Ever since the Duke range first got launched back in the '90s they have been characterized as fun street bikes.
As the demand for small displacement bikes grew, the Duke emerged an obvious choice as a fun entry level bike. When KTM debuted the 390 in 2013 it was met with critical acclaim, it found the sweet spot between affordability, accessibility, and actual performance that no other bike had yet achieved.
Fast-forward to today and the entry level market has come along leaps and bounds, but the Duke has also moved with the times and has stayed ahead of the chasing pack. It isn’t just a beginner bike either, as it has something for everyone.
10 Lightweight
It only weighs 340 pounds wet, which is basically the weight of an average dirt bike, and the only street bikes that are this light sit in the 125cc to 200cc class.
Also, it is pretty hard to understand just how light the bike feels unless you ride it. As soon as you're in motion, every movement feels effortless. This makes the KTM 390 Duke ideal for beginners who will most likely need to pick their bike up from the ground at some point.
9 Approachable
With a seat height of between 31 (first generation) and 32 inches (second generation) the Duke is truly accessible, and most riders won’t have any trouble getting both feet down.
It is also pretty comfortable with a traditional upright seating position and has enough legroom for a wide range of riders. Unfortunately the stock seat is not suitable for long distance riding, but there are a few aftermarket options, including an in-house KTM Powerparts seat (but that will increase the seat height).
8 Great Value
One thing that will be attractive to everyone is the pricing, no matter what your skill level this is about as much motorcycle as $5,500 can buy.
Nothing can even come close to the Duke at this particular price point (new), but like any affordable motorcycle, compromises have to be accepted. It gets a pretty basic non-adjustable fork, and only a basic preload adjustable rear shock, that is good enough, but not great. They are also pretty highly strung singles and do vibrate excessively.
7 Incredible Handling
The suspension might be fairly basic, but the bike is just so light and the chassis so stiff that the bike turns in beautifully.
Those looking for an affordable bike to go canyon calving on will not be disappointed. For riders with more skill, the little Duke will make bigger, more expensive bikes look pretty average on a twisty road.
6 Stiff Chassis
Technically this chassis is the same as what you would find in the 200cc and the 125cc bikes. It isn’t so much that they crammed a bigger single into a small chassis, but it was developed with all these bikes in mind.
This one-size-fits-all approach cuts costs effectively, but doesn’t take anything away from any of the bikes as it is rigid enough for the 390 and light enough for the smaller bikes.
5 Ample Power
The latest model is now making as much as 44 horsepower, up slightly from the 42 horsepower the original bikes were making.
Although that might seem like a pretty small number, the way the bike makes its power and the fact that it is just so light makes it feel much faster. Being a big single, it makes decent torque, so it is really quick off the mark and stays that way as you go through the gears from 0-60 mph, which comes up in a very respectable 5 seconds.
4 Confidence Inspiring
With its lightweight and agile handling any rider, no matter their skill level will gain more confidence in their riding ability on the Duke.
You will soon find yourself pushing the bike closer to its limits, but for the most part you will find your own limits before you find those of the bike as it can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. If you want to take it touring, get some luggage, if you want to do a track day, tape over the light, if you want to commute, buy a bag.
3 Technology
Admittedly the first generation bikes are pretty simple, but they still do get switchable ABS, something often reserved for much more expensive bikes. The latest Duke is dripping in tech though.
It has a ride-by-wire throttle, TFT dash, LED lights, ride modes, an optional quickshifter (not a need, but maybe a want) and smartphone compatibility. Pretty much everything you would want on a modern motorcycle in terms of technology at a very reasonable price.
2 Fun Commuter
Arguably the bike's biggest strength is its ability to put a smile on your face no matter what speed you are going.
It always feels like it wants you to push it, and even though it is pretty highly strung it actually doesn’t use all that much fuel, which is a good thing considering how small the tank is.
1 Ready To Race
It is far from perfect. The Duke gets unreasonably hot for a small bike. Also, it has a few reliability issues, vibrates a lot, and it's a pretty small, compact bike at the end of the day.
That being said, it is just amazing value for money and is a whole lot of fun to ride, no matter your size or skill level.