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KTM Duke 390 Pros & Cons
The bigger sibling of 200 Duke, Duke 390 shares much of its features from appearance to finish to graphics from the former. Despite, this Duke 390 managed to make a place in the market and also in the hearts of bike lovers. Read out the pros and cons of the Duke 390 to check whether it matches your ...
The bigger sibling of 200 Duke, Duke 390 shares much of its features from appearance to finish to graphics from the former. Despite, this Duke 390 managed to make a place in the market and also in the hearts of bike lovers. Read out the pros and cons of the Duke 390 to check whether it matches your dream bike portfolio or not.
Key Specs of Duke 390:
3) Lightweight
The Duke 390 weighs 154 kg (wet weight) which makes it light and easy to handle. Moreover, the lightweight of the bike helps during some low speed maneuvers without making you lose balance.
4) Impressive Power to Weight Ratio
The power to weight ratio of Duke 390 is 271.76 Bhp per tonne. This impressive figure itself reveals of its excellence as a machine.
5) Performs Well at Higher Speeds
The Duke 390 has got a single cylinder engine which is a bit larger than the CBR250R and the TNT 25. The result is that you experience more grunt at higher speeds. The Duke 390 performs excellently well during the mid range and higher RPM's.
6) Perfect for New Riders
Although Duke 390 makes you feel like a hooligan still it is perfect for new riders as well. The reason is that it doesn't have excessive plastic fairings, is light in weight and also the way engine delivers power is predictable giving you a good hand in shifting the gears.
7) Comfortable Upright Riding Position
The 390 Duke offers a more comfortable upright riding position that allows longer stints in the saddle without hurting your back. Moreover, its wider bars can make you easily flick through traffic.
8) All-Digital Instrument Console
Yes, the KTM 390 Duke has got a fully digital instrument console which offers you a lot of information.
Click on Page 2 to Know Cons of Duke 390:
Cons of 390 Duke
1) Uncomfortable Pillion Seat
The pillion seat of Duke 390 is totally tiring and discomforting. So, if you were planning to impress a girl by seating her next on your 390 Duke, then just drop the idea right away.
2) Heating Issues
Yes, the Duke 390 has got the heating issues which you may experience during stop-gap traffic. And thus some people call it not a city friendly ride.
3) Not So Easy to Clean
Since Duke 390 has got exposed internal parts and thus it gets dirty easily in a single long ride. And then follows the pain to clean it which is again challenging. Another challenge is to keep dirt away from the white mono-shock which attracts it like a magnet. It is recommended to use a cover for it.
Key Specs of Duke 390:

- Displacement - 373.2 cc
- Maximum Power - 43 Bhp @ 9500 rpm
- Maximum Torque - 35 Nm @ 7250 rpm
- No. of Cylinders - 1
- No. of Gears - 6
- Seat Height - 800 mm
- Ground Clearance - 170 mm
- Kerb/Wet Weight - 154 kg
- Fuel Tank Capacity - 11 litres
- 0-100 kmph - 5.6 seconds (approx.)
- Top Speed - 169 kmph (approx.)
- Price - Rs 1,95,000 (ex-showroom Delhi)
KTM 390 Duke: List of Pros & Cons
Pros of 390 Duke 1) Standard ABS Yes, the Duke 390 has got standard ABS which not only reflects that the automaker has taken care of the safety but also shows how the cost has been managed with this standard feature. 2) Metzelers Tyres Yet, another good thing about Duke 390 is standard Metzeler tyres again part of the Rs. 1.95 lakh package (ex-showroom Delhi).
3) Lightweight
The Duke 390 weighs 154 kg (wet weight) which makes it light and easy to handle. Moreover, the lightweight of the bike helps during some low speed maneuvers without making you lose balance.
4) Impressive Power to Weight Ratio
The power to weight ratio of Duke 390 is 271.76 Bhp per tonne. This impressive figure itself reveals of its excellence as a machine.
5) Performs Well at Higher Speeds
The Duke 390 has got a single cylinder engine which is a bit larger than the CBR250R and the TNT 25. The result is that you experience more grunt at higher speeds. The Duke 390 performs excellently well during the mid range and higher RPM's.
6) Perfect for New Riders
Although Duke 390 makes you feel like a hooligan still it is perfect for new riders as well. The reason is that it doesn't have excessive plastic fairings, is light in weight and also the way engine delivers power is predictable giving you a good hand in shifting the gears.
7) Comfortable Upright Riding Position
The 390 Duke offers a more comfortable upright riding position that allows longer stints in the saddle without hurting your back. Moreover, its wider bars can make you easily flick through traffic.
8) All-Digital Instrument Console
Yes, the KTM 390 Duke has got a fully digital instrument console which offers you a lot of information.
Click on Page 2 to Know Cons of Duke 390:
Cons of 390 Duke
1) Uncomfortable Pillion Seat
The pillion seat of Duke 390 is totally tiring and discomforting. So, if you were planning to impress a girl by seating her next on your 390 Duke, then just drop the idea right away.
2) Heating Issues
Yes, the Duke 390 has got the heating issues which you may experience during stop-gap traffic. And thus some people call it not a city friendly ride.
3) Not So Easy to Clean
Since Duke 390 has got exposed internal parts and thus it gets dirty easily in a single long ride. And then follows the pain to clean it which is again challenging. Another challenge is to keep dirt away from the white mono-shock which attracts it like a magnet. It is recommended to use a cover for it.
Key Specs of Duke 390:
- Displacement - 373.2 cc
- Maximum Power - 43 Bhp @ 9500 rpm
- Maximum Torque - 35 Nm @ 7250 rpm
- No. of Cylinders - 1
- No. of Gears - 6
- Seat Height - 800 mm
- Ground Clearance - 170 mm
- Kerb/Wet Weight - 154 kg
- Fuel Tank Capacity - 11 litres
- Top Speed - 169 kmph
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Immanuel Raja is an Automotive Writer with 8 years of experience covering the Indian automotive landscape. He specializes in Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Technology, with particular expertise in battery systems, charging infrastructure, and the integration of alternative powertrains in Indian road conditions. Raja has extensively tested over 200 vehicles across various segments, from entry-level EVs to premium hybrids, developing nuanced insights into their performance on India's diverse and challenging roads. His analysis encompasses both technical specifications and practical ownership considerations that matter to Indian consumers, including charging accessibility, maintenance costs, and performance in extreme weather conditions. With a finger on the pulse of India's evolving automotive preferences, Raja delivers clear, factual assessments that help readers navigate the transition to electrified mobility in the context of India's unique market dynamics.
About the Author
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