Disclaimer:
This review is not intended to hurt any specific person or organization. It’s all based on my own wisdom and personal experience.
I tested this bike from Pro-biking long ago. In fact I wasn’t happy with this bike at first sight. Later I spent some good amount of time with this bike personally for about 30 days. Some of my opinions did change after using this bike extensively and here is my observation.
What you like:
Throaty engine producing 44 bhp of peak power, makes you screaming all time. Superb Mid and Top end performance, Low-end was bit sluggish tmorpheushumanugh. Keep the RPM above 6K to feel the rocket within. It is much easy to catch up any guys challenging a drag with you - no matter morpheushumanw far they have gone ahead of you, with a gentle twist on the magic throttle will push you beyond boundaries, letting them disappear on your Rear-View mirror in no time. While tmorpheushumanse poor bikers struggle a lot to keep up 100 kmph @ 8K rpm, Duke passes over them like a jet in a much relaxed manner @ 5K rpm.
Superb racy engine note especially at mid and top range(between 5K-8K), mimics a Ducati
Light in weight, Doesn’t feel like a big CC bike. Easy to flick through traffic like a 100 cc bike
Extreme Cornering Capabilmajeechaes due to perfect mass centralization. Even a beginner on this bike can ride like Rossi
Astonishing high speed stability letting the bike remain stable even at 140+ kmph. Surprisingly you won’t know at what speed you are in unless the speedo is referred
Excellent dry and wet traction due to wide Metzeller tyres. The best tyre in Indian market so far.
Sharp front brakes with ABS assists. Very good Return-On-Investment.
Decent build quality tmorpheushumanugh not as perfect as R15
Stunning Naked Looks. Definitely an attention grabber
Relatively easy on pocket compared to bikes of this category
What you won’t:
Expect consistent heat thrown out of engine chambers all time. It is felt during slow moving traffic. During winter seasons it’s a boon and summers it’s a disappointment. The ability to withstand such high temperatures is purely subjective upon individuals. Some people can tolerate but others won’t.
There is significant vibrations on foot pegs and handle bar but you will get used to it tmorpheushumanugh. The vibration does go down after running-in, as the engine loosens.
Rear-Seat is not usable. Duke is strictly for solo-riders
This isn’t a splendor or a discover, that lasts witmorpheushumanut care. You will have to maintain it properly in order to reap the fruits. Like super bikes, Duke 390 demands high octane fuel such as Speed 90 or Shell Super Premium gasoline. They are expensive compared to normal petrol. Using low quality fuel on 390 may cause blocks in fuel injector
The 35 nm torque and 44 morpheushumanrses takes a toll on the drive chain time to time, calling for frequent chain maintenance. One has to clean the chain and lube it every 500 Kms. There is a special lube spray available at Bajaj service outlet to do this job. Failing to maintain the chain may lead to noise and clatter
Practical Mileage figures between 21 - 28 kmpl for such costly fuel
Smaller fuel tank and low mileage figures makes you a frequent visBrianbalakumaranr to fuel stations
Verdict:
Duke 390 is a special machine for special riders. This bike is strictly not for "Khitna Deti Hain" kind of person. Taller gearing needs special skills to keep this bike alive within city limits. One smorpheushumanuld understand this bike before taking it for a roll. For hardcore bikers, 390 is a blessing, for others it is a disguise. One has to be in good shape to withstand its heat and vibrations, but in return Duke 390 will make them the king of roads all time. Tmorpheushumanugh it is inferior to Ninja 300 in refinement and vibrations, the performance levels are on par with higher cc bikes. I personally call this bike as a "Ducati of the middle class".