[PraNeel]

Duke 390's gorgeous TFT instrument screen explained in detail. It is seriously comprehensive. I hope it doesn't tempts the riders to fiddle with it while driving.
When paired with phone it will display the name and phone number of the person calling. For conversing phone has to be used. It can display SMS as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5wWdNT9XgU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c34odjkARD8

[tabrez]

Overdrive's walk-around review of 2017 Duke 390 as well as Powerdrift's Speed test is out. Couldn't have been timed any better than a friday evening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVgVDLE_UJ4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_qdTS8KFKo

[PISTONS]

Powerdrift stats on 2017 D390 says as
0 to 60 in 2.57 Secs
0 to 100 in 5.75 secs

Where as the old 390 (Slipper clutch version)
0 to 60 in 2.2 Secs
0 to 100 in 5.5 secs

Where as the old 390 (Pre slipper clutch)
0 to 60 in 2.6 Secs
0 to 100 in 5.5 secs

Does it mean the 2017 D390 has become slower? Because of it's weight? Just asking.

[rohitoasis]

The review i had been waiting for. Shumi's review in OD had inspired me to buy my Duke 200 as soon as it released. Have been struggling to avoid testing the Duke 390 for the fear of loving it and immediately buying it. But Schumi's words in this first drive review might push me across that hurdle.

The ride-by-wire’s purpose is primarily emissions control but it makes the engine just a hint more crisp in response. It’s noticeable but not night and day.

KTM gives the 390 new open cartridge front forks. They trade in 8mm of travel but they’re vastly more sophisticated than the outgoing units in the ability to handle small bumps. It’s rather obvious that the forks feel a lot more controlled under almost every condition. The rear shock looks visually similar but is a new unit with a different tune too, and it matches the new forks step for step.

How is it to ride?
Frikkin’ fantastic! The engine is now smooth and refined quite unlike the outgoing engine. And it makes a huge difference. The KTM engine feels like it revs a smidge slower than the old one. But progress is effortless and you can immediately sense both the composure and the extra torque. Cruising at mid-revs is easy and rolling on produces strong acceleration. But unlike the 250 Duke, for example, this is without any change in the top end. The 43.5PS arrive strong and fierce but with an extra refinement. I saw 163kmph on the digital speedo readout before braking for the fast uphill right-hander that ends the Bajaj test track at Chakan. What this means is that the 390 has a robust mid range with a lovely top end. Wonderful!

There is a controlled suppleness to the suspension which feels very nice, almost plush. It removes the jittery feel of the old one and makes life easier. The control levels over the chassis overall seem definitely improved and that’s rather welcome.

The new one is definitely a vastly improved, sharpened motorcycle. It will outperform the old one while flaunting its better refinement and brakes. The riding position is slightly more aggressive with rear – and higher-set footpegs but this is also a vastly more spacious and comfortable-feeling motorcycle.

I’m convinced that the new 390 improves upon it in every conceivable way. What’s lost is the raw-ness of the old motorcycle that’s traded in for the refinement and maturity of the new one. But I promise you, I’ve never ridden a 390 Duke as hard as I rode the 2017 model at Bajaj’s track and I came back chuffed, happy and most importantly, it felt natural and confident rather than like I was pushing my luck.

I am no expert and cannot differentiate between genuine words and a paid review, but i get the feeling that these words are genuine. What Shumi said about the Duke 200 did prove to be true to me.

[niks_devil666]

Here's a detailed review from Motohive

https://motohive.in/ktm-duke-390-the-game-changer/

[hiren.mistry]

I believe, this one along with Shumi's report are best one's thusfar.

Zigwheels review

Has the Duke 390 really put on 16 kilos as mentioned in this review?

BTW, Karthikeya has jumped ship from Autocar India to Zigwheels.
And what he mentions about the tires is just fantastic!!!

Cheers

[The Brutailer]

Nice. After seeing the initial reviews, for me it feels obvious that they are genuinely excited about this bike instead of doing a paid review.

This bike is a true game changer yet again. From TFT color display which has Bluetooth and can connect to your smartphone to switching off only the rear ABS, a trellis main and subframe to more torque and refinement in an already powerful motorcycle..it's what bikes even segments above aren't.

The most exciting and fun to ride bike in India. Period. All hail the true Lord of the streets!

[hiren.mistry]

And the good guys at Powerdrift are at it again, lovely review video.

2017 KTM Duke 390

Can't wait to try one myself.

[hiren.mistry]

I wonder what the true weight of the 2017 Duke 390 is, most reviews say that the weight gain is in the region of 6 to 10 kilos. I saw one post launch video on YouTube where the vlogger mentioned the weight gain to the tune of 24 kilos.

The same applies for the seat height, I've seen it mentioned from 822 to 830 mm. I wonder what the true story is. This is one bike I'm super keen on bringing home.

[Cyborg]

Last Sunday I got the opportunity to do a very short ride of the 390 at the Phoenix Mills outlet (022 43030411) in Mumbai. For people familiar with the place, it was from the showroom to near the outside gate and back twice. INR 2.66 lakhs on road Mumbai.

I was lucky the showroom person gave me and a couple of others who were there these short rides. They have stopped them again supposedly due to complaints from the Mall management. Test rides are to start from Thursday (16th March) between 1000 to 1600 hrs on all days except Sunday.

The bike is a real step up from the previous generation for sure in smoothness, suspension setup and seat comfort. Do not find it difficult to believe most of the reviews which have been put up so far. Whether it's 6 or 10 kgs that have been added, it was not really apparent at all, it cannot be 24 kilos more for sure.

I would still wait for the first couple of batches to be delivered to check out the real world reviews though.

Would be glad to answer any specific queries from anybody if I can.

Cheers

[hiren.mistry]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

The bike is a real step up from the previous generation for sure in smoothness, suspension setup and seat comfort. Do not find it difficult to believe most of the reviews which have been put up so far. Whether it's 6 or 10 kgs that have been added, it was not really apparent at all, it cannot be 24 kilos more for sure.
Cheers

Thanks Cyborg!
The weight is not the issue at all, just that the reviewers in their hurry to post videos just did not read the spec sheet correctly.
Did you get a chance to gauge the headlight performance?

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by hiren.mistry

Did you get a chance to gauge the headlight performance?

Welcome Hiren.

It was around 3pm when i took the ride and saw the headlight in the showroom glass, looks bright, but I feel the beam may give a dispersed light effect and not illuminate the entire area for the low or high beam. Cannot say for sure.

Looks like a million bucks though

Cheers

[giri1.8]

Weight gain seems to affect KTM's entire lineup, would be great if someone swaps 390's end can for the old 390's underbelly exhaust , weigh loss AND power gain without irritation noise of aftermarket exhaust ? would be a dream come true for future owners!

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by giri1.8

Weight gain seems to affect KTM's entire lineup, would be great if someone swaps 390's end can for the old 390's underbelly exhaust

without irritation noise of aftermarket exhaust ?

For me, the earlier exhaust note was the most irritating, among all the bikes available on the market currently. Glad the new one sounds much better.

[Teesh@BHP]

Originally Posted by hiren.mistry

BTW, Karthikeya has jumped ship from Autocar India to Zigwheels.
And what he mentions about the tires is just fantastic!!!
Cheers

Thank you.

Wondered why he was off from so many reviews on Autocar lately! I had always liked this guy's views on motorbikes.
Time to follow Zigwheels