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**VaibhavPisal** · 07-20-2017, 12:51 AM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by revvharder View Post

You can also take a look at FZ25 as it is also worthy contender if you are considering Duke 250 and you will also save some bucks or you can also see Dominar400.

of course. ridden both extensively. amazing bikes both.

one point to note though. all my biker friends have graduated to cars. only i still ride bikes. i was only one with r15. others had fzs and pulsars. i think r15 has a big role in that. other machines are comfy just like a car. does not give me good feeling. haha.

Originally posted by s1d View Post

I agree the 250 may not be a vfm proposition for everyone. It uses most of the parts from the 390 and ktm itself says so too. Ktm just threw in another option for the masses.. probably the bajaj effect (see the number of variants of discovers, pulsars!!). good move imo, considering they export these too.
The other companies need to take a leaf out of bajaj's strategy if the want to launch performance motorcycles in India at a good price point !!

Now coming to your 'rant':

How many peoples console has been stolen so far ? How many cases have you heard of so far ?
What makes you think the old gen console will not be stolen ? It is also expensive (6k), and pretty easy to take off.
A thief stealing a console (never heard of it happen) will do it to make a quick buck and not necessarily because it is more 'fancier'.

You are just being paranoid

What you can do is use an alarm system like the Xena disc lock and keep your bike covered. If somebody tries to touch/move your bike it will create a racket so loud the thief will probably abandon his plans.
Or maybe you can weld the nut down to it's clamp where it's bolted on?

And no ktm will never put the old console back on the new 390.. forget it. Pick up the rc390 if you want the old console + 390 combo.

yes. am yet to hear any stolen consoles.

am paranoid. really would hate it if it gets stolen. thieves here are constant like your big brother. will have to sell the machine if they get a good price for it.

rc a bit much for me. i wanna do occassional touring, maybe with pillion in future.

**BanditPanda** · 07-20-2017, 12:01 PM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by VaibhavPisal View Post

i live in theft prone area. bike parked next to mine have been stolen once. i chain my bike so its relatively safe. but that lcd cluster will be stolen most likely.

Check out the Gorilla Motorcycle Alarm. It should solve this problem.
You can PM me if you want to know where to source it from at a reasonable price.

**VaibhavPisal** · 07-20-2017, 01:07 PM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Does duke 390 console has a black and white theme. One in which there is no colour on screen?

**sdkiran** · 07-20-2017, 01:17 PM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by VaibhavPisal View Post

Does duke 390 console has a black and white theme. One in which there is no colour on screen?

For 2017 edition there is no black and white screen option, but the screen changes based on lighting. Conditions from light to dark and vice versa

**Ayyachamy** · 07-20-2017, 02:26 PM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by VaibhavPisal View Post

of course. ridden both extensively. amazing bikes both.

one point to note though. all my biker friends have graduated to cars. only i still ride bikes. i was only one with r15. others had fzs and pulsars. i think r15 has a big role in that. other machines are comfy just like a car. does not give me good feeling. haha.

Me too wanted to upgrade from the 2008 R15; TDed FZ25, D200. but could not like them. There seems to be something in R15 which is missing on these bikes ! Just waiting for the new R3/R25 to be launched !!

**Ajay Vishwanath** · 07-20-2017, 07:27 PM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Ayyachamy View Post

Me too wanted to upgrade from the 2008 R15; TDed FZ25, D200. but could not like them. There seems to be something in R15 which is missing on these bikes ! Just waiting for the new R3/R25 to be launched !!

Fairing!! You're missing Fairing.. these are naked bikes, you ride a bike with fairing... try the Ninja or the RC...

**VaibhavPisal** · 07-21-2017, 10:09 AM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Ajay Vishwanath View Post

Fairing!! You're missing Fairing.. these are naked bikes, you ride a bike with fairing... try the Ninja or the RC...

I doubt he is missing the fairing. Its probably smoothness and refinement of r15. When i ride r15, only thing that comes to my mind is whipped cream. Whether it be engine smoothness or gear shifting.

The reason i am leaning towards ktm is i thing smoothness is a bit overdone in r15 in my opinion. Now that my bike is old it has some rattles and vibratiyons. Like it much better now than when it was new.

Originally posted by s1d View Post

What makes you think the old gen console will not be stolen ? It is also expensive (6k), and pretty easy to take off.
A thief stealing a console (never heard of it happen) will do it to make a quick buck and not necessarily because it is more 'fancier'.

Agreed thieves dont steal speedometers. But i have seen multiple reports of them breaking rear window glass in cars and take away lcd panels on rear seat.

They might thing this is an lcd panel like a cellphone.

**reeavees** · 07-21-2017, 03:52 PM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Aigars View Post

"We made a bit of dust"

2nd off road test for Duke 390.
This, time more serious with elements of hardcore.
Suspension travel is too short, but we know that, because it is not dirt bike, it is street bike.
If you go for off roading watch bolts which hold rear mudguard.
I lost one screw and I tightened the screws two times during an hour. They became lose after rumble-tumble.
It is construction/engineering failure. There should be spring washer i guess.
Well, and original KTM L Hex Key from Duke's tools is very poor quality, It doesn't fit well. It was very hard to tight.
My Timsun tyres are very sweet.
Handle bar must be much higher to ride on foot pegs. With original ones 6 feet tall guy can not ride.

You can not see much of Duke in this video because i was on it and I was filming most of videos included. I did the same. It is a lot of fun to ride on rocks, but i was worry about plastic skid plate which I will replace to metal ASAP.

Good. Dirt forever sticker is cool

**appushri** · 07-22-2017, 04:49 AM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Hello D390 Comrades.

I am Apoorv, new to the cosmic universe of*xbhp. Technically it is going to be my first post on this thread hence I am very nervous about what to write. But, I feel it is okay to commit mistakes or miss out an important bit unknowingly because I am in the company of liked minded people who share same the compassion for a common love.

I would like to give a background of why I am here.*

I am on a quest to resolve a stupid yet critical situation for myself. It has to do with choosing mind over the sole. I am a budding rider who has recently cultivated an interest which is gradually turning into a hobby and eventually hoping to make it a passion.*

Now, it is not the first time I am whining about this issue, as a matter of fact, I had an opportunity to discuss the same with forum moderator VJ who had helped me with his experience and diligence. His suggestions were really helpful.*

But still, something is still missing... something does not seem apt the way it should be.

I am confused to choose between D250 and D390.

Interestingly, I was convinced that I will buy D250 without thinking too much about anything else but seems like fate has something else for me.*

I am staying in Mumbai and it has been raining like cats and dogs ever since I have decided to book my D250. It was like {*bas*kal*book*karke*aata*hun) and since then I am unable to reach showroom because of heavy rain.

Now, 2 weeks time is a long time for somebody to change his decision who is susceptible to a confused state of mind.

Sometimes, I feel that I should not think a lot and get confused. I should take a leap of fate and spend my hard earned money on something which I personally like a lot.

But, then analytical part of the brain kicks in with a rebuttal asking questions such as How will you survive the huge cost of ownership which comes along with the bike.

A tempting TFT display and an illuminating headlamp may seem value for money now but for how will I keep myself cool on a situation where electronics of the bikes cause the sudden break down of the bike.

When I get stuck in B2B traffic while commuting to office how long can I resist myself not to refute on my decision?

I find it difficult to now get convinced by the fact that D250 could be a possible solution to all these problems.

But, it is not the bike I LIKE !!

I would like to know how D390 is treating everyone here.*
Have you guys faced with similar challenges before deciding to buy D390
I AM PARTICULARLY INTERTED TO LEARN HOW MANU PEOPLE ARE USING D390 FOR 70% DAILY COMMUTE AND 30% TOURING.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using xBhp.com mobile app

**B7ACKTHORN** · 07-22-2017, 05:35 PM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by appushri View Post

I would like to know how D390 is treating everyone here.*
Have you guys faced with similar challenges before deciding to buy D390
I AM PARTICULARLY INTERTED TO LEARN HOW MANU PEOPLE ARE USING D390 FOR 70% DAILY COMMUTE AND 30% TOURING.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using xBhp.com mobile app

Hi, Apoorv. I see your queries in different threads, let me add in . The 250 is just an evolved version of the 200 with basically the the 390s body work, yet retaining the old style language. If you want a practical bike that isn't as hot headed as the 390, and you'd like a motorcycle that you can wring the neck almost every thought of the wrist and a motorcycle that can happily do that yet giving an equally wide grin, you cannot go wrong with the 200. The 250 is a slightly more aggressive and at certain RPM range, it almost feels close to 390.

If you feel you have issues with the reliability and cost of ownership, let me tell you, Dukes are -- if not the most pocket friendly bikes out there. Apart from the engine oil, rest of the spares are very much affordable and doesn't require a deep pocket. Yes, there are a few niggles even in the newer lot. If you are a fill it, shut it kinda person, then I'd suggest you strongly consider the 200. The 390 is a very good VFM package for the goodies that it's offered with, but the petty issues do irritate a potential user,but the motorcycle's temperament serves to overcome these issues, very well. Guess, think of the Duke know it's flawed but it butters them with it's jack of all trade attitude.

Cheers!
VJ

**appushri** · 07-22-2017, 05:51 PM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

Hi, Apoorv. I see your queries in different threads, let me add in . The 250 is just an evolved version of the 200 with basically the the 390s body work, yet retaining the old style language. If you want a practical bike that isn't as hot headed as the 390, and you'd like a motorcycle that you can wring the neck almost every thought of the wrist and a motorcycle that can happily do that yet giving an equally wide grin, you cannot go wrong with the 200. The 250 is a slightly more aggressive and at certain RPM range, it almost feels close to 390.

If you feel you have issues with the reliability and cost of ownership, let me tell you, Dukes are -- if not the most pocket friendly bikes out there. Apart from the engine oil, rest of the spares are very much affordable and doesn't require a deep pocket. Yes, there are a few niggles even in the newer lot. If you are a fill it, shut it kinda person, then I'd suggest you strongly consider the 200. The 390 is a very good VFM package for the goodies that it's offered with, but the petty issues do irritate a potential user,but the motorcycle's temperament serves to overcome these issues, very well. Guess, think of the Duke know it's flawed but it butters them with it's jack of all trade attitude.

Cheers!
VJ

Hey VJ,

Yeah, I got confused with 2 different threads for D390 hence posted my query on 2 threads.

Sorry for that stupidity.[emoji12]

I am flabbergasted by ur plain yet thoughtful perceptive.

You are doing great job by making life easy for newbies like me to Duke family.

Thanks again VJ.

Keep up the work and ride hard.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using xBhp.com mobile app

**Mourya@ymd** · 07-23-2017, 01:05 PM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

I bought a new Duke 390 last month and did around 650 kms. I did not find any major issue as of now. The bike is great. However I'm facing difficulty in gear shifts at certain rpms. At around 3k-4k the gear shift is butter smooth,, below that it is very clunky.
Is there any particular rpm to match the gear shift? Do let me know.....

It's a great bike and we should not pick small flaws in it,,, just accelerate it and feel the punch..😀

**Kaushal_Swarup** · 07-24-2017, 03:56 AM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Hey guys,
First post on xBhp.
Congrats to all of you'll here having the pocket rocket!
I have a quick question.
How is the 390s performance as a two up tourer?
I tour extensively with a pillion, having a RE Thunderbird 500 at present.
Looking to switch over to the Duke.
Wanting to know if anyone has toured with a pillion & what mods can be done to increase pillion comfort.

**abhiiceman** · 07-24-2017, 08:19 AM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by appushri View Post

Hello D390 Comrades.

I am Apoorv, new to the cosmic universe of*xbhp. Technically it is going to be my first post on this thread hence I am very nervous about what to write. But, I feel it is okay to commit mistakes or miss out an important bit unknowingly because I am in the company of liked minded people who share same the compassion for a common love.

I would like to give a background of why I am here.*

I am on a quest to resolve a stupid yet critical situation for myself. It has to do with choosing mind over the sole. I am a budding rider who has recently cultivated an interest which is gradually turning into a hobby and eventually hoping to make it a passion.*

Now, it is not the first time I am whining about this issue, as a matter of fact, I had an opportunity to discuss the same with forum moderator VJ who had helped me with his experience and diligence. His suggestions were really helpful.*

But still, something is still missing... something does not seem apt the way it should be.

I am confused to choose between D250 and D390.

Interestingly, I was convinced that I will buy D250 without thinking too much about anything else but seems like fate has something else for me.*

I am staying in Mumbai and it has been raining like cats and dogs ever since I have decided to book my D250. It was like {*bas*kal*book*karke*aata*hun) and since then I am unable to reach showroom because of heavy rain.

Now, 2 weeks time is a long time for somebody to change his decision who is susceptible to a confused state of mind.

Sometimes, I feel that I should not think a lot and get confused. I should take a leap of fate and spend my hard earned money on something which I personally like a lot.

But, then analytical part of the brain kicks in with a rebuttal asking questions such as How will you survive the huge cost of ownership which comes along with the bike.

A tempting TFT display and an illuminating headlamp may seem value for money now but for how will I keep myself cool on a situation where electronics of the bikes cause the sudden break down of the bike.

When I get stuck in B2B traffic while commuting to office how long can I resist myself not to refute on my decision?

I find it difficult to now get convinced by the fact that D250 could be a possible solution to all these problems.

But, it is not the bike I LIKE !!

I would like to know how D390 is treating everyone here.*
Have you guys faced with similar challenges before deciding to buy D390
I AM PARTICULARLY INTERTED TO LEARN HOW MANU PEOPLE ARE USING D390 FOR 70% DAILY COMMUTE AND 30% TOURING.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using xBhp.com mobile app

I was in the exact state of mind, infact my mind went from d250 to d390 then all the way to 200ns,fz25 dominar and one fine morning decided it'll be d390.making the down today [emoji4], will get my hand on it by Thursday or friday

**jdev16** · 07-24-2017, 10:49 AM

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

[QUOTE=appushri;1305999]
Hi Apoorv,

I went for duke 390 with my daily commute for 40kms.
I was looking for something that is light (As i have to face B2B traffic so it should be easy to move around), comfortable and has adequate power( for open stretches).
I was more bent towards Dominar before its launch. But once i took the test drive, the seating position somehow didn't suit me. The front felt heavy.But In my opinion its a great bike. I took multiple test drives from Benelli, Dominar, Mojo but somehow when i sat i duke 390, it just connected.
Yes, duke does heat up but not much i can say. Heat is felt mostly on the heel of your shoes. The brakes are good and tires stick to the ground.
The bike is nimble, light and has more than enough power. The TFT and head light are additional benefit but they should be the main power points while buying.
What i do with the traffic? Simple, i changed my commute timing. A little early to work gives me open roads in which i enjoy my duke.
So what i would like to convey to you is go ahead take test drive of all the bikes that you think can suit you. You will get stuck in traffic no matter whether you are on a duke 390, 250 or any other bike and then make your decision. The thing is how comfortable you feel once you get stuck. Rest of the things are just nitpicking.
All the best!!

Regards
jdev

2007 - 2010	Kinetic Nova
2010 - 2015	Honda Unicorn
2014 - 2019	KTM RC 200
2017 - Today	KTM Duke 390

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2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

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