KTM Duke 390

A friend of mine is in the market for a new bike. Not having an official drivers license yet (he's from abroad) he asked me to test ride the bike he was interested in: a new KTM Duke 390.

I didn't expect much having owned 1000cc bikes over the last few years, but boy was I wrong.
It took me a minute to get used to the upright seating position, but I actually ended up liking it.
Torque: omg, this bike moves. I couldn't believe how much this 390cc engine pulled. An absolute grin factor. The sound: not bad at all. It had a really nice tune to it, not as annoying and high pitched as the 250 I owned years ago. Sound level never got annoying and I actually enjoyed listening to it.
I never thought about this before, ever, but at some point I said to myself: these are nice mirrors. The mirrors, even though not ginormous, gave me a good idea of what was going on behind you. I felt like I saw more than with any other mirror on a bike I had before.
The dash display is cute. Kept on the small side, it provides info on pretty much everything important: fuel level, engine temp, rpm including a shift gear indicator as well as the usual lights and trip mileage.
Priced at just below 5000 new, it's a very good package for a great looking bike. Abs and Metzeler tires are included. The only thing I didn't like about it was the handlebar grips, but I didn't wear gloves.

After my test ride, my friend pulled the trigger on one of these. I am sure he will enjoy it as much as I did.

So if anyone is looking for something small for around town, give it a test ride. I am sure you will like it.

 

I bought one in 2015, they are one of the best all around bikes I've ever owned. Small and fun to blast around, and stable & fast enough for longer trips (though not as comfortable as a proper touring bike). Your friend will love his.

 

Oh yeah, he loves it.
I get to see the bike weekly when he comes over to use my tools to put yet another accessory on. He must have spent at least 2 grand on that.

 

I just wish the 690 was cheaper. Dukes are awesome, but being a 300lb guy with highway commutes to everywhere I'm going, a 390 is just not big enough for me.

Really fun bikes, though - everyone I know who's got one loves them.