KTM 390 Duke (2024) REVIEW

#ktm 390 Duke (2024) #review by Adam 'Chad' Child from the press launch near Almeria in Spain. This all-new single-cylinder, A2 licence-compatible #motorcycle from the chirpy Austrian marque full of youthful exuberance.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Video intro
00:25 What's new
02:33 On-board commentary
06:56 Conclusion
08:48 Outro ad

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LET’S CONNECT!

[michaelrieser]

I’m 58 and I’m over the expensive service costs of my 800-1050 cc bikes. I’m giving these new 400 class singles a try. I got 300 miles on this 2024 and at first it took some getting used to to. But I have been riding it back to back with my 2008 990 superduke to compare and contrast. It really starts to show you its benefits and plus’s when you test it like that. Maybe something like the 790 or 890r would be the ideal jam. But cost and weight and the power you can get out of this single is really something interesting. “Bang for you buck” I’d say pick up a great deal on a 2023 model, but the new one and the improvements is really cool. The orange is not for everybody, but I think it looks awesome!

[swieri]

No brainer for anyone starting off or even wanting a second bike to blast, I can’t stress enough how epic these are.

[joek]

I wonder the ratio of units sold, how many 390s they've sold per Superduke. They could've left this bike alone for another 2 or 3 years and been absolutely fine still. I like that companies bother with putting time and money into the small cap bikes, not chasing only the biggest fish always.

[leanit]

This is a really fine bike. Not for large riders though. At 5'8/170 and I think anyone larger than me would be pretty cramped. Compared to other "entry" bikes like the MT03, there is really no comparison at all. This bike is in another class. It can be ridden fast with composure and doesn't come across as cheaply built for a maximumly low price point.

[RupeWilson]

Still love my 2014 duke 390, it's perfect for the ride to work down the back lanes. More than fast enough in the twisties. Cant see the point of upgrading to the newer version, but it does look so good.

[chriswest]

I got 40k kilometres on a 2019 gen 2. Been absolutely awesome to own. No real issues.

[stephenoclarke]

The objective is surely to get the young rider loyal to the brand for the bigger models

[michaelrieser]

I’m having trouble finding the 10 percent that is the same? The battery and the tool kit I guess. I wonder if you can beef the new engine up a bit, with mods.

[snupermoto]

I tested one last summer, but it was too close in performance to my DRZ400 supermoto to even consider. Which is strange, considering the DRZ is 20+ years old.

[ARP]

I like this orange, not lying but why can't KTM have an all Black/Grey model, they make such beautiful bikes.

[leanit]

That very nice rear shock shown is not the one that comes with the bike.

[alwarren]

The first Duke 390 had different weight wheels for Europe and Asia, the Asian market wheels being heavier and sturdier. The Gen. 2 2017 Duke 390 standardised on the heavier wheels for all markets. Given the pothole strewn state of Britain's roads perhaps the heavier wheels of the Gen. 2 Duke 390 are more suitable?

[ktkace]

would love to see a comp with the cfmoto NK450

[frankensteinsgarage]

Im guessing those roads were as you say, dusty. Ive ridden the older model on track, admittedly it was on semi slicks. And mate, these things are a little weapon. No dramas scraping the pegs off. Only potential down side i see to the new model is they have gone away from linkage. I dont see an advantage there other than cost savings for the company and the weight on paper looks better. I have genuinely thought about buying one of these as a road bike. Just for round town and day rides. Just so much fun even for my nearly 40 year old frame.

[Nathan_]

One of these would have to be a blast on a tight curvy road, considering this for a second bike in the garage. I do like the new look of it and I wonder how well the quick shifter works on this model.

[Unusualsidekick]

Would anyone say this can go long distance? Maybe touring the US or traveling from US down to Panama?

[VuhanCODM]

Really Good interview, I'm sure im gonna buy this bike when i get my A licence.

[asdbg]

Nice to see they didn't hold back much on the software side.

[MGman]

I test rode this bike on Saturday. The engine was punchy, surprisingly good roll on in higher gears and it handled well. Downsides - vibes (Yes, I know it's a single) and it just felt too small and toy like for me. I'm trying to find a second bike to compliment my Tracer 9GT and thought this was going to be it. Maybe I ought to set my sights on a bigger engine size but I wanted something totally different. Or, maybe I ought to have another test ride in the dry instead of having to concentrate on awful weather conditions. BTW, in the UK a new 2023 MY 790 Duke is only £1300 more. Maybe a much more interesting proposition. 😊

[jonomasonILoveU]

I`m 62 and got this bike $9550NZ, the blue one. I love kTm😁.