Braderz: I have been on the point of getting one too (a 390 duke) so interested to hear what people say too[emoji6]


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10 years is not a long time off a bike and it's not as if the 996 is a slow casual bike.
I think you should get something with more engine, 690 minimum but a 790 would be a better road bike.

 

agree, if you had a 996 before (100+ bhp) then going to a 390 will do you really off!
don't get me wrong, a 390 has got balls (for what its worth) and personally id go for a 690 for the fun. possibly a 950/990 for the physical size and seating posture.

if ur a starter then a 390 is good to get some km's without it being/feeling underpowered.

 

Hello & welcome

Good luck with what ever you choose

 

I sat on the 390 Duke at S&P in Exeter and found it really tiny, almost toy like. I went and got a late 2018 790 Duke instead and am over the moon with it.

There's some stonking deals on unregd 2019 models in some places. I think JD did have one at £6999 a few weeks ago

 

With previous riding experience on a relatively large bike, I do not think you will find what you want on a 390. Have been in the same situation and did not find riding pleasure on a CB500X, but after buying a 1050 Adventure was riding pleasure right away

 

Thanks for the comments guys. Its a real quandary, I need something not too 'slow' but something I wont grow out of in 6 months.....

 

I'm am genuinely confused by this thread.

I expect the 390 is viewed as very sedate for most riders (especially on here). It would be fine as a stepping stone 'learner bike' for younger riders, ones who still have to contend with expensive insurance. It'd also be a good 'run around' bike for town & city riding as well as tight back roads.
However for more open roads I would say the 390 is too slow and thus you would grow out of it in a matter of months, if not immediately. What I don't know is what you want from your bike experience and what your ability is.

Originally you were questioning whether it would be too much for you yet you were riding a 996 previously. You know the power of your last bike and you know the power of the 390 (112hp v 43hp).
If you still question if you'd need something slower then I guess you know your own ability best.

 

Faced the same dilemma as you, 390 had great prices and is a great ‘little’ bike, but in the end bought a 690 duke 2 weeks ago. 148kg and 73bhp - whats not to like and being 6’2” it felt like a full size bike to me. Good luck with your search

 

l don't agree that you'd find the 390 "slow" or that "you'd grow out of it almost immediately"
My last two bikes was a Z1000 and then a Firestorm.
Having not ridden for 12 years l bought a 390 Duke. l have to say the 390 is a great fun bike, certainly for round town and weekend rides.
The only time l've noticed the lack of power compared to a 1,000cc is occasionally on overtaking where you have to plan a bit more than just opening the taps.
Another benefit is insurance, fully comprehensive (with no NCB) cost me £115 last year and £85 this year.

And the bike is cheap to
buy, you can get a mint late model for £3,500.
l would go for the post 2018 version as it's a lot better.

 

Ay?