2018 KTM 390 Duke Review | MC Commute

[@peterwolf885]

As an owner of a 2016 390 Duke with just over 5,000 miles on it I can report that I have had zero problems with the engine in any way. I think most of the problems with the 390's engine are with RC owners, I think the RC's body work restricts airflow, and being a sport bike I feel that people rev it out to the redline more than on the Duke. I can also report that the 2016 390 Duke doesn't mind touring on the interstate and fast highways for an extended period of time. I took a three day road trip with my Duke from Spokane, WA via Portland to the Pacific Ocean and back (you can watch the raw and mind numbingly boring footage on my channel) and it didn't complain once, even climbing a few thousand feet in altitude around the base of Mt. Hood didn't bother the little Duke. Overall I have to say it's a fantastic little bike.

[@MoDeG7]

I got it 6 monts now, 4000 km, unfortunately 1st time at 2000 the thermostat got stuck and the bike overheated on traffic light (fan didnt open,had to shut down the bike and call road assistant) now at 4000 km there was a weird noise in idle while the bike was cold ,i called the store and they told me to take it there with ktm road assistance...ill update what the problem was as iam waiting for them to check it. Its unfortunate because the bike is awesome in every aspect in the road. Edit update: the bike stayed 1 month in the store as he changed almost everything until he found that the problem was one of the belts.

[@whtcivic93]

Thanks for that detailed little review!

[@estoylaroca]

I think what's wrong here is, is that it seems (more like asserting) that you're experience = everyone else's experience. Fact of the matter is, KTM 390 (+ other models tbh) reliability is just garbage. That's just based on statistics and user reports. If you've got a pleasant experience, then more power to you, but let me just remind your position with an analogy. It's like a lottery winner saying "I've only bet once, and I can say that the lottery has a 100% win rate".

[@mitchellgehrmann4225]

I use to live in Oregon and I really appreciate your comment.picking mine up tomorrow 😍

[@iamf6641]

still not buying it as our climate is not cold like yours

[@danielthompson803]

Keep in mind the Duke is a world bike and Europe is its biggest market, engine sizes for the duke start at 125cc, 200cc, 250cc, 390cc then upwards as you have in the US. Europe has the 125cc and 390cc upwards,Latin America has the 200cc, 250cc and 390cc upwards as does India I believe.

[@udaisinghshekhawat383]

daniel thompson correct

[@udaisinghshekhawat383]

daniel thompson in india duke 200 is common squid bike

[@udaisinghshekhawat383]

Nazgul Witchking right even i did the same i went for fz instead

[@udaisinghshekhawat383]

Nazgul Witchking yes i would be great but its still fine for the price

[@TheMigasking]

daniel thompson and here in europe we have even better features! LED blinkers stock for exemple

[@thesigmaenigma9102]

I own a 2017 KTM 390. I ride it all over town, some high-way. It's incredibly comfortable and fun to ride. It's a light-weight bike and not intimidating at all, even for a beginner. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a smaller machine. It's all-around fantastic.

[@VisioRacer]

Agree. I've got myself a 2018 recently and I cannot stop loving if for the value it offers. Comfy and very fun, easy to chase bigger machines on a enough twisty road, heh.

[@salami99]

but what anout the maitmence, my only concern.

[@talkstory-andukulele-trave426]

Bought this for our son as his first bike. Perfect to start on and he loves it; I've ridden it a few times and it's a blast.

[@Skyline4017]

​@@salami99 services are every 7500 Km(4600 Miles) or 1 year(whichever comes first) and chain cleaning and lubing every 1000 km(600 miles) or sooner...depends how much you ride and on what type of terrain...service cost for me is from 80€ to 150€ but keep in mind i've only done 2 services on my bike because I don't ride that often...hope that helped a bit

[@logitechz3]

@@salami99 maintenance is as cheap as a single cylinder could be but the realiability is not. Check the forums if you dont trust what I say, the bike is a cheap made machine, with zip ties holding wires and cables to the chasis. Quality control is even worse, KTM did a recall for the front light turning off suddenly, tft screen getting wet or foggy and a bunch of more things, so is expensive for such a lack of quality.

[@1990-t1j]

My 2018 Duke 390 has been geared up. It has had an airbox mod which gives in more low-down shove. It sets off fast, has a powerful mid-range and feels relaxed at highway speed. It is very comfortable. My last bike was a Suzuki B-King.

[@theflyingmozart]

the first edition of the duke was and is my dream bike. I bought it 2 seasons ago, never had any issues with it reliability wise. the fans do come on often at red lights on summer days, but my akra muffler covers the sound pretty efficiently. I am literally in love with it, recommend it to anyone, who has an a2 license, or is a beginner.

[@6Twisted]

I wonder how much petrol gets wasted on the constant stop/starting at stop signs... You people need more roundabouts.

[@rzu7120]

6Twisted Death circles

[@MalcolmCir]

Efficient, yes. But this is Irvine, California. Drivers barely tolerate merging onto the 405, let alone at a roundabout. Zack would never make it to the office... 😅

[@6Twisted]

Roundabouts cause 39% less collisions than T/X junctions (Wikipedia) while also being faster. Mainly because the traffic all goes the same way on a roundabout instead of crossing paths so you only have to look one way for traffic. As a biker I feel safer using a roundabout than I do passing a car waiting to pull out of a T junction.

[@Fallon1286]

Never saw a roundabout in SoCal. Working now in the midwest where they are more common in smaller cities

[@dennyf01]

I guess you've never seen a U.S. driver try to negotiate a roundabout. We can screw up anything.

[@mattm7970]

I just bought a 2017 left over at a steal yesterday! I’m in love 😍 Best bike for your money with all the tech it has!

[@dukeofrocjohnson3390]

Absolutely!! Enjoy! I've had mine since last August and it is phenomenal.

[@yousefdeeb01]

What about now? Is it reliable?

[@Ciki92]

for how much

[@AlexS-jo1bz]

@@yousefdeeb01 ive had one for half a year now. Never had any problems with it

[@the.communist]

"At a steal" i doubt it

[@Brad-RB]

Zach, the MC Commute series is great. The only thing it would nice to learn about is the factory warranty for the bikes you ride. Especially when the bike has known reliability issues. Thanks for the great reviews.

[@Sinister_fartbox]

Ktm is a big red flag 🚩

[@ap7625]

@@Sinister_fartbox why’s that I’m looking to buy one next month. For day to day first time rider too

[@Sinister_fartbox]

@@ap7625 I’m seriously saying that you are far better of with another manufacturer. Ktm can be a gamble. And they are very pricey for what you are getting

[@The.JZA.]

I bought a 2nd hand 2020 Duke 390 in white with only 1,230km on it a month ago. I've done 1,000km on it since then and I am absolutely loving it. It's such an eager little bike. It loves flicking left and right between corners and the little engine with short gearing means you can thrash it and have fun shifting through the gears without going ridiculous speeds. My last bike was a 2019 MT07 LAMS. For those that don't know, in New Zealand and Australia we have learner approved bikes AKA LAMS approved and there is a CC limit of 660cc and a power to weight ratio limit so the learner approved version of the MT07 is 655cc and has restrictions in the airbox and throttle so that its power is limited to 52Hp and 57Nm. The Duke is so much more fun than the MT07 LAMS because the suspension and chassis is way more sporty and nimble and the engine is unleashing its full potential. The MT07 LA has lots of torque but it feels strangled when you try to rev it out because of the restrictions and when you start pushing in corners it starts to bounce around on its cheap suspension. The Duke is way more fun and composed if you want to ride hard. The MT07 is smoother and has more torque so its a better cruiser that can still get a bit sporty. Also I am 6'4" (194cm) tall and I fit comfortably on the Duke. It's easy to ride, nice adjustable levers and it just feels premium for such a cheap bike. It really is an awesome little ripper. There's a reason why they call it the corner rocket.

[@tombartram7384]

This has to be the most chilled "rush-hour" anywhere in the world.

[@sarahdell4042]

Thank you for addressing the reliability. I got rid of mine, due to it having so many issues. KTM only covers the engine,swingarm, and frame under warranty. This is straight from their site: PARTS COVERED BY THE WARRANTY This warranty covers only the engine, frame and swingarm. No other components of the motorcycle are covered by any warranty, expressed or implied and are sold “as is”. I got sick of dealing with it constantly being down, and things not being under warranty and hoping for "good will" I will never own another KTM

[@hansthurfjell]

i dont understand the bad reliability thing people keep getting in the US, here in europe you see plenty of "kottar" (what we call them in sweden "pinecones") and here there is very little complaining about reliability, also in asia, more specifically india people keep comparing the reliability to that of honda, we simply dont get what the US market gets

[@sonamk301]

Sarah Dell honestly here in India we don't have a reliability problem.... It cannot be compared to h Japanese but there aren't any reliability issues

[@sarahdell4042]

The first year they came out, radiator fans were failing and head gaskets were going. I know a few street ridden bikes that have had head gasket failures, and a gearbox failure. People who have been racing these, have had endless issues. Take a look at all the issues Ari from this publication has had when he owned his. His issues are not isolated, many others have all had these issues. If you're just riding slowing in traffic, and have a shorter commute these might not have any issues? But here our highway speeds are 70+ MPH.

[@hansthurfjell]

well here in europe and in india we really dont get that... even longer commutes, you guys in the US seem to get the short end of the stick, or its the climate you guys have

[@sonamk301]

Sarah Dell in India 390 duke is touring delight.... Here they take it Offroading, long long highway touring and my god commuting in OUR TRAFFIC( 700 % more traffic than the video you watched) and eventually race track too... But still it is pretty good...

[@alanmurphy9263]

401 vs 390 duke. With the 401 you'll have to stop at every fuel station 9.5l tank vs 13.7. Makes it an easy choice to make

[@friedchickengossip]

15:55 - 16:22 I'd be fine just watching you ride it like this for a few minutes. Raw.

[@scott4538]

MC Commute and On Two Wheels are the best productions on youtube, keep up the great work!

[@marcomendoza8278]

I love getting compliments on how great my Duke looks! People often get surprise at how affordable it is

[@justinhermann9584]

Finally a no bs american review. And someone that actually knows how to accelerate

[@6iths3nse]

Will you do a review on the new 2018 MT 07? I am very interested in that bike and would love to see a review from ya.

[@entropede]

Second this

[@ikbendusan]

i've got one 😎

[@Adam-ce2fe]

Review it for us

[@mcdick]

I think they already did the XRS700 which is retroish version of MT-07 with more tech. And looks better than that spacebug :D.

[@6Twisted]

@Matti - The 2018 MT07 has tweaked suspension and some other changes.

[@manybikes]

Its not just me! I "cancel" the turn signals sooooooo many times in a ride. Just because... 2:03 after the stop sign (didn't even turn) the signals were cancelled and then again at 2:37, 2:39, 2:41 and 2:46. Turned ON at 2:57 and then Off 3:08 and 3:10. 3:49, 3:50, 3:51, 3:53. Love it!

[@BurlyNerdGetsTheWorm]

This is better and more informative than other other review I've found, especially because this is how the majority of us are interested in using this machine. Thank you!

[@Sporttourer]

Would like to see a 2018 SV650 (ABS) commute

[@anonmotorider9997]

This ^^ I guess SV650X (the cafe racer'd version) would be okay too if they don't want to rehash the SV650 given that they covered it on an On Two Wheels episode.

[@Cheezmonka]

Saaaaaame here. I want to know his thoughts

[@Adam-ce2fe]

I rode the new sv650 today, the seat is like sitting on a brick wall but apart from that it's great

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Don't think the SV650 has changed since their prior review/comparo. And yes the seat is very narrow and extremely hard. They scalloped it out to reduce the reach to the ground, and it lost all comfort in the process. Compared to the 2003-2009 model, the seat is a joke.

[@arjenbootsma6881]

12:32: "Oh man, freaking motorcycle didn't trigger the light" That happens way too often at way too many intersections, and it's incredibly annoying.

[@InvictvsNox]

I'd take this over the RC390 or Ninja 400 any day. And as much as I love the Vitpilen 701, I'd take this over the Svatpilen 401. Do wish they'd do something about the dash on both Huskies tho.

[@mcdick]

What's wrong with the dash? It's way more classy than the LCD in these. Personally I really don't like the LCDs vs old school mechanical meters. I'm seriously harboring a major bike-boner. Tomorrow is major driving day in local shop with 701 Svartpilen there. I plan also to test R9T, Z900 RS and XRS 900.

[@InvictvsNox]

Never even ridden a euro bike. I'm purely going off of aesthetics here. If you want unquestionable reliability, go Japanese. What's wrong with the dash? I've only seen pictures, but I'm not a fan. I prefer old school guages too, but I've had a LOVELY experience with the round but digital and info-dense dash of the Yamaha XSR900. Comparing the XSR900 dash to the Svart/Vitpilen's, I don't even think it's a question of who wins the aesthetic race there.

[@mcdick]

Few friends have 690 Enduro R:s and KTM is the most sold marque here in Finland. They aren't really even spitting distance of reliable, but that's hardly their point. They are great bikes, but you really need to be able to wrench them by yourself. Interestingly it doesn't even mess with varranty :D.

[@mcdick]

@InvictvsNox Plan to test XSR900 tomorrow. Not fan on Japanise bikes because I don't really care about the reliablity ( I handle my own wrenching), however it's kinda like the exception to rule as it's pretty good looking.

[@InvictvsNox]

I'd rather ride than wrench myself, but I test rode one (vid on my channel) and that thing was just... a razor blade with a brutally ready to go, but just as happy to be calm powerplant. Insane compared the the Triumph Street triple which had zero chill whatsoever.

[@karlshewchuk6463]

I'm patiently waiting for the day Zack is 10/10 stoked on some mirrors.

[@gregreynolds5576]

Love these MC commutes. This is real world info from guys that can ride. Really useful, thanks!

[@realsteel5899]

I'm happy you like it too, I got mine about two weeks ago, and thus far, I'm really enjoying going to work and then some 😊

[@santoyusof3310]

had it since last year December. Cept for the fugly stock mirrors and the noisy radiator fan, this bike is so much fun. petrol consumption is quite reasonable . 28km/l .

[@StewartHiggins]

Just got over the 1000km mark on my 2017 Duke today(got it with 0km on April 21st). Loved every minute so far. Absolutely perfect little commuter bike. Seems to get a lot more attention than small displacement Japanese bikes too. At no point does it feel or look cheap either, which is great considering it was only $7000CAD out the door. Hopefully the reliability issues don't come into play for me, at least not for another two seasons when I replace it with an ADV.

[@mechashiva8328]

The people have demanded and Zack has provided. Thank you for this video.

[@Renzsu]

I had one of these for a year. At 6’1, it was an easy fit, after riding for more than 45 mins, my knees did start to hurt though. I would’ve liked lower pegs. Also the painted black hardware on the bike (gas cap, switchgear housing, various bolts) needed good rustproofing. In that respect you can see that it’s a budget friendly bike. Highway riding is pretty bad as well, the bike is too nervous and leaves little power to do confident overtakes. Keep it off the highway and you’re fine. Fun bike though.

[@xtek95]

Got my Duke 390 last summer, love it. She's my daily commuter. I do agree Zack they could have Added a tooth on the counter sprocket, might remedy some of the buzzing in the footpegs at highway speeds. Love your reviews, great job!

[@MrKnightlore]

Hey man, do you still have the 390? any problems with it?

[@brunske11]

Picked up my 2017 ktm duke 390 this past spring for 4,400 dollars new at a dealer. Have rode 4k miles this summer on it. Have even gone on 6 hour rides across Ohio. I love this bike and at the time I cant find a better bike for the money. It was a great learner bike and I haven't found myself tired of it yet.

[@hyoseok1121]

yeah I think its perfect commuter cause 390cc makes it really easy to commute everywhere

[@valtteri1520]

David kim Only if you commute on highways, literally every single video of this bike is it overheating.

[@Pomoz7]

No, that's not true. I commute on it every day in SIngapore and it is fine.The fan comes on when you are at low speeds in traffic, but it doesn't overheat. In Singapore it is always 30 degrees plus, all day and most of the night. I spend most of my time at speeds less than 50 km. It is just a awesome, fun little bike. You can manoeuvre through traffic like a boss because it is so nimble and easy to balance through tight space. When you do get on freeway it has enough grunt to allow easy overtaking at highway speeds. I love this bike and having rides a whole bunch of other bigger machines lately, I have even more respect for its great little torquey engine (not the sound though, I mean its an awful sound).

[@INLUVWITASTRIPER]

I have the final version of the previous generation. Zero issues.

[@the14thearlofgurney84]

Owned one in Uk for 7k miles. Never gone over half way on gauge but fan kicks in early and is noisy. A bit embarrassing at lights but no worse. To reassure Indian market from last 390 I heard...

[@MrBrenno25]

I just bought the ktm 390 2021. It has a horrible halloween (orange black) color. But besides that, i love the bike. I will paint the rear wheel black matte

[@badco27]

They need to start adding gps on to dashes like that there is definitely room for it and I think it would be an interesting and highly useful thing

[@albertohs8]

Between the cb500f and the 390 Duke, which one would you choose for freeway and city drive?

[@Adam-ce2fe]

2018 FZ/MT07 next?

[@doubdoesntknow]

They are all called MT07 now, even in the states

[@Adam-ce2fe]

I herd that I was not sure if it was true, thanks.

[@sansfreedom1629]

Douglas Wilander Still the FZ07 but is the MT09 now for some reason. Confirmed it with my dealer

[@disekjoumoer]

It's MC Commute with Zack, therefore I like.

[@bfarm44]

Take the whole rear subframe off and paint it orange but that’s me and I most certainly would. Tail tidy, werks exhaust with cat delete pipe, power commander, air box cap and maybe different tires I’d have to ride on those before deciding they need improvement

[@davidtsw]

I'm looking into buying a 300 cc bike in near future and the 390 Duke is my favorite. A proper motorcycle that doesn't look "small" at all. But with all the reports of reliability issues I don't think I can risk it, especially where I live. Which is a shame because the other 300cc bikes all have low seats which is something I hate.

[@bretthawton]

KTM NA will lie to you on the phone but after my motor blew head gasket, water pump, and clutch they wouldn't stand behind the warranty work that failed a couple miles after the warranty expired. They made some changes to the stator, cylinder barrel, cylinder head, and clutch over the last couple years so we'll see if that addressed the reliability problems...

[@mogumede8211]

You *can* go through controlled left turn; just be prudent about it. It's in the vehicle code.

[@the14thearlofgurney84]

Great review. Love mine. Test rode 790. Wouldn't swap. Work of art and practical

[@ashrefalmoosa2442]

I have a 390 and was thinking of shifting to 790. Unfortunately I have no option of test driving the 790. Curious about what made you come to that conclusion. I’m bothered by vibrations I get from foot pegs and handlebars otherwise its a great bike.

[@angelite143]

That bike is surprisingly stable on highways with little vibration. Too bad it faces some issues about reliability. It's made in India not Austria so could be the reason?

[@kam1996]

I love this channel. been riding for nearly 30 yrs, ex-CCS/Wera racer and yet I can relate to your commentary, that says a lot. Good job.. Keep um coming. One request: can you guys do a video on RnineT standard or cafe racer? I see one video on the scrambler but thats it. Thank you

[@ryanvallieu594]

The bike is great - my wife owns one. The "adjustable" levers are not very adjustable and they are waaaay too far away for people with small hands. Owners should get a TFT screen protector. The latest screen update is 5V41 from KTM - fixes some of the blank screen issues owners have had with earlier versions. The KTM MyRide application connection software is typically an upcharge on the bike - depends on the dealer how much they charge for the install it seems. Without it you cant do any of the cool phone connection, music control things Zack is talking about.

[@simosmaximos3642]

5:48 just me, after like 9 months, now I want a 690... But I still love my 390 just pure fun

[@shhmule]

There's the 200 Duke in New Zealand and Australia which is ideal for beginners. It's not recommended for beginners to jump straight onto a 390, as it's at the high end of the learner approved power to weight ratio.

[@greatkingrat]

It’s 2022 and I’m going to buy a new 2022 model. I have a GSXS750 which is about twice the cost (one you get a seat and exhaust) so the new KTM will be my daily commuter and the GSXS for the twisties.

[@davyboycolon530]

I would most definitely go for the duke , I'm a naked bike kinda guy ...

[@dinshawmagol7793]

Love you guys for doing this bike Thx a lot zack!!!

[@FragEightyfive]

Mirrors vibrate more or less depending on the fastener torque. Night and day on the Versys by loosening or snugging up the nuts.

[@VegasVolt3ya9a]

How often do you want to trigger the blinker-reset button, buddy? ...

[@Cheezmonka]

I prefer my CB500f to this personally, for reliability, comfort, fuel economy, tank size, and nearly equivalent torque.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Wish the 500 Honda bikes weren't so heavy and revved about 2-3k higher. Oh, and 499cc would be nice.

[@Cheezmonka]

Lifted_Above Yeah, if they lost like twenty to thirty pounds and went to like 11k, I'd be happy.

[@anxiousappliance]

It's a great and wonderfully fun bike. Loved mine.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

My other reference point was a 1993 EX500 Kawasaki my brother owned. He had a Stage 7 Dynojet kit installed, K&N filter pods, and Cobra F1R pipes. That little beastie absolutely flew. 120+ wasn't out of the question. And then we have the low-revs, 420 pound 471cc tractor Honda makes. They aren't anywhere near the same experience. I preferred the EX500 a lot more. 54 hp was about it's range (outside of tuning). That's 6-8 hp more than the Honda and a good deal less weight.

[@StreetHawk2020]

Good all around assessment. I've ridden the rc390 on a KTM demo while actually wanting to try the Duke. I missed out on the Duke 390 because the event host cracked part of the exposed cases on a concrete drop off mishap. The reputation for head gaskets would leave me a bit spooked and unsure with the nearest dealer 100 miles away.

[@SauravMohanV]

I was waiting for the whole time to see if you can back it in.... 390 duke > ninja 400 > rc390 > vitpilen 401

[@williamherron9365]

These bikes supposedly benefit alot form higher gearing. Supposed to smoothe out the throttle and make em less buzzy. Better cruising rpm on highway too.

[@LizardMane]

Are the newer duke 390 more reliable?

[@llerradish]

You could have talked about how the display changes from day mode to night mode how it blinks and changes color at redline. You could have mentioned how is it goes back to road mode when it is shut off and started....how the blinker indicator looks like a hazard light indicator.

[@omura00]

When its out. I hope to see you compare this to kawasaki’s z400. Great content good sir.

[@deepakprakash7447]

Wheelie at 16:00 was fantastic

[@ChronicTHCBlaze]

MV agusta F4 is that possible guys?

[@davidgolden6068]

seeing you split traffic at 20mph is wild. I can kinda see why that's not legal everywhere lol. great review!

[@125conman]

12:30 made me laugh. i grew up on a tw200 (also weighing 135 as a teen didnt help much either) and that happened ALL the time

[@mickeypopa]

Nice little Husktmarna 390 Dukepilen. 👍

[@AKS-wn2qz]

Would you in any point do a MC commute on the triumph bobber??I think it's a great bike and needs an mc commute 😉

[@samgab]

Having a little bit of buyers remorse, maybe. I got the Yamaha MT-03 321cc (which is a naked version of the R3 which you guys don't get in 'Murica), but for just a little bit more I could've gotten the 390 Duke, which I was really tempted to get. I really like my little MT-03, but there's something about that baby Duke, and I'm a sucker for all those gimmicks like the LED headlights, colour LCD dash, ride by wire throttle, etc.

[@GabooN]

I was considering this and the Honda CB500F. Ended up going with the Honda, because of reliability, and proximity of dealers/shops for service if needed. But if a bump in power too and was given a good deal on the Honda.

[@maanyashukla370]

Its such a beautiful town. Here in India, people never wait for anyone, you could get runover if you don't run while crossing the road.

[@ratrodramblin]

Cant wait until you do the husky svartpilen 401. Sick bike.

[@bobshaw8487]

I look forward to your review on the new Royal Enfield 650 twins.

[@LLG47]

Nobody really does it, because it is so rare, but you should commute on the Yamaha SR400. Respect that bike heritage!

[@4-n52]

Instead of Sena Bluetooth my brain heard Son of Bluetooth and thought, wow must be a new tech oriented MC.

[@muhammedroshank625]

Glad to see my bike here :D

[@shadw008]

Finally, had presumed you guys are skipping the 2018 Duke 390. Been waiting for this since RC 390 you guys did earlier. Also, not sure about the height, I'm 6'2" it seems perfect, my roommates 5'4",he can barely put both his foot down.

[@Brancovtn65]

Bharathesh Acharya I have 30 inch inseam and I can only get the balls of my feet with both legs. But with one foot on the side it’ll flatten out.

[@the14thearlofgurney84]

790 is lower seat height than 390 (!) so maybe go for that. Am 6' 2" and feel a bit oversize on my 390. Knees slightly bent, feet planted. There is a lower seat option if I remember. Would love to be 3 stone lighter so look on the bright side you short bikers😂

[@jonathanwearne]

Another good MC Commute episode, thank you. I have a question that arises from living in different market, Japan. How does the duke 390 ride contrast with a Kawasaki Z650, as the new on road cost is the same in Japan. I’m looking for a smaller machine for the wide open throttle grin factor. I’m unable to test either and wonder if the Z650 has too much power. My general riding would be similar to Zack’s commute. I’m more drawn to the Z650, but my experience is on 30hp trail bikes. I’m 5’11and 220 pounds ride weight and fit both bikes ergonomics.

[@jonathanwearne]

Zack Courts, thank you for your advice and experience. I feel encouraged and I will plan a visit to my local dealer and see if I can organise a Z650.

[@dawnrazornephilim]

I can't get over how quiet the roads are in America, no cars, no people, it's a ghost town.

[@vinityadav1764]

Hey Zack! Could you pl suggest between Kawasaki versys 300 & BMW 310 GS. Also is it advisable to get into adventure tourer catagory on these small displacement bikes. Mi ride will be mostly commute, weekend ride on highway around 150 km, occasionally long tour 500km, and some fun on trails. Am I looking at correct bikes if not pl suggest. Thank you

[@sen7882]

Good video, and I wonder if it is comfortable to have a back seat person

[@abymathew295]

This is awesome...i just was watching Ari reviewing Duke 390 a year ago for the 100th time this video just poped up....LOL

[@coolharry001]

Aby Mathew can u please link me that video

[@smugslug995]

Had one for a season. Very cool little bike. Still kinda sucks for a daily commute, since with the thumper you have to constantly shift around to keep it happy. They somehow managed to ruin the torque around 4-5tsd rpm (I belive because of Euro4/License restrictions and thus compromised airbox design), but above those 5k the 44hp kick in nice. Also you surely can take it for longer distance rides at freeway speeds, but that is not what it is made for. Handling is unbeatable tho and could I have 2 bikes, this would be my choice as a training/track/beater bike.

[@LukeTheDuke93]

Good review. I'd love to see a review of the new Tuono!

[@bryanfuel]

15:32 Holy crap, I work at that building. What a small world

[@ankitkasi5595]

Here in India the Ninja 400 costs almost double of the Duke 390, pretty easy choice here...

[@patw9175]

Gee I wonder why...

[@jaguarjack4366]

2018 FZ/MT 07 next plz

[@AJKinetic1]

For what it's worth. I have the 390 and the fan does run a lot. It does however do it's job. The bike never gets hot. I was in Vegas at 100 degrees the other day and the fan never shut off but the bike never went past about 3/5 of the gauge.

[@graysonhardy2139]

AJKinetic1 good to know

[@flip_moto]

spal fan runs quieter and blows towards back instead of left leg - best $65 upgrade.

[@Pomoz7]

I have the same experience in Singapore. At least 30 degrees every day, but it never overheats. You only hear the fan when you are stopped, but it does the job.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Powercommander with a good map would fix the heat issue. It's running lean from factory (emissions Euro4, the like).

[@INLUVWITASTRIPER]

I have the final version of the previous generation. Zero issues. Weird they came back with this generation....

[@udaysinghrathore6340]

Dear sir, It will be really appreciated of you made a video on MC Commute RC 390. Thank you.

[@gizeright]

My duke does the same...Don't wait for the light Zack..Go straight and make a U-turn or if nobody is there(obviously no cops ) make a left when oncoming traffic clear!

[@retishsuresh4270]

Can you please tell me which bike is very enjoyable to ride duke 390 or rc 390... ???

[@Hobinator17]

Duke has more of an upright sitting position, good for street and commuting use. The RC is a more angled, leaned forward seating position, which is why track guys like it.

[@moneyfilters8706]

Please answer a question.. if you have the option to buy honda cb500f or ktm duke 390 .. which on would you buy.. ??

[@windridermaui]

Have you had any problems with the screen showing signs of moisture/condensation under the display? I have a 2019 KTM 390 Duke, use it to commute and enjoy riding it. Just been having issues with the display. Even on a sunny day, theres condensation build up!

[@ilyanleeoster3296]

Awesome review, as always! How about a review of the CB300R when it's available?

[@ryvoltz]

"The KTM 390 Duke or the Ninja 400?" IMO, the answer is easy: NINJA, FFS! LOL! Maybe I'm not the best person to say so, because I love sport bikes, I love Kawasaki and I love every Ninja I've ridden so far. Excellent video, guys!

[@fu8115]

ryvoltz duke 390 are made in India that's why it lacks in quality issue. I will definitely choose ninja 400 for more power and better quality .

[@ryvoltz]

I get that, but it goes beyond the build quality for me. I'd easily have the RC 390 instead of the Duke 390 because of the fairing. But I'd easily have just about any Kawasaki over any KTM (really any one this time). I just love Kawasakis.

[@Nexus-6]

KTM North America - "PARTS COVERED BY THE WARRANTY This warranty covers only the engine, frame and swingarm. No other components of the motorcycle are covered by any warranty, expressed or implied and are sold “as is”." Combined with all the existing quality issues with KTM's, no thanks. KTM is a "premium brand", and you are essentially on your own when things go south with your bike.

[@TheTwinPost]

With the price difference of almost 2.5 times in my country....Ninja400 doesn't make much of a sense... Z650 costs a whisker more than Ninja 400 here....so I'd rather go for Z650 with that sort of a budget.

[@ryvoltz]

I could agree with you a little more if I didn't mind not having full fairing - wind protection is important to me. But after I saw that the Ninja 400 and the Z650 have very similar perfomance figures, I don't think I'd spend my money on the Z650.

[@daretheballoon]

Where are you riding at? So many pedestrians and bikers around. Looks like a nice place to live at.

[@vasansb]

Honda CB300r or Duke 390?. Which would you suggest for light touring and urban rides. Will duke be reliable enough?

[@oso1165]

kawi needs to make a naked ninja 400..

[@terryjohn]

kawasaki needs to close down,friggin trite

[@SonoranSunriders]

Moto Guzzi V7 III, ​please!

[@nabilzayed5933]

What gear you were in, when you were on the highway and going about 78 mph, and what rpm did the bike have at that time? ( Do you think it is easy for the bike to handle a 2-hour highway cruising ? )

[@Czarek1]

Nice review, great riding skills. Good man 👌

[@danmurphy1994]

Based on Motorcyclist Magazine MC Commutes' provided (measured in house) specifications: '18 Kawasaki Ninja 400 - 8.5681293303 Pounds per horsepower '18 KTM 390 Duke - 8.6893203883 Pounds per horsepower This is a 0.121191058 pound per hp difference. So in other words, while the Ninja's 0-60mph time, quarter mile time and trap speed, as well as higher displacement and top speed may suggest, the Duke is actually not a slower bike in real world riding scenarios - in fact - the KTM should feel more ready to boogey than the Ninja as it has shorter gearing in order to provide owners of the 390 Duke similar riding characteristics and overall dynamic feel of the powertrain found in the higher displacement KTM Duke lineup, just a lot less pedigree in the engine and a lot less likely to land you in the hospital should your nuts outweigh your brain at any time.