User Review of 390 Duke ABS [2013-2016] by Varghese Paul

The ktm duke 390 is a good bike an all-round performer. Light, agile, versatile, and super strong, the ktm duke 390 is the all-around perfect choice i ever made it is comfortable on the road, even at high speeds. It's too much fun when the road gets twisty because of all that power from the engine and the grip from the tires.

About the Reviewer

Actually I have been owning this bike for more than one year. I am using this as a daily ,touring and etc. It have been my best companion in my life. This is a such a great beast with more power. This have been my first bike in my life. For a beginners this may not be their first step. I am happy that I have spend money for worthy motorcycle.

About the Reviewer

SuperbNice bikeSuper brake High-speed Light weightFashionSuper DRL Good seatSuperb indicators sound made from the radiator is ver sound the fuel capacity is increased to 13.5 litres larger tank came with the new design is very goodThe new changes also increased 7kg to the overall weight of the duke390

About the Reviewer

- i was struggling between re gt 535 and this bike initially. But, buying this bike was pretty awesome. Got it in 12th day since booking, tough i wasn't in hurry (was told to wait for atleast a month). - king of highways, no doubt. Crosses 100kmph within seconds. I liked how it zoom passed many bikes. Have ridden this machine 765kms in a day and comfort was unexpected (in a good way). - this mean machine is famous for its power & looks. Honestly, it attracted me with its looks. Performance wise it is preferable for highways as in mumbai traffic i have experienced atacama heat. I have also ridden it in chocked up traffic with shorts & slippers on, and trust me you don't want to experience hellfire. - service cost cost is on moderate side in terms of cost. Replacement of tyres in 12000-15000kms will cost you around rs.16500 - rs.19000. After completion of free services it costs you around rs.3700/- to 5000/-approx.Only problem i faced is the screw from the engine guard broke thrice, i tried replacing it with good quality s.S. One but even that comes loose (it depends on bike to bike as my friend with duke 250 didn't faced this problem at all) - pros: looks, power & comfort - cons: mileage (19-22 in city congestion & 22-27 on highways), tft screen - it turns off suddenly sometimes. Also it is pretty costly.

About the Reviewer

Well let me start with negative points.1) engine vibration- right from start, all the time you sit on it. 2) sound- horrible, if you stay in a busy neighborhood, you will be ashamed to start the bike.3) engine heating - it will burn your thigh and knee area, if you get stuck in traffic. Also engine shuts down sometimes because of heating. Pretty embarrassing.4) my own bike has starting problem from very first day. Even after servicing parts.5) seat is rock hard. Up to 60-70 speed you will feel almost every pebble on the road. Shock-absorber is non existent up to those speeds. So barely you can sit on it little more than an hour.6) there is some issue with fuel pumps. They do not last long and they will cost around 4000 rs. Now about positive points 1) mind boggling acceleration. If you are not strong and fit, this is not the bike for you. In traffic signals, when light goes green, few times i twisted the throttle to full and every other bikes, cars faded away, every time. 2) gearing ratio is ok. Although first gear is too short, almost never used it. In third gear you can leave the throttle, eat pizza and roam around the city at ~25 kph. Cruising is possible fourth gear at 40 kph , in fifth gear 50 kph and in 6th gear 60 kph.In 6th gear from 60 to 100-110 kph vibration is minimum, you can cruise for long hours (only the hard seat will not let you), although not as good as a perfect cruiser but manageable.3) if you can ride a bicycle then with this you can hit the corners like motogp racers (that is the feeling you will have). This is the thing, i guess the bike is made for,4) the engine braking along with actual braking is decent enough and it saved my life few times. 5) mileage - !!! yes it is mileage. In city i consistently got 26 kpl. And in highway tour, which i have made only one, i have got more than 37 kpl. But this is from calculation, not exact reading (reading gave 32 kpl in last 100 km, in that i believe 40 km was inside city and rest on highway).This is a damn good engine for touring. That is what exactly bajaj did, they made dominiar 400 with this engine.Just an advice- if you own a car or a bike, you need to treat it as a living being and take care accordingly.

About the Reviewer

Actually i have been owning this bike for more than one year . I am using this as a daily ,touring and etc. It have been my best companion in my life.This is a such a great beast with more power. This have been my first bike in my life. For a beginners this may not be their first step. I am happy that i have spend money for worthy motorcycle.

About the Reviewer

It’s a great bike and the popular name ‘rocket’ suits so well. May not be a daily commute in mumbai and delhi kinda traffic but a great bike for fun ride on some days. Gets hot if driven with frequent brakes and slow moving traffic and radiator’s voice is uncomfortable at times. Bike is fun to ride on free roads and very safe because of awesome abs brakes. Stops like a tamed elephant. Super pick up and smooth gear shifts. Seat a bit better than previous version but still hard for long commutes. Over all good bike.

About the Reviewer

Best in 300 to 400 cc category, amazing pick up, you can reach 170 km/h with few minutes. I ride this bike on track also and get best corner experience. Abs is also good compare to other bike. Look is best in class, you will feel power when you accelerator, he will immediate response on speed. .. Amazing.

About the Reviewer

I have owned a passion & pulsar 180 before the duke 390.. After the pulsar, i wanted to upgrade, back then i always saw myself as a guy who would prefer a laid-back cruiser and just glide around.. :d and an obvious choice then was the 'thunderbird' (not surprised are you? ;) ) i got to know of the duke 390 from my friends who had it then (those were the ones w/o the slipper clutch) and during one of those "orange rides" (which ktms organize) i got a chance to ride both the duke 390 and the rc 390.. I was in awe of that power which i wasn't used to and that adrenaline rush, it took me a while to get used to that.. Let me honest, it did freak me out... Second encounter was during one of the rides to hp (shoja), i was on my pulsar 180 and the two friends of mine on their duke 390s; riding at an easy pace towards chd, those guys making sure i am on their trail.. But the moment we hit the himalayan expressway the two dukes took off like rockets dropping me like a stone..!!! it felt humiliating (face-palm)... That was the moment when i decided to buy this mean machine and nothing else.. Bought it in 2015 (that's when the slipper clutch came) and been riding it since.. Most of the kms clocked on the odo are from rides..

The bike is very agile and light… and has the go-to-anywhere ability.. I have pushed the bike to its limit and what it does is takes me to my destinations in one piece… i had never imagined me leaning on the curves/apexes, but the duke 390 taught me those (courtesy those metzelers) and with each and every ride, i can feel i am getting confident.. The servicing – maintenance of the bike after such rides does not burn a big hole in your pocket at all, even when i have had certain incidents.. A major plus point.. I know how many times i have breath sigh of relief after seeing the bill.. The power delivery is spot on, that 43 bhp power is enough to give you goosebumps.. Even in traffic one can easily navigate at lower speeds..

It’s a very distinct bike.. The ‘orange’ on it and the ‘sputtering firing’ catches everyone’s attention and people actually turn their heads to see.. On most of my rides, the locals come upto me enquiring about the bike, the tech specs and even asked to have their picture clicked with the bike.. Hahaha.. On a recent trip to mana (the last indian village in uttarakhand); one of the local boys excitedly comes to me and asks, “bhaiya kya ye duke waali bike hain?? maine suna hai iske baare me” (“is this bike the duke? i have heard about this bike!!”)

The flip side what i can think of on the top of my mind would be the space for the pillion.. It’s a little too cramped.. So riding with a pillion would be slightly uncomfortable and other issue is the heat from the engine especially when you are in traffic, you can feel the heat coming onto your legs.. If you can look past that, nothing to worry about.. That’s all i can think off.. Summing it up, those who want an adventure machine, which will take you to almost everywhere without having to worry what damage it will do this is the machine to buy.. Most importantly all the goodies packed into this and at the price it’s at makes it totally a “value for money” buy..

Happy riding! :)

About the Reviewer

The ktm duke 390 is a good bike an all-round performer. Light, agile, versatile, and super strong, the ktm duke 390 is the all-around perfect choice i ever made it is comfortable on the road, even at high speeds. It's too much fun when the road gets twisty because of all that power from the engine and the grip from the tires.

About the Reviewer

Actually I have been owning this bike for more than one year. I am using this as a daily ,touring and etc. It have been my best companion in my life. This is a such a great beast with more power. This have been my first bike in my life. For a beginners this may not be their first step. I am happy that I have spend money for worthy motorcycle.

About the Reviewer

SuperbNice bikeSuper brake High-speed Light weightFashionSuper DRL Good seatSuperb indicators sound made from the radiator is ver sound the fuel capacity is increased to 13.5 litres larger tank came with the new design is very goodThe new changes also increased 7kg to the overall weight of the duke390

About the Reviewer

- i was struggling between re gt 535 and this bike initially. But, buying this bike was pretty awesome. Got it in 12th day since booking, tough i wasn't in hurry (was told to wait for atleast a month). - king of highways, no doubt. Crosses 100kmph within seconds. I liked how it zoom passed many bikes. Have ridden this machine 765kms in a day and comfort was unexpected (in a good way). - this mean machine is famous for its power & looks. Honestly, it attracted me with its looks. Performance wise it is preferable for highways as in mumbai traffic i have experienced atacama heat. I have also ridden it in chocked up traffic with shorts & slippers on, and trust me you don't want to experience hellfire. - service cost cost is on moderate side in terms of cost. Replacement of tyres in 12000-15000kms will cost you around rs.16500 - rs.19000. After completion of free services it costs you around rs.3700/- to 5000/-approx.Only problem i faced is the screw from the engine guard broke thrice, i tried replacing it with good quality s.S. One but even that comes loose (it depends on bike to bike as my friend with duke 250 didn't faced this problem at all) - pros: looks, power & comfort - cons: mileage (19-22 in city congestion & 22-27 on highways), tft screen - it turns off suddenly sometimes. Also it is pretty costly.

About the Reviewer

Well let me start with negative points.1) engine vibration- right from start, all the time you sit on it. 2) sound- horrible, if you stay in a busy neighborhood, you will be ashamed to start the bike.3) engine heating - it will burn your thigh and knee area, if you get stuck in traffic. Also engine shuts down sometimes because of heating. Pretty embarrassing.4) my own bike has starting problem from very first day. Even after servicing parts.5) seat is rock hard. Up to 60-70 speed you will feel almost every pebble on the road. Shock-absorber is non existent up to those speeds. So barely you can sit on it little more than an hour.6) there is some issue with fuel pumps. They do not last long and they will cost around 4000 rs. Now about positive points 1) mind boggling acceleration. If you are not strong and fit, this is not the bike for you. In traffic signals, when light goes green, few times i twisted the throttle to full and every other bikes, cars faded away, every time. 2) gearing ratio is ok. Although first gear is too short, almost never used it. In third gear you can leave the throttle, eat pizza and roam around the city at ~25 kph. Cruising is possible fourth gear at 40 kph , in fifth gear 50 kph and in 6th gear 60 kph.In 6th gear from 60 to 100-110 kph vibration is minimum, you can cruise for long hours (only the hard seat will not let you), although not as good as a perfect cruiser but manageable.3) if you can ride a bicycle then with this you can hit the corners like motogp racers (that is the feeling you will have). This is the thing, i guess the bike is made for,4) the engine braking along with actual braking is decent enough and it saved my life few times. 5) mileage - !!! yes it is mileage. In city i consistently got 26 kpl. And in highway tour, which i have made only one, i have got more than 37 kpl. But this is from calculation, not exact reading (reading gave 32 kpl in last 100 km, in that i believe 40 km was inside city and rest on highway).This is a damn good engine for touring. That is what exactly bajaj did, they made dominiar 400 with this engine.Just an advice- if you own a car or a bike, you need to treat it as a living being and take care accordingly.

About the Reviewer

Actually i have been owning this bike for more than one year . I am using this as a daily ,touring and etc. It have been my best companion in my life.This is a such a great beast with more power. This have been my first bike in my life. For a beginners this may not be their first step. I am happy that i have spend money for worthy motorcycle.

About the Reviewer

It’s a great bike and the popular name ‘rocket’ suits so well. May not be a daily commute in mumbai and delhi kinda traffic but a great bike for fun ride on some days. Gets hot if driven with frequent brakes and slow moving traffic and radiator’s voice is uncomfortable at times. Bike is fun to ride on free roads and very safe because of awesome abs brakes. Stops like a tamed elephant. Super pick up and smooth gear shifts. Seat a bit better than previous version but still hard for long commutes. Over all good bike.

About the Reviewer

Best in 300 to 400 cc category, amazing pick up, you can reach 170 km/h with few minutes. I ride this bike on track also and get best corner experience. Abs is also good compare to other bike. Look is best in class, you will feel power when you accelerator, he will immediate response on speed. .. Amazing.

About the Reviewer

I have owned a passion & pulsar 180 before the duke 390.. After the pulsar, i wanted to upgrade, back then i always saw myself as a guy who would prefer a laid-back cruiser and just glide around.. :d and an obvious choice then was the 'thunderbird' (not surprised are you? ;) ) i got to know of the duke 390 from my friends who had it then (those were the ones w/o the slipper clutch) and during one of those "orange rides" (which ktms organize) i got a chance to ride both the duke 390 and the rc 390.. I was in awe of that power which i wasn't used to and that adrenaline rush, it took me a while to get used to that.. Let me honest, it did freak me out... Second encounter was during one of the rides to hp (shoja), i was on my pulsar 180 and the two friends of mine on their duke 390s; riding at an easy pace towards chd, those guys making sure i am on their trail.. But the moment we hit the himalayan expressway the two dukes took off like rockets dropping me like a stone..!!! it felt humiliating (face-palm)... That was the moment when i decided to buy this mean machine and nothing else.. Bought it in 2015 (that's when the slipper clutch came) and been riding it since.. Most of the kms clocked on the odo are from rides..

The bike is very agile and light… and has the go-to-anywhere ability.. I have pushed the bike to its limit and what it does is takes me to my destinations in one piece… i had never imagined me leaning on the curves/apexes, but the duke 390 taught me those (courtesy those metzelers) and with each and every ride, i can feel i am getting confident.. The servicing – maintenance of the bike after such rides does not burn a big hole in your pocket at all, even when i have had certain incidents.. A major plus point.. I know how many times i have breath sigh of relief after seeing the bill.. The power delivery is spot on, that 43 bhp power is enough to give you goosebumps.. Even in traffic one can easily navigate at lower speeds..

It’s a very distinct bike.. The ‘orange’ on it and the ‘sputtering firing’ catches everyone’s attention and people actually turn their heads to see.. On most of my rides, the locals come upto me enquiring about the bike, the tech specs and even asked to have their picture clicked with the bike.. Hahaha.. On a recent trip to mana (the last indian village in uttarakhand); one of the local boys excitedly comes to me and asks, “bhaiya kya ye duke waali bike hain?? maine suna hai iske baare me” (“is this bike the duke? i have heard about this bike!!”)

The flip side what i can think of on the top of my mind would be the space for the pillion.. It’s a little too cramped.. So riding with a pillion would be slightly uncomfortable and other issue is the heat from the engine especially when you are in traffic, you can feel the heat coming onto your legs.. If you can look past that, nothing to worry about.. That’s all i can think off.. Summing it up, those who want an adventure machine, which will take you to almost everywhere without having to worry what damage it will do this is the machine to buy.. Most importantly all the goodies packed into this and at the price it’s at makes it totally a “value for money” buy..

Happy riding! :)

About the Reviewer

The ktm duke 390 is a good bike an all-round performer. Light, agile, versatile, and super strong, the ktm duke 390 is the all-around perfect choice i ever made it is comfortable on the road, even at high speeds. It's too much fun when the road gets twisty because of all that power from the engine and the grip from the tires.

About the Reviewer

Actually I have been owning this bike for more than one year. I am using this as a daily ,touring and etc. It have been my best companion in my life. This is a such a great beast with more power. This have been my first bike in my life. For a beginners this may not be their first step. I am happy that I have spend money for worthy motorcycle.

About the Reviewer

SuperbNice bikeSuper brake High-speed Light weightFashionSuper DRL Good seatSuperb indicators sound made from the radiator is ver sound the fuel capacity is increased to 13.5 litres larger tank came with the new design is very goodThe new changes also increased 7kg to the overall weight of the duke390

About the Reviewer

- i was struggling between re gt 535 and this bike initially. But, buying this bike was pretty awesome. Got it in 12th day since booking, tough i wasn't in hurry (was told to wait for atleast a month). - king of highways, no doubt. Crosses 100kmph within seconds. I liked how it zoom passed many bikes. Have ridden this machine 765kms in a day and comfort was unexpected (in a good way). - this mean machine is famous for its power & looks. Honestly, it attracted me with its looks. Performance wise it is preferable for highways as in mumbai traffic i have experienced atacama heat. I have also ridden it in chocked up traffic with shorts & slippers on, and trust me you don't want to experience hellfire. - service cost cost is on moderate side in terms of cost. Replacement of tyres in 12000-15000kms will cost you around rs.16500 - rs.19000. After completion of free services it costs you around rs.3700/- to 5000/-approx.Only problem i faced is the screw from the engine guard broke thrice, i tried replacing it with good quality s.S. One but even that comes loose (it depends on bike to bike as my friend with duke 250 didn't faced this problem at all) - pros: looks, power & comfort - cons: mileage (19-22 in city congestion & 22-27 on highways), tft screen - it turns off suddenly sometimes. Also it is pretty costly.

About the Reviewer

Well let me start with negative points.1) engine vibration- right from start, all the time you sit on it. 2) sound- horrible, if you stay in a busy neighborhood, you will be ashamed to start the bike.3) engine heating - it will burn your thigh and knee area, if you get stuck in traffic. Also engine shuts down sometimes because of heating. Pretty embarrassing.4) my own bike has starting problem from very first day. Even after servicing parts.5) seat is rock hard. Up to 60-70 speed you will feel almost every pebble on the road. Shock-absorber is non existent up to those speeds. So barely you can sit on it little more than an hour.6) there is some issue with fuel pumps. They do not last long and they will cost around 4000 rs. Now about positive points 1) mind boggling acceleration. If you are not strong and fit, this is not the bike for you. In traffic signals, when light goes green, few times i twisted the throttle to full and every other bikes, cars faded away, every time. 2) gearing ratio is ok. Although first gear is too short, almost never used it. In third gear you can leave the throttle, eat pizza and roam around the city at ~25 kph. Cruising is possible fourth gear at 40 kph , in fifth gear 50 kph and in 6th gear 60 kph.In 6th gear from 60 to 100-110 kph vibration is minimum, you can cruise for long hours (only the hard seat will not let you), although not as good as a perfect cruiser but manageable.3) if you can ride a bicycle then with this you can hit the corners like motogp racers (that is the feeling you will have). This is the thing, i guess the bike is made for,4) the engine braking along with actual braking is decent enough and it saved my life few times. 5) mileage - !!! yes it is mileage. In city i consistently got 26 kpl. And in highway tour, which i have made only one, i have got more than 37 kpl. But this is from calculation, not exact reading (reading gave 32 kpl in last 100 km, in that i believe 40 km was inside city and rest on highway).This is a damn good engine for touring. That is what exactly bajaj did, they made dominiar 400 with this engine.Just an advice- if you own a car or a bike, you need to treat it as a living being and take care accordingly.

About the Reviewer

Actually i have been owning this bike for more than one year . I am using this as a daily ,touring and etc. It have been my best companion in my life.This is a such a great beast with more power. This have been my first bike in my life. For a beginners this may not be their first step. I am happy that i have spend money for worthy motorcycle.

About the Reviewer

It’s a great bike and the popular name ‘rocket’ suits so well. May not be a daily commute in mumbai and delhi kinda traffic but a great bike for fun ride on some days. Gets hot if driven with frequent brakes and slow moving traffic and radiator’s voice is uncomfortable at times. Bike is fun to ride on free roads and very safe because of awesome abs brakes. Stops like a tamed elephant. Super pick up and smooth gear shifts. Seat a bit better than previous version but still hard for long commutes. Over all good bike.

About the Reviewer

Best in 300 to 400 cc category, amazing pick up, you can reach 170 km/h with few minutes. I ride this bike on track also and get best corner experience. Abs is also good compare to other bike. Look is best in class, you will feel power when you accelerator, he will immediate response on speed. .. Amazing.

About the Reviewer

I have owned a passion & pulsar 180 before the duke 390.. After the pulsar, i wanted to upgrade, back then i always saw myself as a guy who would prefer a laid-back cruiser and just glide around.. :d and an obvious choice then was the 'thunderbird' (not surprised are you? ;) ) i got to know of the duke 390 from my friends who had it then (those were the ones w/o the slipper clutch) and during one of those "orange rides" (which ktms organize) i got a chance to ride both the duke 390 and the rc 390.. I was in awe of that power which i wasn't used to and that adrenaline rush, it took me a while to get used to that.. Let me honest, it did freak me out... Second encounter was during one of the rides to hp (shoja), i was on my pulsar 180 and the two friends of mine on their duke 390s; riding at an easy pace towards chd, those guys making sure i am on their trail.. But the moment we hit the himalayan expressway the two dukes took off like rockets dropping me like a stone..!!! it felt humiliating (face-palm)... That was the moment when i decided to buy this mean machine and nothing else.. Bought it in 2015 (that's when the slipper clutch came) and been riding it since.. Most of the kms clocked on the odo are from rides..

The bike is very agile and light… and has the go-to-anywhere ability.. I have pushed the bike to its limit and what it does is takes me to my destinations in one piece… i had never imagined me leaning on the curves/apexes, but the duke 390 taught me those (courtesy those metzelers) and with each and every ride, i can feel i am getting confident.. The servicing – maintenance of the bike after such rides does not burn a big hole in your pocket at all, even when i have had certain incidents.. A major plus point.. I know how many times i have breath sigh of relief after seeing the bill.. The power delivery is spot on, that 43 bhp power is enough to give you goosebumps.. Even in traffic one can easily navigate at lower speeds..

It’s a very distinct bike.. The ‘orange’ on it and the ‘sputtering firing’ catches everyone’s attention and people actually turn their heads to see.. On most of my rides, the locals come upto me enquiring about the bike, the tech specs and even asked to have their picture clicked with the bike.. Hahaha.. On a recent trip to mana (the last indian village in uttarakhand); one of the local boys excitedly comes to me and asks, “bhaiya kya ye duke waali bike hain?? maine suna hai iske baare me” (“is this bike the duke? i have heard about this bike!!”)

The flip side what i can think of on the top of my mind would be the space for the pillion.. It’s a little too cramped.. So riding with a pillion would be slightly uncomfortable and other issue is the heat from the engine especially when you are in traffic, you can feel the heat coming onto your legs.. If you can look past that, nothing to worry about.. That’s all i can think off.. Summing it up, those who want an adventure machine, which will take you to almost everywhere without having to worry what damage it will do this is the machine to buy.. Most importantly all the goodies packed into this and at the price it’s at makes it totally a “value for money” buy..

Happy riding! :)

About the Reviewer