Quick Analysis
JAWA BOBBER
4.5 pts
Unweighted: 5 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 390 DUKE
28.0 pts
Unweighted: 18 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid cooling with radiator |
| Displacement | 334 cc | 398.63 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC | Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, DOHC, FI Engine |
| Power | 29.9 PS | 46 PS @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 39 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.5 L | 15 L |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | 30 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 185 kg | 168.3 kg |
| Seat Height | 740 mm | 800 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel | Dual-channel ABS with SUPERMOTO mode |
| Front Brake | 280 mm | 320 mm Disc with Radially mounted calliper |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks, Ø 35 mm | 5-click Compression & Rebound adjustable, Open Cartridge, WP APEX USD forks, 43mm diameter |
| Rear Brake | 240 mm | 240 mm Disc with Floating calliper |
| Rear Suspension | Mono Shock Absorber, Gas Filled with 7-Step Adjustable Preload | Adjustable WP APEX Monoshock, 5-step Rebound damping, 10-step preload adjustable |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/90-18, 56H | 110/70 - ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/70-17, 66H | 150/60 - ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | Full Split LED Headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | — | 12 V, 8 AH MF battery |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42bobbermysticcopper.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM-390-Duke-Electric-orange.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42bobberjasperred.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM390DukeBlack_Booking.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42bobberredsheen.webp | — |
| Bike Image 4 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42bobberblackmirror.webp | — |
| Cluster | — | 5" TFT dash display |
| Color Options | Mystic Copper Moonstone White Jasper Red Deep Black Matte Red Clad Black Mirror | GUN METAL GREY ELECTRONIC ORANGE ATLANTIC BLUE |
| Cons | Single-seat limitation: It cannot carry a pillion, which might be a deal-breaker for riders who need two-up capability. Stiff rear suspension for some riders: On rough city roads, the suspension may feel firmer than expected, especially at lower speeds. Engine heat in traffic: The 334cc motor tends to generate noticeable heat during slow, bumper-to-bumper riding. Limited practicality: The bobber design restricts storage options, luggage mounting, and everyday utility compared to standard bikes. Smaller fuel tank: Longer highway rides may require more frequent fuel stops. Slightly heavy in tight spaces: While stable on the highway, its weight can be felt during U-turns or slow maneuvering. | Firm (harsh) ride: The suspension can feel stiff over potholes or uneven surfaces, which may be tiring for long rides. Limited wind protection: Being a naked bike, you feel a lot of wind at highway speeds, making long-distance touring less comfortable. Engine heat: In slow or stop-go traffic, the radiator fan can dump hot air toward the rider’s legs, which many find uncomfortable. Seat comfort: The stock seat can feel firm and less comfortable for long rides; also, pillion comfort is limited. Vibration: Some riders report noticeable vibrations in certain RPM ranges, especially between ~4,500–6,000 rpm. Reliability concerns: There are occasional reports of reliability issues or quality control, especially in older models. |
| Detailed Overview | Riding the Jawa 42 Bobber never quite feels ordinary — it’s a machine that makes a statement the moment you swing your leg over. The soul of this bike lies in its 334 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. That’s not just a handful of numbers — it’s a heart that delivers smooth throttle response, and more importantly, a strong mid-range punch. In day-to-day riding, whether you’re crawling through traffic or cruising on a highway, this engine delivers usable power without needing to be pushed hard. The 6-speed gearbox, paired with an assist-and-slipper clutch, makes gear changes feel refined. In the city, that helps — when you’re changing gears frequently, the clutch bite is lighter than on many cruiser-style bikes, but you still feel solid when opening up on open roads. The fuel injection system ensures consistent delivery of fuel, which helps with efficiency and makes sure power comes smoothly, with no surprise jerks or hesitation. On the road, the bike feels planted. Its low seat height — just 740 mm — makes it easy to touch the ground when stopped, which is a great confidence booster if you’re navigating crowded streets or tight parking situations. The wheelbase is long (1,485 mm), which helps stability when cruising, but the bike doesn’t feel cumbersome because its kerb weight (~185 kg) provides solidity without being overly heavy. The balance between comfort and control is nicely struck. Suspension is tuned just right for mixed urban and semi-highway conditions: telescopic front forks and a mono-shock with 7-step preload adjustment at the rear give you enough compliance for bumps, while remaining firm enough to feel stable through turns or during spirited rides. The preload adjustment is a thoughtful feature — if you occasionally carry a load or ride over rougher roads, you can tweak things to suit. Braking inspires confidence. With disc brakes on both front and rear, and dual-channel ABS, the Bobber gives you reliable stopping power. Whether you’re easing off at speed or needing to brake hard in sudden traffic, the system helps prevent wheel lock-up, which adds a layer of safety that’s especially helpful for less aggressive riders. Fuel tank capacity sits at 12.5 litres — not massive, but enough for a fair mix of city use and occasional weekend rides. You’ll want to plan fuel stops if you ride long distances, but for daily use it’s quite reasonable. Ergonomically, the Bobber leans into a relaxed cruiser stance. The forward-set footpegs, wide handlebars, and low seat invite a laid-back posture that’s ideal for relaxed rides, not aggressive sporty cornering. The single-seat layout reinforces that cruiser identity — it’s clearly made for solo riding, and not for pillion passengers. On the practical side, the 42 Bobber includes a modern digital instrument console, LED lighting, electric start, and useful indicators like low fuel. These touches bring a classic-looking bobber into the modern age without spoiling the minimal charm — you get just enough tech to feel contemporary, without unnecessary frills. If you ask whether this bike is for someone who just needs a daily commuter — it could be, but it truly shines when you treat it as a style cruiser. It’s less about beating traffic times or getting the most for every rupee of fuel, and more about enjoying the ride: the growl of its exhaust, the planted feel at speed, the freedom of minimal styling. For someone who values character, presence, and the feel of a modern classic, the Jawa 42 Bobber is a compelling pick. | The **KTM 390 Duke** has long been celebrated as a high-performance yet lightweight streetfighter, offering a compelling mix of power, agility, and modern technology that makes it a favorite for both urban commuting and spirited weekend rides. The latest (Gen-3) 390 Duke takes this formula further, built on a newly designed trellis frame with a die-cast aluminium sub-frame that improves rigidity and handling. Under the hood, the 2024 model is powered by a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder “LC4c” engine now displacing **399 cc**, which bumps up the performance to roughly **46 PS of power and 39 Nm of torque** in the Indian spec. One of the most striking traits of the 390 Duke is its lightness: the new model continues to boast sporty handling thanks to its steel trellis frame and a compact, aggressive footprint. The WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front fork and a preload-adjustable WP APEX mono-shock at the rear provide a finely tuned suspension setup that balances comfort on city roads with precision in the corners. Braking is handled by a 320 mm front disc with a radial calliper and a 230 mm rear disc, supported by Bosch cornering ABS, giving reliable and controllable stopping performance. On the feature front, the 2024 Duke 390 is truly packed. It includes ride modes (Street, Rain, Track), launch control, SuperMoto ABS, a quickshifter+, and a slipper clutch. The ride-by-wire throttle ensures smooth power delivery and precise control, especially when transitioning between modes. Its 5-inch TFT display supports smartphone connectivity (via Bluetooth) for turn-by-turn navigation, calls, and media, making it a very usable bike for daily commuting. Ergonomically, the 390 Duke offers a sporty but accessible riding position. The seat height is around **800 mm** in the Indian variant, with an optional 820 mm seat available, making it relatively manageable for a variety of rider heights. The fuel tank is reasonably sized (KTM lists about 13.4 litres), which balances enough capacity for daily use without compromising on agility. In terms of usability, the 390 Duke shines in city traffic thanks to its light weight, responsive throttle, and nimble chassis. At the same time, its torque and power allow for satisfying highway stretches and sporty ride-outs. However, as some users note, the high-revving single cylinder can vibrate noticeably at lower RPMs, and the engine tends to heat up in slow, stop-go traffic — a common character point for small high-performance singles. On long highway rides, wind protection is minimal due to the naked nature, and though the electronics are rich, some may feel the bike’s seat and fuel range are not optimized for extended touring. Reliability-wise, many long-term owners report good durability when properly maintained. One rider, after 29,000 km, said he never faced major breakdowns and appreciated the bike’s consistent performance. That said, some others have expressed concern about vibration and the need for regular maintenance given the sporty nature of the engine. Overall, the **KTM 390 Duke** is a brilliant all-rounder in the 300–400 cc naked category. It offers serious performance, modern electronics, and a lightweight chassis, but it doesn’t compromise on practicality. For someone looking for a fun, aggressive bike that can do daily duties and weekend thrills, the 390 Duke remains one of the most compelling choices in its class. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 26–32 kmpl in real-world riding. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 740 mm. Q: Can the Jawa 42 Bobber carry a pillion? A: No, it is a single-seat motorcycle designed only for solo riding. Q: What is the engine capacity? A: It has a 334 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. Q: Does the bike overheat in traffic? A: No, the liquid cooling system keeps temperatures stable even in slow traffic. Q: Is it good for long rides? A: It is suitable for medium-distance rides but not ideal for very long touring due to its single seat and 12.5L tank. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The kerb weight is around 185 kg. Q: Does it have ABS? A: Yes, it comes with dual-channel ABS. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12.5 litres. Q: Is the Jawa 42 Bobber beginner-friendly? A: Yes, it is manageable for new riders, thanks to its low seat height and smooth power delivery. Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed is approximately 130 km/h. Q: How many gears does it have? A: It has a 6-speed gearbox. Q: Is the maintenance expensive? A: Maintenance is moderate and similar to other 300–400cc premium bikes. Q: What is the warranty period? A: It comes with a warranty of 4 years or 50,000 km, extendable up to 6 years. Q: What is the on-road price? A: Depending on location and variant, it usually falls between ₹2.30 lakh and ₹2.60 lakh on-road. | Q: What engine does the KTM 390 Duke have? A: It uses a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. Q: What is the displacement, power & torque of the 390 Duke? A: The displacement is about 398.6 cc. In the newer versions, it produces around 46 PS at 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Q: What is the seat height and weight of the 390 Duke? A: The seat height is 800 mm (or optionally 820 mm) depending on the version. The kerb weight is about 168.3 kg per KTM’s specification. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what is the mileage like? A: The fuel tank capacity is 15 litres in many versions. According to some sources, real-world fuel efficiency is around 25–30 km/l, depending on riding style. Q: What brakes and suspension does it use? A: It comes with WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX monoshock at the rear. For brakes, there is a 320 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc, with a radially mounted caliper up front. Q: What is the ground clearance of the 390 Duke? A: The ground clearance is around 183 mm according to KTM India specifications. Q: What is the seat configuration and ergonomics like? A: It has a two-part seat design, with a slightly aggressive but comfortable rider position thanks to its upright handlebars. There’s also a “Supermoto mode” which lets you limit ABS intervention to the front brake — great for sliding control. Q: Does the 390 Duke come with smartphone connectivity? A: Yes — some variants support KTM MY RIDE via the 5-inch TFT dash, allowing for calls, music, and navigation integration. |
| Price Variants | | 193000 | Standard | 297443 |
| Pros | Unique factory-custom look: The 42 Bobber stands out with its low-slung stance, chunky tyres, single seat, and retro-custom appeal that usually requires aftermarket work on other bikes. Strong low-end performance: Its 334cc engine delivers good torque early in the rev range, making city riding feel effortless and lively. Comfortable riding position: The forward-set footpegs and wide handlebars create a relaxed, cruiser-like posture suitable for long and easy rides. Good road presence: The bike’s muscular tank, floating seat, and overall proportions make it feel more premium and eye-catching than typical 300–400cc motorcycles. Adjustable seat: The adjustable seat height is a rare and practical feature, helping riders of different heights find a comfortable stance. Improved brakes and suspension: The combination of discs with dual-channel ABS and a well-tuned suspension setup provides confident braking and a stable ride. Modern features: A digital console, LED lights, slipper clutch, and USB charging add convenience without breaking the retro charm. | Excellent performance for its class: The 390 Duke’s single-cylinder engine delivers punchy acceleration and strong mid-range performance. Lightweight & nimble: With a relatively low kerb/wet weight, its chassis is very agile, making it easy to flick through corners and manoeuvre in traffic. Advanced electronics suite: Comes equipped with ride modes, traction control (MTC), cornering ABS, supermoto ABS, quickshifter, and a modern TFT display. Adjustable suspension: The front and rear suspension are adjustable (WP APEX), allowing riders to tune the setup depending on road conditions or riding style. Sharp styling & design: Features such as an exposed steel trellis frame, LED headlight, and aggressive design make it visually striking. Good build quality: Reviews note improved fit and finish on newer models, giving a premium feel. Decent fuel efficiency: Compared to its performance, it offers reasonable fuel efficiency for sporty riding. |
| Transmission | 6–Speed | 6 Speed Manual |
