I love this bike.. I've booked it after a test ride. I think even the fact that it's ride by wire throttle and switchable ABS to Supermoto mode makes it a class apart from everything in this range.
From riding 1000cc + metric style cruisers and a 81 XLH sportster as my first bike(which believe it or not handled equally as good as my 18 KTM Duke 390 if it not I'd be mostly likely dead) BUT this little 373cc is quite a little monster thanks to it's high compression ratio and overall engineering. Stunning bike in style and yes, attitude. The way it pulls. Loves high rpms. KTM brand is starting to grow on me. Still gotta respect and love Honda and Yamaha motorcycles.
Yes, Nissan Figaro. Really expensive to buy secondhand, loads of common problems that are expensive to fix, but they have a cult following - go figure (o). Great vid - I've always said small bikes are the way forward.
Slowly moving up the ladder in terms of higher capacity bikes and I have owned this for 3 months now. 3000 kms and I absolutely love this thing. There are a few problems with the bike but they can be disregarded. This is just brilliant fun.
It seems like getting caught behind a Nissan Figaro is like getting caught behind any Subaru model car in Seattle: slow, bad drivers seem to love them, and they're all over the place.
I think the Z300 is the biggest competitor of the Duke, since they give you an Akrapovic and a couple more details for 500 extra only being 5.500 in total really makes it a game changer. (EUR)
I think you would like the husqvarna svartpilen 401. has the same 373cc engine and is similar to the duke, main difference is appearance and suspension
The "hideous" little car is the Nissan Figaro, a faux 50s style pocket sized coupé never officially imported to the UK but a few 2nd hand Japanese market were brought in by specialist firms.
Funny review of the nasty greenish car! LOL! 390 Duke review was interesting. I was hoping one would be in the comfort realm but I got this feeling that is probably gonna be on the Top 5 dislikes? Weight has driven my bike options quite a bit lately so am glad to hear the weight was a top love. And how can you not love a TFT screen, bright and bold! I'm not sold on the headlight but if it lights the road up brilliantly, I'll buy into your love of it easily. As much as I've enjoyed the T120, the beam of light that emits from it is useless at night. Nothing a replacement bulb can't fix or auxiliary lights couldn't fix. Nicely done as always TMF!
Nice video as always, perhaps you could of mentioned how much they cost in U.K. I like this bike, but wouldn't, get a new one, better to get a second hand one. Don't be too hard on the Nissan Figaro it was probably flat out, they are 998cc with a automatic gearbox 😳.
The engine deserves to be in your top five, it is a very strong engine, which stretches revolutions very well and to be a cylinder vibrates very little. You dissapointed me. Good video.
The hideous car is a Nissan Figaro which is a Japanese only market re-body of the Micra. They're a grey import and popular with the laydeez because of the pastel colour range and the retro looks. The KTM Duke on the other hand is a cracking looking bike in common with the rest of their range. :-)
Nice review, but if you can, would you make a review about the performance? I mean, many complain about the heating, about empties of power at low rpm, some say there is a resonance in the engine that wasn't there in the previous video. Sadly no dealer has demo bike here around, so I would love it from you. As always, thank you!! 😊✌
I am so glad to own one here in Bangalore India...Big bang for my bucks compared to BMW g310R which GOD know when it will be released in India and R3 which is discontinued since April this year
Have u faced ecu shut off problems?the fan is always i think,i guess it doesnt hav rawness of the old 390 which had a slightly snatchy throttle. Do try to do a comparo with the older gen duke 390...Please also check the CB/CBR 500r which has a similar engne characteristic of Low to midrange power.
That would be Mr. Bean in the green car. But seriously, I tested the 390 and absolutely loved it. They should implement a navigation system in the TFT. However, the fan was very annoying. He came on often, nearly immediately after stopping at a traffic light and is very loud. What's your experience?
Only really hear it if you're pootling along.. and that's probably also the only time when it comes on. Haven't noticed it at normal speed at all this summer.
Great review as always Mr TMF! Here in NZ, once you've done your basic handling test you can ride one of these on your learner licence - what an amazing first bike that would be!
Great update... looking forward to hearing the 5 things you hate about it... betting the fan appears somewhere on the list... would also like a comparison with the BMW G310R... and your thoughts about the upcoming G310GS and 390 Adventure...
perhaps you can make a video of all the bikes in affordable segment? like $5000-$7000 range? currently trying to decide bet. KTM 390 & BMW G310R. any other option to consider?
Please keep the duke390 videos coming. I really want to like this bike and get it next year. Thank you for your review. P.s. my last bike was an mt09/fz09.
Wow....Mrs F on the drums again. How did you fit everything on the back? Pillion seat room should've been no.1 ;). Great vid though (as always) and you're entirely right about the bike. Great commuter, B-road scratcher & a good learner machine.
Hi, great vid. Took the 390 Duke out for a test ride last week. My bike is a Ducati hyperstrada 821. I found the Duke incredibly light , nimble and I think the funnest bikes I've ever ridden. Also the best looking Duke in the KTM family, If only the Duke 690R was this striking. I thought the engine was a hoot too. You had a top 5, the engine for me would be at number 6. I did not get it to a motorway, so have no idea what it would be like on say a long tour.. Any thoughts?
Great video, very informative. Just curious why the motor didn’t make it on your list. I also have a request. How would the little Duke compare with your Street Triple R for riding around town. I ask because I used to own a 12 model Street Triple R, my favourite of all my bikes. Brilliant throttle response and wonderful low end to mid range. I preferred to ride the low end torque curve as opposed to previous 4 cylinder Yamaha’s I used to prefer. I am really wondering if the KTM could be like having a lighter STR without a top end, ie lots of lower speed fun.
Lovely! Great video as usual. Would you do a comparison between the 207 Duke 390 anhd BMW G310R? That would be helpful for a lot of people like me. Thank you. Keep up the good work.
You could check out a couple of you tube channels like 'Toms turbo garage' and ' mighty car mods' they have both had episodes involving figaros. Not my thing but they do have a following.
Uploaded on my fifteenth birthday! Only one year until I can get a bike - even if it is only a crappy 50cc one. Did you ever ride a 50cc bike/moped and if you did would you recommend getting one or waiting another year to get a 125cc?
Funky Penguin I know this question wasn't directed at me but I would still get a 50cc to get used to riding on the road and so it's only one year and not two and it will get your insurance down a little little bit
I agree,, a 50cc is a great place to learn. There is nothing crappy about them! I am 49 years old and have a ZipRS in my garage.. Here is an example. www.gumtree.com/p/piaggio-motorbikes/piaggio-zip-rs-sp/1233224133 THESE ARE NOT SLOW :)
Hey i like your reviews. Would you suggest waiting for BMW G310R which is yet to launch in India. Or to go with D390. Would you be able give views on to be launched TVS Apache RR310S? Appreciate your response in advance.
I know you've done the odd riding gear review in the past , any chance of a mention or review about the jeans you wear as I'm in the market for a pair of Kevlar reinforced ones. Or do you just wear ordinary ones.
+poisonmans I always wear proper biking jeans - I use Draggin ones which are brilliant and I will do a review soon as a number of people have asked - cheers - TMF
Lovely short top 5 vid Sir. :) I've got a small query about this bike. Sir, do you think the alloy wheels are pretty sturdy to handle a bit of off roading? (Considering the new BMW 310 GS, the Kawasaki Versys 650 & other smaller displacement dual sport bikes are coming with alloy wheels rather than the spoked ones in the bigger Adv bikes). In the Himalayan ranges (especially Leh Ladakh) where we (Indians & some foreigners too these days) generally face snow, gravels, small river crossings, muddy trails quite often. That's why the query Sir. I've heard from previous Duke 390 (2015 & before) owners that they've had issues of cracked alloys in the Himalayan ranges. I really do pray the KTM guys have beefed up their alloys, since the 390 Duke is their flagship offering in India. 😊
Sir, would you weigh the Kawasaki Versys X 300 more than this 2017 KTM Duke 390 for the above mentioned terrains? If possible, please do a long review on the X300 too. Thanks in advance.
+Dr. S Chakraborty Sadly I don't yet have access to Kawasaki bikes so can't help you there! ...and I wouldn't think the KTM wheels would be great off road....sorry about that. Thanks for watching - TMF
hello mate am from india as i am a bike curious, my place dont have tracks and straight so, i am in a difficult situation where i have a dilemma of choosing rc 390 or duke 390 both 2017, ill be using for going to jobs and weekend ride thts all so pls help pe pick the right ktm for me mate ty. and by the way a very comprehensive review ty.!!!
You're reminding me of episodes from Mr. Bean when he always gets stuck behind that three wheeler thingy. Btw, my girlfriend loves that car for it's retro looks.
A constant POV video can get a bit boring. You should try switching from POV to third person from time to time to keep the viewer hooked. Also should try focusing the video on the actual bike showing us little details on it. But great video anyways mate! 👍🏻
What sort of mileage do you get out of a tank of fuel on this? Always a bit wary of off road styled bikes because they usually have piddly little tanks.
lol, well yes one would. Looks a fund piece of kit. A good looking bike and something that would be good to blast around the country lanes of the Cotswolds, or even the Charlbury roads you features on a previous video. There about 10 mins from the house.
thanks for the quick reply . I am contemplating between D390 and TNT300, just not able to decide.. I love styling and features of D390 and comfort ability and sound of T300. I have been thinking for the past one year. Just could not be able to decide :-(
Them cars are literally terrible. I spent about 5 years preparing them to go on UK roads. There a tiny 998cc turbocharged Nissan micra engine. So damm slow
This bike and many others are going to go away real quick and real soon now that EVERYONE is bringing out incredible Electric bikes that can smoke all gas powered bikes, even the Kawasaki H2!
Got a thumbs down from me because of the comment about women drivers. Uncalled for and unnecessary. I generally like your stuff on RU-vid but not that.
