For many of us, these are not just "stepping stones" ... just sayin' ... I have owned over 20 bikes of all shapes and sizes, done track days, ridden on Laguna Seca, COTA, Miller, etc. I understand the spirit of the comments, but really, these bikes are a breath of fresh are for many experienced riders who just want something light, nimble, and fun.

So glad to see Troy back. I actually met him at the Long Beach Motorcycle show and he's just the coolest guy you would want to meet. Welcome back :-)

Had my 390 for ~2weeks and the 750km(mostly commuting) I've put on have been the most fun I've had in 3 years of riding(~12k km on a 79 CB400T cafe before the Duke). It does everything my beloved cafe did, but so much better and with modernism. Staying alive in a torrential downpour with my Honda felt like an accomplishment given its f/r drums, iffy electrical, and Firestone Champions, but with the Duke it's just plain old fun in those conditions. (I did feel like I was going to die the whole way home from work in ~100kmh winds last night, but that's a rare occurrence and I'd have been scared in a car last night.) The price is incredible too. Sticker is one thing, and financing obviously varies, but I got my 2017 with no km for $7000CAD out the door. With the 0.99% financing, I only pay ~$165 extra over 5 years(be done next year in reality). Originally I wanted an XG750, and boy am I glad that I went for the KTM over the Harley. The HD would've needed at least $3k put into it to make me happy, but the Duke required $200 for handguards(saved me from damage from wind tippage) and likely another $200 for the fender eliminator(stock is so gross looking).

I wish KTM would take that 390 engine and throw it in an SMC chassis. It would basically become the DRZ everyone has been asking Suzuki for over the last decade lol

Lucky you guys aren’t actors huh!

TFT screen and Led headlight gets my attention especially ride modes.

very practical and honest review. Informative as well. Thank you for sharing!

Good to see you again, Troy. You and Tom made the channel.

Did he say "the key chain that's on it let's you know it's ready to race".. When it displays it on the dash on "key turn" .

I truly enjoyed this video. I work in Azusa and live in Upland. I ride those roads monthly in my Aprilia Shiver 750. I fill in at that gas station weekly. Let me know when you are out here testing!

You guy's are THE best web site in the world of BIKES. SON FABULOSOS!!!!!!!!!

Cringe first 2 min. 👀

CBR 500 vs Ninja 400 next. Also welcome back Troy!!!

Good video guys, very non-biased and realistic.

very well job guy's ...thank u so much it wil really help me to decide between.

As always super review

would you mind testing the dominar 400 by bajaj? it is supposed to have the same engine design as the 390 duke but with some tweaks to make it more fuel efficient and confortable for every day riding at the expense of some power, torque and top speed.

That acting took the production value down 50% :S

Looking to get into riding and I really want a Duke 390 to start out on everyone has told me that it’s a great beginner bike and has enough power and different modes so you won’t get bored with it super fast

Nice comparative! Of course I would chose the KTM :P

how different would be 310 gs to 310R ,for touring bmw gs310 vs dominor vs KTM 390 ??

Great Comparison Video, thanks from India.

I have 23 years of riding experience. I've had tons of bikes. From a Honda RC51 (still have it) to CBR1000RR, BMW K1300S and S1000RR, etc... to a Honda Goldwing to an R1200RT I've had since '06 which almost has 100k miles on it. I just spent the last 2 weeks on a National Parks tour - Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons and every day rode my friend's G310R for 150-200 miles each day. People can judge small bikes and say what they want to say, but I'll tell you what - These little bikes are so much fun! After spending a lot of time on one of these, it really starts to make you think about why you need a big bore bike. I get it, sometimes that power is awesome, and needed to get away from oblivious people. But these bikes are hugely capable in the twisties, and there's something to be said about riding something that's just so darn easy to ride. It's like driving a Miata. It just puts a smile on your face.

These bikes are geared toward the new rider. BMW has been perceived more as a brand for older people but that is changing. Even with the higher price, the KTM will likely sell better.

I’m looking into getting the KTM duke 390 as my first bike because it seems like a really good bike do you think that a 5 foot rider like myself will be able to ride it or should I see if I can get it lowered planning on getting my drivers and motorcycle license next month or so since I took the course already

what is average of bmw310r in in simple riding mode

For extra 1k you can get a lot more fun and practically from 2017 sv650 (with current Suzuki rebate, cb500)

Which one do you recommend for a 6’2” 215Lb 40years old? Looking for confort some highway riding, and optimum maintenance cost. Thank you

I bought the 310r and love the riding experience :) so nice My first bike

Troy how was Alpinestars? Heath says hi. One of these days I swear I’m gonna bump into you guys on Azusa/GMR! I was just at that Mobil on Monday, then Taco Nazo right behind it. Catch you on the flip.

You should do comparation: Yanaha mt03, Kawa Z300, Honda cb300, BMW 310r and Benelli TNT300.

What about getting Duke or Bmw for short travel ? For example 100km 200km ? which one will be better ?

Any plans on testing the Dominar 400 (by Bajaj)??? Great videos, I like your content very much...

Please tell me which bike is best ktm 390 or bmw?

When doing bike comparisons, it would be really helpful if you could cover maintenance costs. Thanks and good info.

I have the 390 Duke and with the gel seat you now have a perfect motorcycle for any use. If I want to smooth the ride I'll take my Challenger but if I want to have fun I'll take the Duke

请问拍摄地点是在哪？ I mean Which city you test these bikes?

Great reviews, guys! They're both sweet looking bikes. I'd go for the extra oomph of the KTM, but i wouldn't feel bad about owning the BMW, either. I ride a ZX-14R, but going to work on a second, smaller bike for more everyday things. Definitely a naked. Or maybe that Z900 RS Cafe... It's a great time to be in the market for a great bike. :)

Welcome back troy... Kemana aja? Baru muncul ...

Can you guys do a Muscle Cruiser Shootout! Suzuki Boulevard M109r, Harley Vrod, Ducati Diavel, Honda Gold Wing Valkyrie, Triumph Rocket III, Victory Octane (RIP), and the Moto Guzzi Cali 1400! PLEASE MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!

very good review for these two bike guys.!!! I think that the BMW is the best bike for my needs and my daily routine!!!

Welcome back Troy!

I own the baby Duke and I love it right bits. You guys are right about the hard seat and it's kinda hard to use everyday but I personally don't mind that. For the fun it offers, there's nothing in the market as radical as the KTM. #BleedOrange

Aesome bikes, comments & scenery. Loving it

I have few question regarding both the bikes. Duke 390 : what about the engine vibration when it goes above 100, it is noticeable ? ABS : i am planning to buy BMW G310R and it would be launched next month in India and i got to know that ABS is not switchable in G310R so what would be impact when ABS need to off but there is no option to off the ABS. what about G310R barracking control compare to Duke 390 ?

Thanks for such a logical and nice review. TVS is spoiling by making the bike

How does the 390 Duke have an aggressive seating position? Its completely upright

How were the bikes on bumps?

What about fuel average?

Great review (apart from the cringe-worthy intro). It's gotta be the Duke all day long! Just the extra HP, rider modes & styling is enough to win the battle. Welcome back Troy!

How are they for short riders, those 5'5" and under?

For the Duke 390 The seat is easily fixed. Buy the ergo seat. As for commuting, I use the Duke 390 every day and if you are filtering through traffic it is absolute boss. It is so agile you can manoeuvre so easily through tight spaces when the traffic is parked unevenly at red lights. I love this bike, it is such good fun.

That was a pretty down to earth fair review 👍 Now , I’m waiting for KTM to come out with their 390 Adventure R bike ( I’ve heard they announced that) to compete with the BMW G310GS . That will be THE unicorn bike to do it ALL ! Nobody will be able to touch it

As an Indian, this was an interesting video. To start with- both bikes are Indo-European bikes. The interesting thing was how both are priced differently in India and USA. In India, the 310R comes with a premium over the Duke 390. I would love to know how much spec difference is there in Indian and USA models for both brands.

I like the idea of a small displacement single, but I'm sort of a large guy at 6-2", 200 lb, 34" inseam. I'd go with a Ninja 400 as things currently stand. However, if manufacturers built one of these little funsters with a 450 or 500cc single and enlarged the frame a bit with a longer wheelbase, that would suit me just fine. Until then, MT-07 is the small displacement funster for me. I'd happily drop a couple grand into it to fix the suspension and brakes, open up the power, and flog it. Convert a WR450 or CRF450 or something of the sort to super moto? But then these bikes were designed to be serviced all the time, have small oil capacity that needs changed all the time, don't employ electric fans to remove heat in slow speed stuff, and fuel capacity suffers. They really aren't road bikes.

I wish they would put the cb500 engine in the new CB300R chassis and price it somewhere close to these, even within a grand. I don’t think either has classic looks or reliability really nailed, and we know a Honda wouldn’t face the same thing with a proven engine. I think it would be a cool option vs the new Husky 401’s too, not to mention big enough for actual people... Just my 2c

Y will ul make a video thats at the end indecisive ?

Who is the winner?

The intro music...It’s back again. It just won’t die! I can’t remember who it was but they used that song for years! Most overused royalty free song on the youtubes.

Interesting using the themes of "naked singles" and a boxing title fight in the same article. Fighters AND lovers?

That 390 looks like a big bike,and looks absolutely 💥💥💥

@5:43 helium?

so how much maintenance do these bikes require if you are pretty much red lining them to stay at highway speed?

What about honda cb300r?

Sounds like there's basically no reason to buy the G310. The KTM seat may be hard, but they offer a soft seat for it for like $200 or something, and I have the stock seat on mine and it's good enough for as long as you're going to want to ride a 400cc thumper in 1 go.

Yeah Yeah, good production, nice vid, great presentation , welcome back Troy but WHAT ABOUT THE XSR700 NEAR THE DRONE MAN

KTM is doing great business here in India. BMW G310 is expected to be launched here in next 3 months.

Hey guys, Can you review Apache 310rr? It is based on 310R.

where is Mr. Kevin duke the chief editor?? i like his reviews

How fast can the bmw get up to

No other motorcycle in the world spells : character like a KTM duke.

Try the TVS Apache 310R .... Compare the BMW to this awesome RTR 310R

As a rider with 34 years in the saddle I've never met a ktm that didn't explode. BMW's last forever. It remains to be scene how this one will hold up but I wouldn't hesitate to choose the 310r over another waiting to grenade ktm

Is the BMW motor made in Taiwan by Kymco?

Wait, why does the American version of the 390 Duke have incandescent bulbs in the turn signals and not LED like the global version??

I rode both back to back and I think there is not much comparison. KTM is better overall. The power, fun, comfort, LED lights, TFT and quality was way above than BMW's. I think BMW needs to up their game when they do the next gen of their 310. I did go to buy the BMW but ended up getting KTM for my commuting bike.

Just bought the wife a g310r on Wednesday. The duke was my first choice until I heard of the issues people were having with them. I believe I made the right choice.

compare 390 to cb300r pls.

You look great troy. Hello from Indonesia 😊

Do a cb500f vs mt07 48ps !!!

Why was Troy gone?

I got a KTM 390 in the Philippines. So I’m either in traffic or mountain curves. The only thing I don’t like about it is the jerking at low speeds. Like until the rpms get above 3000 rpm. Then it is smooth as an electric bike. I know for us USA bikers it is small. In the US I normally ride 1000cc up bikes, but here the 390 has more than enough power. I rarely get above 50mph.

Me personally... I'm just looking for something to get me to work and back and run quick errands during the warmer months. Driving a car here in Chicago can be quite annoying and costly. So I think I will go with the BMW as my first bike.

It a good idea to always switch riders for a bike test as ones riding capability is never the same as the other.

Cb500f Vs KTM 390 please

autocar intro music

So now can we see the Honda CB500f vs. the Ninja 400

All reviewers should state their heights and weights. Otherwise, a quick bike with a small rider might turn into a slug for a large rider. I am 6'3" and 240 with a 35 inch inseam. So details matter.

That good old Motorcycle.com "comedy", lol

How can I buy one and have it shipped to me ? I live in the mountains 50 miles from fresno ca .

G310r is a collab between TVS and BMW, we have that exact 310 engine in our tvs product which costs less tham bmw with equal amount of power (roughly around 35 hp) ,bmw only shared the engine not the fi system but tvs still keeps it on mark, you guys should have to check thay bike too. For a 310cc this thing can do 90 mph in a relaxed manner and toping out at 105

All i know is my 2016-KTM-1290 SDR has been incredible 9300 miles and no issues except the loose tail light!! Thats all

My choice too KTM thanks

You can buy a 2 year old 600 sport bike for the price . you can buy 3 low mileage xl650 . unless the manufacturer's begin to fight back on some of the smog equipment or whatever is driving the price up on beginer bikes they wont sell here. Even if they were lower tek at 3000$ they would sell .

Duke look fit with you, really nice look

For My Commuter, I choose the BMW.

I am looking for a bike under 350cc that is relatively light and I can flat foot at 5ft 9. The 310r really appeals. Especially in cosmic black. People say Duke this ninja 400 that but neither appeal as much. Everyone has different tastes, budgets and needs as a rider. So you can never really say which bike is best. Mostly though people in comments will judge a bike purely by how quick it is.

Just happened to be in the mountains hahahahaha

Still can't decide

Would love to see this test repeated with the addition of Honda's CB300R when it makes it to the US.