KTM 390 Duke (2024) REVIEW

[@leanit5756]

This is a really fine bike. Not for large riders though. At 5'8/170 and I think anyone larger than me would be pretty cramped. Compared to other "entry" bikes like the MT03, there is really no comparison at all. This bike is in another class. It can be ridden fast with composure and doesn't come across as cheaply built for a maximumly low price point.

[@michaelrieser9928]

I’m 58 and I’m over the expensive service costs of my 800-1050 cc bikes. I’m giving these new 400 class singles a try. I got 300 miles on this 2024 and at first it took some getting used to to. But I have been riding it back to back with my 2008 990 superduke to compare and contrast. It really starts to show you its benefits and plus’s when you test it like that. Maybe something like the 790 or 890r would be the ideal jam. But cost and weight and the power you can get out of this single is really something interesting. “Bang for you buck” I’d say pick up a great deal on a 2023 model, but the new one and the improvements is really cool. The orange is not for everybody, but I think it looks awesome!

[@alwarren2653]

Over 23 years since I last rode a motorcycle I bought a 2017 390 Duke. I test rode a Duke 790 but couldn't see where I could use the extra performance without endangering my driving licence. The additional torque and sound of the 790 is quite tempting. I could only get mid 50s mpg and suspect Duke 790 may be more economical.

[@obeii1805]

So u suggest getting a 2023 over the improved 2024? The new runs about 6k plus with fees I seen used 2023 for round 5500 . So u don’t think the few extra hundred isn’t worth the better performance bike?

[@michaelrieser9928]

@@obeii1805 I was looking at used, or a new 2023 at $4300 plus fees. Or a new 2024 $6300 plus fees. Ok any repair or new tires on a used costs you. Even small repair are expensive. So I decided to go new with no problems or surprises. I saw a 2024 and 2023 right next to each other. Besides all the reviews the 2024 looked like a better built bike . A notch up. The 2023 can’t take a quickshifter upgrade from everyone an asked. The 2024 has a new flawless quickshifter that is $280. If you do payments for buying the bike. Say 48 or 60 months, the difference in your monthly payment getting the 2023 or 2024 is minimal per month. The 2023 is an awesome deal but you get a step up with the 2024 in many areas. Bad part is. There is not much exhaust pipes for the 2024 yet. I’ve got 650 miles on the 2024. I’ve had many 1000cc bikes, this 390 can really go! I’m glad I got the 2024. Go look at both sod by side and you can see the improved quality of the 2024 over the 2023. That said it is $2000 difference.

[@michaelrieser9928]

@@obeii1805 I’ve seen the 2023 for $4300 plus fees in my area. Off and on these last three months. The 2023 is basically a 2017 tech bike. If it’s in you bigger get the 2024. If not the 2023 is a great bike at a great value and a lot of parts out there to fit it

[@michaelrieser9928]

@@obeii1805 you asked me if a few hundred more is worth it to get the 2024. In my case the difference between the two was $2000. And I can say that the 2024 is worth the extra money. The 2024 will have greater resale value in 3-5 years than the 2023. Also $2000 divided over 60 months is $33 per month.

[@ARP1714]

I like this orange, not lying but why can't KTM have an all Black/Grey model, they make such beautiful bikes.

[@joek81981]

I wonder the ratio of units sold, how many 390s they've sold per Superduke. They could've left this bike alone for another 2 or 3 years and been absolutely fine still. I like that companies bother with putting time and money into the small cap bikes, not chasing only the biggest fish always.

[@arunps7719]

That ratio would be a thousand fold as they sell like hot cakes back in India. It's absurd the success they have there

[@PavanGangal]

​@@arunps7719 yep i just bought one and completed 1k miles

[@shrikantbmali]

Huge market for these in India. That's the motivation for investment. Also these bikes are manufactured there.

[@michaelrieser9928]

I’ve had plenty 1000cc naked bikes, my latest a used 2007 990 superduke. Just picked up 2024 390 duke and I can’t believe how capable it is. It screams and I can’t even go all out because it’s still in the break in. Yes a-little compact, but that’s why it’s so easy to toss around. Comfortable from 0-85 mph, after that I want something bigger to hold on to. But on back roads and twisties I think it’s all I need, maybe a 650 or 750cc. But for $6299 this 390 duke dishes out a lot of power.

[@X11CHASE]

This IS the big fish buddy. Sales are how you judge what is the big fish. Not power.

[@swieri2003]

No brainer for anyone starting off or even wanting a second bike to blast, I can’t stress enough how epic these are.

[@Druezy]

I want them to do the RC390 with this update for 2025. That is what I want to start on!

[@Truthteller024]

I'm a motorcycle virgin and have decided to get licensed. The latest 390 Duke is exactly what I want.

[@michaelrieser9928]

@@Truthteller024 I have had 800 to 1000cc bikes most of the time. I just got this 2024 390 and I love it. Plenty fast enough, and sometimes I can even go a bit faster because it’s so light and easy to throw around. It has features that you only get on more expensive bikes, it’s crazy. A 990 duke would be more then twice as much. That’s a big price difference. The 990 is a beast but the 390 could do 106mph if you wanted. And 80mph with ease.

[@michaelrieser9928]

Yes, I have been riding this 2024 around for a couple months and really enjoying this ktm390 duke. I have a 2007 990 superduke and would like to trade that up for a 2024 990. But I think this 390 is always going to be one of the bikes I love to just rip through the back roads. So easy to rail this bike, you feel very in control not out of control. And yet you can go pretty fast.

[@michaelrieser9928]

Yep, I have a 2007 ktm superduke and I got one of these 2024 390 dukes as a second bike for the Northern California coastal twisties and man it is no lie!I hope to get the new 990 but I can tell the 390 is going to be a bike I ride for quit some time. It’s easy, it’s lite, 50 mpg, , quickshifter is awesome, this bike can really go with it torque. On the back roads I can keep up with the bigger bikes

[@RupeWilson]

Still love my 2014 duke 390, it's perfect for the ride to work down the back lanes. More than fast enough in the twisties. Cant see the point of upgrading to the newer version, but it does look so good.

[@atncozkan5162]

Gen1 best version

[@burnttoast9890]

This has the madness of the first gen with the comfort of the second gen. Give it a test ride.

[@atncozkan5162]

@@burnttoast9890 i have 2014 with a comfort seat.perfect so far

[@RupeWilson]

@@burnttoast9890 I can ride for 1 to 2 hours with no issues. Most of my rides are less than 40 mins. Comfort is never an issue... my bike does everything and more... a new bike of the same cc is a waste of money. But it does look good, I will give it that..

[@leanit5756]

That very nice rear shock shown is not the one that comes with the bike.

[@chriswest2290]

I got 40k kilometres on a 2019 gen 2. Been absolutely awesome to own. No real issues.

[@stephenoclarke8703]

The objective is surely to get the young rider loyal to the brand for the bigger models

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Nice one Chad. Thanks mate!

[@snupermoto723]

I tested one last summer, but it was too close in performance to my DRZ400 supermoto to even consider. Which is strange, considering the DRZ is 20+ years old.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Why strange. Its a2 compatible.

[@nekonofuchan]

drz 40馬力 duke 45馬力

[@leanit5756]

I had a DRZ Supermoto and have been comparing as well. Nice bike. Picking up the Duke today. Duke weighs about 42 pounds more, though about 8.5 pounds of that is in extra fuel load. Maybe 10 more horsepower for the Duke? The Duke is cheaper ($1,600) and has an extra year of warranty (2 v 1). The Suzuki is undoubtably built with better QC. I do like ABS on street bikes (Duke) since year-round I deal with rain, moss, wet leaves, and vegetation close to the road side with lots of wildlife. I too expect the riding experience to be pretty similar. I am hoping the low CG on the Duke will mask the extra weight.

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

Im guessing those roads were as you say, dusty. Ive ridden the older model on track, admittedly it was on semi slicks. And mate, these things are a little weapon. No dramas scraping the pegs off. Only potential down side i see to the new model is they have gone away from linkage. I dont see an advantage there other than cost savings for the company and the weight on paper looks better. I have genuinely thought about buying one of these as a road bike. Just for round town and day rides. Just so much fun even for my nearly 40 year old frame.

[@michaelrieser9928]

I’m having trouble finding the 10 percent that is the same? The battery and the tool kit I guess. I wonder if you can beef the new engine up a bit, with mods.

[@ktkace]

would love to see a comp with the cfmoto NK450

[@jonomasonILoveU]

I`m 62 and got this bike $9550NZ, the blue one. I love kTm😁.

[@alwarren2653]

The first Duke 390 had different weight wheels for Europe and Asia, the Asian market wheels being heavier and sturdier. The Gen. 2 2017 Duke 390 standardised on the heavier wheels for all markets. Given the pothole strewn state of Britain's roads perhaps the heavier wheels of the Gen. 2 Duke 390 are more suitable?

[@Nathan_1492]

One of these would have to be a blast on a tight curvy road, considering this for a second bike in the garage. I do like the new look of it and I wonder how well the quick shifter works on this model.

[@asdbg]

Nice to see they didn't hold back much on the software side.

[@dylang4249]

Would anyone say this can go long distance? Maybe touring the US or traveling from US down to Panama?

[@AladinAhmedAli]

To be honest its just not a bike for that but his brother 390 Adventure is...

[@michaelrieser9928]

I could have gotten that 2023 390 duke for the same great deal $2000 off msrp. But I would have been buying a bike I didn’t love as much as the 2024 model. The 2024 is a better bike, even if you’re not an expert, you can put the two bikes side by side and you can see the 2024 is improved. Now, let’s talk about the deal. Either bike will cost about $2000 in set up fees, taxes, license etc. the 2023 is already $2000 off msrp. Maybe you can get them to take some off the 2024. For example: 2024 $6299 plus $2000 in fees is $8299. I think you could get them to do $8000. The 2023 is probably $4299 plus $2000 in fees coming to $6299. If you just bought the 200cc duke and your trading it in, you are probably not getting much for your trade in. But that’s normal. The 2024 duke will be worth more in 3 years because it is the new model. If you are financing over 4-5 years the payment is very similar for both bikes. Standard 9% interest for motorcycle loans. Don’t pay more! Pay lower interest if possible. Be patient and try and get them to meet your terms. It can be a little frustrating dealing with sales people. You have a 200cc bike to ride till you find a great deal on a bike you do want.

[@VuhanCODM]

Really Good interview, I'm sure im gonna buy this bike when i get my A licence.

[@MGman100]

I test rode this bike on Saturday. The engine was punchy, surprisingly good roll on in higher gears and it handled well. Downsides - vibes (Yes, I know it's a single) and it just felt too small and toy like for me. I'm trying to find a second bike to compliment my Tracer 9GT and thought this was going to be it. Maybe I ought to set my sights on a bigger engine size but I wanted something totally different. Or, maybe I ought to have another test ride in the dry instead of having to concentrate on awful weather conditions. BTW, in the UK a new 2023 MY 790 Duke is only £1300 more. Maybe a much more interesting proposition. 😊

[@leanit5756]

What is your height / weight? Curious about the bike's size. Haven't seen one in person.

[@MGman100]

@@leanit5756 I'm 6ft and 87kg.

[@adrianaldueza]

Good review! Pardon me for asking, 90 percent new? What's the other 10 percent then?

[@pauluap87]

The tires are that 10% :p

[@PwnstarUK]

I love these but the 790 is still for sale for about the same price!

[@snupermoto723]

790 is thousands more than the 390, $4500 here in Canada

[@nashrider]

@@snupermoto723it’s $7k in Texas.

[@michaelrieser9928]

I just got the 2024 390 duke. $6299 plus fees. I could have gotten the 2023 model for $2000 less about. The new one better in a lot of departments, the quickshifter is suppose to be on point. I did spot one 790 duke for one thousand more ($7299) but this was only at one place, most are $8000. But the reason I got the 390 is overall cost, ( price, service, gas, afterparts, everything is a fraction of the cost of say my 2008 superduke).

[@michaelcrouch5708]

Think the 790 is over £2k more here in UK.

[@Jones-xx2gc]

They have done a good job with the styling on this one. I have a 2021 version and looks very bland in comparison.

[@devilgames2217]

Nah bruv, gen2 > shit > gen3.

[@robertschuitema6242]

im 38 and i want one .

[@J2I3H]

Do it, lightweight bikes are awesome. Its shit that the masses put a beginner label on fun bikes.. how is horsepower related to age?

[@chaoshimura89]

Can i track it?

[@MA-gc2pc]

Hey comment fellas, wanna get this one as my first bike, what is your opinion as skilled bikers?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

It would make a brilliant first bike (based on riding the previous model, at least, I haven't ridden the new one yet). There's enough power to enjoy the being on a bike and to learn how to use all the gears and the full rev-range, but not too much that it overwhelms you. They are easy to manage, good in the corners without being too quick-steering and they have enough street-cred to attract some admirers when you park up. Steve R

[@Steve200300]

@MA-gc2pc I had an hour test ride on the new 2024 KTM390 Duke. I'd only been on the bike 5 mins pulled in to petrol station and a guy came up to me on his way back to the car and said nice looking bike mate. Highly recommend you take one for a test ride you will definitely want one.

[@benmartin6476]

It’s just a restyled bajaj Ktm is 50% owned by the Indian manufacturer and that’s where this came from

[@Steve-motorcycles]

Hello Chad, your everywhere nowadays 😂

[@Chad76Media]

😂

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Oh come on, Chad. You don't need hair where that 390 is going. You just need a Streetfighter V4 detox.

[@restomod79]

just the seat tho so uncomfortable

[@thecornishbiker9323]

People spend fortunes trying to make there groms go fast. Just buy a 390 duke and your there.

[@januarioapolinario9720]

My colleague has one and it feels cheap!

[@toth1981]

You forgot to mention as the competition the triumph 400

[@aps-pictures9335]

Definitely not going to be the same customer lol

[@Chad76Media]

Not the same customer. Good bike, but not the same rider aids or aggressive marketing

[@aps-pictures9335]

@@Chad76Media although I would love to see someone ragging a Triumph, doing wheelies and gymkhana like the best of them 😂

[@michaelrieser9928]

Triumphs are beautiful bikes, I had a speed triple and a 675r Daytona. Put them up against any Ducati, but these speed 400s are not in the same class as the 390 duke.

[@user-hq8wm8giyujcg]

we call it pocket rocket

[@johna6968]

Praises the quality of tyre. Slates the tyre.. Go figure

[@Chad76Media]

Usually bikes under 6k can have poor rubber. The std rubber is ok, but with sporty rubber it would be really fun

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Power 6’s aren’t cheap. Hence the comment from Chad as normally bikes, even more expensive ones, come with crap OEM rubber. Granted these Michelins are OEM versions possibly not as good as when you’d replace them however most riders won’t be able to tell the difference.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Power 6 are supposed to be sport tyres. Above road 6 , below power gp

[@Chad76Media]

The rubber is ok, but I didn't have 100% confidence to throw the bike on it's side. The 990 comes on Bridgestone which were better - but conditions were warmer @@Bow-to-the-absurd

[@michaelrieser9928]

I got a 990 superduke and the new 2024 ktm 390. I notice the crown on the 390 power 6 is more rounded, then my 990 power pilots. I’m six feet tall and the 390 has me way lower to the ground. It’s a lot easier for me to get sideways on the 990. I’m getting acclimated but the 990 superduke is definitely more for 6 foot tale riders versus the 390. I have twisties like the ones in the video in my back yard. (Northern California) that’s why I got the 390, value across the board and fast enough for those roads.

[@mundanus84imperium]

This bikes are build in China in the CF Moto / KTM factory not in India.

[@chriswest2290]

No hair

[@bennettsbikesocial]

You should see his back...

[@chriswest2290]

@@bennettsbikesocial must be a sore point. It always comes up in his videos.

[@user-hq8wm8giyujcg]

made with india with bajaj, made for india, made in india

[@marty1035]

I'd love one of these, but I can't imagine ever owning a bike with anything orange on it. KTM the worst manufacturer for colour options by a mile!

[@shaunmichaelcamaro5946]

thats ur opinion, your not the only buyer.

[@stickytoth5103]

No they ain’t the worst manufacturer for colours

[@PavanGangal]

I bought the blue one it looks cool but orange is more eye catcher i think.. It was though decision but went with blue.

[@devilgames2217]

Check out the 2023. They did orange very nicely on that one. The 2024 is not only ugly but they used too much orange and the blue one isn't much better.

[@santorini8423]

Gonna buy the blue one

[@ManofOneGod]

These bikes look absolutely fucking ridiculous in that colour.