Living with the 2017 KTM 390 Duke - Long Term Review
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2017
- Living with the 2017 KTM 390 Duke - Long Term Review
Sadly my time with the 2017 KTM 390 Duke is drawing to a close. When I initially reviewed the bike I described it as a "naked funster" and could find little not to like, however what are my conclusions having lived with the bike for a few weeks? In this video I look at the things you wouldn't necessarily discover if you only had a brief test ride and actively try to find things to hate about the bike, stay tuned to find out what I discovered!
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Late 40s and retired, riding bikes for fun.....living the dream my friend. 👌
Hehe, it certainly sounds good doesn't it...the reality...well I can't complain, life is good... Thanks for watching - TMF
Making these vids isn't as easy as you think. Look at all the crap ones on here. People waffle and um er um and repeat the same things because it feels weird talking to silence. The guy IS still working. He's just good enough to make it not LOOK like work.
Late 40s these days is like early 30s
@@gideonsikk8733 could you pass that message on to my body please?
@@paulonions ouch
I have owned my duke 2018 since new. I've had many bikes in my life since I've been riding from the 1980s. This is by far the funnest most economical motorcycle I have ever had. I really appreciate your thoughts and they mirror my own and I am so glad you didn't keep repeating or even stating it's a great starter bike, it's a girls bike, it's a learner bike. When I hear that I just cringe. You'll die just the same on any bike. So thank you for not saying that.
The best review of the duke so far in CZcams. Thanks!
Wow - very kind of you to say so!
yes it sure is thanks to @TheMissendenFlyer
Really?!? He doesn't review how it does on twisty roads. Best review ever? Really?
@@TheMissendenFlyer ya, this is my first video from you and i certainly want to watch more; thank you!
The loud fan is a result of KTM giving the fan cover a shroud to direct the hot air downwards and away from the rider. The initial design did not have the shroud or the accompanying sound and offered better heat dissipation but it cooked your nether regions. I've experienced both fans on my RC 390.
What a fantastically useful comment buried down here! I have had the bike a week and the first thing I noticed is that the fan comes on quite often, however unlike my DRZ it doesn't blast my legs with hot air so this makes complete sense!
68 yo here back on a bike after a 30 year break, thanks to your review of the 390 duke I picked up a new one last week, its every bit as good as you said, I do love your reviews... from Sydney aust
Nice one Alec! Welcome back to biking!
Such a thorough review! Thank you
Thank you for saying so!
Thank you, this is one of the best explanatory videos on CZcams.
I own one since 1 year and would like to add the following points:
ECU failure @ 500 KM - software update and issue vanished.
Fan always on and never turn off, this motorcycle not suitable for city driving, engine high temp. radiator always require filling - dealer changed some o-rings but issue is still there.
Faulty Oil pressure sensor - low oil pressure @ 2000 KM. dealer replaced it for free.
the more i drive the more i discover...
thank you! i was wondering if the ktm bikes after all these years are trust worthy as the japanese bikes
@@geotra9177 Thing is they are not. What they are, however, a lot more fun. I think I'd happily buy the KTM. Every bike is going to have some issues or the other. KTM seem to be resolving everything under goodwill through their dealers.
@@885wc well maybe for you. I am not considering fun to run now and then to fix any issue of my bike. I have my yamaha 12 years now and only once i had to run to the mechanic for something small. I am thinking to buy a new bike and ktm has the look but if it is not trustworthy I will pass
@@geotra9177 fair enough mate. Horses for Courses. I completely understand your perspective. Take a look at the Honda CB300 R. It's good fun, handles really well and is built like a tank. The Yamaha MT03 may do for you as well. The Kawasaki Z400 is also a really nice bike.
I love these longer review videos, these quickly put together 5 minute videos that tell you barely anything about the bike except the stats that anyone can look up and finish it off with "yeah it's a good bike, thanks for watching" you always go into great depth with these reviews and point out things I think I could safely say no other reviewers do. Great stuff as always sir!
+LIKWID Thank you - I try and make videos I would want to watch, and these are the types of review I would value...appreciate the kind comments.
My son just bought the 2019 390 Duke as his first bike yesterday. He loves it! After riding it...now i want one.
I like mine.....a bit uncomfortable for an older fella, and the rear brake sucks.....otherwise......absofuckinglutely FUN,......the factory tires will wear out fast (replaced rear at 2600 miles, and I don't drift or do burnouts....front tire is fine)....will run 75 mph all day.....but it eats 2-lane blacktops for b-fast, lunch, and dinner.....dunno about a distance ride......have rode it 70-100 miles one way, and no issues, but me being uncomfortable in my butt.....but the damned thing is FUN....my `1100 Shadow Sabre Cruiser is much more comfy of a bike....but it's a cruisin'/tourin' bike....my DUKE gets 70 MPG at 70-75 MPH.....if you ride it economically......about 50-60 MPG if you rag on it a lot....and run 90/91 or better gas in it.....it'll run on lower octane fuel.....I live in SW Montana, and we have altitude changes here of 4-5000 feet sometimes....if you are riding over 2-lane mountain roads, or the big highways....it seems to like better fuel.....so I get the no ethanol 91 octane or better stuff.....the CB300R is a more comfy bike.....but it's more of a 1/8 mile/commuter bike......it's fun as well, and it sure is more comfy.....but the 400 ninja ain't bad either......parts are high for the duke, as is higher insurance....warranty kinda sucks.....just the motor, frame, and swingarm, if I remember right......
Mate, your microphone is so good I could indeed hear the fan coming on with the high pitch
Never stop doing these reviews mate! Very comprehensive and to the point. I get weary of the usual first ride reviews from popular journalists. Usually very biased or not adequate. It’s the kind of complete review you do that everyone looking at buying these bikes needs. Thanks from the USA!
Thank you very much for the kind comment - it is appreciated!
I know this is a year and a half old but your videos have been such a huge help for me as someone who wants to get into motorcycling. Thank you so much, keep up the good work man.
Thank you very much!
I may be changing work locations so one of these would be perfect for the 30 mile round journey each day. This review has been very helpful.
so glad you make these, helps out a first buyer Alot
Glad to be of assistance....
TheMissendenFlyer Can you suggest any auxiliary fog lamps for the Duke 390. Thanks a lot for the amazing review... Simply love the bike...
did you buy? whats it like
One of the best motorcycle reviews I've seen on CZcams. Well laid out and comprehensive with no fluff.
Thank you Paul!
Hi Andy just have to say thanks had mines for several month's now after taking your recommendations on this and still smile from ear to ear everything I'm out on it once again thanks and keep up the good work on the reviews 👍
I not only gave him a thumbs up but I also subscribed and rang the bell for all his reviews. Why? Honestly, he gave the best review I have ever seen done on a bike review. touched on all the points that are relevant to what we want to know. Great job.
Thank you Ken - I know he's very grateful!
I own a 2018 Duke 390 and love it. I have had 161 bikes and this is one of my favorite. Small but very capable. I installed a bunch of performance parts, but quickly went back to stock. Stock performance is very good, and reliable.
161!! Wowzer - that is some going..!! Can you list them all in order I wonder? Which were the worst???
@@TheMissendenFlyerI've had a bout 80 in 14 years. Let me try and list them.
Kymco super 9 50cc
Aprilia rs125 two stroke (3 of them)
Yamaha Sr125
Aprilia SX125 (two of them)
Yamaha virago 125
Yamaha virago 535
Yamaha virago 1100
Yamaha RXS 100 ( 4 of them)
Yamaha ybr 125 ( 3 of them)
Aprilia mx125
Aprilia RS125 (old shape)
Suzuki bandit 600 and 1200 both mark 1
Honda Goldwing 1200
Suzuki gladlias 650
Yamaha roadstar 1700
Harley Davidson 883 sportster
MZ250 supa 5
Mz250 with side car
Ural 750 2005 with sidecar
Ural 750 2002 with side car
Honda pan European st1100 (4 of them)
Yamaha sr250
Kawasaki ninja 250 and 600
Yamaha blaster 200 (two of them)
Yamaha banshee 350 (4 of them)
Honda CRM 250
Gilera cougar 125
Darbi gpr 50
Derbi senda 125
Cagiva MiTo 125
RD350 ypvs (two of them)
Honda cr80
Suzuki RM85
Phatboi 140 pitbike
Chinese monkey bike 140
140cc pitbike
110 semi auto pitbike
Ghost 250 pitbike
Royal Enfield classic 500 (2 of them)
Suzuki gt250
Chaing Jiang 750
Sachs etc 125
Kinroad sprinter 50cc
Armstrong mt500
Yamaha mt07 Moto cage
Fazer 600 and 1000
Suzuki Bergman 600
Kawasaki 600 can't remember model
That's what I can remember off the top of my head 🤣
wow, 161 ！！！！you still keep the duke 390?
I don't even know why I'm watching this but great review TMF! Your attention to detail is excellent. Love your videos. Keep up the good content!
Thank you!
I cant believe this video and channel doesnt have more viewers! Beautiful straightforward review! Thanks!
Spread the word!! :0) ...thanks...
One of the most detailed and informative reviews i have seen 👍
Very kind of you [blush]
A little tip for your night tests, film in 30 frames per second as it lets more light in, that if you don't already.
After approx 25 years off a bike I was looking for a re-introduction to biking. I was unsure about which bike to buy but after watching a couple of vids on CZcams including this one by TMF, I bought a 2019 model 390 Duke a couple of months ago. Needless to say I’m really pleased with the bike; performance, handling, cornering, etc. And the brakes actually stop you, much different to my early days! Just needs a tail tidy and K&N for easy aesthetic and performance improvements.
Keep up the CZcams videos TMF, really enjoy them!
Hello I am also thinking about buying a new KTM390 Duke 2021. Have you experienced any of the issues with your 2019 model so often mentioned in reviews. In particular the overheating, and the noisy fan running frequently.
I’ve really been looking at these as a first bike and have watched many videos trying to make up my mind. This being 3 years old it’s still the most detailed video I’ve seen of the 390 Duke. U got a sub from me✌️
Welcome along Ricky!
A week ago I went to dealer a bit skeptical (coming from sm990 and enduro 690), then took the 390 for a quick test drive..pretty amazing....I´m picking a 390 today mainly for city work comuting
Nice one - surprisingly good for such a small bike eh?
Yes...great looks sound and driving.
got the white/ black rims and akrapovic
I own one and I love it bro. Very easy a fun ride. Also very good looking
Would you recommend this for someone commuting regularly 60 miles a day on windey-country roads?
@@jessetrue2956 really this is a duke 125 with a 390 engine it's very light and gets moved a lot by wind
Any problems with the engine cutting out? My engine was always cutting out at the lights, and was often slow to start. This could leave me in difficult/dangerous situations in traffic. My dealer said there was nothing wrong with the engine.
No I didn't have any problems at all with the bike....sounds nasty!
DR J, I have had mine 3 months and I have never had this problem. Take it back to the dealer.
At a dealer there is never anything wrong with anything. That noise you hear is normal.
Dr. John Campbell Mine did this, among a slew of other little issues. Ended up selling it. On paper these seem lovely, not so much to own. Real lack of quality, and poor warranty.
it has happened to me once or twice when really cold that it just turns off
TMF reviews are first class -simple! Honest, fair, considered and full of content. Hence sticking with a 20+ min review.... Top bloke and easy on the ear...
Thank you
Hey mate, love your reviews, always a joy to watch! Just discovered the Thailand series too and can't tell you how much it is cheering me up whilst being on lockdown without being able to ride. Lovely channel, all the best, thank you so much!
Thank you for the kind comments!
Thanks for the review! I went out and bought one after watching this and no regrets. Great fun and iv`e done 2000 miles on it already and had no problems. Looking forward to the rest of the Norway tour to se what you think of our roads :)
Nice one (and love your roads!)....
How about 6 months down the track still happy?
Maybe hes brolen down🤣🤣
Yup, had my 390 just over a year. 16000km. Had no problems with it. Nothing. Still a fun bike.
@@kickbackgarage 2 years later?
Wish electronics were warranty covered here in the States, Just engine,frame and swingarm......That does it for me....
YES! Such a great review. Honest opinions, technical review of how the bike is regarding build quality, range, etc. This video had everything I've been looking for. I wanted a duke 390 as a beginner but couldn't find a detailed video describing it from drawn out personal experience and testing (an hour ride would not allow for a thorough review imo, not even a day ride). This just furthers my resolve to get one. Glad im subbed.
Great stuff - glad to be of assistance John - enjoy!
This has to be the best review of this bike i have yet came across. Absolutely great job....loved the crisp video quality. Keep it up!!!
Thank you very much....
I have about 1100 miles and I am getting 75 mpg on mine. Granted I don't thrash is as much as I should :). I love it though. As a mid 50s rider getting back into the sport after 20 years this is perfect. Just need a proper windscreen to become available.
Yes I agree this is a great little bike to get back into biking on - and 75mpg sounds impressive!
best review of the duke390, thanks for sharing it with us. would you be so kind to make one for the Z300?
Hi fella, so late to this party. Took me forever to scroll to the end of all your followers comments. Really proves your own comments in this review are so spot on, fantastic job! I am 53, living in Chiang Mai (Thailand) just took delivery of a 2019 Duke 390 (showroom bike) almost like new. Loving it so far, speed, feel & handling are great. Only glitch is the heat from that exhaust (wearing shorts) in Tropical Climate, hot fan blowing! Also quite grabby, snatchy in low revs revs in heavy traffic! Going to purchase Powertronic Fuelx Pro to try & remedy this problem. Also may try placing some heat wrap around nearside exhaust to try and stop a little heat from transferring to my left leg. Although still has that blower transferring hot air back to my legs. Other than the mentioned, finding the bike perfect for fun riding, especially the twisty mountains over here and commuting (in not so heavy traffic) keep up the great reviews, I've subscribed, look after yourself, buddy!
Welcome along Gary and thanks for the sub!
Amazing video! Really loved the way you presented the points. Loved to see your passion about motorcycles and making videos about them! I don‘t comment on videos that often but in your case I felt the need to leave my opinion! Great job!
Thank you Aaron - appreciate the kind words! All the best - TMF
I have a 2019 390 DUKE......I run 91 and 92 octane gasoline, and get 65-70 MPG @ 75 MPH......when I first got it, it had 203 Miles on it.....the guy traded it in, for a 690 DUKE...gas mileage was about 60 MPG, until the break-in period was over.....then, it got better....the seat is uncomfortable, and the rear brake, sucks....otherwise, it's damned fun to ride.....EATS 2-lane blacktops for b-fast, lunch, and dinner.....the bike is easy to ride, but the Honda CB300R, is much more comfy to ride......but not too hot for extended highway cruising....the 300R, likes 60-62 MPH......you can run it faster, but I wouldn't....the DUKE, likes 72-75 MPH.....will hold 72....or 75.....no issues....you can hang with big bikes, on the highway....the DUKE, is a good bike for a fella, or a gal, that ain't rode in a while....so is the Honda CB300R....but here's a layman's view, of both bikes, since I have ridden both.....the Honda CB300R....is an 1/8 mile bike....the DUKE....is a 1/4 mile bike.....ten seconds, and you're done.....but it's fun getting there.....the 300R, is a good bike, so don't get me wrong....kinda like climbing on a stick of butter....it feels great.....rides damned easy.....but I think the 300R, is more of a in-town, and brief highway stints....would be great for large city commuting....like DFW, OKC, etcetera.....or if ya live off a two-lane blacktop.....both the DUKE, and the 300R, are great bikes...but I think the KTM wins, as far as price, and feel....the Honda is much more comfortable to ride.....but like the salesman said at the bike shop......almost not enough.....but it's an awesome bike to just play with, if you haven't rode bikes in 15-20 years....like me....my big 1100 Sabre Cruiser, is broke, and it's in the shop....so I bought the duke, after a 14 mile test ride......I think the seat and the rear brake, could be better.....but it's a damned fun bike to ride.....even though it's kinda uncomfortable to ride, it's FUN....on two wheels.....the feel of an old Muscle Car, but not stupid fast.....both bikes carve up 2-lane roads very well....in some respects, the Honda kinda wins here....but the ability to change the ride, on the DUKE, is a plus....Insurance, in the states, is higher than a tree, on them DUKE's.....the Honda is waaaay cheaper to insure....a stiffer ride, on the duke, and a smooth ride on the 300R....both good bikes, but the DUKE, wins, Overall for me.....if KTM, could makes these bikes a bit more comfy.....they would sell better, I think....but I ain't got much to complain about....except the seat, and the rear brake.....the Honda is much better here, and feels easier to ride....I don't need an R6, or an R1.....my old 1100ES with a turbo, was plenty, 25-30 years ago....if ya wanna get back into ridin' bikes, give the DUKE a shot......I did....and bought the damned thing.....and don't regret it....
my boyfriend is getting this bike in a few months n this was a super great review to give me a little extra info, great video
Has he still got the bike?
@@urbanfireblade aha no idea were not together anymore 😂
@@chloegallacher7402 😂rip
@@chloegallacher7402 lol 😂
Multiple detailed and important points made in this review. Good work. Your experience as a rider shows in highlighting the important bits.
Glad to be of service!
Loved your review. Echoing others by saying your review is by far best I've seen on CZcams. I've had a 2005 640 Duke 2 for some years and was looking for a second bike., something small and playful for my commute ( currently rebuilding the Duke 2) placed my order for the 390 yesterday and pick up between 2 to 3 weeks depending how quick they get it ready. Thanks again for such an indepth review. Saved me spending almost double for the 790. Cheers again.
Thanks Garry!
Guy's I've owned this vehicle for a few months now.
Pros:
Looks amazing (Minus the stock mirrors)
Very Zippy and handles well
Cons:
Radiator Fan turns on and stays on often after abit of time riding (Very Loud)
TFT Display turns off randomly while riding ( hasn't happened in awhile )
Headlights would turn off randomly ( Software update fixed it )
Gearing feels horrible and very cheap ( Most parts of the bike is very cheaply made )
Gear indicator sometimes does not show (Turning bike off and on fixes it)
Bike has a ride by wire throttle and has a very random bite point ( sometimes would stall even when clutch in )
If you guys don't mind the con's then it goes alright.
Thanks for watching and for stopping by! All the best - TMF
Low rev fuelling is terrible, and gearbox is agricultural, build quality is exceptional for the cost of the bike and it is fun to ride......
Psxpanda i was given one of these while the dealer remapped my new KTM 790
and you’re right the 390 is a very light build!
This lad was given this bike to ride by KTM so he isn’t biased like 🤪
Too many cons man😂
If I was going to buy a bike under 400cc this is the one
Yeah, me too....(so far!)
So you'd take the 390 Duke over the BMW G310R? Cause I'm split! I don't know which one I'm going to buy. Also the CBR 300 is always an option.... Gah! I'm a business major, I can't make decisions!
R3 or mt03 is a good option as well.
+Eric Slaughter I was through the same decision. KTM is better value here (although more expensive), has higher fun factor. BMW has.... well it looks ok, and BMW minds about their customer while KTM does not care at all! I mean - BMW invited me to BBQ, and BMW owners meetups, new model shows... and i did not even bought anything from them yet! KTM? Nothing. Nada. On the other side - i was not able to take a test drive from BMW, so ... I chose KTM anyways.
Matej Rajčan Ride the KTM and eat the free BBQ, best of both worlds!
Great work as usual, Mr Flyer ! Thumbs up.
This is how a Long term review should be done! Congratulations, great video!
Thank you sir!
11:22 indeed the camera does a bad job, the light lits the hole street, from left to right.
Decent mate, wonder how the 2020 Model will turn out to be....!
Thank you for making this review, very tempted now 👍🏼
Great channel and great review format.
Good review, that MPG is trash though. My MT09 Tracer gets 62mpg and 200 ish on a tank. Madness considering the differnce. A modern single 390 should be getting 70-80mpg.
True, it really must have some rubbish fueling in there.
My Versys 650 gets 64-67, and up to 70 on the open road.
Yep for a single it drinks fuel, could be the reason they enlarged the tank to give perceived greater range.....
I get 70.5mpg (30km/l) out of mine and 320Km (198mi) range
Excellent review,
97 people hate bikes
That's a great way of making a review! One of the best in youtube.
Fantastic review love the Q&A style. Thanks.
Pls do a review of 2017 Honda cbr 650f.. Haven't seen one English video of this on CZcams
or the cb500f haha,... or both
Will see what I can do...
Pratap Bp yes! I just need an excuse to jump on a bigger CB. Gotta request the 500x though. Still A2 and seems like amazing value, at least in Rep. Of Ireland.
The Indian 390 Duke gets a little more.. I think its cause it's made here + the expectations are higher.
Phantom Rides yes you are right. It gets crash guards, grab handle bars, hand guards, mud flap at rear tyre, small mud flaps to front tyre, front forks seal covers, front forks mud guards. And these all are standard at around ₹250000 (that’s around 2921 GBP) 😊😊
Amazing review! Helped a lot with me thinking about getting one
Nice Test contence, cant wait for the KTM490 Review, thanks mate, stay safe !😊
The fan noise is a deal breaker for me.
I'm curious if the fan can be upgraded to a nice quiet aftermarket fan.
Doesn't this have a one touch starter? You don't need to keep the button pressed, just one press and the Engine keeps cranking until it starts or 10 seconds.
Please clearify.
Yes it does - but I only found out yesterday when someone else pointed it out! ....great feature that....
I really appreciate the style of review you have done here. Not blind enthusiasm for a bike that has clearly earned it's fans, but measured reasoned praise for the good, and some well considered criticism for drawbacks and design quirks. Well done! I'm still waiting for a side by side review of the duke and the BMW 310R given how much they have in common, and perhaps adding in the versys 300 too. Maybe next year!
Thanks Biophile, I do put quite a lot of effort into these long term reviews so really glad you appreciated it - thanks for watching and for stopping by - TMF
Have watched almost every video on youtube on this bike, this is the best review yet. Thank you sir.
Wow, thanks!
56.7 miles in a gallon is approx 24.6 km in a litre..which is quite acceptable from a 390cc engine
not really. i get 58 mpg on my mt 07
In my country, the mt07 will cost 4000 more, and like 30% more on insurance every year. I guess that's why people go with the duke more often than the mt07. I wish I had the money for one (mt or duke).
Nice bike, colours are a bit fisher price for me though, Also heard some head gasket horror stories, research before you buy!!!!
Lol.
I have an orange car and my power gear is all husqvarna. Orange mower orangeedger orange chainsaw.
This wouldlook right at home
I think this is the bike that I want after seeing your review TMF. Brilliant. Keep up the good work.
Great job on the review Sir! Detailed enough and pleasant to watch.
Glad you liked it! All the best - TMF
I own one of these here in India. Surprised to see all that is missing on the motorcycle as opposed to what you get in the India. Out of the factory i have got the hand guards, rear suspension mudflaps, grab rails and rear tire hugger. Knick-knacks really, but they do make the bike look much more premium and total than what it already is! Btw i noticed you have been cranking the bike by holding the start switch, it has the one touch feature. Habit?
Party pooper fact, Bajaj owns the patent for lighting up the switch gear, and since this motorcycle is completely designed in the Bajaj R&D (i know this for a fact i have met the design team) they could use it in thhe baby Superduke! Party pooper because patented tech you wont see on other bikes.
Ahh, how interesting! Thanks for that.....
...oops - no-one told me about the one touch thing...!!!!
Nice add ons, so what is the cooking grill over the back left wheel?
That is something we here hate too. According to the age old regulations of having a saree wearing pillion, there needs to be a protective grill to deter the flowing fabric from entering the wheel area and getting entangled. It is a useless item to be on the motorcycle today but the rules live and so does the mandate to slap that "cooking grill" on.
please add a section where u hop on the bike and explain ergo and side view showing peg positions. bad hips and so hard to find a bike review showing legs
Thanks for the review, I'm getting back on bikes after years off. I love the looks and your review has cemented my decision to go for a 390 as a starter bike.
You’ll love it!
Extremely helpful video. So thorough. You've got yourself a nice niche here if you repeat the process on more bikes (and hopefully scooters).
Thanks Ian - Stay tuned for my first scooter review next Monday! (Yamaha XMax300)
Got a bmw rs thinking about a ktm 690r .just got to convince the boss i need 2 bikes. lol
Toby Duke I have duke 690r, great bike!
wait abit and see how the 790 duke will look like!!
Aye, 790 will be a world better than the 690 I hope! :-)
the concept looked hella sex that's for sure
790 looks ugly
7:30 it sounded like the bike laughed at your joke :)
Fantastic review, i am actually getting one next week, i have a cbr600rr 03 but its not a commuting bike, i will keep it for the track and this will be my new commuter, Thanks again m the review really helped.
Great review many thanks for going into the bike in such detail.
i really like this bike, but i also think that the honda cb500f for a bit more money is a good competitor
Yes I'd like to try one of those some day - I'm hoping I may get the chance - stay tuned!
I was thinking the same until I tried both. Duke 390 is much lighter and much easier to hande. And for me MUCH more fun. I got convinced to the point that my new Duke 390 is standing outside my house at the moment :)
I was choosing between this bike too, KTM won. CB500x would be nicer, but - too heavy for me, and i definetly did not feel for it as a new rider. Maybe later. And Yamaha MT-07 looked great too.
For anyone interested in this bike, KTM have pre-registered all their remaining 2017 stock and are selling them at £3099. Unbelievable bargain, I've just put a deposit down on mine!
Sounds like top value to me....
How did your purchase go? Are you in North or South America?
Best Duke 390 review in youtube. Thank you!!! You have helped me decide!
They're great bikes - you'll love it!
I am currently looking to buy either a duke or adventure, and at first thought this review is about 10 minutes too long, but it is jam packed with practical experience and just an excellent review. Thanks
My pleasure!
I bought Duke 390 so happy
Congratulations!
I was thinking of downsizing from an r1 as I only get out the odd weekend for a 150 mile blast if I'm lucky ,
I just don't know if there will be enough power though for A roads
@@1busterchops you can always go with a 600 or a smaller cruiser. They are perfect for keeping up with traffic and going on long drives. Plus cheaper insurance
@@1busterchops Yeah, you could go with a 600 if you don't want to downgrade that much. Since you have the r1 i suppose you are looking only for sport bikes (might be wrong) but the r6, cbr600/650r, ninja 636/650 are solid bikes
Awful warranty and it’s reputation for being unreliable keeps so many away. I sold mine due to endless issues. It’s a shame Ktm doesn’t even stand behind the whole bike under its warranty. That should let you know everything you need to know about ownership.... Not even they trust these things
Yep. Mine lasted a week "500" miles and lost oil pressure at a stop light. The oil level was good so i took it in to ktm. The oli screens were full of metal shavings. Ktm wanted to take it apart to see what happened. They said it was perfect. They put it back together then said it needed a oil pressure switch. That switch has been back ordered for 3 weeks now. More than 2 months now and still not done
Newhaulin Insanity. They need to focus on better customer service, before pumping out new bikes.
@@Newhaulin comments like these are why i decided to get the MT 07 instead of the 390 or 690 duke
Hey man! I really enjoy your videos. I was wondering what your opinion is between the RC 390 and Duke 390. I intend on picking one up soon and since you've ridden both you have the most knowledge. Thanks and keep up the great content!
I just put your videos in order of most views and was surprised this is your most popular bike review video. I've owned my identical duke 390 5 years now and only bought it to dip my toe in the naked market coming from Sports bikes and still can't bring myself to upgrade for a bigger naked. It really is that good. 🙂
Yes loved this bike!
TMF: the KTM of reviewers, top notch!
Thank you!
Wow, I would agree, a 390 with only 50mpg.....Honda NC700 gets 70mpg. Great vid as usual, but this bike is a little stinker. Tons of these bikes second hand with only 200-400 miles. People buy them believing the hype, then see they are a revy little lawn mower engine. I would go straight to the MT09 if you like this style....or even MT07/BMW850.
Straight to an MT-09? That's a death sentence for 90% of new riders. You're an idiot.
Nobody does a more thorough review than TMF! Well done!
Thank you sir!
Thanks TMF! Great review, especially the wet weather and night riding. Great job 🤩👊
Glad you enjoyed it!
Is there a temperature at which the fan kicks in?
I imagine so yes - but what it is, I don't know....
98C to cool down to 92C
Just curious why its bad form to fuel up whilst seated ? makes perfect sense to a lazy sod like me!
Slack I was also wondering the same, I never ever get off the bike to gas up here in California.
Slack i think its incase you fall over and spill fuel every where
No it's more if you top off the tank and some spills over the side onto a hot engine and you end up BBQ'd.....makes sense when you think about it!!
petrol is actually pretty hard to ignite and it's pretty much impossible to light it just with heat from the engine. The fear is that the fumes displaced from the tank when you are putting the petrol in is ignited by a static discharge between the fuel nozzle and the metal of the tank.
It would make sense not to be sat on top of the bike at a moment like that. The static is usually discharged just by you picking up the nozzle anyway. It's not something I've ever seen despite working in a petrol station for a few years and sitting on my bike to refuel every time i needed petrol during my 17yrs riding career.
TheMissendenFlyer , sounds good, I thought for a second it was a British thing or something 👍
I'm writing from Turkey; thanks for the video, it's very helpful and has simple explanation almost everthing about duke 390.
Glad to help!
Thanks for the great review. Useful information for sure. Great detail. I'm purchasing the 390 Duke in spring of 2018 for city commuting
You'll love it!
6:36 148kg is very light...
“...it could be woman handling of course.”
😂
My young son said, “ Don’t worry mom, I won’t break it, I’m woman handling it.”
I Needed THIS video so much ! week ago I sold my ktm 200 cc , was riding it for a year. I want to move to higher CC and Im going to buy duke 390 and I was searching for videos and this popped up in recommendations . Thanks. Have Safe Rides Always ~ Good luckk !
You too!
Best UK motovlogger in my opinion, love your stuff!
Cheers Rizky - very kind of you...
How much does it cost to buy?
about 5500€ plus/minus 150-200€
What he said....
Here - 5090€... New. I was lucky :)
Currently £3100 pre registered 2017 model
Neil Adams That is pretty tempting...
Hi folks?? We are kids!!
Glad you noticed - normal service will resume! (I get a lot of complaints about "Hey kids!" from older folk - even some as old as forty!!)
TheMissendenFlyer how can anyone as old as that possibly be interested in motorbikes......??
Beats me - these oldies should stick to driving Nissan Micra's and wearing elasticated slip-ons.....
Thanks for the good informational video my dude 👌. Posted 3 years ago but still helped me out
Glad to help!
Thank you for taking the time to make this video, sir.
You are very welcome....TMF
thanks for all your videos, super clear in what you are saying and very informative, keep on doing them
Thank you Jason - very kind of you....
awesome review ! Thank you ! also like the tool set in the background ( long drill ) :D . its always best to ride few bikes before buying
Agreed - and thanks for watching!
Very well presented.
A pleasure to watch.
N a big relief that you, having access to all models, appreciated this particular bike and that it is made in India.
Thanks.
I'm subscribed.
Welcome along Sunil!
Wow, nice review, just have to comment that it is refreshing to get a complete overview covering all aspects of ownership. Pro job thanks.
Very kind of you to say so - thank you