3,000 km with my 2024 Duke 390: My insights as a Dominar 400 owner

My mileage varies between 27 to 29 Kmpl (tank to tank method).

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Summary

1. A great motorcycle for those who are always in a hurry, to go nowhere really. Sedate riders might not enjoy this as much.
2. Excellent engine, handling and riding dynamics. The entire package feels tight and ready to explode in any direction you point. Even at low speeds it is very tractable but it doesn't really like extreme gear/speed ratios (like 4th gear in 20kmpl)
3. Good levels of fit and finish, switchgear and general quality.
4. Equipment offered is astonishingly good. They have really raised the bar.
5. My only gripe with this package is the sound of the exhaust. If I was a bystander, I'd have thought an autorickshaw just passed by.

Hi readers, I am the proud owner of a 2024 Duke 390 in blue color. It's been a good last 3 months on it and I'm averaging roughly 250KM a week (3300KM so far). There is just one variant of the bike, available in either blue or glaring orange.

Background: I owned 3 bikes before this (Suzuki Shogun, Pulsar 180, Dominar 400). Dominar was my last motorcycle and unfortunately it drowned in the floods that happened in Chennai in Dec. 2023. The repair bills came out to 1lakh+ and I wasn't convinced I would get a niggle free experience post that. After much thought I decided to scrap it and get a new one. I had a tough time convincing the insurance guys to accept it as a total loss but finally succeeded.

My Past Bikes:

I was looking for something in the same category as the Dominar. I know most 'expert' reviewers don't really like it. But I loved it! in 2019, it really was the best rupee/bhp in India! I got used to its heavy and bulky nature, its feel of stability for highway cruising, and even managed to be adept at slicing through traffic during rush hour! My green love

Alternatives Considered:

Triumph Twins: Took one look at the Speed 400 and decided it was not for me. No offence to Speed 400 owners, but it looked like a very very high quality 150cc bike! So I test drove the Scrambler 400X instead. The motorcycle looked good, it was stylish and it rode well. I could just about flat foot on one side (5'7") but I was used to the Dominar so this didn't bother me. I shortlisted it.

Himalayan 450: I was about to TD this then I had the fortune of seeing one while stuck in rush hour traffic. Managed to speak to the ride while crawling through traffic and he mentioned good things about it, but also mentioned the low end dull response and that it came with tubed tires. It didn't sound like it would fit by driving style. Crossed off my list immediately.

Alternatives Not Considered:

Harley X440: I wouldn't go back below 40BHP if I could help it, even though I liked the look of this machine (though only in bits and pieces).

• Complete booking & delivery experience with the dealership: Booking was done with KTM Anna Salai - Thousand Lights. After booking the delivery was done in 5 days in my choice of color - blue. No issues here, the first service went well too.
• On-road price & discounts: It came to 3.8L with the loan, no discounts were given. KTM offers their extended warranty for free in their just launched scheme. I also got a free helmet, which was full face but kid-size. Makes me feel worse than not giving anything!

What I like about 2024 Duke 390

I've seen reviews of people saying it feels quite rough at low rev ranges and it feels crude. I think they are mistaking the nature of this engine, its not rough - that is just how it is. After 3000 RPM is does feel much better though. The acceleration is just amazing and is probably unmatched in anything below 4L. Oodles of power on tap, you feel so secure in traffic knowing you can pull away anytime you want. The suspension is a peach, its firm but not stiff in default settings and I never felt the need to adjust it. I've hit some deep pothole so far and its never bottomed out. It just feels really really high quality. Coming from the Dominar, I can see the places where they cut corners in the green machine because that suspension though good, did bottom out now and then. The bolts would rust within 6 months, generally poor quality all around.

What I don't like about 2024 Duke 390

It's sounds like a bloody autorickshaw! My Dominar was leagues apart in this aspect, it had a very pleasing distinct respectable bass (but not overdone like custom exhaust bullets), while this 390 exhaust is an UTTER disappointment. I saw that international spec machines were offered with optional Akrapovic exhausts but no such option in India. We are stuck with 2nd copy versions.

Safety, electronic riding aids & related equipment

It's great. To be honest, I just leave all driver aids on and don't bother it. I just love to ride, I'm happy if the electronics don't pester me but do they work quietly in the background

My usage pattern & Mileage: 50KM per day up and down, in moderate traffic. I usually leave for work very early around 630am and try to avoid traffic as much as possible.

My mileage varies between 27 to 29 Kmpl (tank to tank method). I consider this to be quite good and I'm quite surprised to hear other reports of poor mileage. I should say I do go to the highest gears as quick as I can but I don't drive like an uncle either, although I am one  My worse mileage in bumper to bumper was 24 Kmpl.

Comments on the styling & design, fit & finish: One of the reasons I got the Dominar earlier because the KTM's were way too loud for me (in design) pre 2019 and I really don't like the excess orange. I decided to go for KTM this time around because it was available in the blue color, although the wheels were still orange! Fit and finish is FANTASTIC. I really feel like I got my money's worth. Handlebar, switchers, LCD display, bolts and nuts are all of great quality.

Wheels & tyres: The Metzlers are excellent in the dry, but while its wet or muddy it slips. Yeah, gotta be careful.

Heat from the engine: Yes its there but I think its overblown out of proportions. I've ridden wearing shorts and sandals in 40C and its not bothered me much. Chronic Complainers will complain though.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.