Re: Is duke 390 suitable for me?

The one I posted is true speed, not those shown on the untrustworthy speedos on our bikes. Even if it does show with speedo error, differences at this range is not acceptable at all. Anyway, I'll take a ride and check on this, but even then, I personally don't think it would do it.

Re: Is duke 390 suitable for me?

Can you give me that website name bro?

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Re: Is duke 390 suitable for me?

Not sure if I can post it up here, will pm it to you.

Btw, has the TS made a decision on his bike yet?

Re: Is duke 390 suitable for me?

Took a test ride of duke 390. Although it was a short one of around 1 km, as the bike was not registered. Found no problem for me. Didn't cross 5000 rpm. I would take a longish ( say a 5km ) ride to decide.

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Re: Is duke 390 suitable for me?

Many of us forget that the original rider also knows that he is not too accustomed to riding bikes, so he will take the necessary care himself while he's starting to ride his own bike. Of course, luck plays a small factor too.

As they say, the first step to learning is to learn that you know nothing.
If the original poster himself says he's novice (while he may not be), it surely means he won't just launch full throttle and go zooming around the very first day, right?


Original Poster: You can go ahead and get the bike. Its weight is slightly heavier than the bikes you must have ridden, but nothing too bad. Just be aware of its characteristics, keep the speeds under check with the speedometer (with relevance to roads, traffic & crossings ahead, etc), don't cross 7000 rpm unless you're ready for it. Don't throttle too much while leaning in a corner. And take care.

Re: Is duke 390 suitable for me?

I know the D200 and D390 are two different machines in the same body.. But if we consider 80% city riding and only 20% highway riding, is the D200 a better choice over D390 ??

Re: Is duke 390 suitable for me?

Better or not I won't say as different people may have different meaning for a better bike but it would surely be more comfortable within the city limits. This is coming from a soon to be duke 390 owner.
I have taken 3 test rides of the duke 390, the last one was around 25kms all alone(no ktm rep). 5 km of freeway like roads and rest really congested trivandrum traffic. The bike heats up quite a bit, only the first 3 gears usable in a city like trivandrum and when moving in traffic we cannot even use the 2nd gear. If you slot 2nd below 20 kmph the bike would resist real bad. The fuel economy within the city was around 21kmpl according to the meter and when I got some open stretches it was showing 24kmpl.
So in city because you are stuck in the 1st or 2nd moat of the time the economy really takes a hit. The duke 390's power is overwhelming inside the city and also the acceleration takes a toll on your shoulders and wrists. Has more vibes than the 200, clutch is harder.

I have ridden a duke 200 for more than 7k kms and believe me its way better in the city, can easily pick up from 30kmph slotted in 6th, heating is comparatively less but still an issue, fuel economy of around 30-35kmpl.

I still booked the 390 simply because I plan to get used to it and it would be way better when I travel from trivandrum to delhi.

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Re: Is duke 390 suitable for me?

[MENTION=63586]DukeDey[/MENTION].. Thanks man.. Some good points there.. I rarely go for tours (actually i want to, but don't have a partner and m too lazy to go solo) so most riding would be in the city limits.. I also am tempted by D390, but the main thing is the city problem.. So thought it would be better to ask the duke owners themselves..

Re: Is duke 390 suitable for me?

Was about to book but need a bike asap. Dont want to wait for 2/3 months.

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Re: Is duke 390 suitable for me?

Re: Is duke 390 suitable for me?

Finally booked apache rtr 180 abs. As I wanted to have abs as a must in my bike. Thanks all for your precious suggestions.

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