THE DUKES OF HAZARD

Even after a decade, the notorious 390 Duke still makes you laugh like a maniac every time you ride it

- Manaal Mahatme

Us motorcyclists have a beautiful way of anthropomorphizing our bikes, don’t we? Headlights become faces, tail sections are as admired as derrieres… and the list goes on. even find ways to personify its engine character and or its handling. Guess, that’s one of the things that makes motorcycles and the lifestyle so enjoyable, doesn’t it? Every bike that you spend time with, earns a place in your mind and soul just like a friend or a family member, leaving you with experiences and lessons that you’ll remember for a lifetime. The KTM 390 Duke has been one such motorcycle for me, that, over the span of the last decade, came into my life as a teacher, an acquaintance and a friend.

The teacher

After 10 long years when I saw the first gen u e, the old memories came rushing in. Back in 2013, when I was looking to get my first motorcycle, new it had to be a KTM. A short spin on a friend’s new 200 Duke introduced me to an experience I could have never fathomed before — going at 136 kph on a two-wheeler.

When I went to the showroom, the sales manager was more than happy to give me the 390 Duke for a test ride. And the cocky me, jumped at the chance, only to come bac shell shocked, and thankfully, without soiled pants. The 390 Duke had the energy of a Labrador that has been waiting all day at home for his playtime. Just like one excited puppy, the Duke leaped ahead, leaving the untrained me to gather all my strength to tame it. Everything was becoming blurry and all throughout, I was struggling to keep up with it.

hat the first gen u e taught me was, I wasn’t ready for the power and the responsibility. It humbled me, and taught me a lesson that has always stayed with me.