Re: KTM 200 Duke

Well this is a 'Well' we certainly should not peep into, reason being this conundrum has been going on ever since the second motorcycle came into production.

At the end of the day a seal is seal and most probably manufactured by the same supplier and if it lasts more on one motorcycle compared to another then I doubt we should bluntly blame QC, as the same goes for tires, them being consumables as well, a pair of tires may last 10k on the KTM's where as the same would last twice as much on the Honda's, doesn't mean that the KTM's follow inferior QC norms, it's just a result of the state of tune which again as you've mentioned is Engineering, a look at the CR is the best indicator of state of tune.

Hence why a KTM 250 with a CR of 12.5:1 would have components wear down considerably sooner than a Honda 250 with a CR of 10.7:1, now a Kawasaki 250 with a CR of 11.6:1 would have better component life than both the aforementioned motorcycles but when you look close its because of the twin cylinder configuration putting two 125cc cylinders at 11.6:1 configuration translating to even distribution of load on internals plus considerably lesser blow translating to lesser internal crankcase pressure resulting to considerably longer seal life.

Now the less informed would say that the KTM is the least reliable option but knowing the facts like any economical question the answer would be, "It Depends!"

And what it depends upon is the owners priority.

Just saying, cause even the alloys cracking/bending is in fact attributed to improper use rather than component quality.

Re: KTM 200 Duke

[MENTION=37035]ashwinprakas[/MENTION] You're right on some aspect of it, it's not always the case. It's not the state of the tune of the motorcycle that causes premature wear, it's QC that does come into play, sometimes it's the QC of the parts themselves that are in for a toss as opposed to the state or tune of the motorcycle. People lament, crib not because it's a desi part, they'd lament even more if it's an imported part for that matter. Being an owner of the KTM I personally can vouch parts that can be improved and parts that are a frequent pain point for the KTM gamut as a whole. Some aspects of the motorcycle's build is equivalent or even better than any imported motorcycle. Failure that occurs with respect to the tune of the motorcycle automatically would parse it under poorly engineered, as opposed to poor QC.
[MENTION=95554]Ajay Krishna[/MENTION] Not to beat a dead horse here, there is lots that meets the eye when it comes to motorcycle upkeep. I'd strongly recommend you to take it a motorcycle detailer so that they can guide you with respect to motorcycle upkeep. There are umpteen polishes each with its own usage characteristics. Not all plastic shine, which is another aspect of in and of itself. Nonetheless, what I'd like to re-iterate is this, the bike is built to a budget, right from its inception. KTM has constantly worked upon revisions with feedback from customers on the entire KTM range, a commendable job in fact. The bike is, was and still is manufactured in India with NO MAJOR imported components whatsoever, with respect to the chassis, engine, console, radiator, tires, everything is manufactured here in India. The rims, they're too manufactured in India. All parts fail, some extremely early, some last the owner and the vehicle itself. Take it easy, give your bike some TLC and you should be all right, hopefully.

Ride safe!

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 200 Ownership Experience

Where do you get all this info man ?
The spares are in fact manufactured in India and exported abroad. Only if you have looked at the parts/packaging would you know, don't blindly believe some half knowledge chum.
And I wonder why people automatically assume "imported = better" .. very difficult to change the typical desi mindset i guess

Re: KTM 200 Duke

Rightly said.

Re: KTM 200 Duke

I see a wanton distaste for Indian manufactured components, and then I see people lamenting why the country fails to see greatness.

Anyhow sticking to motorcycles, the KTM's do not face any QC concerns as such, the reason the consumables give away frequently is due to the state of tune of the motor and nothing else.

As for aesthetics they tend to wear down in accordance to the KM's you wrack up, very less can be done about it within reason, unless investing in preventive cosmetic protection which to be honest is pointless as far as the functional aspect of any motorcycle goes, but if that is what sets the owner at ease then better not point the obvious.

Re: KTM Duke 200 Ownership Experience

It's Manufactured In India But The Spares Are Imported.And It's Of Good Quality

Re: KTM Duke 200 Ownership Experience

Totally agree man.

Re: KTM Duke 200 Ownership Experience

I Don't Say That Don't Buy KTM.I Just Told What's Was My Experience Of Owning A Motorcycle.It Might Be Different To Others.Owning A Motorcycle Is Their Own Personal Choice.Even There Is 2014-2018 Model Dukes Are There With My Friends And This Is What I Felt When I Compared My Bike With Them.I Just Told What Happened With My Motorcycle So That People Will Aware Off When They Owning It.

Re: KTM Duke 200 Ownership Experience

Can't really help you further without knowing how/what polish you use.
Maybe its just poor quality and maybe folks should stop buying the ktms.

Re: KTM Duke 200 Ownership Experience

I Am Parking In A Covered Area At My College And At Home.And Also I Have Already Tried And Polished My Motorcycle But.After A Wash It Becomes As Before.

Re: KTM Duke 200 Ownership Experience

I really can't make out whats wrong.
Do you park your bike in an uncovered location during the day? That might cause the mudguard plastics to fade quicker, get a bottle dashboard polish and apply a thin coat over it.

Re: KTM Duke 200 Ownership Experience

As You Can See The Images Below These Are Some Of The Parts Where The Paints Are Faded In 7months of Owning And 12000kms Of Run.And Also There Is Some Defect On The Tank Wich Cannot Be Observed On The Picture.This Is My Experience Of Owning The 2018 Duke200.

Re: KTM Duke 200 Ownership Experience

Where is the paint fading from ?

On the contrary, I own a 2014 D200, and I find the newer ones better especially the 200's.

Re: KTM Duke 200 Ownership Experience

[QUOTE=B7ACKTHORN;1358160]A teeny weeny update Ajay. You've laid out the pros and cons almost spot on, right on the head. Though quality is improved on the current lot, KTM bikes as a whole especially when compared to apples-to-apples basis have a lot of room to improve when it comes to smoothening out QC niggles. The engines right from their available for sale have been manufactured in India. None of the KTM engines have been imported from Austria or Made in Austria for that matter. Though a few components of the 390 are imported. The 200's engine whatsoever is completely manufactured in house.

Cheers!

Re: KTM Duke 200 Ownership Experience

A teeny weeny update Ajay. You've laid out the pros and cons almost spot on, right on the head. Though quality is improved on the current lot, KTM bikes as a whole especially when compared to apples-to-apples basis have a lot of room to improve when it comes to smoothening out QC niggles. The engines right from their available for sale have been manufactured in India. None of the KTM engines have been imported from Austria or Made in Austria for that matter. Though a few components of the 390 are imported. The 200's engine whatsoever is completely manufactured in house.

Cheers!
VJ