BMW G310R vs. KTM 390 Duke
 

I'm in the market for bike to boot around in the city and some highway riding.

Noticed that BMW's got the new G310R roadster (made in India under contract) and the KTM 390 Duke. Both are similar in specs, with KTM being a bit more expensive, and fewer dealership presence.

Has anybody explored or ridden any of these bikes, or have experience with their reliability in general? Thanks in advance.

Just read a few enthusiast forums on both bikes - turns out they have a slew of problems. I think I had expected too much for bikes in this price range and calibre/class. I'll go back to looking at some big boy bikes instead, unless someone can chime in. :p

Edit: I see Yamaha offers the R3 and Honda offers something similar.

Husqvarna could be promising. Same bike as the 390 tho so could have the same issues. A trackday acquaintance mentioned losing a few bolts and having to rebutton the entire bike after a few laps at the ridge on a RC390CUP.

390 Duke's motor vibrates quite a bit for a 400cc and for the price you can get a way better bike. Built in India so the quality is a little questionable.

The R3 is probably the best bang for the buck in that range and holds it's value quite well and is a blast to ride. One of the best track bikes in it's category.

Kawi's ninja 300 is another nice bike. Light and nimble and there's plenty of them on the market. Kawi is also coming out with a new Ninja 400 so I would look into that also if you're looking at the Duke since the price will be about the same. I rode on a 300 all summer and I had a blast on it.. Super easy to maneuver and brakes quickly.. Rode it to Osoyoos in a day trip and it did fine, really under powered on the hill climbs.

Honda Makes a CB300r/f depending on your style another great looking bike, but I've never tried them.

Maybe also consider the Honda CB500X, good for offroading and city cruising. Upright riding position and lots of aftermarket goodies.

BMW 310 I dont have a clue, but 1st gear motorcycle school has one. Might be worth reaching out to Lee to see if its worth it. Especially since hes a racing enthusiast so he has good knowledge on them.

Ducati scrambler?

The Scrambler is a sweet bike, my buddy has one, but he also has a lot of money.. To spend $10K on a 400cc is kinda absurd. You could get close to a brand new R6 for those prices.

I did read up on the Husqvarna and Scrambler. The Scrambler carries typical Italian pricing, but man, I love the look. The Husqvarna and Duke - Will pass on.

Damn it, I thought getting back into motorcycling would be easy, but it sucks. :okay:

I got my bike license in early 2017 and was so excited for both of these bikes, especially the Duke. My friend had one and he loved it. But they took FOREVER to reach show rooms.

I said fuck it and got a new FZ07 after taking one for a test ride. Happy with how things worked out as the rides I've done this year included lot of highway and longer distance. It may be a lot of bike (more than I need for sure), but I'm over 30 and don't just rip around. It is kinda fun to be scared shitless now an then when I open it up too.

Rich

I'd suggest looking into the FZ07 even though its probably more bike than what you need it for

Only the 62 Ducati Scrambler has a 400cc... all the other iterations are 800cc+

Tuono V4 RF or 1290 Super Duke R
:troll:

You can get a 07 R6S(slighly dumbed down R6) for around $4K, which isnt a bad deal. Bit more comfortable than the R6.

Definitely perfect candidates, especially the Super Duke. :troll:

Love them both, but man, way too much bike for my needs.

Try to think of it as something to "grow into"

Quit being so negative

^ You're talking to a guy who wants and enjoys being slow

I love being slow :sweetjesus:

im ugly

wut? :pokerface: