There are a number of manufacturers in the small-displacement sportbike market. As an alternative to Japanese competitors such as the Yamaha MT-03, Kawasaki Z400, and Honda CB300R, the KTM Duke 390 often finds itself. There are strengths and weaknesses to each of these bikes, each tailored to a different rider preference or need. When riders have to decide between these options, performance, handling, features, build quality, and price all play a part. The Duke 390 has been well known for its aggressive styling and peppy performance, but how does it compare against the Japanese designs that are often more conservative? It reignites discussion on the trade-offs between reliability and excitement and the total value proposition of each bike.