I had a 2017 Duke 390 (second generation) and it was a wonderful riding bike. That said I had more trouble with that bike in two years of ownership than I had with all my previous bikes combined. TFT leaks, Odo resets, intermittent power loss at high rpm etc etc. I ended up selling the bike because I simply didn't trust it. Also be aware that if you pay for service, the initial 1000km service requires a valve check and look at $500+ for it.

If I had a garage full of bikes i would own a 390. As an only bike, no thanks.

Also there is a dedicated Duke 390 forum if you google it.

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Also be aware that if you pay for service, the initial 1000km service requires a valve check and look at $500+ for it.

Correct me if I'm wrong but this is just for a base line so you know where your valves are at?

I was under the same impression that my valves HAD to be checked at 1 hour on my new 350 EXC last year and the mechanic said any check he's done on the 350's has never seen the valves move...rarely, if ever, it was on the 350SX motocross bikes ridden by pro's just bouncing off the rev limiter all day. I'm at 60 hours on that bike now and will probably check them at 100 hours or if the bike becomes difficult to start.

 

CAB,

Much thanks! I wonder if there is any chance KTM improved quality, fixed some issues?

Reliability is crucial for me. A rival contender is the Kawasaki Ninja 400, but I really like the looks/performance/features of the KTM 390.

I will look for the forum.

KTM - READY TO RACE

Adventure, Purity, Performance, Extreme - KTM is READY TO RACE

www.ktm.com

 

CAB,

Much thanks! I wonder if there is any chance KTM improved quality, fixed some issues?

Reliability is crucial for me. A rival contender is the Kawasaki Ninja 400, but I really like the looks/performance/features of the KTM 390.

I will look for the forum.

KTM - READY TO RACE

Adventure, Purity, Performance, Extreme - KTM is READY TO RACE

www.ktm.com

Don't count out the Yamaha r3 either. I'm a huge Yamaha fan and have owned many of thier products over the years.

That said the little Duke will leave it in the dust. I don't know much about the new kawi.

Duke is one beautiful bike too.

KTM is like the wild girl you absolutely love, but could never marry.

Yamaha is like the girl next door. Boring, but you can count on her!

Lol. Bad analogy.

Also - full disclosure. I may buy a 690 Duke so......

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I test rode the Kawasaki Ninja 400 yesterday: a fine machine. But, torque was nil. Got to wind these small bikes up!
I am wondering, a quick shifter would really be a plus for these Duke 390s, saw where the India models now have QS. I plan a test ride in Katy, TX shortly at a great dealer.

 

I just posted a 390 owners review in the "2018 duke/ Leo Vince" thread, since you were asking for owners feedback. Mine is a 2018, and I've had zero issues with it. I'm very particular about mantience, do it all my self, and didn't see a need for the 600 mile valve check at first oil service. From my understanding, and after speaking with some KTM techs, these valves rarely move that soon into engine life, and most dealers don't even perform the check. I was getting the vibe it was just a formality, to say it's been done, to honor the short warrenty. It seems like flushing $500 down the toilet to me. There was so much ambiguity at the dealership that I decided to roll the dice, and check them at interval two. First oil service at 400 miles and the oil and screens were caked in metal shavings and bits of gasket. This was a little shocking, but similar to other first oil services I watched on YT. Next oil service was at 1000 miles, which at that point I went with Motorex full synthetic. The second oil change had no visible shavings. I just did the 3rd oil change at 1800 miles to get ready for the season, and oil looks great again. I'll check the valves at the recommend 2nd interval as mentioned, or if she at all becomes difficult to start. Again, I'm only at 2k miles, but not one single issue.

 

Spoiler

Hey sounds good too me, I also do all my own work closet ktm dealer is 150 miles so I've even done warranty work. (Clutch slave cylinder at 500 miles) Did it myself also it's hard to find a mechanic that's any better. I changed my oil every 150 miles until 600 Used a semi synthetic oil. Flushed out filters. Have had zero debris in oil change too this point 9800 miles. I use Scots stainless filters filter to 25 microns.Also lifetime reusable. So far so good.