KTM 390 Duke variants

autocar.india

•10w

The 350cc KTM 390 Duke finds a good middle ground between the 399cc 390 Duke R and the smaller 250 Duke in terms of outright power. Even though it has over 40hp, this engine is rather peaky which means you won't be accessing all of the peak output very often - helpful for a newer rider. In terms of features and electronics too, the 390 Duke is much better equipped compared to the 250 Duke. Overall, the 350cc Duke is a machine that you will be able to enjoy for a longer time as you progress as a rider.

autocar.india

•19w

Since you have said you want comfort, we'd recommend you rule out the KTM 390 Duke. The Duke can be usable on a day-to-day basis, but it is a stiffly sprung and sporty machine that's also rather cramped for taller folks and especially coming from the Meteor, could prove too uncomfortable.The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is a good choice, which will balance performance and comfort, although there will be a short adjustment period for you before you completely gel with it. We'd recommend going for the Apex variant, which comes with grippier Vredestein rubber that is better than the standard variant's CEAT shoes.The KTM 390 Adventure is a great bike for long-distance travelling, and if that is going to be the main reason behind your purchase, then it makes sense. However, inside the city, it can feel a little too buzzy, and its fuel economy isn't great either. Do bear in mind that KTMs comes with stiff seats and you will either have to adapt to it or get it fixed in the aftermarket.Since you are already considering the 390 Adventure, it would make sense to also look at the Himalayan 450. This is the more rounded of the two machines in our experience, and its ride comfort is unparalleled at this price point. Its size and weight will take some getting used to, but if you are okay with it, then this is a machine definitely worth considering.Take test rides of all before you go ahead with your purchase, so you make an informed decision.

autocar.india

•24w

Since you've said your primary use case is in the city, the 350cc Triumph Speed 400 is the one that will appeal the most to your sensible side. It has a tractable engine, good suspension and seating comfort and will also return decent fuel economy when ridden sensibly. If maximum thrills are what you're after, the 350cc KTM 390 Duke still remains a potent option, although the Duke is a smaller, more cramped and more buzzy machine. If you're willing to live with this, then you'll have an engaging and entertaining machine which also has superb handling and lots of features. Splitting the difference between these two is the 452cc Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, which is more KTM in terms of its riding character, combining sporty handling and punchy performance. Do bear in mind that its fuel economy is likely to be the lowest of these three. We'd recommend the Apex variant of the Guerrilla for strictly road usage because it comes with grippier Vredestein tyres.

autocar.india

•51w

If you want your new bike to be sporty and compact, then bikes like the KTM 390 Duke, TVS Apache RTR 310 and Honda CB300R would be our recommendation. If you want to have a machine that's capable of doing longer distances with luggage and/or a pillion, then an adventure bike like the KTM 390 Adventure (either of the 2 variants will do) or the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will fit the bill. Before pulling the trigger, try to get long test rides of every bike you are considering to make an informed decision.

autocar.india

•2w

Given your stature and the fact that you're coming from a Ronin, we'd recommend you choose between the 350cc KTM 390 Duke and the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 you've shortlisted. While both bikes have similar peak power outputs and pricing, they're poles apart to ride, so make sure you get a test ride before you go ahead with your purchase. The 390 Duke has sublime handling, great features and its 349cc engine loves chasing the redline but in day-to-day usage it feels like the machine that needs to be worked harder. Its suspension is also quite stiff (not harsh but definitely not plush) and there are quite a few vibes from the engine at almost all touch points no matter the revs you're at. If you don't care about refinement or comfort too much, and want all-out sporting thrills at a reasonable budget, then the 350cc Duke is something you should consider. If instead, you want your next purchase to be a bit more rounded to balance both usability and performance, then the RE Guerrilla 450 should be on your radar. The Guerrilla's 452cc engine's torquey nature makes it far more effortless to ride both in the city and on the highway, and its chassis is set up well for brisk road riding. It also has a lower 780mm perch (compared to the KTM's 800mm one) and its suspension is also set up to deal with road imperfections better. Ofcourse, it lacks the outright speed, handling, as well as the finessed electronics of the KTM, but for some people, this will actually be a plus point. Like we said at the outset, these are two very different bikes, so before making your decision, ensure you take a thorough test ride.