After owning the Duke390 for 2 years I finally trade in for the Kawa Z400...No regrets..Yes the Duke is torquey from low rpm which is good for city riding..But again lose juice around 90mph and with the counterbalance shaft againts vibration its quite struggling at 95mph on long freeways...I used to ride bigger bikes but again the Kawa is something i feel more confident for long rides with my wife..Can’t deny the looks goes to KTM but again reliability and cheap parts is my preferences

Got a Z400 in July 2019 . I now have 41,500 KM on it and it run A1 . Started to use Amsoil 10W40 after the break-in . Very happy with the little bike .

1:40 dude on the left totally just almost passed out 🤣

The way duke takes on the twisty roads looks absolutely mad😱,the level of performance on offer on such a lower CC bike is just incredible, brilliant chassis by KTM

The Duke being a single cylinder is going to need a new top end every so often, its just the nature of the beast. The bike it self is cheap but KTM parts are very expensive compared to Kawasaki parts. Something to be aware of before buying one. EDIT: THIS IS FOR U.S. BUYERS. The ways tariffs are Japanese bikes are ALWAYS CHEAPER then the European bikes in the states.

Excellent comparison but I wish you guys would've discussed maintenance intervals and overall cost of ownership.

Last couple videos are really gettin better. Good work dudes.

I just bought a 2019 KTM Duke 390 as my first bike Wednesday... I have done every bit of research I could on all the suggested beginners bikes but it’s funny that the KTM was the bike I saw that got me itching for a motorcycle. I kept going back and forth on buying a used vs new, private or dealer, and ultimately decided on opting for the KTM when I got a hell of a deal. I got a 2019 KTM 390 Duke Brand new, zero miles for WTD price of $4500. It was a no brainer. I love the bike. I already added a wind screen as she’s going to be my commuter on most days. Gonna throw on a slip on later down the road but the biggest issue I am having is the seat height. I’m 5”6/5”7 chick and I am fine with everything BUT mounting. The Duke wants to sit up right and she likes to sit high. Problem is that when I mount her and go to place my right leg over she wants to buck you off and tip onto the right side. I’m buying a adjustable side stand which hopefully will resolve the issue and make it easier for me to get on with a better lean angle. If need be I will have her lowered as well. Point being... if you’re interested in the Duke and 5”8 and under, be prepared to do some mods to ride comfortably, especially if this is your first bike. I am have a lot of fun and regret nothing but I know I could’ve had them lower it and throw it into my purchase price. Oh well. Lesson learned. For the money, KTM knocked it out of the park. ABS, traction control, Slipper Clutch, Upside down Fork, LEDs, the display and of course the tech on this bike is sick. I love that it has Bluetooth and I can upload my directions/maps on to it, listen to music as well as answer calls, all at the tips of my fingers. The ability to turn abs off, or go supermoto, and the track feature is cool. It’s a great bike, highly recommend. I did test drive a Duke before buying but apparently they changed the seat height and I thought it was still 30”... well it’s really 32” on my years. Great review guys.

Thank you for the smaller displacement comparison. It really helps me as a newer rider to get a wider perspective on my options.

Can i have the reliable kawi engine in the sexy duke chassis?

Well I'm surprised to see the pricing of these 2 bikes in the USA. Here in India, it's totally different. You get the kTm at the half of the price of the Kawasaki. The 390 Duke we have at around like $3700 and the Ninja 400 at around $7500. The Z400 isn't yet released here. Though there is a HUGE price margin gap between these two here. Great video as always. Ride Safe ✌️

Been riding Sport bikes since 1965. Got up to a ZX-12 and Numerous Duc’s but as John said I have been downsizing for about 10 years and I have never had more fun than the KTM 390. Had to get it cause my wife hogged her old Duke 640 and I wanted to keep up. John and Egan have been my gurus since 35 cent gas.

The Duke is really good looking but nothing like kawi engine and reliability.

Finally two guys who know what they are talking about and do not beat around the bush. Good job!

I just got a steal on a brand new 2017 390 Duke for $4,000. I can safely say it's the most fun I've ever had on two wheels.

Both are great bikes to be honest. I have friends who rip around the mountains with these bikes. The only thing I cannot be sure about is is the long term reliability of each bikes(for those who want to use these bikes all year round).

Awesome review. Just bought the 18 Duke 390 yesterday part of left over stock from the dealer and paid $5300 CAD is equivalent to $4000 USD. I can’t wait to rip around with this little bike. :)

Duke 390 is more expensive than Z400 there? Wow Z400 is almost twice as expensive compared to Duke 390 in India.

Nice thorough comparison. Keep it up!

1:37 Imagine John falling asleep... lol

I wish the KTM design team came together with the Kawasaki engineering team and made me a duke 400.

Had the 2017 Duke 390 for 1 1/2 years , no serious problems apart from condensation on the TFT display which they replaced. no over heating issues, but as the bike runs lean due to EU emmision law I fit a Rapid Bike easy fueling module which helps keep the pot cooler and have notice the fan doesn't need to come on as much.. Oh and the bike is awesome 👍

One of the better reviews online. I like the way you guys leave subjective opinions out of the mix and don't just talk about yourselves... Refreshing. I'm an experienced rider and I USED to own a couple Yamaha 1981 RD350LCs. The power to weight ratio (read FUN Ratio) is right close to these subjects. I sold the Yamaha(s) because by the time you get into the power band, the law enforcement overkill will ensure you lose your license and there's just NO way to ride an LC legally.... I always liked the ER6N, which was the closest thing to the LC in pure "feel" a little bit buzzy and a little bit twitchy and just about the same performance. But I have always had a soft spot for the Duke 390 and this review points out the Duke's advantages. looking at the aftermarket power commanders and so forth on the Duke forums it would seem that after overcoming the emissions tuning of the bike, there will be an acceptable level of fun and performance in the Duke. I think I'll be purchasing a 390 real soon. I didn't hear anything convincing about the ABS and the quick shifter, although I don't believe that is stock in the US. Also, I don't recall you guys mentioning the slipper clutch.

Can I ask what kind of one piece suite is that you are wearing and where can I get my hands on one.

Duke 390 : fun, cool looking Z400 : fast, reliable Personal​ opinion

The turn indicators are huge on this KTM, the Duke 390 we get else where has small LED units 🧐

Amazing content as always.

I like the ktm but I've owned Kawi's n they r dead reliable n cheap to own . I hear ktm 390's still overheat . I would keep the savings and update a few things on the Kawi . I would take the Kawi for sure

The only weakness I have found with the Z 400 is the clutch springs. Slips bad in high rpm shifts. It only has 3 plates and 3 springs. __A set of Barnet springs for about $ 30 is the cure.

1:05 eye roll 1:38 nearly falls asleep Most entertaining parts of this video

Your reviews are Very Helpful I just traded my pcx 150 in on the Z400....only road it 15 miles and I am Very excited I picked the Kawasaki

I agree with most of your comparison, but like most KZfaq bike reviewers, you didn't mention the elephant in the room- reliability and cost of ownership! The KTM looks better, might feel a tad more torquey (not why I buy small cc bikes). The Kawi gives you a great bike that's far more reliable for less $$. Make that a Ninja 400 for me though! 🏍

Anyone see that massive eye roll at 1:05 when he said "the cousin"

Z400 is super refined, its a twin, parts r cheaper, doesnt need much maintenance , dpendable, reliable.....on the other hand! Ktm looks much sexier than the kawi.

Ciao my friend & Uncle Bob for making very interesting allover revealed shoot with awsome Photography..🙋‍♂️👍🤘

Biggest complaints on the Kawi were the seats and liking the KTM looks more.... I look forward to a rematch should the z400rs ever come out. :)

Good to see you guys again. I enjoyed the comparison. Based solely on the looks, KTM is a clear winner. Kawasaki's headlight and wheel design aren't my favorite.

7:14 John and Troy think ,"These are nice, but I wish I was on that.'

Saw the duke on the road today and it’s absolutely gorgeous looks so good rolling down the road.

Whats the music at the start of the video?

I was waiting for John to yell “get off my lawn” to the dude who rode by.

1:30 look at the old guy xD He's either an excellent actor or he's falling asleep haha. Hilarious either way.

In my country, Z650 has the same price with new Duke 390 2018 (Both ussed bike), Which one do you prefer for commuting. Can you explain with more details. Tks.

Ok best intro ever. I had to hear that like 3 times before watching the video.

Forgot to talk about acceleration and top speed? If I recall, the Z400 is slightly quicker which may tip the choice back to the Kawi.

Duke 390 can Never match the refined and silky smooth Japanese engine of Z400 . Duke 390 vibrates at lower RPM like any other single cylinder .

"The older you get, the smaller you like". After 35 years of riding that is so true. I think I'd still prefer a welterweight (550-750 cc) but I'm waiting until my daughter gets her Ninja 400 before I make my final decision. Living in the suburbs makes me appreciate torque over horsepower.

Thanks for the video!!

I’ve had my 390 Duke for 6 months and haven’t had a problem as of yet. We’ll see after 2 years (like everyone is saying here).

I have a 2015 RC390 and race it I have had only small problems and the bike has nealy 30,000km on it. And here in New Zealand we pay $8 for 1 us gal of fuel

what brand of riding gear is troy wearing?

Is the kawi buzzy at all at 70-75mph and do u have any power left those speeds?

yep...i would take the ktm, i just love the way it looks. it's a true cali bike. thanks!

Awesome video guys really it felt more real than our Indian reviewers and especially the background was what you call lit AF 🔥🔥🔥

I have owned a 2016 Super Duke Gt and recently purchased a 2018 Super Duke 1290r. Love the engine!!

Genuine video guys...awesome

I owned the 390 for three years and 35k km sold to my friend. Now it has almost 60. This bike is super fun but it you want to put more than 50k don't buy it. It ages badly and starts to fall apart. Has major electronic issues. Engine leaks. Harsh engine vibes in 1 and 2 gear. also it's not comfortable .

Host: dont giveaway where we are riding. Camera man: pans over state recreation area sign. 😂👍

the main camera is foggy or is it intentional filter/effect?

So hard to pick don’t know which one for my first bike any advice.

I like the style and structure of ktm duke and i like the power and sound of kawasaki z series.

Svartpilen 401, Duke 390 with out all the flash and a classic look 😉

How are the seat height between the two? I’m 5’3” with 26 inseam

can I go for a Duke with 6‘4 ? Or does that Look like me Sitting on a Pocket bike ? Should I rather buy a sm?

Though KTM has some higher spec components, I think my choice would be for the Kawasaki. The twin cylinder versus the single may prove more reliable in the long term. As for me, I typically upgrade my bikes with aftermarket pieces anyway, so the addition of braided lines, or fork springs is a small thing.

If you are on a budget maintenance is not something you would want to spend a ton on, so go Kawasaki if you want reliability.

I have owned the Ktm for over a year now, and it’s never let me down, and I wouldn’t change a thing

Troy where did you get your riding outfit it looks really cool, is it CE rated?

saw a list of least reliable bikes... KTM top 3 of least reliable , and i do LOVE the kawi green

I gota know the name of that 1 piece suit that Troy is wearing. Please let me know!

I knew your test road looked familiar! That whole area is fun to drive. I say drive because I'm still trying to find the time to learn to ride and get info on what bike to buy was a noob.

Thanks guys Thumbs up 👍 Thanks for sharing I was waiting to see the Top 🔝 speed for Both Bike 🚲 :) maybe next time Peace

Kawi all day long, just change that dreadful seat and add a top box in back for hauling stuff!!!😎

If you're planning to have a 400 for more than one season or put a lot of miles on it, buy Kawi, that thing won't give you any trouble and just run.

Really looking forward to getting the duke but some people say the kawi is better in general, can any experienced rider advise me

Which one is better for someone who is 6-3?

As much as I love the KTM, and it is a great bike, I keep my motorcycles at least 4-5 years or longer I just don’t trust the KTM long term. Every Kawasaki I’ve owned has been absolutely perfect in regards to reliability, although I’m sure that could be said for most Japanese bikes. Currently I have a 2005 Kawasaki Z1000 and it does everything I need it to. I can’t imagine getting another bike in the next 5-10 years, that’s how much I love and trust it. I will say that the Z900RS is very tempting looks wise and I may get the Z400 for my wife as she wants to ride with me on her own bike

In Colombia KTM DUKE 390 costs 1000 dolars less than kawasaki z400 so is a better choise than z400

The only thing I’m hesitant on the KTM is the color. Green is my #1 in almost everything but as a first bike I’m having a hard time finding anything better for the price over the Duke 390. If anyone has any suggestions I’d love to hear them.

Thanks for the great vid! I rode yesterday the Duke 390, vivid fun, annoying radiator fan. Still trying to figure out what bike passed by you during filming! Loud, aftermarket exhaust, propably 4 cyl, was it an Aprilia V4?

Is the KTM reliability improved ???? If not, I'd pick the Z

I am 1, 84 m... And 85 kg in shape... .. Am I too big for Duke 390?

What was the bike at 7:15????sounded great and had them frozen like medussa for 10 seconds staring at it.

Any news on KTM Duke 390 Adventure?

390 Duke is so much more desirable if you can accept that it will likely have issues. One of many vehicles for me so the issues have been no big deal! Great back road ripper.

Anyone got a name or link for the full suit he is wearing? Dig it!

Here in my country duke 390 is around 1500usd cheaper than the z400, wich one would you pick?

what kind of motorcycle suit you have

Kawi for me, engine durability over "cool" factor appearance.

The 390 Duke is a beauty, I choose it all day.

love how john pointed out how fun these smaller bikes can be,how they got plenty of power and is easier on the wallett with its fuel consumption

Epic video!

Awesome vıd... Love Ur work.. U guys are my ınspıratıom

I have the 2020 Z400 and it’s something else! It’s amazing! My brother is gonna buy the KTM 390 so we’ll see ;)

How about the top speed between ktm n z400?

Is there overheating issue for KTM Duke 390?

I will also agree to them 390.....looks cool....390 is better💙💙💙💙💙

In India ktm price is low. ..it is half of that of a ninja 400..ninja will cost more than 7500 $ ...so Indians always prefer 390 and we have a lot of 390sss

I just bought a duke and everyone who knows about bikes says theses are a very good bike to ride . I pick it up this week can’t wait .

I’m 6’4” and i own the 2020 390 Duke and I love it. It’s plenty comfortable and punchy torque. If you core drill out the baffle/db killer in the exhaust it sounds a lot better too without being too loud/obnoxious. I love it. Awesome bike, looks cool, handles really well and is really easy to ride in traffic and on a faster windy road. The tyres are okay but they wear out very quickly so you’ll have to factor that in. I had to replace mine at 4,000km and I put on Michelin Road 6’s that are supposed to last a very long time have great grip in dry and wet.