Ninjette Newsbot
March 18th, 2015, 02:01 PM
http://www.motorcycle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/031815-2015-ktm-390-duke-f.jpg (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm/2015-ktm-390-duke-first-ride-video-review.html)
Video by KTM and Kevin Duke; Edited by Jay McNally/McNally Multimedia
There are numerous obstacles to streetbike ownership for young adults, including how fewer children are even riding bicycles these days, never mind motorcycles, as I discussed in my latest Duke’s Den editorial (http://www.motorcycle.com/editorial-2/dukes-den-kids-bikes.html). So, for an entry-level bike to overcome the hurdle into motorcycling, it has to be cool enough to push the desirability scale past the point of trepidation.
Get the Flash Player (http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer) to see this player.
After two days riding KTM (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm.html)’s 390 Duke around Thailand, including many laps burned at a local racetrack, I’ve been seduced by its combination of style, performance and value. There are plenty of faster bikes, and there are several cheaper bikes. But, to my mind, the 390 Duke hits a wonderful balance in the coolness-per-dollar ratio.
Read our KTM 390 Duke First Ride Review (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm/2015-ktm-390-duke-first-ride-review.html)
A single-cylinder engine seems a bit modest when some of its competitors use Twins, but its 373cc displacement is bigger. Its engine internals are fairly high spec, so it’s by no means slow – an 80-mph cruise is easy. Plus, it can hit triple digits given enough prodding. More importantly, the 390 Duke looks like something special rather than a typical entry-level sportbike that can’t hide its penny-squeezing build sheet.
Ringing in at a very palatable $4,999, the lightweight 390 Duke makes a good case for honors in the Value category of our 2015 MOBO awards. Take a look at the video to see if you agree, and let us know your opinion in the comments section below.
2015 KTM 390 Duke First-Ride Video Review (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm/2015-ktm-390-duke-first-ride-video-review.html) appeared first on Motorcycle.com (http://www.motorcycle.com).
Click here for full story... (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm/2015-ktm-390-duke-first-ride-video-review.html)
Video by KTM and Kevin Duke; Edited by Jay McNally/McNally Multimedia
There are numerous obstacles to streetbike ownership for young adults, including how fewer children are even riding bicycles these days, never mind motorcycles, as I discussed in my latest Duke’s Den editorial (http://www.motorcycle.com/editorial-2/dukes-den-kids-bikes.html). So, for an entry-level bike to overcome the hurdle into motorcycling, it has to be cool enough to push the desirability scale past the point of trepidation.
Get the Flash Player (http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer) to see this player.
After two days riding KTM (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm.html)’s 390 Duke around Thailand, including many laps burned at a local racetrack, I’ve been seduced by its combination of style, performance and value. There are plenty of faster bikes, and there are several cheaper bikes. But, to my mind, the 390 Duke hits a wonderful balance in the coolness-per-dollar ratio.
Read our KTM 390 Duke First Ride Review (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm/2015-ktm-390-duke-first-ride-review.html)
A single-cylinder engine seems a bit modest when some of its competitors use Twins, but its 373cc displacement is bigger. Its engine internals are fairly high spec, so it’s by no means slow – an 80-mph cruise is easy. Plus, it can hit triple digits given enough prodding. More importantly, the 390 Duke looks like something special rather than a typical entry-level sportbike that can’t hide its penny-squeezing build sheet.
Ringing in at a very palatable $4,999, the lightweight 390 Duke makes a good case for honors in the Value category of our 2015 MOBO awards. Take a look at the video to see if you agree, and let us know your opinion in the comments section below.
2015 KTM 390 Duke First-Ride Video Review (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm/2015-ktm-390-duke-first-ride-video-review.html) appeared first on Motorcycle.com (http://www.motorcycle.com).
Click here for full story... (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm/2015-ktm-390-duke-first-ride-video-review.html)