Autocar India
•12w

Which is the better buy: a second-hand first-generation KTM 390 Duke from 2015 for Rs 1.3 lakh, or a new Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z for Rs 2.4 lakh?

Verified
•12w
This is a very valid question, but in our opinion it deserves a closer look at both motorcycles. The used Gen 1 KTM 390 Duke is a raw, unadulterated pocket rocket, but considering it is nearly 12 years old, you will surely have to spend much more on maintenance and perhaps replace worn-out parts, which will not only be expensive but also time-consuming, as some spares for older discontinued KTMs have started to get a little difficult to obtain.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, on the other hand, will be a brand new bike with a warranty, compatible with E20 fuel and a far more relaxed ownership experience. It is also a genuinely quick and capable motorcycle in its own right, and while it may not have the same raw edge as the old 390 Duke, it is a far more sensible long-term purchase.
This is sort of a head vs heart situation, and if you have more than one bike in your garage, then sure, go for the KTM, but if this is to be your sole mode of transport or only two-wheeler, the Bajaj bike is the more logical purchase.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z

•12w•

@autocar.india thanks for answer i have a R15 V2, Yezdi CL2, Max 100 R, and a daily rider Xpulse pro in my garage i am looking for something which is a upgrade on speed and fun to ride in highways at a faster than traffic speeds the Duke which my brother owns is extremely well maintained and is in crisp condition that's the only this making me look towards it still

More posts on similar bikes

•22h

I need to buy a bike. I’ve been riding a scooter for the last three years, and I turned 18 six months ago. I’ve ridden my friend’s Bajaj Pulsar a few times, though never in heavy traffic. Still, I’m confident that after riding it in traffic two or three times, I’ll be fine. I’ve covered more than 5,000 km on my scooter, often in remote parts of the Northeast and Himachal Pradesh. This will be my first bike, and I’m from Guwahati. My budget is Rs 2-5 lakh, and I’m open to options across that range. I’ve always wanted a Harley-Davidson, so I’d like to know the advantages and disadvantages of buying one in this price range. I’m not looking for a sports bike, but something suited to daily commuting and occasional riding in the hills. I’m also interested in the Royal Enfield Himalayan and Guerrilla 450, but I’m not sure I want to spend that much. I can, if it’s a much better choice for me than the others. Alternatively, I could go for a Honda CBR, a Pulsar or the Bajaj Dominar. Please help me decide. I’m open to suggestions. Thanks!

Verified
•35m

A first motorcycle purchase is a big milestone in life, and it seems like you're not sure which style of bike to go for, so we'll give you a vast list of options to choose from.Since you said you've always wanted a Harley-Davidson, we'd advise you to try the X440 T out. This is a comfortable, characterful and capable motorcycle, and if you're not interested in outright top speed, it will be a good option. In a similar vein, if you want something in the neo-retro space, the Royal Enfield 350s are a lovely option and hard to ignore.If you want something with a little bit of pep in its step, then the 350cc Triumph 400s like the Speed, Scrambler, Tracker, etc. are really nice bikes (although if you don't have a dealer in your city, it wouldn't be advisable to buy them). The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is another really nice bike and packs in serious performance so if you do get it, have your wits about you when you whack open the throttle. The RE Himalayan 450 is a completely different proposition to all of the aforementioned bikes and is a jack-of-all-trades sort of bike. Unless you're really going to venture off-road or do long rides, it may not be the right tool for you - as a first-time buyer. Something lighter, nimbler and more straightforward is a better bet.If you don't want to spend more than Rs 2-2.50 lakh on your first bike, then something simple like a Bajaj Pulsar N250SS, Dominar 400 (350cc), TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and similiar bikes will keep you happy until you're ready to move up too. A test ride will be key to determining, first, what sort of bike you are after and second, whether you want to spend its asking price or not. Happy trails!

Harley Davidson X440T
Triumph Tracker 400
Triumph Speed 400
Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450
Royal Enfield Himalayan
Bajaj Pulsar N250
Bajaj Dominar 400
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

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Posted on: 10 Aug 2026