Monster unleashed!!!. Review on KTM Duke 390

I just took a two day trip to Munnar with my friend Don on his brand new KTM Duke 390.Since there was no proper review of it on MouthShut_Official.com, I decided to write one. Though the KTM 390 Duke looks just like its 200 cc sibling in size and shape, it is quite different in fact. The main differences you can make out are the orange alloys, a powder-coated trellis frame, new graphics, a larger fuel tank, wider handlebars and new tires.

The 390 Duke features a brand new engine with a Nikasil-coated cylinder with forged pistons and a new head crank-case, which reduces engine wear and tear. This gives the single-cylinder, 373.2 cc, liquid-cooled engine a power output of 43bhp @9500rpm and 35Nm @7500rpm, which gives an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 296bhp per tonne. Now that is sports car territory.

Performance:

The duke 390 is more balanced towards the mid and top end of the power band.The 390 engine is a bit rough at lower rpm – and smoothens out once past 3500rpm. Cross  4500rpm and you’ll hit the 10, 000rpm mark rev limiter in first and second gears almost every time you twist open the throttle. Gearing is taller in the 390 Duke, so the amount of gear shifting to be done is reduced. My friend said he got 0-60 in 3 sec and 0-100 in just 6 seconds. 121 kmph is the fastest he has gone, but according to the dealership it has a top speed of almost 170kmph, although there aren't many roads in India where you can take a bike to those levels. We loved the sound the engine makes when you decelerate in gear. It’s as if the bike is not happy with you slowing down and is urging you to revv it harder. Pure awesomeness.

Display:

The orange back lit fully-digital instrument cluster gives a lot of information readouts like the speedo, Rpm, trip, as well as the engine temperature and fuel level gauges – most of which are easy to read while riding the bike.Clearly visible under bright sunlight also. ABS comes standard on the 390, and there’s also an unmarked button to disengage the anti-lock braking system, if necessary.

Ride quality:

The ride on the 390 is very sport-oriented. Low speed ride quality is a bit bumpy, just like on the fz, maybe its because of the wider tires, but things ease out as you go faster. Like the 200 Duke, the 390’s seat is hard but  has enough width for the rider to adjust his seating over long rides. However, the story is completely different for the pillion. My back started aching after just 20 mins. Even after resting for a day, my back still hurts a little even now. Ktm could have a given just a little bit more cushioning. Duke 390 is not suitable for long rides with pillion.

Handling:

I took the bike through Thrissur town at 60kph at around 4000rpm in fifth, and 100kph at 5000rpm in sixth gear on the highway feels effortless. The engine loves to be kept at higher rpm, and works well with the chassis, suspension, and brakes in adapting to aggressive riding styles. 110/70 - 150/60 Metzeler Sportec rubber on the 390’s 17-inch rims are a lot better than the duke 200’s MRF treads, and provided awesome grip even on the roads in munnar which were wet due to dew.We did not experience a single skid even under hard braking, thanks to the abs. The four-piston 300mm and single-piston 230mm Bybre disc brakes at the front and rear wheels do an awesome job, and give the rider confidence to brake late.So let me just tell you the pros and cons now.

Pros:

1)Very light when compared to the cbr250. Easy as riding R15.

2)Superb brakes

3)Eye catching looks, although most normal people wont be able to differentiate it from duke 200

4)Superb exhaust sound. Engine also sounds great.

5)At almost 32kmpl, this bike has better mileage than the duke 200 at 29 kmpl! very good for a bike having such a big engine. Just imagine, some unlucky fellows with yamaha fz are getting only in the range of 35-38kmpl.

Cons:

1)The only real disappointment is the heat coming from the engine.In just a couple of minutes It becomes almost unbearable when you are stranded in bumper to bumper traffic.Sadly traffic jams are a way of life in India.

2)The bike is small in size when compared to cbr and does not give you that big bike feel.

3) Orange alloy wheels are very hard to keep clean, expect them to turn brown in the rainy season.

4)Pillion seat is hard and unsuitable for long rides.

With a price of just 2.07 lac on-road, I personally believe it is a bargain when compared to the cbr250 abs version, which costs exactly the same on-road.

The 390 Duke isn’t for people who are mileage conscious or are planning to carry  their wife and two kids around. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast who likes riding fast for the sheer fun of it, you should not miss out on the KTM 390 Duke. At this price, for that much power, nothing in the market today even comes close.Ride safe.