From a long awaited dream to unforgettable rides
Jaspreet Singh’s motorcycle experience has been simply life changing. He is a 40-year-old data scientist from Bengaluru, whose passion for motorcycles started when he was a kid – motivated by the Streethawk TV program and his dad’s 2-stroke bike. From a 150cc commuter bike to a faired sportbike that he had for 13 years – which he had to part with unfortunately due to the COVID-19 crisis, and now the KTM 390 Duke – which he currently owns, he has owned a string of bikes over the years.
From Dream to Reality
It took Jaspreet four years of waiting, but he was finally able to make his dream of owning the KTM 390 Duke come true in 2025. “The first time I twisted the throttle, I knew the wait had been worth it,” he tells us with a wide grin on his face. He had previously test-ridden a few KTM models, such as the smaller Duke models, bikes from Adventure series, and even the Scalpel’ – the 790 Duke – thanks to friends. But, the raw power, agile handling, and stunning looks of the 390 Duke were too tempting to resist. “When I saw it, I knew this was the one,” he recalls, emphasizing the instant connection he felt with the motorcycle. Rather surprisingly, he had originally gone to book the 390 Adventure.
The First Ride: A Journey to BR Hills
Jaspreet’s first long ride on his 390 Duke was a 324km ride to BR Hills and the Tiger Reserve. The experience of riding on scenic roads was one that one would never forget. “The ride-by-wire throttle was very smooth, with every gearshift being seamless,” he adds. The quickshifter also contributed to the frictionless riding experience, even during the break-in period. While navigating the twisting hill roads, the cornering prowess of the Duke impressed him. “It felt planted, agile, and willing to lean into every turn,” Jaspreet remembers. With Metzeler tyres providing excellent grip, he never hesitated to take steep inclines and tight turns. The bike’s handling was so precise that each turn of the throttle became an extension of himself.
Riding Through the Tiger Reserve
Driving through Tiger Reserve was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Jaspreet. The thick forest, the mist at times, and the excitement of being in the midst of nature provided a dreamy atmosphere. “The new TFT console with turn-by-turn navigation made it simple to drive without having to stop every now and then to refer to maps,” he says. The simplicity of navigation and the smooth ride of the bike on the drive only contributed to the adventure.
A Growing Connection
Within 20 days of taking delivery of his Duke, Jaspreet has already formed a deep connection with his bike. “The more I ride, the more I connect with the bike,” he remarks. His experience has also put to rest all doubts that critics might have had regarding the power, heat, or handling of the bike. “Those having issues with the bike likely have no idea how to ride it correctly,” he goes on, accepting that 390 Duke is a “marvel of automotive engineering” under the right set of hands.
Looking Ahead
Jaspreet’s KTM journey has only just begun. With his first service soon to come, he is already itching to learn even more about the 390 Duke. “Four years of waiting, and every second of it was worth it,” he affirms. For him, the motorbike is less a means of transport – it is a vehicle that awakens boundless possibilities on the wide open road. As he looks to the future of many more thrilling rides and adventures, Jaspreet remains passionate about KTM, looking forward to unleashing its potential and continuing to live his motorcycling dream.
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