[Ripcord09]

Aprilia Tuono 457

What you'll like:

• A good-looking & well-rounded motorcycle that gives you the big bike feels
• 457cc parallel-twin engine puts out best-in-class 47 BHP and 43.5 Nm. Performance is strong and effortless
• Comfortable ride quality on uneven surfaces. Aggressive cornering is handled well and has good high-speed stability
• Sorted ergonomics thanks to the raised handlebar and fuel tank shape. Comfortable for tall riders too
• Features like a 5-inch TFT display with customisation options, Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, riding modes, 3 levels of traction control, and more

What you won't:

• Fit and finish is a mixed bag. Some bits feel out of place on a premium motorcycle like Aprilia
• Lacks the top-end rush like its Austrian and Japanese rivals
• Brakes are average at best. They could have been improved further compared to the RS457
• Features like a USB port, TPMS, quickshifter and adjustable levers are only available as accessories
• Aprilia's limited dealer and service network may lead to surprises in delivery timelines and hit-or-miss service experience

Review Link

Yamaha MT-03

Review Link

KTM 390 Duke

What you'll like:

• Spectacular new 399 cc LC4C engine! Torque and power delivery will most likely outlast the road for most owners
• A delight to handle on track as well as on the streets. Very nimble and flickable around the corners
• Adjustable suspension settings are now available as standard for the front and the rear. Helps you customise your ride experience
• Full suite of electronics. Has customisable ABS, Traction Control, Ride modes, and even Launch control!
• Entire range of features like Connectivity features (calls, music, turn-by-turn navigation), Bluetooth pairing to Phone and even a wired/wireless Headset
• Top quality build. Fit and finish levels are good too

What you won't:

• While the low-end torque has improved by almost 5 Nm, you'll continue to go 3-2-1 on the gears while within the city
• The Quickshifter, while a huge leap from the outgoing model, still isn't textbook perfect during gear shifts
• OEM tyres don't match up to the performance the bike is capable of
• Narrow seat can get uncomfortable on longer journeys
• Looks have generally been polarising on the KTMs

Review Link

Ownership Review Link

Aprilia RS 457

What you'll like:

• Mini-superbike looks with spot-on proportions and exciting colour schemes that grab attention
• Powerful 457cc twin-cylinder motor that produces a segment-best 47 BHP & 43.5 Nm is effortlessly fast and has a wide torque band with good rideability
• Easy-going nature with sport touring ergonomics, light clutch and positive gearshifts
• Excellent handling with a communicative and forgiving chassis, well-tuned and adjustable suspension setup and grippy tyres
• Touring potential with a 13L fuel tank, optional high windscreen, optional USB charging and provisions for strapping luggage
• Exudes quality - excellent paint finish, best-in-class 5" colour TFT instrumentation, aluminium dual-beam chassis and triple clamp upper plate, etc.
• Made in India. Pricing has been well-received and undercuts equivalent twin-cylinder rivals significantly

What you won't:

• Looks can be polarizing for a mature customer. No hint of subtlety with either the design or colour schemes
• Lacks the top-end rush of some rivals. Torque band is very wide and useable, but drops closer to redline
• Brakes could have better initial bite. Rear brake especially feels spongy, at least for track usage
• Lack of IMU/Cornering ABS. Few good-to-have features like USB charging, bi-directional quickshifter, TPMS, adjustable clutch and brake levers, etc. are offered only as accessories
• Aprilia's tiny dealer and service network is a concern

Review Link

Ownership Thread

Kawasaki Ninja 500

Ownership Review

Yamaha R3

Review Link

KTM RC 390

Ownership Review

[Omkar]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[VW2010]

I chose the RS457 and then saw the price chart. My order of preference would be Duke 390 and then one of the 457.

At 2.95L the duke is tremendous value for money considering the cost of ownership and cost of parts

If I wanted a sports tourer it would be the RS457.

While RC390 is priced lower for the extra money the RS 457 is totally a solid package.

[BullettuPaandi]

RC390 over the RS457 simply due to viability- lack of showrooms/service centres nearby; and with it being a twin cylinder engine, can't risk on this.

VFM of the Duke 390 is hard to beat, as VW2010 has mentioned. But, I've never owned a faired bike, but really want to at some point; so the RC takes my vote.

[amyntor]

Voted for the Duke 390. It's agile, fun, giggle inducing, and easy on the pocket. I've had mine for a little over 9 months and clocked 18,000 kilometres on all kinds of terrain in that time.

It has only gotten better with the recent price cut and the addition of cruise control.

[saikishor]

Voted for the R3.
For the price it is being offered, considering the fact that it is a CBU, it is a no brainer for me. I own a 390 Duke and R3 was always at the back of my mind during my bike's purchase, but the R3 wasnt available then and I couldnt find a used example as well.

2nd place would be either the Tuono 457 or the RS457. The engine is worth of every penny of the asking price of this motorcycle.

3rd place for me would be the gen 3 Duke. I havent ridden one, but one cannot go wrong with a KTM. If you ask me, KTM's are the easiest to own in this given list, or maybe even in this segment. Service(though can be horrible at times) is easily available and affordable. Spares are dirt cheap, with consumables readily available. One simply cannot go wrong with a KTM. The overall experience feels very polished(read hassle free) to me, compared to other brands in the segment.

[vattyboy]

With the recent price reduction, my choice is the KTM Duke 390.

While the RS 457 is a better overall product, there are significant concerns regarding after sales service. Even in metro areas, the service may be lacking, and in tier 2 and 3 cities, it is virtually nonexistent. Therefore, it's safer to opt for the KTM or even the R3.

[WalterWhite]

I would have voted for the Tuono 457/RS 457, but hearing a lot of engine-related issues of the new 457cc engine from Aprilia, I voted for the Ninja 500. With the Ninja, you get a reliable engine and overall reliable ownership experience. Even if that costs more, I am ok with it as long as the return of satisfaction is always higher.

[TheHelix0202]

I absolutely love the 390 Duke, but it's way too cramped for me. The RS 457 also suffers from the same fate, and I can't really daily + tour with it in the worst case scenario that I absolutely have to.

I haven't ridden an R3 but sat on one. It has a funky triangle for me. I haven't sat on a Ninja 500 either.

If Naked - > MT03/Tuono 457
If Supersport - > RC 390 (very comfy for me)

But since any of these would be a primary city/weekend motorcycle for me that I do not intend on touring with, my pick would be the RC 390! I could do more with the RC than the others.

[bpapache]

I have voted for Tuono 457.
I’ve had single cylinder motorcycles for way too long (12 years) in my life. It’s time to move up.
In my opinion, based on reviews obviously, Tuono 457 appears to be the best one bike garage among the twin cylinder models.

But if I hadn’t had a single cylinder motorcycle for so many years, I would blindly go to the Duke 390. Super VFM. So much so that I often think of giving my RC390 (2018 model pre-owned) and getting the new Duke 390.

[V.Max]

Yamaha R3 for the win. Here's an initial review of my R3 - https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motor...um-solved.html (Yamaha YZF R3 Review | The almighty conundrum, solved)

For the price at which it is offered NOW, none of the other bikes can guarantee ALL these -

1. Huge service center network (300+ pan India)
2. Spares priced decently
3. Super affordable service cost.
4. Incredible track record of reliability (12 yr old engine)
5. Fuel efficiency and performance at equal measure
6. Yamaha fan following (although I'm not a Yamaha fan)

[pkandro]

Originally Posted by V.Max

Yamaha R3 for the win.

1. Huge service center network (300+ pan India)
2. Spares priced decently
3. Super affordable service cost.
4. Incredible track record of reliability (12 yr old engine)
5. Fuel efficiency and performance at equal measure
6. Yamaha fan following (although I'm not a Yamaha fan)

While I do love the R3 as a product on its own (almost bought one a few weeks ago before switching to KTM), and I agree on points 4-6, I have to go ahead and counter points 1-3.

1.) Huge service network but 90% of service stations have never seen or trained for a R3. So that cuts down the actual service centers to only a few dozen pan-India where one can feel comfortable giving the bike.

2.) Spares priced decently, to be honest only certain spares are priced decently , rest need to be imported and are pricey (still nothing compared to the mockery of pricing Kawasaki does with their parts). But the real issue is parts availability, the waiting period is considerable for the parts to be imported and technician knowledge is subpar.

3.) Super affordable service cost - yes the labor charge is pretty low but that is pointless if the said labor is untrained on the bike. IMO, most R3 owners will be happy to shell out extra for better care of their bike by superior trained technicians but alas such technicians are available only in a select few centers.

So my issues with R3 can be condensed as issues with Yamaha India, their attitude and approach towards the bike rather than the bike itself.

[Ratan Prabhu]

Would have voted for Tuono. But with the price cut on Duke390 and addition of cruise control and a smashing new paint scheme, it's hard to not vote for the Duke. KTM's service and spare parts availability/price also adds to the peace of mind in ownership.

[VIN No]

Its the duke that takes the cake, it is by far the most vfm product, relatively hassle free and the primary reason to skip it would be for the twin cylinder layout on the other motorcycles

[It's Magic]

Voted for KTM 390 Duke

The KTM 390 Duke is the cheapest bike that generates good power and also has a bigger fuel tank compared to others. It's delight to drive through corners. The fit and finish levels are good too. Additionally, the availability of service along with affordable spares will help you in the long run.