is making their money by not mentioning terrible KTM reliability.

[@obliviondio]

@@hagestad The cost shouldn't make it entry level either. That's like saying all economy cars are entry level vehicles compared to exotic vehicles because they are cheaper. Reliability of these bikes have changed quite a bit compared to their introduction back in 2013. It's been quite refined from the first gen to the second throughout the years. The new 2024 is another story since everything has completely changed.

[@hagestad]

@@obliviondio i don't know about 390 reliability but 690, 790 and 890 are/were basically lemons from factory. That should be enough to get this company in a lot of financial trouble but most journalists act like it did not happened.

[@obliviondio]

@@hagestad KTM is a flaky company. Everything from 390 on down is made in India. The 690 is Austria. The 790/890 are made either in Taiwan by CFMoto or KTM Austria. All v-twins being the 1290 and new 1390 are made in Austria. The new 990 is also made in KTM Austria. On the other hand all KTM dirtbikes are made in Austria. They wouldn't want to ruin their reputation by outsource these bikes since they are #1.

[@adrianaldueza]

90 percent updated as vloggers stated, but nobody mentioned anything about the noise level from radiator fan of the new 2024 duke 390. It's the issue from gen 1 that whenever it turns on, it is annoyingly loud. How's with this new one bro?

[@michaelrieser9928]

I got one. It’s awesome no weird fan noises that I can tell. I’ve had 6 motorcycles and this 2024 390 duke is a great bike for the price. I come from 1000cc bikes, but I got this because it had great reviews. It’s light, gets great gas mileage and I can do 106 mph if I want. Maybe a 690 or 790 would be a better fit for me since I am use to 1000cc bikes. Meaning wider tires, but the 390 duke has all the power I need and it performs like a much bigger bike.

[@jimstenlund6017]

@@michaelrieser9928 I almost bought a RC390 and I ride a FZ1 mainly. Nothing wrong with downsizing.

[@AugustaPerAngusta]

I pick KTM for the suspension but Aprilia RS 457 for all the rest...

[@tomrox8921]

I wish they did the same appearance to 390 ADV.

[@lodigaharinath2001]

What's the price

[@throttlechaser541]

How tall are you?

[@sbsb4995]

A perfect machine 🎉❤

[@mihajlohranisavljevic6412]

That bike looks gorgeous! Gorgeous i say!

[@micaKTM1290]

Love the upgrades

[@leeedwards7721]

Guys are These KTMs Reliable as i have only had 600s/1000s and never wanted a small bike, BUT with being 52 and a Back Injury i NEED a bike and NEED it Reliable in all seasons ---------.

[@AST4EVER]

dude, you're *HUGE* 😮

[@GhettoSuguru]

IF only it had at least a TWIN

[@jimstenlund6017]

Why?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

450 makes sense, perhaps. But 400? More complexity, cost, friction, weight.

[@bernabemachadoferre4537]

Això! i quan es probi un bicilíndric reclamarém un 9 cilindres radial!

[@shawnh4528]

Bajaj manufacturs KTM's below 400cc, fun fact Triumph Speed 400 and Scram 400X is now manufactured by Bajaj along with KTM. Now KTM & Triumph both have an exact 398.6cc engine if im not wrong, I could be wrong as well. My view both share same engine

[@chinmaychaudhari682]

I own this new duke 390 and have tested speed400 as well, no they don't have the same engine, go and take a test ride both engines have completely different characteristics and power, and KTM is way smoother after 5k RPM while speed is smooth below 5k RPM and is buzzy at higher speeds at higher RPM

[@shawnh4528]

@@chinmaychaudhari682 I should test ride it like you said. Appreciate your suggestion but based on what we hear I have shared my view and it can be 💯 wrong as well. Still if I have to stand with my point again, I can say that the difference in performance could be because of difference in tuning. For example Dominar 400 has a huge difference from Duke 390, I feel that it's a similar situation with the new gen 390 and the Speed. Eitherway pleasure talking to you about an interesting view ✌️

[@tenaki8]

Wonder if it still stalls out 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@kunalkkkk]

dyno test pls

[@nikolamiljkovic7416]

Rider size

[@davmanlop333]

Only thing crap is it's to small. I'm 5.9 and it's so small my back hits the back seat. Think u need to be under 5.5 to be a good fit. New z500 seems better

[@jasper258]

Really wondering if it’s that drastic…

[@davmanlop333]

@@jasper258 it is I sat on it for a good 20mins at the MCN show. It's tiny.

[@vishnu2407]

They have a 390 adv now, it has a higher seat height afaik Also, the Husqvarna 401s are essentially the Duke 390s, and they are longer and have a higher seat height. Check those out

[@bernabemachadoferre4537]

Una moto alta i espaiossa no es moto dolenta. Es per pilots alts. Una moto baixa i continguda no es moto dolenta. Es per pilots baixos. Pilots alts no busquen i critiquen motos baixes. Pilots baixos no busquen i critiquen motos altes.

[@Rad_Triumph_765_RS]

No, the Kawasaki Z400 now the Z500

[@Supernova12034]

@@sonny9608 Not to mention boring, KTM knows how to give riders orgasms.

[@BorisBlade7]

Both inferior, and its a 450 really. I went to them and yamaha before even messing with ktm and its just not even close. MT03 was pretty lame too. The Japanese companies need to step up their games. Great basic bikes otherwise, but the lack of so many features made them a no go for me. Would have preferred the new Husqvarnas but those just are taking too long to arrive so the Duke won out.

[@Rad_Triumph_765_RS]

@@sonny9608 better value than the KTM. Only KTM fan bois are swooning over the 390 Duke.

[@Rad_Triumph_765_RS]

@@BorisBlade7 only reason you’re saying it’s inferior is because you’re wanting premium features in a beginner bike. If you want premium features get a premium bike. No reason to have an extensive electronics suite in a beginner bike.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Sales will show whether Kawasaki's 400 and 450cc bikes are "inferior".

[@Sam-l2o6d]

Do this bike dyno test ……

[@borky1987]

They've managed somehow to make it uglier than the previous model 😬

[@Shhdhe525]

What you talking it is better and good then old gen

[@rolan2dr]

I went to look at this at a dealer and my goodness the built quality seemed awful. I mean the stitching on the seat was coming off on a brand new bike. The TFT plastic borders had glue on it. Maybe wait 6 months for the factory to improve these quirks. The first batch for the US is looking pretty bad.

[@Balunliinfi]

Usa got big people 😂😂😂 neeed at least 600cc we asian it is enough for us

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Big persons. 3500 miles (5630 km) of highways between coasts, and that's just the wide open straight stuff.

[@brigthsideafterthestorm5172]

No... they already lost their grip in the market.. china brand now is more qaulity than branded.

[@brigthsideafterthestorm5172]

Ktm is not good engine is easy to over heat...

[@bernabemachadoferre4537]

A ver si la 2024 ha mejorado refrigeración, Lo que oigo en el 2024 es un sonido de motor más compacto, más cerca del sonido honda.

[@Bishopweldworks]

The side shock makes it look cheap

[@CTcoreytrevor]

It's an ugly bike and the 2023 looks way, way, WAY better.

[@zoolzoo4434]

agree and love my ‘23

[@sc3564]

In India its called Chapri bike, reason why major people don't buy it in India

[@renjithmg7607]

People are chapri not bikes 😂

[@je7647]

​@@renjithmg7607its so popular in India idk what he's talking about

[@PavanGangal-uu7zi]

I won this it is fantastic bike great looks, i have blue one..

[@samsebin7895]

@@renjithmg7607 it's true what you said but the general public gonna call this bike with slang no matter what.

[@jrgodoys]

Unreliable engine with very bad noise. Motor poco confiable.

[@dr.science_0177]

How do you it's unreliable? Have you owned it?

[@bernibeckmann9753]

As soon as I hear "electronics" I'm out. Not on a 400cc bike, thanks.

[@lmf868]

Top of the line spaghetti electronics makes sense on top tier fast rides but not on entry level commuters. The bad resale value of top luxury cars due to their hard and expensive tech to maintain is a testament on how daily commuters do not mix with advanced tech/electronics.

[@saurabhjoglekar]

Then get the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401. Same bike, no electronics except ABS

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Don't you want power modes, traction control, IMU, quickshifters, phone connectivity, espresso brewer, AI math class assistant, GPS emergency rescue, heated seats and grips, radar cruise control, and direct link to the International Space Station on your 400 single?