2025 KTM Duke 390 First Thoughts
Some thoughts for anyone interested in the bike, stuff I've learned and would have liked to know before buying.
TL/DR: I'm grinning!
Bought new 2 weeks ago today, 0.8km on the odo. 2000+km done, longest ride 350km.
Changed from stock: KTM ergo seat (left the dealer with it installed), Vagabond tail tidy (simple install), Akrapovik slip-on, Puig short screen, OEM radiator guard.
My background is in off-road but have had a NX500 (18000km) and a Grom (2600km). This is my first sporty type bike dedicated to asphalt. I'm 6', 185lbs and would classify myself as an intermediate off-road rider. Lots of car racing experience on asphalt, but it still feels new to me on a bike!
Power: it's easily quick enough in any situation to break the speed limit. I was curious to the power but really at the bike's 165kg wet, it has more than enough poke to get you in trouble. There are certainly little flat spots here and there in the mapping, but nothing un-ridable, and once you get over 4500rpm it just rips. Throttle by wire is smooth and responsive, I feel "connected" to the power delivery.
Ride: it's a firm ride but not jarring. I've cranked the rear shock up 4 clicks (2 left to go...), but not messed with clickers. The front is QUICK, it turns in as sharp as your willing and tracks well. But it is very well mannered and has yet to spook me, even pushing a bit through what twisties I can find. The rear has slightly squirmed a few times on lower speed corner exit, but that could be poor asphalt more than the bike. Brake feel is good but I understand some reviewers feeling that the front brake is a bit "wooden" as it's not grabby at all and hard braking really requires some rear brake input. I've done a couple of very hard stops with it and the ABS kicks in smooth and you feel in control. I rate the overall ride quite high and it puts a grin on my face when the roads are even reasonably smooth.
Wind: it's a naked bike, you are out in the elements! The small screen does squat, but does keep bugs off the cluster. On the highway, I tend to crouch a bit as a head wind measurably affects fuel consumption. But at back road speeds, especially with little wind, the wind you feel has not been an issue and I don't find it fatiguing. Long rides are more butt limited than anything else. As my first open type bike, I'm now a fan of feeling the air, it's a nice part of summer riding.
Ergos: The bike does not feel tiny. After a Grom, it feels substantial and gives you a proper bike feel. The seat is very firm but has broken in a good bit. Initially I'd be crying at 300km with leg discomfort. But with better pants that don't bunch behind the knee, it's now my butt that is the limit. Still, on a 350km ride this weekend with only 2 short pee stops, I didn't feel like I was thrashed and I think my butt is breaking in equally with the seat. Longer rides are coming! The rest of the ergos are quite good. I typically change bars and grips but haven't felt the need. The only slightly sporty position is not a stress on arms or wrists and everything feels well positioned, I'm not searching for anything.
Gearbox: although by no means terrible, the low-point on the bike is gearbox. Gears are well spaced and final drive is OK unless you want to run at speeds around 120kph consistently (not the real wheelhouse of a 400...). Coming from Honda and Kawasaki though, the box is clunky. I have not fit the quick shift (maybe soon...) but shifts are precise but you know you are shifting, you don't get that butter smooth from a Honda... And the worst part is finding neutral, lol. Sometimes you gotta fight it to get neutral, and DON'T believe the gear indicator at lights! More than once it's stalled as it's really in 1st or 2nd even though the indicator is showing a green N. But it's a small gripe, as it is very usable once you get the feel.
Features: I've never had a bike or car with so many gadgets built in! I just leave it in Street so far but after figuring out WTF Speed Control is, I use that quite often. The speedo is 3-4kph off (always reading faster than actual), the info is easy to read and as you can set what you want to see in the bottom 4 boxes, is useful. Range estimate is even a nice bonus, and even accurate. Might play with the Track mode this week...
Overall: I'm pleased. The tires are fantastic. The bike gives good feedback and likes to be leaned on. Fuel range is around 380km per tank if you can keep consumption around 4.0l/100km, easy enough on backroads but climbs quickly on the highway at speed.
Let me know if you have any questions!