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**roks2408** · 07-23-2013, 07:45 PM

Re: Duke 390 or TB500?

Hi,

I have seen list of features which Duke 390 is offering and they are really amazing !!! Bosh ABS with Kill switch (Hidden), Excellent tyres, Nickel coated cylinder head, Steel cylinder arm, User defined Rev limited (2 settings), Auto DTE meter when bikes comes in reserve, High 6th gear. Pillion comfort is compromised again. In Short, the features are not only to impress you but are quite functional as well.

Duke has done completed justice to make this bike most Premium in its category.

As far as touring in Leh is concerned, this will be challenge unless you group up with similar Duke riders instead going alone. Also, I have heard you can install engine guards beneath to avoid hard hitting the engines.

**Venkatesh Velmani** · 07-23-2013, 10:38 PM

Re: Duke 390 or TB500?

Originally posted by Rubal View Post

Why you are not considering CBR250.. it fulfills both purposes...

I did consider but the bigger engine and higher power in Duke sealed the deal for me..

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**Venkatesh Velmani** · 07-23-2013, 10:46 PM

Re: Duke 390 or TB500?

Originally posted by roks2408 View Post

Hi,

I have seen list of features which Duke 390 is offering and they are really amazing !!! Bosh ABS with Kill switch (Hidden), Excellent tyres, Nickel coated cylinder head, Steel cylinder arm, User defined Rev limited (2 settings), Auto DTE meter when bikes comes in reserve, High 6th gear. Pillion comfort is compromised again. In Short, the features are not only to impress you but are quite functional as well.

Duke has done completed justice to make this bike most Premium in its category.

As far as touring in Leh is concerned, this will be challenge unless you group up with similar Duke riders instead going alone. Also, I have heard you can install engine guards beneath to avoid hard hitting the engines.

Yes, I did go for a test drive.. It's an amazing vehicle.. handling and the brakes were spot on.. also it comes loaded with lots of features and metzelers tyres.. in addition a taller 6th gear for comfortable cruising..

Yes, will definitely team up with couple of guys for the Leh trip. There's still plenty of time for that though.

The showroom guy promised that I would get the vehicle within 1st week of August (fingers crossed)

. Now I'm on the lookout for a good jacket and a windshield for highway cruising.

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**roks2408** · 07-23-2013, 10:58 PM

Re: Duke 390 or TB500?

May I suggest you do at least 5000 kms of running before you start touring. This will help to tame your beast and understand efficient utilization of its features.

KTM has good range of its own jackets. You would need complete suit to prepare for everything on those nonsense highways !!!

Do post pics when they arrive. Also, if you can list out all its salient features.

Thanks.

Sent from my Nexus S using xBhp Connect mobile app

**Venkatesh Velmani** · 07-23-2013, 11:59 PM

Re: Duke 390 or TB500?

Originally posted by roks2408 View Post

May I suggest you do at least 5000 kms of running before you start touring. This will help to tame your beast and understand efficient utilization of its features.

KTM has good range of its own jackets. You would need complete suit to prepare for everything on those nonsense highways !!!

Do post pics when they arrive. Also, if you can list out all its salient features.

Thanks.

Sent from my Nexus S using xBhp Connect mobile app

Yes, I first have to get a hang of the bike.. I've been riding a Yamaha FZ16 for 4 yrs now.. And sure, I'll post the pics once I get the bike..

**somen1984** · 07-24-2013, 07:16 PM

Re: Duke 390 or TB500?

Originally posted by Venkatesh Velmani View Post

Hi Guys,

I know both are completely different bikes, hence the confusion. My usage is typically 30 Kms city ride per day and once in two months a long trip (atleast 600 Kms).

The bike should be good to handle in City, Highway and also should be a good off-roader. While on the highway the bike to should be able to comfortably cruise between speeds 100 - 120 Kmph.

The bike should also be reliable. I've heard about several instances where the RE engine oil leaks and spark burns and the bike refuses to start. I'm planning on a trip to Leh next year. So I do not want to have all these troubles; however, I'm also not sure if these problems are present in the new TB500.

As touring also will be done occasionally, seating position should be comfortable for long rides (continuous riding for over 6 hrs).

I've booked the TB500 3.5 months back and now since the Duke is here, I'm confused in deciding between the two.

Please suggest guys.

I see D200 as more sensible bike in your req here!!

**roks2408** · 07-25-2013, 01:00 AM

Re: Duke 390 or TB500?

Dear Duke Owners,

I have convinced my self to buy TBTS500. Basically, I want to tour more around Pune and then set myself off to Goa with my future wife, ride long distances like 1200 km wide to home etc.
I went through Duke 390 video reviews, and found them very impressive. It can run 130 all day long, gripy tyres, ABS, sensors for headlight and digital console (auto dim).. what all and what not. Basically, I am blown away. But, I doubt their seats, seating ergonomics which is too sporty for touring, specially pillion.
Any ideas how much they are comfortable tourers?

Sent from my Nexus S using xBhp Connect mobile app

**Venkatesh Velmani** · 07-26-2013, 02:07 AM

Re: Duke 390 or TB500?

Originally posted by somen1984 View Post

I see D200 as more sensible bike in your req here!!

I doubt if the Duke 200 could comforatbly cruise at sppeds of 120Kmph. Crusing at that speed would put more stress on the engine whereas in Duke390 it would be quite comforatble. Also I guess 390 would be a better package as a whole since it comes with ABS (A MUST in Chennai roads), Metzelers tyres, and of course a bigger and more powerful engine.

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

Originally posted by roks2408 View Post

Dear Duke Owners,

I have convinced my self to buy TBTS500. Basically, I want to tour more around Pune and then set myself off to Goa with my future wife, ride long distances like 1200 km wide to home etc.
I went through Duke 390 video reviews, and found them very impressive. It can run 130 all day long, gripy tyres, ABS, sensors for headlight and digital console (auto dim).. what all and what not. Basically, I am blown away. But, I doubt their seats, seating ergonomics which is too sporty for touring, specially pillion.
Any ideas how much they are comfortable tourers?

Sent from my Nexus S using xBhp Connect mobile app

Driver's seat is quite comfortable. I have been driving an FZ16 for 4 yrs and I found the Duke to be really comforatble. But touring with a pillion would be difficult as the rear seat is quite small.

I would sugest you to take your wife for a test drive, and let her decide on the comfort level of the pillion seat.

Since you say pillion rider's comfort is a must, you should stick with the Thunderbird. But if you're going to tour alone, go for Duke.

I would also suggest you to go through the below thread.

Bullet Thunderbird TBTS 500 versus KTM Duke 390? - Team-BHP

**vRide** · 07-26-2013, 07:50 PM

Re: Duke 390 or TB500?

Originally posted by Venkatesh Velmani View Post

I'm planning on a trip to Leh next year.

Let me know the month whichyou are planning to get Leh'd..
If possible I could join the group.. by the way i'm from bangalore.

**Venkatesh Velmani** · 07-26-2013, 09:10 PM

Re: Duke 390 or TB500?

Originally posted by vRide View Post

Let me know the month whichyou are planning to get Leh'd..
If possible I could join the group.. by the way i'm from bangalore.

Sure.. Nothing is in paper as of now.. I'm planning to make the trip between April - July (depends on the leave availability)..

**vRide** · 07-27-2013, 02:19 PM

Re: Duke 390 or TB500?

Originally posted by Venkatesh Velmani View Post

between April - July (depends on the leave availability)..

Best Time | MAX: Motorcycling Academy of xBhp: Powered by Castrol Power1
as per the calendar^ those are summer high time.. I was hoping to go in Sep-Oct.. and more over need to get a better bike than current one. and if I need to go. i'll have to leave my job..OMG then i'll be real fun.

**somen1984** · 07-29-2013, 12:58 AM

Re: Duke 390 or TB500?

Originally posted by Venkatesh Velmani View Post

I doubt if the Duke 200 could comforatbly cruise at sppeds of 120Kmph. Crusing at that speed would put more stress on the engine whereas in Duke390 it would be quite comforatble. Also I guess 390 would be a better package as a whole since it comes with ABS (A MUST in Chennai roads), Metzelers tyres, and of course a bigger and more powerful engine.

No one rides at 120kmph whole day. Riders do ride it between 80kmph to 120kmph. At stretched it would be 100-110kmph for some minutes all together not even an hr. Duke 200 can do easily and stressless 100-120kmph any time. But If you think to run 120kmph whole day then it has to be 200+cc bike. If you like D390 then no talks ahead, as it will waste everybodies time. One should buy as per his requirement and choice. Many heads many voices. choose what ur head speaks. Duke has better features etc as compare to RE anytime. Duke 200 is much better in city as well as 100-120kmph and touring as occasionally, unless you are bend towards D390 and need some really excitements. D390 with ABS is a Killer option if you need it with some extra money spend then surely go for it. Listen to your head and evaluate your requirement.

**Venkatesh Velmani** · 07-29-2013, 01:18 AM

Re: Duke 390 or TB500?

Originally posted by somen1984 View Post

No one rides at 120kmph whole day. Riders do ride it between 80kmph to 120kmph. At stretched it would be 100-110kmph for some minutes all together not even an hr. Duke 200 can do easily and stressless 100-120kmph any time. But If you think to run 120kmph whole day then it has to be 200+cc bike. If you like D390 then no talks ahead, as it will waste everybodies time. One should buy as per his requirement and choice. Many heads many voices. choose what ur head speaks. Duke has better features etc as compare to RE anytime. Duke 200 is much better in city as well as 100-120kmph and touring as occasionally, unless you are bend towards D390 and need some really excitements. D390 with ABS is a Killer option if you need it with some extra money spend then surely go for it. Listen to your head and evaluate your requirement.

Lol, I do like the extra power on requirement.. :P I've already booked the Duke 390 and waiting for the delivery call.. Sales guy told me that I would get the vehicle by August 1st week..

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