Duke 390 vs upcoming Yamaha R2 — what makes more sense for my use case?

Duke 390 vs upcoming Yamaha R2 — what makes more sense for my use case?

Hey everyone,
I’m planning to get a new bike and was pretty much set on the KTM Duke 390.

However, with the upcoming Yamaha R2 potentially being released, I’m seriously reconsidering the decision.

I’m a huge Yamaha fanboy, so naturally the R2 is tempting 😅, but I’m willing to put brand loyalty aside if the Duke makes more sense for my actual usage.

My situation:

Primary use: College commuting

Daily distance: ~40 km round trip

Route: Mekri Circle → Bagalur, Bengaluru

A significant portion of the route is highway/open-road riding

I already have an Activa 6G, so I don't necessarily need the new bike for every single daily commute

Occasionally planning longer rides/touring outside Bengaluru

Main priority is power/performance
Looking at the regular Duke 390, not the 390 R
I’m already used to a sporty riding position — I’ve ridden my cousin’s R15 and have had no issues with back pain or discomfort, so riding posture/ergonomics aren't really a concern for me.

Since I already have the Activa, I’m wondering whether it makes more sense to get the more performance-oriented bike and use it mainly for highway rides/fun + occasional college commuting.

The Duke 390 obviously has a big advantage in terms of outright performance and power, while the R2 has the Yamaha factor and potentially a different kind of riding experience.

What would you guys choose in my situation — Duke 390 or R2?
I’d especially like opinions on:
Real-world highway performance
City riding and heat
Comfort for ~40 km daily use
Touring
Reliability/maintenance
Fuel economy
Overall fun factor
Which bike makes more sense when you already have a scooter for practical commuting

I’m not necessarily looking for the cheapest or most practical option.

Performance and overall riding experience are my priorities.

Would love to hear from people who have actually ridden/owned the Duke 390 or Yamaha sport bikes, especially if you've ridden both KTM and Yamaha.