Was It Worth Buying A KTM 390 Duke? 

Riding a small bike fast is infinitely more fun than riding a fast bike slow.

It feels so weird to hear duke 390 as a cheap option 😂 . Here in India , except the large cities , duke 390 is considered a powerful and premium bike.

I use my 390 Duke for literally everything from getting to work and doing groceries to travelling for hundreds of kilometres. It might lack in power compared to big bikes, but it‘s eager and determined and probably one of the most trustworthy bikes to corner with that you can get for the money. I love it!

I would LOVE to see you riding more sportbikes but it's definitely your quality of work that keeps me subscribed.

Got a 2019, got 20k hard kilometres in it, wheelie it every chance I get, (never popped a seal yet). All I've done is change the oil every 3k and filters. I've destroyed a chain from poor maintenance. The bike has been perfect, never missed a beat and the engine sounds the same as when it was new. Puts a smile on my face everyday 😁

Absolutely worth it. I’m a small bike fan (tried a big bike and it wasn’t for me), so I loved these videos!

I've taken my 19 KTM 390 Duke to the track several times in intermediate class, a total blast! Glad I bought it.

I like this bike! It's small, fun, affordable and practical! It looks sick too!

I started off on the Duke 390, rode it for over 3 years and loved every moment of it. Finally I traded in the little Duke and got myself a Street Triple RS couple months back. Almost went with the 790 Duke but it just runs too hot and rough for town and city use. The STRS has a nicer balance of comfort, rideability and occasional hooliganism on the weekends. Still I do miss the little Duke.

My first bike was a 50cc Honda Ruckus. It was a blast that first summer bone stock. The second summer I did all the performance upgrades. Intake, exhaust, performance variator, sliders, up-jetted the carb. Had a blast again. Then I swapped the engine with a 150cc and added a 171cc big bore kit. Had a blast again. This past summer I took it on a quite long road trip for such a little big and really found out the draw backs of a small bike. I still love the thing and won't get rid of it but I think you're right. If I went to a 400cc it would probably seem next level. I'm going to hang onto the 171cc for another year, I think then get a second bike...probably something in the 650-750 range. Keep up the awesome content!

I bought my bike because I needed a new one after my engine died… but I went with the KTM Duke, not only because it’s from my favourite brand… but also because your videos helped me decide which one to get next!

I let my MT09 go for various reasons and bought one of these. It is taking some getting used to as you have to plan a head a bit more for over taking etc. You can find it's limits easier and stand less chance of loosing your licence. It's a bit like a bigger Grom with more power and I loved that bike when I had it.

I understand your pov! I love riding smaller bikes if they are comfortable or offroaders. Sometimes i feel like my 800cc rips my arms out when i take off quick 😉 (when tired)

Ex 2020 duke 390 owner here: Great city bike. You can learn a lot on it, it’s very forgiving. In reality I sold the bike after 4300km. It’s a very okay bike after you’re used to it. Okay to maintain. Okay to insure. Didn’t bother performance mods on a small cc. Okay to ride. Bike tops out at 150-160ish assuming you riding hard. Lastly and most importantly, I had my ENGINE replaced under warranty, by KTM, it was a ~40K exercise. The process took 3.5 months. If you want a city bike it’s not bad BUT if you can get a bigger, quicker bike - do. If you really have to get one ensure your warranty is in tact. My opinion - you don’t have to agree. Safe miles!

I've had larger bikes for touring but have thought about getting the Duke 390 for years as a fun town bike. Then I saw the Svartpilen 401 - the Huskvarna version of the same bike - and that funky styling really got to me. I have a Triumph Tiger 900 for touring and bought the Svart as a second bike. It's a total blast, which I imagine is mirrored by the Duke. I watch vids of the bikes I own or take my interest, but click out of them quickly if they are not well presented. Your vids are always good and your presentation style is engaging. I go for that over whatever is showing in the thumbnail.

Those KTMs just look fantastic. My wife has an RC and I love riding that from time to time. So much fun!

Absolutely worth it! I am a beginner and fell in love with the bike because of your videos. Thank you!

Bought mine this week... waiting to pick it up. Very excited

I am a lady rider. I did my homework when looking for a beginner bike as I had been on a 125 practicing my riding. I decided on a 300/400cc bike as I then knew I had around 5 years to push my experience limits on a small bike. I looked at various models but the 2 that stood out were the Duke 390 and the Yamaha R3. I now have had the R3 for 2 years and still haven't maxed my experience limits. I am not sorry. My friend who is shorter than me got herself the Ninja 400 and had it dropped for her height and she is super happy with her choice. Her partner has a 1400 Ninja , my spouse has a YZF600 Yamaha and CBR600 . We rode together to the last Poison Rally in 2019 and it was us as ladies a first for riding in rain, strong winds etc and we earned the respect of most riders at the rally that year. So , small bike before bike big but keep the small bike when you upgrade that you stay focused on the reality of bikes and the passion it gives.

If you're happy with your bike, then I'm happy too :) Actually I'm surprised you feel the Duke 390 is too slow, but dat display is the most beautiful one for the class tho!! I'm actually seriously considering that bike now as an around town daily!

I went from a 600cc 102hp bike to a 500cc 47hp bike and don't regret it. In the beginning I wasn't sure if going for a smaller bike was the best decisions but after a test ride I was sold. It might lack the horsepower and torque compared to my previous bike but this one steers so much lighter that I can make tighter turns than I was able to do with my other bike in the past 9 year.

Really interesting video mate. I own a 2020 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS but recently bought a 2018 KTM 390 Duke as a second, round town, going to the shops bike. Ive owned over 20 Super and Sports bikes over the last 10 years and like you, was loosing my passion for bikes, until I bought the KTM. Its one of the most fun bikes I've ever owned and I think I could say I could have it as my only bike. Anyone with experience in biking would appreciate this bike a lot more than less experienced owners for sure. The bike is cheap to buy, cheap to run, easy to maintain and ride and is VERY torque'y in the bottom range (where all the fun is). It looses it after 100 kmh but who cares, this is our speed limit anyway. I also bought a knock off Akrapovic off Amazon and it was amazing, sounds brilliant, was surprisingly good quality and was only $100 ish. For me, small bikes is where its at. The new RC 390 is out soon and in this price range it might be an option!

I bought my 2018 KTM Duke 390 as a second bike to ride to work and run errands. I live in SF CA. I had a GSXR600 at the time which was too fast for my 6 mile no highway commute. Plus I could put a top case on the back. I love everything about the bike and I’ve been riding for 20+ years. The price is right it splits narrow side street lanes and is super fun.

I went from a 600 to an mt07 cause I got a good deal on one. When I'm riding by myself it's a blast, it sounds better and I can lift the front wheel effortlessly on the streets. The downside is when I hang out my my sport bike friends on the highway where I start wishing for more power. It depends on who you hang out with I think.

I bought my Z650 for a couple of reasons - one - I love how it looks. Two - I don't need 80+hp to enjoy myself on a motorcycle - it's just powerful enough to get the blood pumping, it's comfortable for riding all day - and it's a kick in the curves. Can't wait until Spring hits, I need to get back in the saddle!

I recently bought my first bike a 2019 Duke 390 with 4k miles on it. I'm loving every minute on this bike and learning how to ride on it was very easy. I now understand that one bike is not enough but replacing this bike or just get another one is one decision that I will consider a lot.

I bought a Honda Deauville with the intention of having it be my work bike and I have since got a work from home job. I still love it, The shaft drive makes life so much easier. Just need too get an exhaust for it.

Afer many decades riding all tipes of bikes , I own a Royal Enfield Classic 500 now, after a BMW R100RS, a BMW K100 RS a Yamaha FJ 1100, a Kawa ZX10 and finally a Honda CBF 600 SA. You may say thats the sesult of age, but in fact lots of power and lots of weigth make us live under stress. Life in road is no more Dysneyland for adults, but a different aproach to life with nothing to prove ourselves or to others; It's not a competition. Its a contemplative way to discover and appreciate our lovely planet .

Yesterday I immediately traded my just delivered to the dealership 390 Duke for 390 Adventure right when I saw it ♥️. ADV looks so aggressive and post apocalyptic and it's almost 130% bigger than Duke (yes they share the same engine but so different in size). Can't wait for spring to ride it

When I drop the Blade off for a service.. sure the loaner cb500 is lots of fun. But getting back on the Blade tells me why I own it!! Always a good reminder of how good the Blade actually is.

the most popular bike here in Sweden for beginner riders is actually a MT07 or other kinds of 600cc/700cc category naked. even the A2 license category here most people just get a big bike and then detune and register it as a A2 with 35kw. smartest thing you can actually do. you have a good bike with enough power to learn but you also have the ability to unlock the bikes full potential ones you are ready

Its coming next week and I cant wait for it man , I watched every video for it lol

I have downsized from a 900 triple to a cb500x and I am honestly loving it! I may very well go back to a larger displacement bike in the future but this experience has been absolutely worth it 👍🏻

It doesn't bother me what you ride I came here for YOUR videos.. I found your vids back when we both had R6's. Keep up the good my friend 👊

I bought my first bike Hero Xpulse 200. It's currently only available in India and few other countries. I wanted a dual sport and anything other than naked bike. And it's the cheapest dual sport bike in the world. It costs roughly $2000 (150000 rupees). Downside it's 200cc engine produces only 17.8 hp. But then also the 13 liter tank gives me 450-500 kms range. The service and parts cost is also very low. Service cost is like $20-$50. In every 3000 kms and oil change in every 6000 kms.

I traded my Kawasaki 650 for a Duke 390 as well and apart from highways, it was worth every bit of the swap. I actually get to use most of the engine on the Duke compared with the 650. I never liked highway riding with so avoid it where possible anyway but you're right it's the Duke's weakest point. I'm currently looking for a dirt bike at the moment as well but this time around I think I'm going to try something different and get an electric Sur-Ron or something. They look like huge amounts of fun to ride without annoying everyone with noise!

Fun and professional video bro

Lekker review. I bought a 2014 KTM duke 390 in 2015. It had 1000km on it - just had 1st service. I have since put on over 50 000km on the bike. If you look after your duke, it will look after you. I have recently had to have new chain and sprocket, Major service, clutch kit, clutch lever, front shock refurb. Not cheap but worth it. Maybe I can put on 100 000km. Would love to upgrade to Duke 890 adv at some point but will never sell my duke. Happy riding

I’ve owned my Duke for 3 years now and still love it. Out of the many many bikes I’ve own the Duke is the funnest most enjoyable bike I’ve owned.

Done 11k miles on my '17. Owned a CCM Cafe Racer and a '19 Suzuki Katana since. They are both gone. I wouldn't sell this, partly because it's so cheap to run. It's a cool bike to look at and still fun to me, yet relaxing. The Katana had just too much, unusable power in most situations. The 600 single CCM was ultimately a chore on motorways. This, I can happily use for 2-300 miles with no comfort issues.

I got a 2019 Duke 390 as my first bike and I love everything about it. It was cheap to buy brand new, it's cheap to run, cheap to insure, cheap to maintain and cheap to buy aftermarket accessories like crash bars and bag holders. Like you, I don't just want a bike, I want a car and a boat too. Both of which I wouldn't have been able to afford with a higher spec bike. My next bike will be electric, but I'll keep the Duchess for longer trips and might even change the tires for off-roading.

I bought the MT07 after learning to ride a 150cc bike... It was a huge leap but 150cc bike really tuned me alot for 3 years before getting on my big boy.

If you only use it to run errands (i.e. as a utility vehicle) then yeah, it's not going to be much fun. I've had lots of big and mid-sized bikes -- GSX-R1000, Bandit 1200, Vulcan 1700, VFR800, etc. The Duke is great fun. It even does fine on the highway for the

Have my 390 duke as my first bike, i would say best for a beginner like me. Btw, Your content and style of editing, made me clicked subscribe.

Bike is a bike!!! I’d love to have one bike of each category; dirty, scooter, street, sport, tourer, etc… Go ahead with your experiences and replace this one by another one, smaller, bigger, faster, whatever. Just keep us entertained 😎 👊

I've ridden superbikes for the last 16 years, Two R1s and currently a Fireblade. I needed a break from the normal anxieties that riding a superbike on public roads manifests. On a recent visit to a dealer, to pick up a battery for aforementioned Fireblade, I spied a 200 Duke. On a whim, I bought it. I wanted to go back to enjoying riding, instead of just largely avoiding death. It did almost exactly what I wanted it to. Problem was, as much as I was enjoying riding again, 22bhp wasn't quite giving me the thrills. So I found myself wringing the neck of the 200 through the twisties to make up for the lack of grunt on the straits. Solution. 390 Duke. Mine comes next week and I've still got the Fireblade for when I think my life isn't precarious enough. Thanks for the review.

Hi Chaos, I have a question, do you recommend lowering a seat height?

Hello from Seattle! You're videos are always a treat. What is the shirt you're wearing at 4:27? I feel like I need that in my life...

As I stated before getting my bike, I watched you and other channels to discover the bike I wanted. Then I went smaller displacement. I ended up on a Kawa Z400. Everyone tells me it seems so big when I tell them what it is. I'm glad I bought it for the learning aspect but I crave to go carve up some roads of any shape and it's just not that fun. I want to move up to the 600 area where I was going to start but was discouraged by most of the "what bike should I start on" saying nothing bigger than 400cc (unless non American who said 125cc)

Sometimes i just appreciate the good roaring sound of the exhaust. Example 4 cylinder z25r

I bet you probably get this but Im considering the duke for my very first bike next year. Would the Duke be a good place to start in your opinion or should I explore my options a bit more?

I’m a Husqvarna 401 Svart owner/rider so I know the set up well. I chose the smaller bike because I haven’t ridden much for the last 20 years and I wanted to test my resolve. I only ride for fun so I need a bike that’s a gas on a short ride and excels on twisty and town riding. Bingo! Plus cheap to run because it’s not used daily and I need to run a car too. The added advantage of the Svart is it’s got some trail ability so I’m not going to fling it around off-road but I can get some kicks in the gravel and on slippery surfaces. Works for me! … but of course I still day-dream about a KTM 790 or Triumph Street Triple.

the duke is only a "letdown" if you drive on mostly straight roads, in corners, the 390 duke is probably the most fun bike ever

I ride an 06 Kawasaki 636 and test rode a duke 390 the other week to see if it was doable. Points noted, light easy to move about. Once on the bike gears were slick, clutch v light and smooth, brakes very sharp with plenty of feel and very nice riding position with comfortable seat. Sadly it just didn't have the poke and the revs ran out too quickly before having to change up (normal for single cylinder to have a low redline of course). For the size engine though KTM have done a good job though don't get me wrong.

in india duke 390 is consider as a high cc bike becuz on averge people can only afford 150-200cc bikes only...ITS UPGRADE FOR US IF WE MOVE TO 300 CC BIKES..😅🤣 and that 390is a dream of many bikers in india...like many****

I began with a Yamaha 400 (POS) to a 750 CBK and stopped riding in 1988. In 2019, along came a 2007 650cc Burgman, which I like. I am considering a somewhat sportbike, and I have a 30 mile round trip commute for work. I am thinking this to be cheaper for insurance and maybe a little bit of speed?

I started on the 790 Duke as my first bike, love your videos man! :D

Bought a T100 Bonneville because I've loved how they look and sound since I first started riding. It's not the fastest, it doesn't handle all that well, it certainly isn't the cheapest, but I like it. Would quite like a T120 upgrade some day but ya boi aint got the pockets for that just yet.

I bought a 2021 Duke 390 a few months ago and to me it sounds like you are missing out on the fun of the Duke. If you are primarily running to the store (not really the Duke or any sport bikes strong suit due to lack of storage) then it sounds like you're missing the fun of a good windy road now and then where the Duke 390 and its light weight excel. I commute to and from work on mine and purposely take the longer, windier route whenever I can. BTW, thanks for all the entertaining videos!

Hey Chaos, very nice Video Why did you remove the engine protection pads and put the crash bar back on? Did you have a problem with the crashpads or did you not like them?

Great video!!! Maybe you can add an end card. I thought it ended a bit abruptly.

I started with a 2006 Yamaha YBR 125, passed my test and went straight to a 2008 Yamaha FZ6 S2 N. I Loved the FZ6, but with only a few months riding experience under my belt... I was always riding beyond my limits. If I was behind another vehicle, I had to get in front of it. And if I was at the front I was always trying to go as fast as possible. I found the speed and acceleration intoxicating. After 3 months - with too many near misses - I realised I was either gonna end up losing my license or worse. So I traded in my FZ for a 2017 Duke 390. And I feel so much safer and in control. Just my 2 pennies worth =)

Hey bro, I bet you'd give up the 4.5 for the views all day. We all would and it's understandable. Try to release videos on a consistent schedule, yours are of quality and like I've said before, your voice is calming. This channel has all the potential, it just seems like you need to give it that extra hmph to commit into it so your viewers do to. Hmp, we'll talk bro. This channel definitely won't die out, it's got the potential.

I've owned a 2017 duke 390 from new as a second bike and its been a really good bike that I still love riding over 4 years later. It isn't very good on motorways and duel carriageways but avoid these and its a blast.

I've had a Duke 125. It was fun, but too slow for driving in country roads. I mean, it went 90-100 kph, but It took to long to overtake someone going 70. Now I have the Duke 390, it feels powerful enough to overtake and after all I had most of my fun going through corners and not going 200

All your work is awesome

I’m looking to get into the sport. Would you suggest this bike as my first?

I just did the same thing. I sold my 650cc sport bike, and my 800cc cruiser, and purchased a KTM Duke, and a 150cc dirt bike. It's been a nice change.

I live in Australia. Currently 2.5 hours away from any twisty roads words riding. A small bike (DRZ 400 sm I borrowed) was plain painful and boring when half your day is on a hwy to and from. I started on a 84' Suzuki TS 185 road/trail (crashed while doing 100 KPH, into a cement truck that pulled out in front of me), next a Suzuki A 100, next was a 00' Kawasaki ER 500 cruiser (crashed before it's first 1000 km service), next was a 99' BMW 650 enduro, then a 99' Suzuki GSXR 600, and lastly my new (to me at least) a 2008 Kawasaki Z1000.

My last bike was a GSX-R 1100-RR, then I stopped riding for twenty-something years. Bought a Duke 390 and haven't regretted it for a second. I live in a rural area with tight, twisty B-roads and some pretty decent A-roads if I go and look for them. It's perfect for that combo. Not much fun on a motorway although a Puig screen definitely helps. Got some super-sticky tyres as I didn't like the originals and I genuinely can't wait to ride it as often as I can. I did buy the T-Shirt too :)

Actually, if KTM ever does release the 490 Duke, I think it would be everything you need; light, cheap, low consumption but also enough power for the freeway.

I bought a Kawasaki Concours 1400 because I wanted something big and comfortable to take the misses on. I wanted bags to go shopping, and fairings to keep me out of the rain and cold on the highway. The 175hp is just a bonus... 😉 To balance that out.... I bought a Z125 Pro. Just because I always wanted a "grom" like bike, I wanted something light and powerless to do dumb things on, and I wanted to teach the misses how to ride. Going from 9hp back to 175hp is a shock to the system...

I love my 390. In the US it’s comically small to all the Harley and GS guys but it holds it’s own in most real world riding and I can outmaneuver any one of them with one hand

I bought a MT09 2018 as I love a huligan bikes and I'm not disappointed 😎👍🏻

I think the KTM 390 is one of the best and coolest beginner bike there’s is on the market, and I would have wished it existed when I took my drivers license. But as for now, I could not go from my FTR 1200 to the 390 duke… the gap is simply to big! So are we seeing a “I bought a new bike” or “I sold my KTM 390 Duke” video soon?? 😍😍

I just bought a duke 890 3 weeks ago, absolutely love it! Never had a 390 though.

I was supposed to buy a cb150r as my first bike. But then when i tried the duke and how light it rode compared to other 400cc bikes, i decided right away that i'd skip the 100-300cc category altogether. Haven't looked back since

In crowded urban streets of Europe or Asia, a 400 class has the manoeuvrability to get around yet have enough power to generally keep up with highway traffic and then some.

I've only ever rode bigger bikes, the Vulcan 900, cb 1100 and now I'm riding a duke 390 and it honestly a fun little ride

I have a 125 and just got myself a bandit 650 for next year. Wanted something with another power to take a pillion to bike meets or even on hol. Love your content but think you need a big bike now. Something like the gsxs750

How quick will I be bored of the 390 duke? I love the looks & it’s lightweight good for my older body. I’m 54

own multiple (seven if you don't count the supercharged bobber) second hand sport bikes of 900cc or over and yet my latest purchase was a Gilera Saturno 350. The roads right out of my back door are ridiculously twisty and you have no chance of getting anywhere near the speed limit on any of the bikes so it really depends on what is the purpose of riding? Good video though as it will hopefully make some people understand that the 390 is going to be limited on the open road, especially a multi lane highway.

I had a test drive on 390 today after a year riding Bandit 650. Liked the handling (feels like a bicycle), brakes, clutch. Didn't like the engine at all - feels weak, sounds and vibrates as broken. An absolute deal breaker was that the dashboard is fully blocked by a helmet chin and the mirrors were also partially obstructed too. Not my cup of tea, I guess.

As always, great video. But I have a question. You said you rarely ride it by pleasure and that you either go grocery shopping and avoid highways. Are there no twisties there? I mean, here where I am from (Argentina), you can go some beautiful roads that you will equally enjoy in a 125 as in a 1000 cc bike. Both dirt and pavement. Yeah, the power and excitement from a big displacement bike are very attractive, but not a constraint for enjoying riding with any other bike. Anyway, that is just my two cents for today. Cheers.

Thanks for the review. I've been riding larger (liter) bikes on the track and road for many years. I'm at the point where I just want to casually ride around and soak in the world. I will occasionally want to get frisky, and ride like a hooligan. I think this little bike fits the bill perfectly for those tasks and will do well on country and mountain backroads (blue ridge, cherohala skyway etc.) Cheers.

As a 390 Duke rider it gets annoying hearing people complain about it not being fast to pass on the freeway. It's a small bike, idk what you were expecting when you halve your cc

I went from a Nuda 900 to one of these, and I don't miss the Nuda. These are great bikes.

Having multiple bikes is always the answer. R6 and 390 (sv1k also?) has made for a fun stable. I think the 390 adv is more smiles/gallon than anything other than 690 Enduro

Love mine, as a small capacity commuter it's amazing. Poor thing gets left in the garage at weekends whilst the BMW F800GT gets a run, and it is so much better than that.

My first bike was a 390 Duke, I upgraded to a 890 Duke in May. i will say I do miss riding the old single cylinder in traffic. I didn't like it's performance on the highway however, I think anything over 100km/ph for extended times on the highway was a bit much for the large single cylinder - however, in metro/heavy traffic, she really was so good being light, narrow and nimble.

IAM about to buy a used KTM 390 duke 2014. Is it looking kinda small as a bike?

I moved from 1800cc cruiser to CB500X. So change in style and change in size. Main reason was cost of running. 2 years and I'm still happy about this change. Cost are so low I laugh every time I'm on gas station. Yes sometimes I want more power but not that ofter. So much more fun to ride this at limit than big monsters with a scare on my face :-)

❤ the Duke 390. Only complaint l have is new Color Tanks. Really ❤'ed the White Tank with the Duke in Orange. Wonder if u could special order it. That with the Orange tubular fram & Orange Wheels 👀👀'ed super Smart. All round a Gr8 & very pleasing 2 look at Bike. Top Job.

Feel out of love with motorcycles myself and just sold both of my motorcycles, with the Duke 390 leaving just 2 days ago.

I started right off with an FZ6, then after a year MT09 tracer, after 3 years on the Tracer I bought a street triple 765RS and after barely a year I moved to 600cc husky supermoto - some 50HP and most fun I've ever had on a bike. my first ever crash on the road on it and after 8 months so far I feel absolutely no need to going back to big bikes. In fact, I'm thinking about buying a crf250 if anything xD big bikes are pointless on the streets and anywhere else for most riders anyway 🤷‍♂️ I crack open the throttle in my SM and it starts screaming at 70-80 mph so I just stay at 60. perfection.

Oh man RU-vid knows exactly when put a video up. I used to have a 2007 Duke 690 and had bad accident in 2010 and have been driving cars ever since. May2024 and I’m considering getting back on a bike and was thinking this bike would be a great reintroduction.

How did you get the bike up like that to oil the chain?

so what you are saying is that a 45 hp bike does not give you the same rush as a 200hp bike like r1.Intresting

Riding the duke 390 was definitely more tame than riding my kdx 200. But has a lot smoother power delivery all the way through.

Hey, grew up riding dirt bikes. Now I’m 50 yrs old and want a street bike . Mid life crisis I guess lol! Would this be a good transition from dirt to street in you’re opinion?