What do you guys think about a Sunday rider version of this? Twisties, fun factor, performance, etc. not necessarily as long but a good more indepth with particular bikes that call for more attention.?
Zack missed a point here which he usually doesn't. These bikes are sold in a lot of markets where a 300-500cc is an aspirational buy and sometimes the riders are limited to a certain cc bracket. So the 'premium' features are actually a great selling point. I don't like the Launch control or some of the very advanced electronics but you have to factor in that not everyone around the world has the option to jump onto a Hayabusa as a first bike like an American. Often these are the achievable dream bikes for a lot of us. I used to own a first gen for 8-9 years.
I agree - but living in NAM Zack is looking at things from the perspective of the North American motorcycle market and typical rider here. In general North America has the least restrictive legislation with respect to the size of motorcycles you can ride and emissions requirements. Assuming you have a decent-ish job this is a very affordable motorcycle in NAM . . . .although with the way house prices and rent prices have been going over the last few years that may change.
Yeah, In my area here in North America the first stage of your motorcycle license is a basic written test only, no on bike rider training. With that beginners license, you are completely unrestricted as to what bike to get yourself even if you've never so much as thrown a leg over a saddle or hit a starter button. You want a 'Busa? Go for it! A full bagger Harley that is 4x your weight? Not a problem. A 1000RR from some other manufacturer? Nothing stopping you squid. If you haven't killed yourself in a couple of years you can get your 'full' motorcycle license which will allow you to, ummm, ahhhh, well, ummm, do nothing extra at all. So yeah, we're not too concerned about engine size CC limits in other places of the planet. I agree that comes across as harsh but it is our reality we have here. Freedom baby.
@@Jagshemasher I don't mind that but it felt like he had to nitpick the motorcycle for some reason. Also felt like he was not his usual self and forgot a lot of smaller details in the review. I've been watching him from 2015 and I do respect his opinion.
it's still a low-displacement beginner bike. a 390 duke doesn't have the speed to justify things like launch control or rider modes; it's just not powerful enough in the first place to justify them. if they wanted a small displacement beginner bike to feel more premium for the eastern market, they should have added cruise control and given it nicer aesthetics rather than ride modes and traction control which should be reserved for bikes around the 100-140 hp sweet spot where bikes are fast enough without being too fast. i understand the money thing, with india not having the purchasing power for those mid-power bikes like the 890 duke, but if they're going to add premium features they should fit what the bike actually is capable of.
We really need to move beyond the idea that small displacement motorcycles are just for young, or new riders. As an old fart who’s been riding for 50 years, one of the bikes in my personal “fleet” is a KTM RC 390, because it’s great fun on tight twisty back roads. 🏍️🤪👍!
what a surprisingly off-putting negative "blabla" review for A unique fantastic 350 LB 400CC uber light fast ...0-60 4-5sec.... suuuuper light fliiiiickable to moon...not like 450lb 1190 that overheats & cost 15-18k...
I grew up on dirt bikes and then got into 600cc sport bikes and then a 750cc Gixxer in my 20s. I’m 45 now and when I was shopping for a new motorcycle at 40, 390 Duke was exactly what I was looking for, owned it since 2019 and have entertained getting a 990 Duke but there’s really no reason to.
I'll take a counterpoint on rider aids. They--in no way, shape, or form beyond a deliberate act to not learn which removing the aids will not fix--prevent anyone from learning all the skills they aid. They just remove that catastrophic and potentially life threatening consequences from failing during learning. To that, I argue that they encourage learning. I can approach the physical limitations of my bikes wheelbase, brakes, and grip and use the feedback those systems give me (cutting power, pulsing brakes, etc) to learn rather than needing the act of destroying my bike or harming myself to get that feedback. They will absolutely hold a track rider back at some point, but for the purposes of learning to ride and staying alive while doing so on the street there's no downside to having them.
The only real downside is the price that they add to the bikes. However, in counterpoint, bikes are already so freaking expensive anyway, and even if manufacturers removed them, we'd be innocent to think that the price would go down. I just hope that they keep these aids (other than ABS) out of the 125's/250's of the world as those NEED to be as accessible as possible. Where I live the most sold bike (for the last 20y+) is a Honda 160cc (which was 125 back then, then 150, now 160) and still has a drum brake on the back (and it's cheapest version uses drums on the front as well), that bike is basically responsible for a SOLID chunk of the country's GDP while also being integral to the motorcycle culture as well.
It's a weird thing. Some people view them as "I can't crash if I have this", which is obviously wrong. Those same people then often also look at bikes without the aid systems as super dangerous machines that are going to slide the rear wheel and lock the brakes at any moment. I'm glad that I learned on a bike without any systems, means I can now jump on any bike and not feel scared to squeeze the throttle or the brakes. If they have electronic nannies that's cool, but I don't need to them to feel safe.
Compeletely agree on all front, this whole "electronic aids" is very overblown in the motorycle world. You always put a safety net on someone that start learning a new skill , be it bowling bars, head protection on boxing, smaller football field etc. Then as you familiarise yourself with the mechanics in a safer/easier environment, you can take advantage of your full possibilities and what you learned on the "real deal" , in this case turning them off. In the motorycle world rider aids have become a taboo thing that only stupid expensive/ 200hp bikes have , otherwise you're a lesser humam with a hoist of exploitatives thrown at you (usually about what you have between your legs). it always was extremely toxic, but it doesnt actually help the conversation move forwards. Even now in 2024 some "riderz" frown upon ABS
For the first question 22:18 ,I think I can represent the idea of having these features as an Indian rider. Most Indians cannot fathom to afford a 390 duke so, here they’re sort of looked at like the middle weight bikes as most people start on commuter workhorses with 12-20 bhp and by the time they upgrade to the 390 duke it is most probably their endgame bike so these extra features just sign the deal over the competition (overpriced mt03)
Yeah americans have no clue how the world works. Even in europe (any country) bikes of this range are more than enough for 90% of people. You dont need to go any faster than 120-130 km/h. They can definitely be forever bikes since upkeep is cheap
This is spot on. I have upgraded from 100CC bike to 400CC Duke and the difference is huge. I love those features and I might not upgrade for next 5-6 years
First time I feel like Zack missed the point of the bike in a review. Sure its a "beginner" bike if you look at engine cc's, but thats not what the average buyer of these looks at. There's a whole world out there that cant or wont buy a bigger bike, so this is the endgame for them. And if we look at it from a "western" POV, this thing is the best commuter bike ever made. 390 dukes and adventures are all over europe being driven day and night by people that want a bike (not a scooter), but they dont want to daily a hayabusa or a gs1250. They are ridiculously light, enough HP to get you in trouble, and the "extra fuss" that you dont like is what separates it from the competition. Someone that wants a "beginner bike" doesnt usually buy a 390 duke, and the guy that buys a 390 duke/adventure doesnt want any of the competition. I think his lens of "400cc = 16 year old/never touched a bike" really is a disservice to the bike as a whole
Totally agree, I love my 24 398.63cc (blue) Duke, it`s getting traded next year on the ADV version. I`m 62 and recovering from a quad bypass so I`m only half the man I used to be and this bike is perfect for me, Love it.
I commute into central London on an MT07 and am actually considering downsizing as it has way too much power for going through traffic. But would love all the extra features like a quickshifter and traction control. This bike could fit the bill.
what a surprisingly off-putting negative "blabla" review for A unique fantastic 350 LB 400CC uber light fast ...0-60 4-5sec.... suuuuper light fliiiiickable to moon...not like 450lb 1190 that overheats & cost 15-18k...
'24 Duke 390 is a riot. The updates are fantastic. I have been riding for 48 years, owned many super bikes and super sports, which I tracked, among dozens of other bikes. The shortcomings of the bike? It is small. I am 5'8" and it is small for me. particularly in terms of the seat, which doesn't allow the rider to move back much. The mirrors do vibe a bit, though the bike (bars, pegs, and seat) seems reasonably smooth. The advanced controls? Yes please. Nobody needs this stuff in good weather in SoCal on a low powered bike. But go out on a cold day, in the wet, on roads with intermittent sand and gravel on them, moss patches, molding leaves, and with game filled vegetation near either side, and suddenly it will all make sense. The new dash is superb. The motor changes are wonderful. It is a hoot. The quick shifter works well at higher revs and under reasonable load. Can be a little clunky at lower revs/load, especially on 5-6 shifts. It is so light and nimble... I love it overall. I had a RC390 (22 or 23) but the power output was a bit wonky. The new Duke engine feels a lot better. Pulls really good for what it is, and runs happily at moderate to high revs on the highway. The brakes are quite good too, again for what it is. No regrets on this one for around town and back roads. If I lived in San Diego County would I pick it? No way. But for tighter backroads with poor visibility, game animals, etc, it is a ton of fun. Fast, light, and cheap.
what a surprisingly off-putting negative "blabla" review for A unique fantastic 350 LB 400CC uber light fast ...0-60 4-5sec.... suuuuper light fliiiiickable to moon...not like 450lb 1190 that overheats & cost 15-18k...
Updates are meh tbh. It had a bunch of features for ages. What’s inexcusable is how many of the basics aren’t polished after a decade of updates. It’s a fun bike but KTM need to be called out at the same time
@@maomekat2369 Yes the handling on this bike is superb. I have never ridden a bike that is so quick to react, while at the same time it has good stability - pretty crazy. I have about 850 miles on mine and it still takes a conscious effort to prevent turning in too soon. I also still have to remind myself to brake later. The TC seems well dialed too. I had a lot of lean on the bike in a warm/dry 4th gear corner and was a little too aggressive with the throttle, the rear stepped out but it stayed totally controllable and the intervention was not intrusive. The suspension does a good job of keeping the tires connected as well. I ride on pretty rough back roads, and at speed and lean, the Duke is better than my former SV650 which had a suspension that really got overwhelmed on the same roads.
Funny how perspective changes so much....this bike is worshipped in india... it's THE sportiest beginner bike u can get in india. Many ppl in india don't buy a bike higher than 400cc so this is very popular here and it's the benchmark in the 400cc segment. Also cuz traffic and roads are chaotic in india this is all the bike u will need in the city and for some weekend rides. Basically it makes PERFECT SENSE here !!!
@@ashishmatta8504 Look at their cars🤣 they drive those huge trucks which have less visibility than modern tanks. It’s all ego. They also think they drive fast on motorways🤡
Being built in India it also avoids all those import taxes making it relatively unrivalled at its price point. A ninja 500 costs 2/3 MORE than a 390! That’s the real biggest difference between what it’s compared against in the US and in India (3.10 lakh vs 5.24), whilst in the US they’re pretty even on price. Then factor in it’s not just the buy in price but also all your parts, and of course like anywhere there’s some national pride in the things you build right? It’s why so many western and Japanese manufacturers are desperate to get bikes being built in India right now
I'm 57. Bought a 2017 390 Duke on a lark, intending to keep it the summer and move on. I kept it 6 years. It's just a barrel of laughs. I'm still thinking of getting another one as a second bike, or a 401 Svartpielen, just for the fun of it. Cheap to insure, cheap on fuel are pluses too.
I was riding a KLR 650 6 years ago and then my brother and I rented 2 Duke 390's and rode them on Maui for 2 days, when I got back I sold my 650 and bought a 390. Have my second one now, use one for camping with hard panniers and the other is just bare bones but both are a barrel of fun!!
If I had a child who is learning to ride, I would absolutely want their first bike to be as safe as possible. Rider aids on beginner bikes are 100% a positive thing. I mean.... would you want your kid to learn driving a car without esc, abs and airbags because they need to learn the raw physical experiece of understeering / oversteering into a ditch?
Being safe as possible means building your own skills and abilities, not relying on technology. It is far safer to teach your child to drive a car within their limits, just as a motorcycle, then to simply trust in the safety features. This is even more true of a motorcycle, and why so many people still lose their lives in automobile accidents while the cars are safer than they ever have been. An unskilled driver is dangerous.
I disagree because they should be riding before they're 16 on something smaller. We never personally owned anything I could ride on two wheels but we knew people. I learned all that before I was 16 the hard way when I healed much quicker and learned quicker.
I'm a small rider, at 5'3", and have trouble finding a sporty bike that I can both touch the ground on and handle weight-wise. I've been riding for just about 10 years so while I no longer consider myself a "beginner", I also don't need anything too large, both physically and in engine capacity. At the same time, I love tech and welcome the features. Launch control and Bluetooth? Cool! Why not? I especially love my backlit buttons! My 2024 Duke 390 is perfect for me and I praise KTM for going in this direction with their roudy, sub-500cc motorcycles. Cheers!
New rider. Older rider. I picked up a 2024 390 Duke because of the safety features that are largely unavailable on other bikes of this size and price point. After 100 miles on it, I think this is a fair review, tho mine has not stalled a single time except for a mistake on my part trying to start out in 2nd. The seat is not comfortable for more than 30-40 minutes at a time, and I'm already looking for a replacement or cover that adds a little cushion. I may play with the suspension adjustments, too. I'm 5'10" and don't feel like this is too small for me at all. The riding position is pretty comfortable, and it fits me like a glove. Scooch forward and grip the tank with your legs and everything is right where it's supposed to be. For me, at least. Try to sit farther back on the seat and suddenly it's uncomfortable and awkward. So I agree that you feel like you're very far forward, but I'm getting used to it. I like the TFT screen, and also agree that I wish it were more forward on the bars, since the riding position puts it slightly out of view and you have to look down to read anything. Is it fun? Absolutely. As stated, I don't have a lot of experience with other bikes, so I'm having a hell of a time on it. I've looked at others in this size like the Triumph Street 400, and the Honda SCL 500, but when I was ready to buy, nothing but the Duke was available. I don't regret it at all. It's well-suited to my needs - a commuter bike that's easy to navigate thru a metro area while having fun. Today I parked near a giant Harley and when I walked back to my bike it looked like a scooter, by comparison. Yet, the weight and size are an advantage in a city when you're looking for parking and want to zip around. BUT, I can see in a year or two moving on to something larger and more refined, like an MT-07. Time will tell. For now, I love the little guy.
I've got an older 390 Duke and it has it's engineering quirks coming from a lifetime of Japanese bikes but I find myself wanting to hop on it more often than any of my other bikes. Kind of like a Miata you're not going to crush highway miles but you can actually ride the crap out of the tiny lil thing around town without being too much of a menace. Not sure I'd pay the premium vs build quality on a new one but I really don't buy anything new
I also have a Duke 390 , ER6N and a Grom .. The best one out of the bunch if the Grom.. it's just so much fun. I rarely touch my Duke 390 and infact I only got it road legal today after storing it away for the last 6 months since I got my ER6N.
I am not a beginner rider, but I like small bikes. I used to have a ZX6R and I now have this bike's sister model. I have the previous platform Husqvarna Vitpilen and I love the features that these bikes have. For riding around my small area of Houston (Webster/Seabrook), this is all you need. Having the quick shifter and adjustable suspension are a major plus. Also, my bike OTD was less than $6,000 with warranty.
I also have a (23) Vitpilen that I added as a bike to confidently ride around in the Wisconsin Driftless region, where you run across equal amounts of gravel and horse/cow poop. And I find it a friggin' hoot to ride every time. I also have an Aprilia Tuono V4...and the Husky doesn't ever make me feel disappointment when riding it in comparison.
The Svartpilen version of this bike fixes a lot of these issues including tft placement, ergos for taller riders and doesn't have as many "needless" options. I just test rode a bunch of bikes including BMW R9T, Ducati Scrambler and some Triumphs... I ended up choosing the new Svartpilen 401 for my daily rider. Best fun for dollar of all the bikes and unbeatable for fun and convenience for city riding. You dont need big bikes to have fun.
I had the previous gen of Svartpilen 401 as a loaner while my Svart 701 was in for service, and I really liked it. Definitely all one need for a daily commute bike. Also fun on the twisty roads :)
Ive always found the idea of "skill development" on beginner things (ANY things, from motorcycles to tennis rackets to tents) to be relatively silly. You develop skills when you need to develop skills, its not like beginner has to mean absolute garbage that forces you to become an expert at something before you can move on to premium offerings that cover bases for you. If a "beginner" version of ANYTHING has a technology that means you dont need to develop a skill that would be needed on other versions of that thing, then that's great. You dont need to develop that skill yet until you move onto a version of that thing that needs that skill. And by then, I would argue, you can grasp that last remaining skill much faster and easier because you're familiar with the other 90% of the new thing you'd started.
You're right, its a competely normal skill curve that its implemented on all sort of activites, from sports to motorsports or even cooking. But with motorcycles people think that you can only learn on a 40 year old bike with drum brakes, otherwise "youre not a real biker" or you "learn it the hard way" (= crashing). Beginner bikes especially should all come with the latest aid for the rider, and as Zack showed, as you get better you can change or even turn of TC/ ABS etc
I don't think it's a beginners bike that little thing is a blast to ride, it hugs the road and swing it around like a rag doll. Very addictive little bike.
Is it just me or does this episode feels like theres a lot of cuts from it in post production? Not complaining,just feels like the episode is more compacted than usual
During the leaderboard there was lots of cuts…but its probably because he wants to say he didn’t like the bike but can’t say he doesn’t like the bike lol. Like he went off to explain why its not as good but trailed off and they just cut it up and got to the point 😂
Yup, way too many cuts. He popped the wheelie at 20-25 and landed a few seconds later at 65 on the dash. Also, immediately went from fifth gear to first before backing it in.
@@reaper320 what a surprisingly off-putting negative "blabla" review for A unique fantastic 350 LB 400CC uber light fast ...0-60 4-5sec.... suuuuper light fliiiiickable to moon...not like 450lb 1190 that overheats & cost 15-18k...
@@reaper320 that's because the speed is measured at the front wheel, which is also why he turns of rear abs, because the abs can freak out if the tires have different speeds.
I don't know that wiserepoman will see this comment but I have an experience based opinion. I would suggest a previous Gen Duke 390 over the MT-03. I ride, and have ridden, a 2019 Duke 390 that I purchased new as my first bike - I was 35 at the time and having never ridden before - that only has ABS (the rear can be turned off, and always is in my case) and it has been a great learner and commuter bike with good reliability as I've only had to do regular maintenance and replace consumables, like brake pads, sprockets and chain. I recently rode a new MT-03 on a Yamaha Demo Day and was fortunate enough to spend some significant time on it as well as a couple hours each on some other bigger bikes. My opinion of the MT-03 ultimately ended up being quite low. It felt cheaply made, low on power - compared to the Duke 390 - crashy over rough roads/bumps and had vague or "wooden" brakes. I really expected more from the little MT based on reviewers' opinions but was very happy to jump back on my KTM to ride home. That said, even with the Duke 390, at least a previous Gen like mine, I would suggest some small but immediate upfront changes. Upgrade the brake pads (I put some EBC ones on), the air filter (K&N KT-1217 made notable difference to how warm the bike gets and even reaction to the throttle). And buying an older model, even if leftover new, saves some cash. But those are just my two cents based on my ownership and comparison experience between the two bikes, Duke 390 and MT-03.
I`ve had the blue one for 3mnths now and added most of the Powerparts including the Remus pipe, barend mirrors, removed rear footpegs etc, abso love this playful little bike. I`m 5"10 and fit perfect. It`s my second KTM and looking to trade on the 2025 Adventure version next year. I love kTm😁.
I have 2 bikes in my stable an NC750X and a Husky 401 (i.e. the 390). And when it comes time to take the bike out for commute through traffic, city, highway, which one I end up picking? the 401 always. It puts a smile on my face every time. Its way too much fun, but it needs to be revved above 6000 RPM and that's how it likes it. I have 9000 trouble free miles on it. Its a single, and as such quite a simple bike. Yes the new ones and the 390 has a fancy dash, but if you forget the dash for a second, the rest of it is really simple. Yes its not a twin with 500cc or more, but it has a soul and a character. Its quirky. It makes a great daily and in tight traffic, its a a real joy. I'm going to keep riding it until the engine blows up.
Back when I first purchased my CBR300R 2015 new, and still my current bike, I came from a KTM 300exc 2010 dirt bike which was also road registered. I loved that bike and still to this day have googly eyes for a 390 Duke.. Here in Australia the 2015 390 was almost double the price of the CBR and was out of my league price wise at the time. I still looooove my CBR300R and have zero regrets buying it. A KTM 390 Duke or a Honda CBR500R would be the next bikes I'd consider if and when I decided to move on. Love the channel and your daily rides.
The thing is that all those smaller new bikes have, subjectively speaking from EU, very hefty prices here, so it’s almost always a better choice to buy a used MT07, Duke 390, Ninja 400, Svartpilen 390 or something like that, especially with KTM’s very problematic reliability in recent years. What attracts me the most is to buy an A2 bike that is locked so you can unlock it later, it’s basically like two bikes in one. It’s restricted to 48HP then later when you get a full A license here, you just unlock it to full 74HP, an example for MT07. And I agree for all the electronics subject, it will make some lame riders out there that rely on those always. 😄 As always, you have the most interesting, unique and fun reviews out there. Cheers
MT-07 is a BADDDD example. It's not worth the money to unlock a factory restricted version to a high output version.. it's around $2000 in engine parts and ECU flash, You actually make a profit in selling the restricted A2/LAMS version of the MT-07 (higher resell value) and buying the MT-07HO (lower resell value). The only good examples I can think of are the Ninja 650,Z650 and ER6N all made by Kawasaki who limit it with a simple torx screw to limit the throttle cable and SOME models of them bikes might need a ECU flash or pull out a special cross over cable from the ECU to tell it to go into full power mode. Another good example is the LAMS version (Australia only) of the Trident 660 which only needs a Bluetooth dongle plugged into it's OBDE port so you can upload a map from a Trident street triple 675 and it unlocks it.
@@miketran4289I think your information is a bit outdated. Nowadays it's mandatory that A2 bikes are electronically throttled. Those screws are long gone. Some bikes require stuff like a different throttle body in addition to the new ECU mapping. Throttling a new bike at a dealership is usually somewhere between free and 200€ if it's just a flash and 500€ max if an additional part is required
The thing to consider about launch control, Traction Control, ride modes etc is that they’re all software. They didn’t add any new parts. The wheel speed sensors were already there for the ABS. So why not use that information for traction control too? Launch control is using the same information. So it’s not like the bike would be significantly cheaper if they took that stuff off. It would just be less capable.
I am an old guy. Raced motocross and flat track. Owned lots of bikes. Nowadays everyone wants to know the best for the money. The best is what fits your particular needs. A Corrette or Lamborghini supply the same needs. Bikes nowadays are reliable with great warranties. There are sports cars, trucks, sedans, and SUVs and even these have compromises. . Buy the bike the pulls your heart strings. European bikes are more exclusive as less are built so parts/labor more expensive with less aftermarket support. Msrp is a factor also with a purchase.
I hate the "European bikes are more exclusive" thing. No, they're not. You can get any Euro bike you can think of anywhere in the country, and all it takes is a loan application. No one can buy a personality. Buy a BMW or Ducati if it has features you want, but if you think you're going to be cool, you're not. I guarantee you I'll see more Panigales on the road than MT09 SPs.
Glad to see the Euro 5 is still choking the shit out of KTM singles. They've changed nothing from the previous 390 and you will need a fuel dongle on day one just to make sure that your bike isn't stalling out repeatedly. Boy! Can't wait to spend $6,400 on that!
@@jonomasonILoveU Dude he just said at the end of the video that 30% of the time he started it, it stalled immediately. I'm pretty sure Zach knows how to read and use a fuel pump. Go to @30:15
@@sirosisofliverr I have one, and it died about 30% of the time immediately after start up, but only if I held the starter button down during cranking like you would do on most other bikes. If you tap the button and immediately release like you are supposed to, it cranks until it starts and then does not die. Now this was also during break in (like with Zach's), before I learned this was a one-tap button. So that may have had something to do with it too. In any case as soon as I started one-tapping never happened again. Having owned a RC390 with previous generation engine, I can say the engine character of the new and larger Duke 390 is head and shoulders better than the old engine. The new motor feels like a smaller version of the current 690 engine, but without the loading up at low RPMs, and without crashing into the rev limiter at high RPMs. But the way the power comes on and the willingness to rev very freely, particularly from 5K-9K, feels very 690 like. It doesn't have the wonky power dip in the midrange of the previous 390.
There’s an argument for requiring new riders to develop their skills. There’s also an argument for not dying when something unexpected happens. I’ve been riding for over 15 years and I’ve practiced threshold breaking and those sorts of exercises. A couple years ago an 18-wheeler hauling gravel took a left turn in front of me without seeing me, and then panic stopped when he saw me in his window approaching. As much as I’d like to say that I was the reason I stopped in time, it was the ABS that stopped me in time (inches from rolling under his trailer). If not for that, I probably wouldn’t be commenting today. So even if a new rider needs to develop their skills, they should also be allowed to benefit from the technological advances that keep us alive when something unexpected happens.
I don't see why a small bike shouldn't have Bluetooth connectivity, assuming it actually can show something useful (like navigation). What I don't understand is why a 125cc like the YZF R125 from Yamaha needs, a QS, slipper clutch, riding modes, and a price of 6000€.
I also don't think the 390 can be considered quality. That single cylinder isn't round enough, if it had a bespoke 270° 2cyl then maybe. They are also physically really small, not to mention the RC390 looks like ass and doesn't even get half the love the duke does.
It's interesting to see the features the Duke offers discussed as unnecessary or as demerits when they were part of the draw for me as a beginner rider at 29. Riding scared me and the ride modes/ABS/TC all were things that felt reassuring as a potential buyer. I did end up choosing a MT-03 over the Duke 390 but it was very close. I love my MT-03 and its gotten me over quite a bit of my initial trepidations but I don't think i would have been disappointed with the KTM nor do I think the rider aids would have made me a worse rider. I think Zack's points are fair and a reasonable point of view worth discussing.
KTM Engines don't run happy below 3500RPM(Gen 3 Duke) and there's engine knocking at low RPMs. The bike will run alot smoother once you go above 3500-4000 RPM. Quick Shifter works smoothly above 5000 RPM and there's little jerk if you use QuickShifter at low RPMs.
My duke (the 2021 model) has the same fueling issues you've mentioned. It's probably due to Euro standards on emissions. Adding a small piggyback that hijacks the O2 sensor to give the engine more fuel on low RPMs fixes this issue.
I think it's really weird that manufacturers are adding unnecessary rider aids but refuse to put cruise control on anything less than 13k. Probably just me though since most people don't seem to care.
Great insight. I returned to motorcycling after taking an almost 10 year break. My sentiments were the same, "Why are all these features on a bike like this?" P.S. -- Please review the Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe next.
I would take a 44 year old 1980 Honda CB400T Hawk, any day of the week over this thing. It was a 360 crank twin with dual counter rotating balancers, 3 valves per cylinder, 10K redline, about 39 HP, a rather tubby 395 lbs, pretty poor brakes, and extremely budget primitive suspension lol, but I toured all along the West Coast of the US and into Mexico from Northern Canada on it, and it was 100% trouble free and one of the best machines I've ever owned.
Just here to add a comment for youtube stats. I don't care about this bike, or many that he reviews, but I watch all of them to learn about motorcycles in general. Zach embodies the love of two Wheels, appreciate you dude.
390 Dukes have always been able to destroy much larger, more expensive bikes on tight technical roads. I would guess this can too. I would love to give it a go but I'm physically too large for this machine.
They added all the features so they could charge more. Quick shifters don't cost $500, and TC doesn't either, but all up the combined features can 'justify' +$1500 to the bike's price.
I wanted to go to Sturgis this year, but every Harley was too much bike for me. Then I looked at this KTM, but still too much. I rode a Honda monkey and I got severe vertigo from the insane speed of that machine. So I purchased a Honda ruckus and put saddlebags and ape hanger bars.. I took it from across the country to Sturgis. Amazing trip, and I got all the looks
I would argue beginners need more electronics as more likely to make a mistake especially in an emergency. Beginners and younger riders take more risks whether peer pressure or inexperience
I have owned a 2017 since new. It's my goto bike for around town. It's lightweight, easy to squeeze between cars, and gets great gas mileage. 50 mpg is the lowest I've gotten and I can get 70 if I'm easy on the throttle. I wouldn't take it long distance, but as a commuter or first bike, I would recommend it. One thing I'll point out is that QC at the India factor is suss. My engine blew before the first service due to a factory defect. KTM took care of me, and it's been reliable since the repair, but it was a pain.
People lecturing Zach about this bike being a dream for many people in the other parts of the world? Remember this guy flew to India to ride the Triumph 400 built by Bajaj. The company that rolls out KTM 390s from the same assembly line. So, he knows more!
As someone who just got their motorcycle lisc, and is waiting for the 2025 ktm 390 adventure to drop, i appreciate the rider aids. To me, safety is the most important. I dont care for the toxic masculinity aspect of cutting my teeth on basic bikes first. Yes it does make for a better rider, but you HAVE to fail to learn from mistakes. Id rather the bike compensate for any lack of skill and never have to lay it down to ‘learn a lesson’
Sorry but this review has a bit of delusion in it. This is big dream bike for a huge population of the world. Sometimes the biggest bike in their market. It's not that the rider aids are unnecessary on a bike this size, but that bikes like this make any bike bigger than it unnecessary. This is the real truth. Big bikes are unnecessary especially for the street with speed limits, children crossing streets, and animals on the side of the streets ready to jump out into your way. The longer you ride and the more bikes you ride on during your time the more you will realize this. More smaller bikes should have full tech packages because this IS the perfect size bike. We need to make smaller bikes more comfortable, with more variations in leg room and handlebar reach for different size riders, with more tech, and more storage options. Stop viewing and talking about this as a beginner bike. This is the perfect sized bike and an end game bike. Companies like to push bigger and bigger bikes at us because bigger bikes make more money per sale even though they are unnecessary and usually less safe the bigger they get. A company's top priority is making money over all else even their own employees never forget that. It's also very easy for a salesman to push a new rider to a bigger bike by simply playing off their ego. Cash helps one sleep easier at night. The top two reasons for crashes stated by MSF is getting too big of a bike and riding in a group too soon. Again, I'll restate my thought. We need more fully tech premium bikes in the 500cc and lower category and less unnecessary bigger bikes in existence over that. Riders are dying or becoming disabled for life because they were on an unnecessarily big bike which they were on in the first place because culture has made them feel like bikes like the 390 Duke are puny, small beginner only bikes. No one enjoys getting mocked but people are dieing and getting seriously hurt because of the fear of getting mocked. I'm sorry Zack but this video you made directly feeds into that culture. The 390 Duke honestly has all the power you will ever need. It's plenty fast enough. Having all those features on a bike that size is necessary to combat the idea that it's not a full sized bike and that you need something bigger. If I have a bike that has all the tech and features of the bigger bikes, that i can put a more comfortable after market seat on, that I can put an aftermarket touring windscreen on, that I can put an aftermarket Shad top case on with side cases, that I can do excess of highway speeds up to 105 mph just fine, that is also incredibly convenient around town, that is fast enough, and insanely fun in the Twisties... Why do I even need a bigger bike?
Wow. I guess he pinched a nerve there…that is NOT THE PERFECT SIZED MOTORCYCLE. Too small for North American highway riding, period. Ugly as heck!! This looks like a bike for a beginner 15 year old kid who still plays LEGO.
Yeah, for a beginner bike, get the ABS, get the traction control. Then if/when you want to move up to a more powerful bike, also get the ABS, get the traction control. You only have one life. Don't spend it in a wheelchair, or with a debilitating brain injury.
The one question that should have been asked but clearly wasn't. Whether you like the features or not how can KTM can put fully adjustable suspension, IMU, quick shifter, modes, mapping, lean sensitive ABS, rider modes etc, etc, for the same price as the big 4? KTM are still making money with all the tech so how overpriced does that make the big 4 with their low tech but similarly priced offerings? So why wasn't the question if KTM can do it why don't the others?
Short answer: KTM is trying to grow their market share; the Big Four aren't. KTM doesn't have a crowded lineup, their next-biggest street bike is a 690 (yes I am aware of their enduros). They aren't stealing sales from a 500 streetbike that they don't make. And having Bajaj (minority owner of KTM) make these in India keeps costs down.
Were my eyes deceiving me or was the gear indicator registering shifts when you weren't upshifting? I'm considering this as my next bike, but I'm not sure. Still considering Mt-03, 450 NK, and Triumph Speed 400...any recommendations (I've been riding larger bikes for about 25 yrs) Love the channel
The 2024 Duke 390 is trying to be the same as it's always been Zack. It''s trying to be a goid beginner bike that you can actually enjoy for a couple years and never really outgrow, which is why i still have my 2015 model next to a buell xb12 and a ktm 620 adv. Go everywhere with a wide open throttle and just as wide a grin on my face
Kinda feel like the whole point of this bike was missed which is weird because you hit it spot on the last 2 generations. Also nobody cares about mirrors on a naked bike, where i come from those, levers and bar ends immediately get switched out on any bike
My gosh I don't know if we have had a single day in August this year without at least a little rain, and many it is pissing all day. I feel your pain. This "global warming" is bullshit.
What I like about the small KTM bikes is because they give you the "unnecessary features" like bluetooth, ride modes, and adjustable suspension. In the USA you don't seem to have learner rider restrictions like in other countries, but where I live you will be stuck on a small
Sold my 390 back to the KTM dealer when the warranty expired. Nothing but issues from new that never got resolved. Avoid unless you are happy with a product that decides when it wants to work. Agree with your assessment, the bike feels rough overall most likely due to cramming too much needless crap onto the bike, and not refining any one thing. The rear brake is awful to a point I took it back to the dealer thinking it was faulty. The ride is bad after 30mins. The mirrors on mine kept cracking (the glass cracked) due to the vibrations, and traction control on a bike with 40hp is so stupid, its a total gimmick. There are so many better options on the market. Maybe having them built in India is part of the issue.
Fatherhood has made Zack sound like a grumpy old guy, complaining about all the damn electronic gadgets on these new “entry level” bikes. I’m close to the same age, and while I disagree with Zack on the tech on the 390, I’m also saying the same thing about cars today, so maybe I’m not far behind 😂
I have the KTM RC390, my son has the Duke. We both have larger bikes but these are unbeatable ,in the mountain twisties! Use to have a Yoshimura GSX-R 750, but the RC is the most fun you can have under 100!
as someone who has owned this bike since April 2024. Please do not get the akrapovic slip on for this bike. Sadly not one does it not change the sound of the bike what so ever. It also completely broke after a couple hundred miles of being installed on my bike of normal commuter use. To the point where all the welds that held the carbon tip on utterly failed and 1 also failed through the outer metal, so I now have an extra hole on my exhaust. I've also learned that KTM's support/warranty system is extremely slow. As I sent my warranty claim for my exhaust over a month and have yet to hear back from them. The bike it utterly fantastic as it comes from the factory. I just can't recommend getting the akrapovic slip on as it is just not as beneficial as with previous generations of the duke 390.
I feel like the lot of people who talk against rider aids started out on a really small cc bike as kid (like Zack in this video), they did not start out on a full sized modern 400cc street bike. Starting out on a small bike almost is like starting out with rider aids.
The "bubble" in the throttle response is due to too rich of the fueling. This is known characteristic, or issue with this engine, and common on bikes with this engine including Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401. The cure is apparently FuelX Lite mod which adjusts the amount of gas and oxygen to make it smoother.
This is a very USA bias review, 400cc is the beginning of mid size engine in the rest of the world. USA does not know what a 150cc, 200cc, 250cc is. All the premium features are expected on a mid-size bike. In the US this bikes goes for 5.500 USD MSRP, but in mine goes for 10K. So yeah I want all those f*cking features. Imagine the price for a 990 or a 1390, above 30k easy. I don't know how a bike with 45HP and a top of 105MPH is a beginners bike, I wonder how many people crash in the USA and it's bikers fault? I agree that Launch control is not necessary, but TC, rain mode I think is good to have, especially for a first bike. If you WOT (wide-open-throttle) this bike on 1st gear, you will end up using it as a hat in a blink.
I think your dad energy is getting the best of you. Rating the more expensive, heavier, less features Honda above a Duke 390, really? Most younger tech-adept riders are going to expect them on a 2024 showroom model. Being able to disable the rear ABS alone should put it ahead of the scrambler. Maybe let your objective journalist overcome that retro dad vibe and realize most people want these basic tech features. And launch control, sounds rad, sign me up!
Waiting for your take on the Triumph 400s and the Royal Enfield 450 Guerilla. Nice video though. The 390 is one of my favourites. Totally forgot the Himalayan ride on the Triumphs. Just the RE Guerilla then :)
My 790 adventure was in being fixed on warranty, and i was at first given an 890 smt as a courtesy bike, brilliant loved it, and then i was given a 390 duke. Im 5'10" 250 lbs and found it far too small, cramped, underpowered, and under braked. I too had problem with the positioning of the screen, the chin bar of my helmet was in the way, so I couldn't see it. I found the vibrations bad. I kept hitting the horn instead of cancelling the indicator. And the lug for lowering the side stand was directly under the foot peg, so it was a pain to lower. Apart from that, I thought it looked nice.
You should hear about the apache rtr 310. Which has a load of electronics features. The bike uses a bmw 310 cc reverse inclined dohc engine. Heated and cooled seats and grips , traction control, wheelie control , stoppie control , quick shifter , auto blipper , auto brightness adjusting light, proper Cruise control , cornering abs , cornering Cruise control and many more in under 4000 $ 😮. It has tpms also
I was buying my first bike right when they announced this updated version of the Duke with a few more ccs and etcetera. I was in love, it just looks so different to me, and I dig it. I ended up buying an old Honda for 1/3 cheaper (CB450 DX) as I think it was way more bike for the price (and I love working on engines as well), however the appearance of the Duke still grabs me, I don't think I'll ever own a KTM considering where I live as not only its price is a bit prohibitive, but access to parts and etc is almost non-existent, but man do these look good, a sharp contrast against all of the same-y Yamaha MTs and modern honda CBs.
The 2024 Z500 SE is the same MSRP as the dealership cost of a 2024 390 Duke where I live. If you go with the non-SE model Z500, it's $700 less than the KTM. I'd much rather the Kawasaki. Aftermarket really has shown there's a lot of power to be had with the updated 451cc Kawasaki (57hp/33ft-lb wheel) and I think overall it's got a broader application and more reliable place than the KTM.
I preferred the looks of the previous model. A few years ago, when I got back into motorcycling after a multi decade break, the choice for me was between the Duke 390 and the Ninja 400. I ultimately bought a Ninja 400 to break myself in gently (heavily influenced heavily by my son who preferred the looks of the Ninja). I think this is a bike for people who simply want a small light nippy bike - if you have physical limitations (age, knees, strength, height) then this is a great bike. It is not a North American continent cruiser but for zipping around town or places with narrow roads it would be ideal.
Ktm sells a ton of bikes overseas for us Americans this is viewed as a beginner bike but in India and Asia these a 390 duke or adventure is a big bike. So I get why they it is the way it is. Personally I’m the 300-400cc naked bike class. The cb300r is a great looking, light feeling, fuel efficient city bike. The mt03. In my opinion is a great all around bike, especially if you don’t want a bike that screams Kyle energy like the z400
Liked it before I watched it. At this point in my life this is a perfect size and ergonomic for my aging carcass. And on sale for $5300 locally a no brainer for me. Seat upgrade and a cat delete pipe and done
I would like to see an episode or section of Daily Rider, where Zac rides at night... lets be honest riders, most of us do ride at night or ride pass sunset.... example: Bike Night...
