Ktm Duke 2019 Edition Ride Review|The Orange Beast Duke 390

When it comes to the complete madness of power in the sub 400 cc segment, Ktm Duke 390 is one such name that dominates the segment currently in India. Starting as low as 125cc and going straight up to 790cc, with sports bikes under two names Duke and RC series. Ktm Duke 390 offers you not only power-packed performance but also a complete set of electronics for your added safety and ride enjoyability that too at a price point of Rs 2,96,239 ex-showroom Delhi. This time I got a chance to get my hands on straight to the all-new Duke 390. Without a further delay let’s get started.

Features of KTM Duke 390:-

1) Ktm Duke 390 Looks:-

The orange-black combination which looks no less than a transformer is clearly an eye-catchy design. The tank has become razor-sharp than the previous models and the name Duke embedded in it looks even sharper now. The upside-down forks, the LED headlamps, 150 section rear tyre adds to its overall styling. The combination of orange and white paint scheme on the chassis further makes it more appealing. The knuckle guard surrounding the handlebars gives an off-roader kind of looks. Overall the bike is designed keeping in mind the need for the younger generation. The moment you see the bike you will surely fall in love with its looks.

 

 

 

 

 

2) Ktm Duke 390 Design and Ergonomics:-

Here comes the main question what is the design language of this bike, is it suitable more for track or for the daily commute? Well, the bike offers a great combination of both the world. With its super-light bodyweight, upright seating position, wider handlebars one can easily glide one’s way in traffic and even go for a weekend track ride with this motorcycle. The wider handlebars offer you an upright position so that you can easily keep the wrist angle at minimum level with the bars and get a more relaxing grip on it. It helps you to keep wrist pain at bay while riding in heavy traffic or while going on long rides. The rear is a bit small and may not be as comfortable for a pillion rider, but the grab rail is designed sturdy enough to keep the pillion safe during sudden rush of adrenaline thrust.

 

3) Ktm Duke 390 Performance:-

.With 43horses under the crankshaft, what more one can expect about the performance of this bike.  It’s completely insane. The moment you set the throttle free, the bike will go bonkers on the road. The bikes produce 43hp and 37nm of torque which is quite a massive figure from a single-cylinder engine. The redline comes at 10500rpm which means you need not rev hard to reach the maximum output from the engine, it already much ahead to blow one’s face with a punch of joy. Well I got the chance to ride it in triple digits, in the 1^st gear it can easily cruise up to 55kmph, 85 to 90kmph in 2^nd gear, and around 120kmph or more in 3^rdgear. One can expect ktm duke 390 to give a top end of 170kmps plus easily.

Be it performance or technology KTM does not leave any stone unturned, coming to the braking system Dual-Channel ABS comes to the rescue by acting upon with 320mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc. The duke 390 tyres being massive fattier 150-section rear and 110-section front tyre inspires more confidence into the rider for better lean angles. With the addition of Slipper Clutch, downshift on higher speeds produces a lesser amount of jerk by preventing the chances of rear-wheel getting locked. Another major leap in technology is the addition of RIDE BY WIRE mode which paves the way for the addition of riding modes in near future.

Overall this bike put on adequate safety features along with high-end performance for the complete thrill ride experience.

 

 

4) Ktm Duke 390 Maintenance & After Sales Service:-

The cost of maintenance is relatively less as compared to other counterparts, but if one is upgrading to such high performing machines for the first time then you can expect an increase in the cost. For example, if one is upgrading from any bike of 200 to 300 cc category from Indian brands and upgrade it to KTM then one can expect an slight increase in one’s overall maintenance cost. But again if you compare to Japanese brand bikes, the cost will be on the lower side. The average life of the tyres one can expect anywhere between 8k to 10k kms on the odometer.

 

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5) Ktm Duke 390 Mileage:-

One can expect anywhere between 25 to 30 kmph on highways. Again it is very subjective issue depending upon various factors one can arrive at the final figure. One good thing is that mileage indicator is present in the digital console of the bike, which makes it easier for one to measure it.

“Packed with power plus gizmos this bike has raised the bar for mid-level sports bike segment becoming a nightmare for other manufacturers to catch up with the competition.”

Signing Off:-

Md. Afzal Ansari

Ride safe, ride long!