Q.What should you buy: KTM Duke 390 or KTM RC 390?

Some of you may know that KTM updated the 390 Duke with the addition of a slipper clutch in August last year. The RC 390 received the same update a couple of months back too and now KTM is giving owners of older bikes to add the same through some authorised KTM service centres in India. The fitment will cost Rs 9,000 but excludes labour charges and taxes. [U][B]So what does the slipper clutch do?[/B][/U] The slipper clutch reduces the jerky feeling you get when you downshift aggressively and instead give you seamless gear changes thus giving the rider more speed while entering a corner.

Recently, I took the Yamaha R3 for a spin and the amount of power that thing has gotten me completely hooked! The power is so addictive that I’m already drooling over some affordable 40+ bhp bikes. When it comes to entry level performance biking, nothing can match the KTM twins- the Duke 390 and the RC 390. R3 isn’t on this list because it’s a twin cylinder machine and is way more expensive at INR 3.5 lac. Sure, it has got a refined, cracker of an engine but it seems like the guys at Yamaha have cut corners on other important things like frame and tyres. But I digress. So, here’s a list of differences of the RC 390 and the Duke 390. This will give you a fair idea of which one to buy. The Duke is a bit relaxed whereas the RC is aggressive right from the word go! PC: ktm.com [ATTACH=CONFIG]n9259[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n9260[/ATTACH] [B]Engine:[/B] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n9256[/ATTACH] The engine is essentially the same, where both the bikes are powered by a liquid cooled 373cc fuel injected engine mated to a slick six speed transmission. [I]But, [/I]the Duke gets a forced oil lubrication with two oil pumps whereas, the RC gets a semi dry sump setup. This semi-dry lubrication system results in improved oil circulation, freer movement of the crank, mass centralization, better weight distribution and thereby they all translate into better handling and power delivery. Power figures and torque remains the same at 44 bhp and 35 Nm respectively. [B]Chassis and Body:[/B] The RC 390 sure looks aggressive with its fully aerodynamic body fairing. The riding position is also sporty with clip-on handlebars and the likes. The fairing also helps in keeping the wind blast in check at high speeds, thus resulting in a slightly higher top speed than the Duke. The Duke’s riding position is much more forgiving than the RC’s and is ideal for touring. The only problem is the wind blast when cruising at high speeds. It can be fixed by installing a good windscreen, though. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n9257[/ATTACH] Both the bikes share the same steel trellis frame but the rear seat cushion is integrated into the bodywork in the RC whereas in the Duke, the rear seat is removable. I’m not sure of the repair procedures of the RC’s seat if it gets damaged accidentally. Both the bikes are poorly compatible with saddle bags, panniers, etc. They’re not designed for touring, but still, one can get saddlebags designed for these bikes and take the highways. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n9258[/ATTACH] [B]Suspension and brakes:[/B] The front suspension travel of the Duke 390 is 25 mm more than the RC’s. This means, the bike can handle potholes better than the RC. But the RC, with its reduced suspension travel, is more stable while cornering on the track. The RC also gets slightly larger brakes for track focused precision. Thankfully, both the bikes come with ABS as standard. [B]Dimensions:[/B] The steering head angle is also increased by 1.5 degrees compared to the Duke 390. This coupled with the shortened wheelbase help in improving the flickability of the bike on the track. Though the bike is heavier than the Duke by around 12 kilos, the RC can attain higher top speeds owing to its aerodynamic body. The Duke's fuel tank is greater than the RC by a litre. Both the bikes return an identical fuel efficiency of around 25 kmpl. [B]Verdict:[/B] Even though both the machines perform well on highways as well as on the track, I feel the Duke belongs more to the highways and the RC to the track. The RC is more of a secondary bike which one would use it on the weekends whereas the Duke has the potential to be a good and practical all-rounder. I'd pick the Duke 390 over the RC any day. KTM has created a miracle by making a ridiculously fast bike with top-shelf parts [I]AND[/I] managed to price it very competitively! I simply cannot wait to see what the 2017 versions of the Duke and RC could offer!