I’ve owned both the KTM Duke 390 and Triumph Speed 400 in India. Let me tell you—this isn’t just about “which bike is faster.” It’s about what empties your pocket slower. From pothole repairs to surprise service bills, here’s the actual cost of loving these two machines.
Upfront Costs
Let’s start with the obvious: your initial investment.
- KTM Duke 390: ₹3.13 lakh (ex-showroom). Add ₹30k for registration, insurance, and “optional” accessories like crash guards (trust me, you’ll need them).
- Triumph Speed 400: ₹2.40 lakh (ex-showroom). Triumph’s introductory pricing feels like a steal, but factor in ₹25k for paperwork and a ₹15k “classic bike tax” for accessories like chrome mirrors or a flyscreen.
Bottom line: The Triumph saves you ₹43k upfront. But wait—there’s more.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel costs in India? As predictable as monsoon rains.
| Bike | City (kmpl) | Highway (kmpl) | Monthly Fuel Cost (1,000 km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM Duke 390 | 25-28 | 30-32 | ₹5,200 |
| Triumph Speed 400 | 30-33 | 35-38 | ₹4,200 |
The Speed 400 sips petrol like chai, while the Duke chugs it like tharra. Over a year, the Triumph saves you ₹12,000—enough for a weekend ride to Goa.
Maintenance – Where Brands Show Their True Colors
KTM Duke 390
- Service Interval: Every 7,500 km.
- Average Service Cost: ₹4,500 (oil change, chain lube, basic checks). But if your radiator fan dies (common in traffic), add ₹8k.
- Parts Pricing: A clutch plate costs ₹3,200. The infamous Duke “orange” paint? ₹2,500 per panel.
Triumph Speed 400
- Service Interval: Every 10,000 km.
- Average Service Cost: ₹5,000. Triumph’s labour charges are steep, but parts like air filters (₹1,800) are surprisingly affordable.
- Gotcha Moment: The retro-style exhaust shield? Scratched it on a speed breaker. Replacement: ₹6,500.
Verdict: KTM’s network is wider, but Triumph’s longer intervals balance the costs.
Read: Triumph Speed 400 Six Months Ownership Review
Hidden Costs
Tires:
- KTM: Metzeler Sportec M5 (₹18,000/set). Lasts 15,000 km if you avoid drifting.
- Triumph: MRF Zappers (₹12,000/set). Softer compound but cheaper to replace.
Insurance:
- KTM: ₹12,000/year (third-party + own damage).
- Triumph: ₹10,000/year (lower IDV due to cheaper ex-showroom price).
“Oops” Fund:
- Duke 390: Budget ₹10k/year for snapped footpegs or bent handlebars (ask me how I know).
- Speed 400: ₹7k/year for cosmetic fixes (that chrome scratches if you stare too hard).
Everyday Practicality – Where They Shine (Or Fail)
For Indian Roads:
- Triumph Speed 400:
- Ground Clearance: 159mm vs KTM’s 155mm. Handles speed breakers like a boss.
- Heat Management: Duke’s engine stays cooler, but Triumph’s ergonomics save your back in traffic.
- KTM Duke 390:
- Weight: 149kg vs Triumph’s 170kg. Easier to U-turn in gullies.
- Tech: Riding modes and TFT display justify its price for gadget lovers.
Resale Value
After 3 years and 30,000 km:
- KTM Duke 390: Retains ~60% value. Sell it for ₹1.8 lakh, but only if you’ve avoided turning it into a track monster.
- Triumph Speed 400: Retains ~65% value. Classic styling helps here—expect ₹1.5 lakh.
Pro Tip: Keep service records. Buyers will haggle less.
Which Bike Is Cheaper?
| Cost Factor | KTM Duke 390 (3 Years) | Triumph Speed 400 (3 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | ₹3.65 lakh | ₹2.82 lakh |
| Fuel | ₹1.87 lakh | ₹1.51 lakh |
| Maintenance | ₹54,000 | ₹45,000 |
| Hidden Costs | ₹1.1 lakh | ₹85,000 |
| Total | ₹7.16 lakh | ₹5.63 lakh |
Is the Triumph Speed 400 a Bargain?
If you want style + savings, yes. The Speed 400 costs ₹1.4 lakh less over three years. But if you’re a thrill addict who laughs at potholes, the Duke’s raw energy might justify the extra cash.
Remember: Bikes are like relationships—cheaper isn’t always better, but neither is high maintenance.
Check Out Why I Switched from Duke 390 to Speed 400.
