Has anyone ridden/own the new 390 duke? I am interested to see how this rides vs the 690. I see on the KTM site, the specs say it is only 10k lighter than the 690 duke. Power/weight seems better for the 690 then, then I guess the next consideration is how does the suspension compare.

I'm sure the suspension on the 690 is higher quality, but more travel. I haven't ridden one, but I saw one and it looks cheapy by KTM standards. Ultimately it's a budget bike for euro licensing or developing countries so unless you want those ergos and plastics and are prepared to drop some coin on suspension, brakes, etc, I'd go 690.

Are both models made in India now or just the 390? I have no experience of either model. I have heard the build quality of the Indian manufactured bikes is currently pretty low. Probably somewhere between a Chinese moped and a Triumph.

I owned a 690 this spring (sold it for a 1290 which I DO NOT REGRET for a moment, though I liked the 690). It handles great and is fun to ride - as for the 390, not ridden one nor seen one.

I just read that KTM is going to discontinue the 690 after 2015 and make a twin 790 Duke. That bike I believe will be manufactured in India - apparently buyers don't want large singles - except for a canyon carver and twisty bike its not good for much else - though the 690 with the factory Akro kit
is a killer bike but at 11K plus its not cheap

690's a great bike , India or not
Incidentally Triumph have 2 sites in Thailand for main component manufacture , hence the shit build quality
biggest difference is the power , think of a 125LC vs a 350.
Don't think you'd notice on a commute , however you would notice on any road without traffic lights , only rode the 390 for an hour mind.

Thanks for thoughts.

This is interesting
I just read that KTM is going to discontinue the 690 after 2015 and make a twin 790 Duke.

That would be geat for a knock-about/twisties -commute