Most of the cons can be rectified with minor alterations and add-ons.
BHPian 39TN60 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
My Journey As Petrolhead So far!
Learnt riding with my dad’s ind-suzuki , my 1st bike fz16 ,owned and enjoyed riding Suzuki shogun, Shaolin, ported RX135, Gen2 Duke 390 2017 model and gen 3 duke 390 .
Pros and cons:
Pros:
- Metallic blue color feels subtle and stealth one wouldn’t notice it as ktm unless they know the bike .feels good to avoid unwanted attention
- Good low end torque just releasing the clutch would move the bike no stalling issues like previous generation and butter smooth engine linear power delivery throughout rev range
- Instrument cluster very premium and informative and visible during ride even at day time bluetooth works phenomenal can change songs attend calls without any hassle
- Quick shifter doing wonders if engaged properly above 4k rpm .popping sound during upshift and downshift is bliss.launch control does the job well.
- Handling is topnotch, flickable and nimble like gen1 r15. Suspension does an extraordinary job on softer side we can tackle damaged roads and off road with ease . Stiffer side helps to take high speed cornering without worries.
- VFM at this price point no other company provides a complete package like this
Cons:
- Noise ! You can hear constant clunky sound from head , chain noise is just too loud and irritating. Exhaust note could have been better. Wearing a good helmet will muffle the above mentioned noise issue
- Brakes! Sintered breakpad should be given from factory itself at this price point . Synthetic breakpad is not up to the mark . My bike ate through the front break pad in 5k km changed break pad in second service
- Fit and finish! I don’t know why everyone is praising about the fit and finish of the new gen duke on all media’s . I personally felt it’s a downgrade comparing to my 2k17 duke 390 . There is gap between switch mount on both side water could seap in and cause malfunction. Seat cover is so cheap there’s gap in stitching area seat foam is visible .pannel gap is big on tank shrouds
- Plastics! cheap plastics are used in mudguard, tank cap and key mount , drl casing . Needs extra care if washed with water of high ph level white water marks will form on plastic parts . Front mudguard is so short at front while riding at rainydays sand and stone flies above and hits your hand and face
- Swingarm ! Ergonomically it is functional but it won’t sit properly on paddock stand need two persons to mount the bike on paddock stand space to adjust chain tension is very minimal due to the curved design of swing arm a slight push can make your bike fall from stand
- Traction control ! I felt loss of traction when TC is on few small stones on tarmac or loose soil cause wheel spin and slipping . TC can’t be switched off permanently. Metzler tyre is also a disappointment this time planning to use michelin road 5 or timsun .used 2 pairs of alpha h1 on previous duke so planning on using other options
- Fuel efficiency! Claimed 24kmpl but I’m getting around 20 . Full tank gives me 300km mileage and goes reserve. I have tried E20 as recommend but it’s a worst thing to do . I’m sticking to speed petrol so far . Fuel meter is not even showing aproxx value . If I full my empty tank it will show full tank notification after completing 3 to 4 km ride .
- Tool kit! I was surprised that they gave extra tools in this gen duke then I noticed that rear wheel bolt size is 24mm and the spanner they gave is 22mm .asked showroom about it and they said they’ll raise a complain regarding this but still no response. I got a 24mm spanner it’s huge and it won’t fit in tools pouch .
- Headlight could have been better apache 310 has the best in segment Headlight. Horn sound is not adequate. Mirror is worst could have given the international model mirror .
All the above mentioned PRO’S and CON’S are my personal opinion. Most of the cons can be rectified with minor alterations and add-ons. New gen duke is definitely best 2wheeler out there VFM product.
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