Why I feel the 2023 Duke 390 is the perfect bike for me

I have been looking for an upgrade & have test ridden Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400x, Himalayan 450, Adventure 390, Duke 250, Vstrom 250, Interceptor 650, Harley 440X.

Finally, I managed to get a test ride of the Duke 390. The last time I went for the test ride, unexpected events unfolded.

Just for context, I own a 2017 TVS Apache RTR 200, but I have been regularly riding my friend’s SM 650 & 310 GS.

Although I am not very familiar with the 390cc single, I have ridden the Gen1 & Gen2 for very short 4-5km rides & couldn’t ride at higher revs to appreciate this single. The test ride bike was in the Orange color & boy, that is a lot of Orange. Below are my observations:

• It is very accessible. The seat height is just perfect for me (I’m 5’7"). Feels very light on the move. I felt a bit intimidated when I first sat on the Gen2 because of the seat height, although I’m used to tall bikes now, it is always a confidence booster when both your feet touch the ground.

• The seat is compact and good for one-up riding. I took the test ride with a pillion, and there was not much space to move around.

• The TFT dash looks very crisp & readable. The switchgear feels nice and tactile, and changing riding modes on the go was easy.

• The engine has got to be one of the best singles I have ridden. This high-revving character resonates with my riding style. The bottom end is not dead as many people complain; it potters around quite well in traffic. It is not oodles of torque like an RE under 3,000 rpm, but it is quite enough to ride in the city even with a pillion. It even cleared speed breakers in 2nd gear. The mid-range is good, but the real fun is above 6,000 rpm. It just wakes up and sings & sends the pillion flying. 100 comes very quickly & the way it keeps pulling to unmentionable speed is remarkable.

• Due to the front rake being moved toward the rider, the handling is very sharp. Especially riding through traffic. It feels even more nimble & lighter than the RTR. I just feel like riding a similar-dimension bike with more than double the power. Riding the SM650 or the GS310 in traffic is a hassle, but KTM shines & slices through the urban jungle.

• Tried the launch control on an empty road & the front wheel just went up. I was not expecting it so I let go off the throttle. Maybe even TC did something; it was flashing all the time.

• The suspension is good at the default settings. I changed the front to being the softest; it was still not scary. Could not dig into the settings, but I guess we have a fair range of adjustments if required.

• There was no heat felt even in the direct sunlight, the radiator fan was working & wasn’t very loud, unlike the 1st gen I’ve heard.

• Gearbox is slick, QS works perfectly if used above 6,000 rpm. At lower revs, it's not very smooth.

• Brakes stop you in a dime. I came to a halt from 100 something & it was very quick.

I am in love with what KTM has to offer. I have been looking for an upgrade & have test ridden Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400x, Himalayan 450, Adventure 390, Duke 250, Vstrom 250, Interceptor 650, Harley 440X. None of them felt as exciting as nimble. When the finances are in line, this is going to be the top contender for my next bike.

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