[Dragonheart22]

1. This one looks like a Validation/Test bike with a lot of proto parts (too many weld lines on the exhaust pipe, tapping for emissions)

2. Even the 200 would show 50-60 kpl in some conditions, but the true FE for me has always been between 25-40 kpl. So I wouldn't expect more than 20-30 kpl from the 390

3. The Metzelers sported on this one are also on the European Duke 125, I am guessing we will be getting the MRFs here in India (which aren't bad at all)

Finally we have some closeups of the 390, what happened to the plan of the Enduro version?

[praful]

Originally Posted by Dragonheart22

3. The Metzelers sported on this one are also on the European Duke 125, I am guessing we will be getting the MRFs here in India (which aren't bad at all)

The EU export Duke 125/200's go with MRF tyres. Later on people might upgrade it to Metzelers. Have a look at the EU websites for KTM.

But folks, as of now the Metzelers cost about 12K a tyre. Even when the 390 starts selling in full swing, I don't the price will go anywhere south of 6K per tyre. Which is still a pretty steep price considering tyres.

[ebonho]

The 390 is pretty much going to be a bread and butter bike for a large chunk of performance minded biking junta soon. I canot imagine Bajaj shodding it with tyres that are so expensive, and which need to be imported, therefore meaning uncertain availability and price pressure based on currency fluctuations.

[praful]

Originally Posted by ebonho

The 390 is pretty much going to be a bread and butter bike for a large chunk of performance minded biking junta soon. I canot imagine Bajaj shodding it with tyres that are so expensive, and which need to be imported, therefore meaning uncertain availability and price pressure based on currency fluctuations.

I the same vein I don't think Bajaj would want to held responsible for resolving India's population problem by giving the 390 with MRF's.

Unless, MRF manages to come up with a more grippy tyre, like they did for the R15.

I am all for bringing down the cost of the Metzelers rather put MRF's in a bid to cut costs.


IMHO, on the 200 itself the MRF's are on a fine line between being rubber side down or up. One can live with them for sure, but there is a constant fear at the back of your head. I seriously don't see these current MRF's holding with the tyre shredding torque of the 390.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by praful

I the same vein I don't think Bajaj would want to held responsible for resolving India's population problem by giving the 390 with MRF's.

Unless, MRF manages to come up with a more grippy tyre, like they did for the R15.

I am all for bringing down the cost of the Metzelers rather put MRF's in a bid to cut costs.


IMHO, on the 200 itself the MRF's are on a fine line between being rubber side down or up. One can live with them for sure, but there is a constant fear at the back of your head. I seriously don't see these current MRF's holding with the tyre shredding torque of the 390.

I agree with you. I am all for Metzlers coming at affordable prices for the 390.

What would you be ready to pay for them once the factory fitted ones wore out?

[praful]

Originally Posted by ebonho

I agree with you. I am all for Metzlers coming at affordable prices for the 390.

What would you be ready to pay for them once the factory fitted ones wore out?

12k per tyre definitely NO.

I think I can import tyres for a cheaper cost directly.

At 6K per tyre and with no other choice, I'd rather kill my pocket and get these than kill myself/or ride the bike sedately (with MRF's)!

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by praful

12k per tyre definitely NO.

I think I can import tyres for a cheaper cost directly.

At 6K per tyre and with no other choice, I'd rather kill my pocket and get these than kill myself/or ride the bike sedately (with MRF's)!

Have you had personal experience of the MRFs being bad or on the line when the Duke is ridden anyway but sedately? I have personally yet to see any Duke owner regardless of age ride sedately so thought I would ask.

If you say that the current tyres may/will not be able to stand up to almost twice the power, I would agree. But the tyres per se are not bad. Maybe the profile could have been improved to save the rims, but rubber wise, they are good tyres. The best I have used.

[praful]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Have you had personal experience of the MRFs being bad or on the line when the Duke is ridden anyway but sedately? I have personally yet to see any Duke owner regardless of age ride sedately so thought I would ask.

Mild patches of gravel/wet tarmac when taken at relatively not so sedate speeds give a "boating" feeling. But that happens on most tyres, its just that feeling is a lot more pronounced on the Duke. Else on pure clean tarmac the tyres hold pretty well.

But the rear tends loose line when you brake hard.

Originally Posted by ebonho

If you say that the current tyres may/will not be able to stand up to almost twice the power, I would agree. But the tyres per se are not bad. Maybe the profile could have been improved to save the rims, but rubber wise, they are good tyres. The best I have used.

Like I said before the current tyres are liveable on the 200, but it does not inspire complete confidence. Its not as bad as the Eurogrips on the 200NS.

Infact if the Metzelers are priced right, I seen quite a few 200 owners making the switch as well.

[am1m]

The India-specific website for the 390 has details that are mostly a cut-and-paste from those for the 200, but there is one difference in the "Wheels and Tyres" section- the 390 details specifically mention Metzeler tyres whereas the 200 did not. So, maybe there's hope.

200- "...Equally lightweight and delicate as they are stable, the 17 in cast light alloy wheels are fitted with a 110 mm tyre at the front and an impressive 150 mm at the rear..."

390- "...Equally lightweight and delicate as they are stable, the 17 in cast light alloy wheels are fitted with grippy Metzeler tyres..."

[ebonho]

Still on tyres, I used to ride an HT in the early 90s on MRF Nylogrips and Ribs in the front. I do think some of us become a tad too obsessed about rubber. What foreign websites and magazines write needs to be seen in our Indian perspective. What is the rubber they are use to versus what have we been riding on. I am not saying we are doing the same here, but sometimes I feel we get carried away and brand a product sub-standard on the basis of "reports" without actually keeping some perspective. I am going to stick by what I said. The Duke tyres are actually the best I have ridden on. Sure if you give me something better, my perspective will evolve alongside. But as of now, it is as it is.

[invincible7]

BTW what is the final date of the bike to be launched or is it going to be shelved again for a latter date. The last I heard was in March 13 which is nearing completion, the dealers are not ready to let our any information, they have a standard reply we are also not aware when its coming.

[praful]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Sure if you give me something better, my perspective will evolve alongside.

Bringing back the tyres topic , maybe even the Metzelers might be overwhelmed by the 390 under spirited riding.

Have look at the rear sliding out at 0.46 in the

KTM Video

[Sheel]

From the video it appears that he has pressed the rear brake pedal at 0:46, at least to me it does.

[praful]

Originally Posted by Sheel

From the video it appears that he has pressed the rear brake pedal at 0:46, at least to me it does.

Yes that's precisely why the tyre is going out of line. Prolly has pulled in the clutch as well.

[Sheel]

Correct me, but any bike on almost any tire can slide its wheel while braking.

To spin it up, you require a good tire & a powerful motor.

And that was done (at 0:46) intentionally. Hence, the clutch should have been pulled-in.