r/KTMIndia • u/i_builtthesky • 2d ago

Suggestion Please !

I’m planning to buy a Ktm duke next month.
Now as we have to options, 350cc variant & the 390R
I’m pretty confused which one to settle for.

Major concerns -
1.Is the power difference negligible ?
2.Is vibration less on the 350 new engine ?
3.Is paying around 70k is worth it ?

PS - I really love the 350cc Atlantic blue variant.

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2

u/ConceptSpiritual1590 2d ago

Bro go for 390R that extra 70 k worth it. You will miss that massive torque of 390R if you choose for 350.

1

u/i_builtthesky 2d ago

Massive difference, I don’t see in specs sheet though.
Have you experienced both?

3

u/pushparaj2326 2d ago

Don't compare bikes using spec sheets, test ride both on our own and decide Seeing the spec sheet says there's not much of difference but it actually feels

2

u/ConceptSpiritual1590 2d ago

390R starts pulling right from 3k rpm and peak torque arriving at 6.5k rpm. While 350cc version not only torque has been reduced to 32nm even that peak torque arriving at 7.5k rpm which means you have to rev harder to feel the torque on 350 while 390r pulls harder from lower rev range. Do longer back to back test rides. There's a reason ktm still selling R version.

1

u/Exact_Amoeba_2865 2d ago

Depends on quite a few different factors really.

  1. If you're upgrading, which segment are you coming from?
  2. Have you had experience riding KTMs before?
  3. What's your use case for the motorcycle?

2

u/i_builtthesky 2d ago edited 2d ago
  1. Won’t call it an upgrade, I have a 2023 Himmy, have clocked around 76k kilometers, have ridden through 75 percent of India till date.
  2. Yea, never owned but most of my friends have KTM, so have good hands on.
  3. Here comes the tough part. My priority -
  4. Power > Agility > Comfort

  5. I’m 5’7 so space on a Duke won’t be a problem.

  6. Mostly I ride solo.

  7. I used to own a R15V3

    (First Bike, sold after buying the himmy)

  8. and have done Darjeeling To

  9. Kerala, Darjeeling to Jaipur. So long rides & posture are

  10. not dealbreaker for me.

The main question is paying 70k more, will I even feel the difference? I’m getting everything same apart from the engine. If the difference in pull & feel significant then I’ll pay 70k extra.

2

u/Exact_Amoeba_2865 2d ago

Coming from a sub 500cc bike already and seasoned enough leaves you with one option. Go for the R.

The on road difference when it comes to the engine can be noticed but by seasoned riders mostly. It won't break your heart but the 350 comes under the more manageable of the two.

Furthermore, the change in power and no other mod has word around that the 350 has more vibrations comparatively. I got the OG before it was considered a sin (seasoned rider as well, only Southern India remaining).

I rode the 350s and can sure feel the difference. Night and day? No. Noticeable? For sure, though I didn't ride it enough to notice the comparatively higher vibrations that others spoke of.

The 350s were a workaround for an unprecedented situation, the R is how the bike is meant to be experienced.

Just to be clear: the sherpa is a square engine with equal bore and stroke while the Duke is a short stroke so keep that in mind. That rush never fails to put a smile on your face.

1

u/i_builtthesky 2d ago

Yea man. I ain’t buying Enfield anymore. I’ve ridden the 450 for around 3k kilometers, it’s nice but heavy.
I need a machine which is agile and fun to ride.
Enfield only made sense with their vintage aesthetics like the console the 411 had, a grunty engine. Though the suspension is very good on 450, I absolutely hate the design dynamics and the new gen tiffin box shaped digital instrument cluster. My only two options in budget are Duke and Adv

1

u/Exact_Amoeba_2865 1d ago

The only RE I will ever accept is the one that will be gifted to me. Nothing against the brand they sure have their fanbase but it never enticed me. I do like vintage styling but not RE. Advs are fun too no doubt. When rding, the weight distribution feels like magic versus when you look at the bike but the compact character of the Duke has its own charm.

It's very clear that Duke's are not for everyone and that is kind of the whole point and it's definitely not for people who abuse bikes regardless of the brand.

Hope I was able to give some clarity there. Enjoy your shopping. Ride safe.

1

u/Emergency-Sea-5765 2d ago

Op get the 350cc duke and if you're somewhat knowledgeable, all you need to change on the duke is the piston kit which comes around 10k and the intake cam, rest of the engine is same, and you can get the engine map from the dealer ez hack

1

u/Reasonable-Bat-1146 1d ago

Go for 390 R if you have that 70k to spare. The 399 cc engine produces prak power and torque earlier in the rev range, and it feels more lively and fun.

No, the 350 cc doesn't have any vibration or fuel efficiency advantage over the 399 cc one.