Dubbed the Nook Rocket by KTM, the 390 Duke is a 399cc single-cylinder bike that produces 44 horsepower and 27 lb-ft of torque, with a prime pace hovering round 105 mph. That is respectable for a newbie bike and sufficient to maintain up on freeways comfortably. A person named thorleifkristjan on r/KTM writes, “Even driving bigger displacement bikes for years, I by no means felt that I did not have sufficient energy to maintain up on the freeway or have enjoyable on again roads. I had a blast on it.”
Commercial
House owners report that the Duke feels fast in city areas, too, with yugenotaht-backwards on the KTM subreddit saying, “Across the metropolis and brief journeys are a dream with this bike; a lot enjoyable, nice energy to weight, and lightweight sufficient that you may throw it anyplace.” It is not constructed for drag racing (to not be confused with roll racing), however it delivers pace with minimal weight, simply 328 kilos dry.
Most agree that it isn’t about uncooked pace however how agile and responsive the bike feels. It will do wheelies if you need, but additionally feels secure and composed if you’re simply commuting. It is fast sufficient to be enjoyable and quick sufficient to be sensible.
Why it is among the best newbie bikes in the marketplace
The 2024 mannequin of the Duke hits a uncommon candy spot. It is easy to trip however nonetheless gives room to develop. Suspension contains totally adjustable WP Apex forks with five-way rebound and compression adjustment on the entrance, and the rear shock gives rebound damping and preload adjustment. Light-weight wheels and Michelin Energy 6 tires encourage confidence for brand spanking new riders, particularly on slippery roads. The ability supply is easy and predictable, which helps if you’re nonetheless determining throttle and clutch management.
Commercial
It additionally includes a new metal trellis body and a forged aluminum swingarm. Braking is dealt with by a 320mm entrance disc with a four-piston caliper and a 240mm rear disc, each with cornering ABS. Having an ABS-equipped bike is best than not having it if you’re a newbie. The brand new design features a seat top of 820mm, a bigger 15L gas tank, and aggressive styling, together with a side-mounted shock and uncovered brake setup.
The 390 Duke comes with premium options often lacking in entry-level bikes: a full-color TFT show, slipper clutch, and ride-by-wire throttle. Some fashions even supply a quickshifter and Bluetooth pairing. Which means learners get a style of the tech from higher-end bikes with out spending a fortune. And with dealing with as sharp as its greater brothers, the 890 Duke and 1290 Duke, new riders can study correct approach and develop into extra aggressive driving with out outgrowing the machine too rapidly.
Commercial
What actual house owners say about dwelling with the 390 Duke
Ask round, and most house owners of the KTM 390 Duke echo the identical factor: it is extra bike than they anticipated. Riders admire the way in which it blends agility and enjoyable with sensible energy. One person on the KTM subreddit experiences, “It is a snug trip, it is quick when it must be, and there is not loads you may by accident do with the throttle to get your self in bother.”
Commercial
The seat can be some extent of rivalry, with yugenotaht-backwards including, “The seat is kind of uncomfortable on mine for lengthy journeys (1 hour plus), nonetheless, I’ve been going forwards and backwards about getting the PowerParts ergo seat, simply have not pulled the set off but.”
As is obvious, learners love the KTM, however skilled riders hold it too, which says loads. Briefly, it isn’t only a nice starter bike. It is one folks select to stay with. For those who do determine to purchase one, listed below are some issues it is best to know earlier than shopping for your first bike.
