BHPian TheStalwart recently shared this with other enthusiasts: I have a quick update to share with you all. I had been eyeing on the KTM Duke 390 for a while now. With the new GST slabs taking effect later this month, I had very little time to take a decision. The only condition at home was to let go of one motorcycle if I had to get another. Even if we keep the condition aside, I had the following thoughts to consider:My parking space is pretty cramped already and there is no way another two-wheeler can fit in such a small area.Since I’m the only one who uses all my geared motorcycles, it wasn’t practical for me to keep too many. Maintenance will only get more difficult with more vehicles.I don’t know anyone who can maintain the bike on my behalf and keep it running.The R15 being the first bike I bought, it has been with me for 9 and a half years. It took a while for me to come to terms that it was now more of an emotional connect than a practical one. It was very tough for me to keep the emotional aspect aside.To be honest, all my vehicles are very close to me and I share a special bond with each and every one of them. I find it hard to part ways with them. But this time, it was just about choosing one over the other – the other options being the legendary RX 100 and the Ninja 300. One may wonder, why buy a Duke 390 when there’s Ninja 300 already in the garage, or maybe replace the Ninja 300 instead. But the Duke 390 and Ninja 300 are poles apart, having their own set of characteristics and experiences. Can’t really put them in the same bucket. Also, like I mentioned earlier, every vehicle has a special bond and the Ninja is no different. It was gifted to me by my wife. It was my first upgrade from the R15. And as for the RX, it is a no-brainer to cherish it! There are people desperately searching to buy one, and I’m part of the lucky few who already own one.The usage of the R15 was strictly limited to 15-20 km a month. Since both Ninja and RX 100 are more comfortable to ride, I take one of those two to office, whenever I commute on my own. The R15 never goes beyond the 3 km radius around my home.Though I’d have wanted to keep it with me forever, I think I must admit that I’ve had my fair share of fun with it and It’s time to pass it on to someone else, instead of making it a garage queen and ruining its purpose. I really wish I could have made sure it went to a home where it is equally pampered and loved. But this decision was so sudden and quick that I had to get it exchanged at the KTM showroom itself. Would have ideally loved to put it up on this forum and wait for an enthusiast to pick it up. In the end, that’s the least I could have hoped for. I am not sure if I will ever cross paths with the R15 again. Who knows what’s in store. Until then, farewell my friend. I will certainly miss you and forever cherish the memories I have made with you. Anyway, as the chapter of my R15 comes to an end, I’m waiting to begin a new one with the Duke 390. According to me, my R15’s spirit will always live in the Duke’s! Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
