KTM 390 Duke review

2wheels

2wheels

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ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC
http://www.motorcycle.in.th/article.php/KTM-390-Duke_High-Revving-Performance


KTM-390-Duke_High-Revving-Performance_1.jpg


"KTM's 390 Duke is Asia's most awaited motorcycle for 2013, and one of our test rider rides it on the pristine streets of Austria to confirm whether it can live up to all the hype."​


(Motorcycle Thailand)
 
Having ridden the 200, its just too small for me, I really thought the 390 would be interesting, but if the chassis stays the same, I dont fit.
 
I like the Duke 200 and power-wise I would like the Duke 390 even more .... I am small so the frame is right for me (as is the weight).
But I hear some negative things about the Duke 200 (made in India by Baja) like low quality plastic & rubbers, chain problems and over-heating engine.

Are the other KTM's still made in Europe?
Has anyone real riding experience with the Duke 200?
Is the Duke 200 for rent in CNX?

Chang Noi
 
Are the other KTM's still made in Europe?
Has anyone real riding experience with the Duke 200?
Is the Duke 200 for rent in CNX?
Click to expand...


It's made in India.

Lightemup has one here, loves it if a little underpowered.

I don't think you can rent one in Chiang Mai but you can test ride one from the Chiang Mai KTM dealer.
 
I did ride an Duke 200 yesterday in Udon Thani at the Vespa dealer (that doubles as KTM dealer) and must say a very nice bike for in the city. Good power in the first few gears, easy to move, but I think underpowered indeed on the open road. On the other hand it might be a nice road legal bike to also use as slightly off-road (with other tyres of course).

Was quite contend with the bike ... well that was until I had an test-ride on the new Honda CB500F.

Chang Noi
 
If they price that right, they're on a winner
 
Ref: The Duke200

My impression of it hasnt changed much since I got it.
For reference. Im 175 cm (5 foot 9 inches) high with an inseam of about 86 cm (32 inches) weight is 98 kilo.
This bike fits me perfectly.

Reference bikes: On my 2 previous BMW F650GS's I used to get discomfort in knees and ass when riding longer distances even with a modded seat (300-750 kms a day)
I dont get anywhere near that discomfort level on the Duke200. The seat is thinly padded compared to a BMW seat, but Im finding that for longer rides a harder seat is preferable for me. No sore ass on the Duke 200 for me so far.

Only ridden around 4800 kms on it so far due to lots of work lately, but its a great fun city bike that can tour as well. My longest trip so far has been from Chiang Mai to Mae Sai on a visarun, up and back in a day, and it handled it fine.
Im not a racer kind of guy, 110-120 is the max I will ride and then only on clear long straight stretches with good visibility and the 200 handles that easily with my weight on it.
It loves high revs; 7000 RPM and up to 10000 it pulls nicely.
The plastics or any other finish I have no complaint about, havent broken anything yet.
Had my chain tightened at around 3500 kms.

If I should criticise anything it would be the slippy tires. I have had the rear slide out on me several times and Darryl tried my bike one day when we met at the X-Center, while I was doing the Samoeng loop and he had it slide out on him too.
Im going to order Dunlop Alpha 12s for it tomorrow as the MT-60's dont come in the front wheel size according to Pirellis website.
Also that in my opinion the first two gears are set a bit low. You run through 1-4 very quickly if youre sprinting off a stop light for instance.

For the riding that I do, its a great fun bike, most likely the most fun bike I have ever ridden, but the amount of bikes I have experience with is low compared to many on this forum.

It is light and easy to maneuver and quick enough, but to compare it to a DRZ400SM (Or 440 for that matter) or a Husky 450SMR is not fair, it is a 200 cc bike, dont expect a beast like those bikes. Trees dont grow into heaven after all.
It would be better to compare it to the other bikes in its class, like the 150-250 Honda CBR's etc.

Im happy with it and will keep it for a long time.
Also thinking that 3 people I know have died in motorbike accidents in the last 5 months(Last one on sunday in Denmark) makes me think, I might not need a bigger or faster bike.

Edited to add: The bike is a looker, a headturner.
Everywhere I park it, even with lots of other bikes around, people will stop and look at the Duke 200, ignoring the others.
Sat at Riders last week with LivinLOS, the bike parked outside and a Thai guy stopped his car and took lots of pictures of it.
 
The KTM 390 Duke is supposed to be available in India 25th June, 2013, price should be around EUR 3,500
 
Released in India 2 days ago



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Jun 25, 2013

Bajaj Auto and KTM have launched the much awaited KTM 390 Duke at an attractive price tag of Rs 180,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). This exciting, quick performing streetbike is sure to thrill many Indian enthusiasts. The aggressive looking 390 screams KTM thanks to minimalistic body work and exposed bright orange trellis frame.
The compact but comprehensive digital instruments show speed, fuel level, an odometer, trip meters and a tachometer. The 390 Duke is equipped with top class, Bajaj typical illuminated switchgear, dimpled palm grips, a comfortable set of levers and good mirrors. The 10.2 litre fuel-tank offers deeply recessed, appropriate thigh support. A side stand-down warning light is standard. Overall quality and fit and finish is good, as expected.
This tech laden motorcycle deploys a four-stroke and single-cylinder, 373.2cc engine. The 390 Duke also offers fuel-injection, liquid-cooling and a twin camshaft driven quartet of valves.





The KTM 390 Duke's near 400cc engine outputs maximum power of 43bhp at 9000rpm and peak torque of 3.57kgm at 7000rpm. This big Duke gets a six-speed gearbox that shifts in a one-down five-up pattern. In India, the 390 shall use a larger radiator, for better cooling in our torrid conditions.
The 390 Duke deploys a rigid, steel trellis frame and chunky 43mm diameter front upside down forks developed by suspension specialist WP, while at rear there's a cast alloy swingarm supporting a monoshock. The suspension setup has been tweaked to make it slightly plusher on the Indian spec bike keeping harsh Indian road conditions in mind. The 390 Duke uses an ABS enabled 300mm single disc brake in front and 230mm rear unit, a radial mounted, four piston caliper biting the front, and both controlled by steel-braided hydraulic lines.


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The riding position is upright, comfortable and good for daily use with wide handlebars provide good leverage. The KTM 390 Duke handles with a light, nimble feel, always steering with neutral manners. It's tubeless Metzeler radial front and rear tyres provide terrific grip.

The 390 Duke goes on sale through Bajaj's existing network of 75 Probiking dealers. Watch out for our comprehensive road test, coming soon.

Detailed Specifications:

Ex-showroom price: Rs 180,000 (Delhi) ------- USD$ 3,000 or 93,000 Bht !!!!!

Engine

Installation: 373.2cc 4-per cylinder, DOHC, Single cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled
Power: 43bhp at 9000rpm
Torque: 3.57kgm at 7000rpm

Transmission

Type 6: speed, 1-down, 5-up

Dimensions
Wheelbase: 1367 +/-15mm
Ground clearance:172mm

Chassis & Body

Construction: Steel trellis, powder coated
Weight: 154kg
Wheels: 17inch alloy
Tyres: 110/70 x 17- 150/60 x 17inches

Suspension

Front: WP, 43mm upside down forks
Rear: Alloy swingarm, adjustable monoshock

Brakes

Front: Four piston, radial mounted caliper, 300mm disc (ABS)
Rear: Single piston, 230mm disc (ABS)
Anti-lock: Bosch 9MB two channel

Economy

Tank size: 10.2L
 
launched in india..

2wheels said:
What a co-incidence!
Go for it Phil :DD
Click to expand...

means a first an foremost tha mr. pierer of ktm presented the bike.
it is said that the bike will hit the showrooms today. so far i did note get a notice on that.
made a 500€ down payment to get one, so mr. g can look at it when on tour with me in india ;-)
 
heiri said:
means a first an foremost tha mr. pierer of ktm presented the bike.
it is said that the bike will hit the showrooms today. so far i did note get a notice on that.
made a 500€ down payment to get one, so mr. g can look at it when on tour with me in india ;-)
Click to expand...

That will be torture
 
Changnoi1 said:
I like the Duke 200 and power-wise I would like the Duke 390 even more .... I am small so the frame is right for me (as is the weight).
But I hear some negative things about the Duke 200 (made in India by Baja) like low quality plastic & rubbers, chain problems and over-heating engine.

Are the other KTM's still made in Europe?
Has anyone real riding experience with the Duke 200?
Is the Duke 200 for rent in CNX?

Chang Noi
Click to expand...

the DUKE 200cc and the DUKE 390cc are (so far) the only KTM's made in India
 
Wow that's a fantastic price if you get shipped it in parts it's tempting, would you be able to get it plated last time I looked into it the price was around 100K.

Still making it a cheap bike

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner
 
bsacbob said:
Wow that's a fantastic price if you get shipped it in parts it's tempting, would you be able to get it plated last time I looked into it the price was around 100K.
Click to expand...

Or just transplant the engine and ECU / FI system to a donor 200 ;)

I would be waiting on a cambodian price check.. And look at just riding one back..
 
LivinLOS said:
Or just transplant the engine and ECU / FI system to a donor 200 ;)

I would be waiting on a cambodian price check.. And look at just riding one back..
Click to expand...





I'm going to look at the "riding them back option" while I'm in Delhi next week. One hurdle is that you can't register the KTM 390 Duke in your name in India, only India citizens (residents?) can do so. This might be achievable with letters of authorization to use the bike.... I will look into all this.


Getting through China shouldn't be too much of a problem, 2 months would be needed to arrange all the China paperwork.
 
LivinLOS said:
Erm.. The 125 ???

- - - Updated - - -



High ?? I think they have insane import taxes no ??
Click to expand...


400% insurance against not leaving is the Carnet requirement
 
The Bigfella said:
400% insurance against not leaving is the Carnet requirement
Click to expand...



I've got someone looking into this in Delhi right now, to see if the carnet rules apply Indian registered motorcycles or only to foreign registered motor cycles entering India on temporary import.
 
I can't imagine the carnet rules applying... the more interesting thing would be to find out what level of local taxes apply for locally manufactured bikes... and whether you can get it refunded on export?
 
The Bigfella said:
I can't imagine the carnet rules applying... the more interesting thing would be to find out what level of local taxes apply for locally manufactured bikes... and whether you can get it refunded on export?
Click to expand...



I'll look at that option too, but with Thailand tightening up again on grey/ parallel bike imports, it would mean shipping it to Cambodia & as LivinLOS will tell you, the Cambo guys are set up to import bikes cheaper than you can, so just buy from them is the better option.
 
I was in Delhi yesterday and was introduced to the fellow that is sending 3 containers of motorbikes every month to Cambodia. He tells me that one of the containers every month is full of KTM 200 Dukes.

This guy is really in touch with the KTM factory and says there is no KTM dealer/ showroom in Delhi!! - He deals straight with the KTM factory in India (It's not in Dehli). We talked at length about the KTM 390 Duke, even though it had been officially released in India, there's not a bike anywhere. How do I know? He's been promised the first bike, which is for a friend of mine.


Registration in India is relatively easy in an Indian's citizens name and a use/ authorization letter would be legal. He says that he can arrange for it to be registered in your name in India, but costs more. All in registered/ tax paid price of the KTM 390 Duke in India is around 100,000 Bht (Thai registered price will be somewhere in the region of 400,000- 430,000 Bht).


He mentioned about how easy it would be for him to ship an Indian registered bike to Cambodia, shipping costs would be around 20,000 Bht and 45 days for delivery by ship, looks really interesting as Cambo plates are still easy to get.


This gentleman is also involved in the motorcycle tour business & wise. Apparently, even though India borders China for a huge distance, there is no international border crossing. He advises to drive through Nepal, the border with Nepal is very relaxed, you will need a Nepal immigration visa & from there you could ride the KTM 390 Duke into China and into Laos if you have all the permits before hand. China permits will take 45 days to arrange,


When the KTM 390 Duke is physically available in India, it looks like there's some amazing riding adventures available now at reasonable costs.


(i've just ordered a KTM 390 Duke, tried to stop myself but couldn't)
 
Very interesting..
 
KTMphil said:
I was in Delhi yesterday and was introduced to the fellow that is sending 3 containers of motorbikes every month to Cambodia. He tells me that one of the containers every month is full of KTM 200 Dukes.

This guy is really in touch with the KTM factory and says there is no KTM dealer/ showroom in Delhi!! - He deals straight with the KTM factory in India (It's not in Dehli). We talked at length about the KTM 390 Duke, even though it had been officially released in India, there's not a bike anywhere. How do I know? He's been promised the first bike, which is for a friend of mine.
Click to expand...

Phil
Is it only the KTM 200 and 390 's that are made in India ?
Just wondering what models your contact can get ?
 
I am of the belief that its the 125 200 and 390 dukes made in partnership with bajaj..
 
Lots of good news regarding buying the KTM 390 Duke in Delhi India.


Once registered in India, the bike does NOT need a carnet guarantee bond to leave India. Entry into Nepal from India is very simple and relaxed, I'm told Indian citizens on motorcycles dont even need to stop entering Nepal.


The expensive part is getting through Tibet and China. Permits and a licensed guide are needed, permits will take 2 months to arrange, you then have to pay for the guide, his accommodation, food & vehicle. The costs of this can be split amongst several people/ riders.


Rough riding time back to Chiang Mai (from Delhi, India):


Dehli, India - Nepal border 1 to 2 days (i'm told 1 day possible)

Nepal - Tibet border 2 days (est.)

Tibet border - Lahsa (Tibet) 2 days

Lahsa - China border (Deqin Yunnan) 5 days

Deqin (China) - via Kunming to Mohan, China / Boten Laos border 7 days

Boten, Laos - Chiang Khong, Thailand 2 days (hard to get across the Mekong in 1 day from Boten, but possible)


Chiang Khong - Chiang Mai 1 days



So you've got 20 days of moving time from Delhi, India to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Add say 7 days for sightseeing & it looks like roughly a month to do trip and make it fun, not just a delivery.
 
KTMphil said:
Nepal - Tibet border 2 days (est.)
Tibet border - Lahsa (Tibet) 2 days
Lahsa - China border (Deqin Yunnan) 5 days
Click to expand...

G'Day,

While in Tibet, try to visit M. Kailash (The Holly Mountain) and the Mt.Everest base camp, Rongbuk Monastery.
Mt.Kailash is very high up on my bucket-list as I just love travelling around the Tibetan region and been extensively in my time in China.

More info vía the below web-links:
Mount Kailash - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Everest Base Camp - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rongbuk Monastery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 
But is the Nepal / China Tibet border even open for vehicle crossing (non trade) ?? Various posts on the HUBB say no, but they date back 5 plus years and there was all that China Tibet violence back then. Also maybe the no they give is 'no because its too expensive to have a guide' rather than actually no.

I dont want a Duke 390.. But does anyone want one delivered ??
 
The KTM 390 has a much higher spec than the other models it has real German metzler tyres , not Local ones a bigger radiator and higher quality forks and rear shock ,,,in fact the version sold in India is actually a higher spec than the EU version already grey import bikes arriving in EU and undercutting official prices

110,000 baht in India retail so by my calculation should be 220,000 in thailand under ASEAN treaty based on ex factory costs ...but of couse Thailand does not abide by the treaty rules so price will be 300,000+
 
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