[ebonho]

As promised, posed both the Duke twins together last night and took some 200 vs 390 photographs for the junta to appreciate the subtle differences (black vs orange being not-so-subtle ) betwen the Duke 200 and the Duke 390.

As usual the standard disclaimer. I ride better than I take photos (but only marginally ).

Since there is a limit to the number of photos per post, and since there is a no-no to back-to-back posts (by the same poster), would appreciate some post after each one of mine so that I can make my next one with the next lot of pics!











Anyways, here are some more ..... here you should be able to make out the larger front on bulk of the radiator in the 390.

P.S. The 200's side stand dips a bit more than the 390's which is more upright, so the perception of the 200 being lower.

In the first lot, you should have been able to make out the basic difference in the size of the engines and the front disc rotors between the two bikes. (p.s. hope this helps @ catchvinny !)









Patience guys. I need to write it up, and I have a job to do meanwhile as well. Also, need a go-ahead first, which should come any time.

One must appreciate that these are not production bikes.

They do not even actually roll out from the actual assembly lines. And a lot which we see and feel and hear and smell etc. does not ever make it to the commercial lots.

And its a WIP to ensure that what you (we) finally get with our hard earned cash, is as robust and reliable as can be, with all kinks ironed out.

So to be fair to everyone all around, please give me some time.

Meanwhile, I will stop torturing you guys with my photography as a fair trade off (though I must post these last two sets so that (1) @ dkaile can see the difference betwen the two radiator guards, and (2) you guys can see the many more sensors and sockets and fuses and much larger fuse box under the pillion seat).

This is the 200's radiator guard.



This is the 390's radiator guard.



This is the 200.



This the 390.



The difference between the two engine sizes and head architecture. Note the difference in the size and shape of the ignition cover on the left side as well.

The obvious increase in diameter of the cross members of the trellis frame in the 390 when compared to the 200is also visible. No idea on the reports flaoting around of the use of a different exotic alloy.

And the larger diameter bend pipe of the 390 wrapping around the engine on the left, and kinked to fit under the trellis cross member unlike in the 200 where there is no kink in the narrower pipe.

The 200 LHS Ignition Cover and Bend Pipe



The 390 LHS Ignition Cover and Bend Pipe (note the larger dia and the kink to fit under the trellis - so tightly compact is the fit of the engine, its obvious the 390 is the biggest iteration this frame will handle or was designed for)



The 200 RHS Clutch Cover and Trellis Frame



The 390 RHS Clutch Cover and Trellis Frame (also note the difference in size and architecture of cylinder and head)

[Red Liner]

I thought we said we wanted rider impressions. yes, your photography does suck, so out with the ride report!

[amitwlele]

I am not a biker so a stupid question. Aren't these both Duke 200 where is 390 here?

[mac187]

Originally Posted by amitwlele

I am not a biker so a stupid question. Aren't these both Duke 200 where is 390 here?

The white one with orange wheels is the 390. They have put in the 200 decals to fool non-bikers. I believe it works

[wolfy]

Gosh my eyes!! Amazing photography doc. Can we have more please? of your words. Not your photos.

[rk_sans]

Doc, we need the first impressions. Looks like you are playing around it for sometime. Your report would give all the people a very good insight about the performance.

[Joxster]

Ahem! The less I say about the photos, the better doc . Although they do give us a pretty decent idea of the differences between the two bikes, I was also looking forward to a ride comparo report. You know the Duke 200 inside out, so I really want to know what the Duke 390 rides like in comparison, because this is currently playing a major factor in my choice to upgrade or not. I'm already in love with the Duke 390, but not sure if I want to put down the dough for it yet.

Ride comparison report very much required doc

[ku69rd]

Come on Doc, get us an review sorta thread. We have been seeing a lot of such teasers all round the net, but am sure having read your thread you can pen one better.

Key things that I would love to know

1) Midrange & Top End
2) Distance Radius
3) Does the 390 come with the same suspension or is there a difference?
4) Vibrations & Heat Check when compared to 200


Does it come with an option to upgrade the existing petrol tank? cause the existing 11 tank is pathetic.

How does it perform vis-a-vis regular fuel as this one seems to have a higher compression ratio

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by ku69rd

Come on Doc, get us an review sorta thread. We have been seeing a lot of such teasers all round the net, but am sure having read your thread you can pen one better.

Penning is not the issue here bro. Seems we need to wait till the juornos get their bikes first .....

I'm as eager to pen as you guys are to read, so hang in there.

3) Does the 390 come with the same suspension or is there a difference?

The suspension is the same. The damping rates are totally different.

Does it come with an option to upgrade the existing petrol tank? cause the existing 11 tank is pathetic.

No it does not. Not yet at least.

How does it perform vis-a-vis regular fuel as this one seems to have a higher compression ratio

Regular fuel works just fine.

[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Penning is not the issue here bro. Seems we need to wait till the juornos get their bikes first .....

Thanks Doc, Would you want to PM me till the rest of the world waits for the journos

Thought the websites show an option of 18 liter tank similar to 690!!!

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by ku69rd

Thought the websites show an option of 18 liter tank similar to 690!!!

Can you help us with the links to those please? I would have been happy with 15 Liters as well - 18 would be super.

[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Can you help us with the links to those please? I would have been happy with 15 Liters as well - 18 would be super.

http://shop.ktm.com/at_de/powerparts/tanks.html

This is where I found it when I was browsing the other day. Not quite sure on the fitment aspect of it.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by ku69rd

http://shop.ktm.com/at_de/powerparts/tanks.html

This is where I found it when I was browsing the other day. Not quite sure on the fitment aspect of it.

Can't see any 18 liter tank. Also, nowehere any mention of anything speific to the Dukes (125/200/390).

Fitment is the key. From the point of view of the fuel sensors inside, to the free movement of the forks, to fitting with the stock seats in place, to fitting over the stock ECU fitment in its current place.

That's why I would jump at a tank and sump guard made specifically for our Dukes. That way there is no headache and fitment jugaad with cutting, bending, welding, etc.

[rulerofsun]

Hello Ebonho,

Here is a link I found on the Tank. https://www.ktm-parts.com/58407013400.html

I am in the market for a new motorbike.( Been an OLD Bullet rider with the gears on the right side)and am contemplating between the baby CBR and the 390. The 390 has got me thinking because of the tank size. I don’t know how much touring I will be able to do on the DUKE. Help me with a decision please? I normally used to ride 400-500 Km a day on the bullet.

Regards
RoS

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by rulerofsun

Hello Ebonho,

Here is a link I found on the Tank. https://www.ktm-parts.com/58407013400.html

Thanks for the link bro - the Duke referred to is the 650. The 690 and 990 came later. These are very different to our baby Dukes.

I am in the market for a new motorbike.( Been an OLD Bullet rider with the gears on the right side)and am contemplating between the baby CBR and the 390. The 390 has got me thinking because of the tank size. I don’t know how much touring I will be able to do on the DUKE. Help me with a decision please? I normally used to ride 400-500 Km a day on the bullet.

Regards
RoS

I would have suggested the Duke 200 to you over the CBR as well. But you need to ride the bikes yourself to see what tugs at your heartstrings.

400-500 kms a day is no problem on a Duke. With a normal post daybreak start, I usually cover that much distance by lunch time (e.g. Pune-Goa). Comfortably.