I saw this spiffy little motorcycle on a pre-lunch walk. Its frame brings the Birdcage Maserati to mind. It’s a one-cylinder bike (390 model?). There must be lots of engine vibration unless there’s a damned fancy counter balancing system. Even so, it looks like scads of fun. My motorcycling days are past, but I still appreciate the esthetics.

I think KTM is a German company, but it’s Italian design I suspect. Those Italians…

quote:

I think KTM is a German company …

Austrian.

Looks like the entry Duke 390, they've got models all the way up to 1290cc i believe.

There's a partner pair from Husqvarna, the Svartpilen & Vitpilen in 390 & 690 guise. Both thumper.

KTM also has the 390 in the RC390 sportbike.

I bet the 390 Duke is a fun little bike. Although designed by KTM the 390's are manufactured in India.

I was browsing at the local motorcycle dealer last year and saw a 2020 790 Duke sitting there so I sat on it just to see how it felt. Shifting it from side to side it felt like a 250 it was so light. The bike has traction control, wheelie control, launch control, quick shifter, weighs just 370# dry, and 790cc the parallel twin motor puts out 105 hp. I noticed from the VIN plate it was manufactured in Austria, the fit and finish was excellent, and the price including destination of just under $11K seemed reasonable. But I didn't need another motorcycle. About that time the sales manager came over saying "we need to sell that bike. I'll sell it to you at our cost, plus KTM has a $2,000 rebate right now which'll put it under $8,000." I couldn't say no.....

The KTM 390 are a good looking bike however they have been plagued with problems. I almost bought one when they came out since it looked like a fun bike. The problems started showing up soon after they came out on the motorcycle forums. It too bad it was so poorly executed as it was a good concept.

Ducati used to use a similar “birdcage” frame not that long ago.

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Originally posted by Jelly:
The KTM 390 are a good looking bike however they have been plagued with problems. I almost bought one when they came out since it looked like a fun bike. The problems started showing up soon after they came out on the motorcycle forums. It too bad it was so poorly executed as it was a good concept.

I believe a lot of the early gremlins are worked out on the later bikes. Definitely more quirky than your typical Japanese starter bikes.

quote:

Originally posted by 1s1k:
Ducati used to use a similar “birdcage” frame not that long ago.

Love an older Monster.