At 2.95L the duke is tremendous value for money considering the cost of ownership and cost of parts
BHPian Ripcord09 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Aprilia thunder 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
Yamaha MT-03
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
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
Kawasaki Ninja 500
Yamaha R3
KTM RC 390
Here’s what BHPian VW2010Â had to say on the matter:
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.
Here’s what BHPian amyntor had to say on the matter:
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.
Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
