As an owner of a 2016 390 Duke with just over 5,000 miles on it I can report that I have had zero problems with the engine in any way. I think most of the problems with the 390's engine are with RC owners, I think the RC's body work restricts airflow, and being a sport bike I feel that people rev it out to the redline more than on the Duke. I can also report that the 2016 390 Duke doesn't mind touring on the interstate and fast highways for an extended period of time. I took a three day road trip with my Duke from Spokane, WA via Portland to the Pacific Ocean and back (you can watch the raw and mind numbingly boring footage on my channel) and it didn't complain once, even climbing a few thousand feet in altitude around the base of Mt. Hood didn't bother the little Duke. Overall I have to say it's a fantastic little bike.

Love these MC commutes. This is real world info from guys that can ride. Really useful, thanks!

the first edition of the duke was and is my dream bike. I bought it 2 seasons ago, never had any issues with it reliability wise. the fans do come on often at red lights on summer days, but my akra muffler covers the sound pretty efficiently. I am literally in love with it, recommend it to anyone, who has an a2 license, or is a beginner.

Keep in mind the Duke is a world bike and Europe is its biggest market, engine sizes for the duke start at 125cc, 200cc, 250cc, 390cc then upwards as you have in the US. Europe has the 125cc and 390cc upwards,Latin America has the 200cc, 250cc and 390cc upwards as does India I believe.

This is better and more informative than other other review I've found, especially because this is how the majority of us are interested in using this machine. Thank you!

I own a 2017 KTM 390. I ride it all over town, some high-way. It's incredibly comfortable and fun to ride. It's a light-weight bike and not intimidating at all, even for a beginner. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a smaller machine. It's all-around fantastic.

MC Commute and On Two Wheels are the best productions on youtube, keep up the great work!

I love this channel. been riding for nearly 30 yrs, ex-CCS/Wera racer and yet I can relate to your commentary, that says a lot. Good job.. Keep um coming. One request: can you guys do a video on RnineT standard or cafe racer? I see one video on the scrambler but thats it. Thank you

My 2018 Duke 390 has been geared up. It has had an airbox mod which gives in more low-down shove. It sets off fast, has a powerful mid-range and feels relaxed at highway speed. It is very comfortable. My last bike was a Suzuki B-King.

Zach, the MC Commute series is great. The only thing it would nice to learn about is the factory warranty for the bikes you ride. Especially when the bike has known reliability issues. Thanks for the great reviews.

I just bought a 2017 left over at a steal yesterday! I’m in love 😍 Best bike for your money with all the tech it has!

Love you guys for doing this bike Thx a lot zack!!!

I'm happy you like it too, I got mine about two weeks ago, and thus far, I'm really enjoying going to work and then some 😊

The people have demanded and Zack has provided. Thank you for this video.

I love getting compliments on how great my Duke looks! People often get surprise at how affordable it is

Nice review, great riding skills. Good man 👌

I'm patiently waiting for the day Zack is 10/10 stoked on some mirrors.

This has to be the most chilled "rush-hour" anywhere in the world.

Thanks for doing this!!! Love your input.

Just got over the 1000km mark on my 2017 Duke today(got it with 0km on April 21st). Loved every minute so far. Absolutely perfect little commuter bike. Seems to get a lot more attention than small displacement Japanese bikes too. At no point does it feel or look cheap either, which is great considering it was only $7000CAD out the door. Hopefully the reliability issues don't come into play for me, at least not for another two seasons when I replace it with an ADV.

This is awesome...i just was watching Ari reviewing Duke 390 a year ago for the 100th time this video just poped up....LOL

Great review. Love mine. Test rode 790. Wouldn't swap. Work of art and practical

Good all around assessment. I've ridden the rc390 on a KTM demo while actually wanting to try the Duke. I missed out on the Duke 390 because the event host cracked part of the exposed cases on a concrete drop off mishap. The reputation for head gaskets would leave me a bit spooked and unsure with the nearest dealer 100 miles away.

Glad to see my bike here :D

I had one of these for a year. At 6’1, it was an easy fit, after riding for more than 45 mins, my knees did start to hurt though. I would’ve liked lower pegs. Also the painted black hardware on the bike (gas cap, switchgear housing, various bolts) needed good rustproofing. In that respect you can see that it’s a budget friendly bike. Highway riding is pretty bad as well, the bike is too nervous and leaves little power to do confident overtakes. Keep it off the highway and you’re fine. Fun bike though.

It's MC Commute with Zack, therefore I like.

I wonder how much petrol gets wasted on the constant stop/starting at stop signs... You people need more roundabouts.

15:55 - 16:22 I'd be fine just watching you ride it like this for a few minutes. Raw.

I bought a 2nd hand 2020 Duke 390 in white with only 1,230km on it a month ago. I've done 1,000km on it since then and I am absolutely loving it. It's such an eager little bike. It loves flicking left and right between corners and the little engine with short gearing means you can thrash it and have fun shifting through the gears without going ridiculous speeds. My last bike was a 2019 MT07 LAMS. For those that don't know, in New Zealand and Australia we have learner approved bikes AKA LAMS approved and there is a CC limit of 660cc and a power to weight ratio limit so the learner approved version of the MT07 is 655cc and has restrictions in the airbox and throttle so that its power is limited to 52Hp and 57Nm. The Duke is so much more fun than the MT07 LAMS because the suspension and chassis is way more sporty and nimble and the engine is unleashing its full potential. The MT07 LA has lots of torque but it feels strangled when you try to rev it out because of the restrictions and when you start pushing in corners it starts to bounce around on its cheap suspension. The Duke is way more fun and composed if you want to ride hard. The MT07 is smoother and has more torque so its a better cruiser that can still get a bit sporty. Also I am 6'4" (194cm) tall and I fit comfortably on the Duke. It's easy to ride, nice adjustable levers and it just feels premium for such a cheap bike. It really is an awesome little ripper. There's a reason why they call it the corner rocket.

Thank you for addressing the reliability. I got rid of mine, due to it having so many issues. KTM only covers the engine,swingarm, and frame under warranty. This is straight from their site: PARTS COVERED BY THE WARRANTY This warranty covers only the engine, frame and swingarm. No other components of the motorcycle are covered by any warranty, expressed or implied and are sold “as is”. I got sick of dealing with it constantly being down, and things not being under warranty and hoping for "good will" I will never own another KTM

I loved the fact that you cracked up 2 or 3 times, I found I do the same , great fun bike

Good review. I'd love to see a review of the new Tuono!

Always like your videos. Also thanks for spelling your name right Zack👍

I'm looking into buying a 300 cc bike in near future and the 390 Duke is my favorite. A proper motorcycle that doesn't look "small" at all. But with all the reports of reliability issues I don't think I can risk it, especially where I live. Which is a shame because the other 300cc bikes all have low seats which is something I hate.

Got my Duke 390 last summer, love it. She's my daily commuter. I do agree Zack they could have Added a tooth on the counter sprocket, might remedy some of the buzzing in the footpegs at highway speeds. Love your reviews, great job!

seeing you split traffic at 20mph is wild. I can kinda see why that's not legal everywhere lol. great review!

had it since last year December. Cept for the fugly stock mirrors and the noisy radiator fan, this bike is so much fun. petrol consumption is quite reasonable . 28km/l .

Its not just me! I "cancel" the turn signals sooooooo many times in a ride. Just because... 2:03 after the stop sign (didn't even turn) the signals were cancelled and then again at 2:37, 2:39, 2:41 and 2:46. Turned ON at 2:57 and then Off 3:08 and 3:10. 3:49, 3:50, 3:51, 3:53. Love it!

Your videos are so entertaining man ty

Between the cb500f and the 390 Duke, which one would you choose for freeway and city drive?

401 vs 390 duke. With the 401 you'll have to stop at every fuel station 9.5l tank vs 13.7. Makes it an easy choice to make

Would you in any point do a MC commute on the triumph bobber??I think it's a great bike and needs an mc commute 😉

Solid review, thank you!

You *can* go through controlled left turn; just be prudent about it. It's in the vehicle code.

Yay for a small bike commute!!

MV agusta F4 is that possible guys?

I love these commute vids

I was considering this and the Honda CB500F. Ended up going with the Honda, because of reliability, and proximity of dealers/shops for service if needed. But if a bump in power too and was given a good deal on the Honda.

Cant wait until you do the husky svartpilen 401. Sick bike.

Hey Zack! Could you pl suggest between Kawasaki versys 300 & BMW 310 GS. Also is it advisable to get into adventure tourer catagory on these small displacement bikes. Mi ride will be mostly commute, weekend ride on highway around 150 km, occasionally long tour 500km, and some fun on trails. Am I looking at correct bikes if not pl suggest. Thank you

Mirrors vibrate more or less depending on the fastener torque. Night and day on the Versys by loosening or snugging up the nuts.

An excellent video as always Zach. I still think it's a little vibey, I noticed your breath cuts.I rode one , my hands felt immediately some vibrations.If you ride sthing smoother everyday, you will need to adapt.If not , then , well, no problem :D

Finally, had presumed you guys are skipping the 2018 Duke 390. Been waiting for this since RC 390 you guys did earlier. Also, not sure about the height, I'm 6'2" it seems perfect, my roommates 5'4",he can barely put both his foot down.

Good video, and I wonder if it is comfortable to have a back seat person

Nice little Husktmarna 390 Dukepilen. 👍

Please answer a question.. if you have the option to buy honda cb500f or ktm duke 390 .. which on would you buy.. ??

Solid review 👍🏻

Wow yeah you answered all the things huge thanks. Mirror clearance info was really helpful too. Thinking there are performance setting on the 390 too? In Ontario,Canada we have to be stupid attentive for buyers remorse issues. Owning that bike here is $6000+ 13% plus $1200-2000/yr insurance. Which is basically a 790 with no insurance for a season 😬😔 Power slide! 2 times braaap 😂😂🙌🏍🙋

Dear sir, It will be really appreciated of you made a video on MC Commute RC 390. Thank you.

Nice video, Which s/w you use for editing ?

I got one, super pleased!

Another good MC Commute episode, thank you. I have a question that arises from living in different market, Japan. How does the duke 390 ride contrast with a Kawasaki Z650, as the new on road cost is the same in Japan. I’m looking for a smaller machine for the wide open throttle grin factor. I’m unable to test either and wonder if the Z650 has too much power. My general riding would be similar to Zack’s commute. I’m more drawn to the Z650, but my experience is on 30hp trail bikes. I’m 5’11and 220 pounds ride weight and fit both bikes ergonomics.

What gear you were in, when you were on the highway and going about 78 mph, and what rpm did the bike have at that time? ( Do you think it is easy for the bike to handle a 2-hour highway cruising ? )

I look forward to your review on the new Royal Enfield 650 twins.

You could have talked about how the display changes from day mode to night mode how it blinks and changes color at redline. You could have mentioned how is it goes back to road mode when it is shut off and started....how the blinker indicator looks like a hazard light indicator.

When can we expect a ride with the Yamaha R3...?

Have you had any problems with the screen showing signs of moisture/condensation under the display? I have a 2019 KTM 390 Duke, use it to commute and enjoy riding it. Just been having issues with the display. Even on a sunny day, theres condensation build up!

Had one for a season. Very cool little bike. Still kinda sucks for a daily commute, since with the thumper you have to constantly shift around to keep it happy. They somehow managed to ruin the torque around 4-5tsd rpm (I belive because of Euro4/License restrictions and thus compromised airbox design), but above those 5k the 44hp kick in nice. Also you surely can take it for longer distance rides at freeway speeds, but that is not what it is made for. Handling is unbeatable tho and could I have 2 bikes, this would be my choice as a training/track/beater bike.

2018 FZ/MT 07 next plz

So I plan on getting this bike for my first bike how serious is the elephant in the room situation? Should I be worried? Thanks.

Honda CB300r or Duke 390?. Which would you suggest for light touring and urban rides. Will duke be reliable enough?

Awesome review, as always! How about a review of the CB300R when it's available?

nice review ktm here in the PI has a lot of overheating issues

2018 KTM 390 Duke or Benelli TNT 300 ABS?

Will you do a review on the new 2018 MT 07? I am very interested in that bike and would love to see a review from ya.

Would like to see a 2018 SV650 (ABS) commute

Awesome video. Do you have the Duke 250 there. If you can do a video of it.

Hello great video could you perhaps do a video on the ktm 690 duke or is it hard to get in the us

Take the whole rear subframe off and paint it orange but that’s me and I most certainly would. Tail tidy, werks exhaust with cat delete pipe, power commander, air box cap and maybe different tires I’d have to ride on those before deciding they need improvement

Hi, just wondering.... Does ktm duke 390 have bad reliability? Thanks in advance

Moto Guzzi V7 III, ​please!

Having a little bit of buyers remorse, maybe. I got the Yamaha MT-03 321cc (which is a naked version of the R3 which you guys don't get in 'Murica), but for just a little bit more I could've gotten the 390 Duke, which I was really tempted to get. I really like my little MT-03, but there's something about that baby Duke, and I'm a sucker for all those gimmicks like the LED headlights, colour LCD dash, ride by wire throttle, etc.

is it reliable? im about to buy it

Finally a no bs american review. And someone that actually knows how to accelerate

could you please make a commute video on the MV Agusta F4 RC? :-) please?

KTM 390 Duke or Honda CB500f?

Hey man, can you do a MC Commute review on the Kawasaki H2 ?

How often do you want to trigger the blinker-reset button, buddy? ...

Was this clutchless shift at 5:5ish or there is a quick shifter on this?

Does it have a gear indicator??? And can the dash change to mph if wanted

What's the difference between duke 390 and rc390?

I was waiting for the whole time to see if you can back it in.... 390 duke > ninja 400 > rc390 > vitpilen 401

I’m going to get my first bike soon should I get the 390 or the 790?

Why was the headlight 'ON' at 1:33 while the ignition key was at OFF position?😱...

Does KTMs warranty cover any possible damage from the overheating /reliability issues?

Thankfully in WA State (RCW: 46.61.184) we are allowed to go through a red signal if the motorcycle doesn't trip the sensor.

Instead of Sena Bluetooth my brain heard Son of Bluetooth and thought, wow must be a new tech oriented MC.

Does the U.S. version have the DRL's that surrounds the headlights ?

5:48 just me, after like 9 months, now I want a 690... But I still love my 390 just pure fun

Would you buy it because of the reliability question mark?