Announcement

**Doga** · 05-29-2012, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by burninrubbr View Post

Getting my ride today, finally !
A lil help needed, what should I check other than the usual electrical and scratches thingy ? I've asked the PBK guys to let me choose the bike from the lot before taking the delivery
Thanks

This is from the CBR 250R thread and is a copy of the link originally posted by aargee.
Covers most of the things. Ignore what is irrelevant for the duke.

Sr No Action
1 Ensure the chain is lubed well
2 "No visible scratches on the fairings, esp when it comes to the bottom part of the fairings"
3 Mirrors aren't very tight but bolted tight
4 Check for instrumentation panel & surrounding for scratches
5 Check if the instrumentation is working as per the buttons & Ensure the proper working of all the electronics
6 Make sure you have more than 4 liters of fuel
7 Do look for abnormal gaps in the fairings
8 Check the engine undercowl's front beak; some display/test bikes have had it split open
9 Ask for topped up coolant
10 Ensure vehicle can be locked properly ((LEFT side))
11 Ensure all the engine kill, light switches & brake lights are working. Check atleast 2-3 times
12 Check for rusts anywhere on the metal parts (Frame, forks, brake pedal)
13 Check for first aid kit
14 Check for tool kit & number of pieces 9 pieces
15 Ensure that the alloy wheels are balanced (there should be weights on the alloy wheels) or ask those guys
16 Saree guard is available as standard with the bike while the number plates are not. But the plate holders are available with the bike
17 Invoice copy
18 Insurance copy
19 Pollution under control sticker
20 Ensure that RC book & tax token will be delivered in specific number of days
21 Pls ensure the paint quality by touching whole of the bike with your fingers..
22 The gap between fairing and tank is to be checked on both sides.
23 Also check if your stickers do not have a bubble.
24 Extended warranty (costs 1200/- INR) and can be done any day within 90 days of purchase
25 Last but not the least..Ask for free Goodies
CHECK in detail -
- Stiff accelerator - loose panels above the tail light
- loosely fitted screws - clip ons are properly aligned
- rear grabrails are properly fitted - the gear lever is properly aligned (should not be too high)

**Nithesh** · 05-29-2012, 03:06 PM

Originally posted by Doga View Post

The CBR 250R was panned across this forum for having 'less 'premium' plastics, rust accumulating bolts, paint chipping off from the engine and a few engine niggles. The duke when launched was lauded by almost everyone for the quality that was being offered for the price and relative to it's rivals(read CBR).
Atleast somebody here noticed

I have not come across a single member here taking an 'anti-duke' stance. The duke enjoys a shroud of defence here in this forum
True and the ones that were'nt fond of the Duke prior to its launch must have been really patient to keep their mouths shut and foresee the future of what was once termed as "the bike that set the quality standards in India"

I hope Bajaj takes care of all these niggles. I really don't get why Bajaj could not get the Duke right the way it did for the Ninja.
Ok. May be because they did not only assemble the duke.
Bad quality checks Bajaj. Get your act right if you want to shrug off the perception that you use the customer base to test your bikes

Replace "Bajaj" with "Honda" in the above statements and you will find atleast 15 posts with the same quote in the CBR thread. And those were the same members who swore by the Duke just on the basis of first impressions or online reviews which emphasized the "quality" of the bike.

replies in bold

**NiXTriX** · 05-29-2012, 04:24 PM

Originally posted by Doga View Post

Coolant leakage(not overspill), faulty fork seal leading to fork oil leakage, bent rims when deep craters are encountered, fuel spilling from on a full tank, chipped swingarm, the occasional sound of a thud which comes when the bike meets a bump, fuel sensors gone awry in a few cases, atleast one case of engine seizure I am aware of.

This I believe have been issues with the initial lot of bikes and it does seem to dampen the vibe somewhat. However, Not many people who bought the newer lots have these complaints.

During the maintenance work I did on the bike 2-3 days back, I noticed that the plastic used in the front mud gurad is also a bit flimsy(may be to keep the weight less). The FZ mud guard standing next felt a lot sturdy.
These are all quality issues IMO and Bajaj should have done proper quality checks before releasing the bike. It does take away from the KTM reputation and Bajaj should ensure that future dukes are free from all these issues.

I too noticed the same and was not impressed. Its bends very easily. I can only hope that this is to prevent it from cracking.

My answers in bold.

**Doga** · 05-29-2012, 06:09 PM

Originally posted by Nithesh View Post

replies in bold

Nithesh, it seems you and probably other CBR wallahs were waiting for issues to crop up in the duke for quite some time. Your wish has been fulfilled.

Jokes apart, the duke does look better built and finished than the CBR, make no mistake. I have taken test ride of the CBR before visiting Pratik Honda here numerous times(Yes I have a lust for a fairing too).
What I did not like was the way the CBR was bashed by people across the forum becuase of it's quality issues. Every new bike would have some niggles and the CBR(and duke for that matter) are no different. What I noticed was that the duke is getting away unscathed in this forum whereas the CBR owners had to fend off numerous jibes from people here. This, as I speculated in my previous post, may be due to the likeability factor of the bikes. The duke scores way above the CBR there IMO and which might be proving to be it's saviour here.
But CBR should have been spared the ridicule and given its fare share for ushering in a new era in Indian bking scene, which sadly was not the case. Probably because the expectationswere sky high before its launch.
Even XBHP did not do a full blown review of the CBR and just a small comparo with the Ninja.
Now, enough of OT. Enough of CBR here. It's a duke ownership forum and I might be spewing junk here despite being an owner myself. Sorry mods

**NiXTriX** · 05-29-2012, 06:19 PM

Originally posted by Doga View Post

... What I noticed was that the duke is getting away unscathed in this forum whereas the CBR owners had to fend off numerous jibes from people here. This, as I speculated in my previous post, may be due to the likeability factor of the bikes. The duke scores way above the CBR there IMO and which might be proving to be it's saviour here.

Pro's exceed the con's hence the lack of cries of anger and hate.. The issues have not been common across all the bikes like how they were with the CBR's. All you need to do to forget your frustration is rev the engine

**LoGun** · 05-29-2012, 07:08 PM

Originally posted by Doga View Post

During the maintenance work I did on the bike 2-3 days back, I noticed that the plastic used in the front mud gurad is also a bit flimsy(may be to keep the weight less). The FZ mud guard standing next felt a lot sturdy.

A few days ago when I had only clocked 600 kms+, I was trying to overtake an auto-rick from left side due to traffic, and I unfortunately hit the cement-mixer truck which was at standstill in left side(completely not my fault

)at around 40 kmph atleast to its right wheel guard. The impact was directly on the left Crash guard, Left side of front mudguard and Left Handle including my left hand(fortunately saved because of riding gloves).
And I thought there would be atleast a broken Front mudguard after impact, but guess what .. Only thing happened to the bike was bent crash guard. And not even a scratch anywhere.
Well , my point here is not to defend, but I feel the front guard is a lot stronger than it looks for its lighter weight.
Also I really do not mean that fellow Dukers can drive a lot faster and harsher in traffic ,Please ride safe

..

**hunkofgals** · 05-29-2012, 10:00 PM

Originally posted by Doga View Post

Nithesh, it seems you and probably other CBR wallahs were waiting for issues to crop up in the duke for quite some time. Your wish has been fulfilled.

Jokes apart, the duke does look better built and finished than the CBR, make no mistake. I have taken test ride of the CBR before visiting Pratik Honda here numerous times(Yes I have a lust for a fairing too).
What I did not like was the way the CBR was bashed by people across the forum becuase of it's quality issues. Every new bike would have some niggles and the CBR(and duke for that matter) are no different. What I noticed was that the duke is getting away unscathed in this forum whereas the CBR owners had to fend off numerous jibes from people here. This, as I speculated in my previous post, may be due to the likeability factor of the bikes. The duke scores way above the CBR there IMO and which might be proving to be it's saviour here.
But CBR should have been spared the ridicule and given its fare share for ushering in a new era in Indian bking scene, which sadly was not the case. Probably because the expectationswere sky high before its launch.
Even XBHP did not do a full blown review of the CBR and just a small comparo with the Ninja.
Now, enough of OT. Enough of CBR here. It's a duke ownership forum and I might be spewing junk here despite being an owner myself. Sorry mods

Originally posted by Doga View Post

Coolant leakage(not overspill), faulty fork seal leading to fork oil leakage, bent rims when deep craters are encountered, fuel spilling from on a full tank, chipped swingarm, the occasional sound of a thud which comes when the bike meets a bump, fuel sensors gone awry in a few cases, atleast one case of engine seizure I am aware of.
During the maintenance work I did on the bike 2-3 days back, I noticed that the plastic used in the front mud gurad is also a bit flimsy(may be to keep the weight less). The FZ mud guard standing next felt a lot sturdy.
These are all quality issues IMO and Bajaj should have done proper quality checks before releasing the bike. It does take away from the KTM reputation and Bajaj should ensure that future dukes are free from all these issues.

The CBR 250R was panned across this forum for having 'less 'premium' plastics, rust accumulating bolts, paint chipping off from the engine and a few engine niggles. The duke when launched was lauded by almost everyone for the quality that was being offered for the price and relative to it's rivals(read CBR). I hope the quality is not only limited to the plastics(which indeed appear 'premium'.
The one thing going for the duke is its radical and really likeable design and character(be it the riding stance, engine note, the high and fast revving engine) which probably the ceeber was lacking. These endear the duke to all and sundry and makes them overlook some of the issues which certainly are there.May be this is the reason, I have not come across a single member here taking an 'anti-duke' stance. The duke enjoys a shroud of defence here in this forum which I like being an owner btw

.A lot like the Ninja 250 perhaps, only that bike doesn't have any issues, not any that I am aware of.
I hope Bajaj takes care of all these niggles. I really don't get why Bajaj could not get the Duke right the way it did for the Ninja.
Ok. May be because they did not only assemble the duke.
Bad quality checks Bajaj. Get your act right if you want to shrug off the perception that you use the customer base to test your bikes

As i mentioned in one of my posts few pages back

The problems are faces only by few memebers
but not by everyone
atleast for me
i have zero issues with the bike
except the heating which is common
else my bike has to complains
and i got my bike a month after the launch so may be its the 3rd or 4th lot
and i think the 1st lot duke's have got all these issues
.
the quality is top notch
except few parts
such as the front mud guard
and the rear fender and black fiber part near the headlight and windshield
they are kind of very rough when we touch it and not smooth and its difficult to clean with dry cloth
.
now coming to the comparison with CBR
i would just like to say that
every bike has got some niggles

just ride the bike eliminating all those feelings in ur mind
ull love ur ride and the bike too

**R-series** · 05-29-2012, 10:12 PM

Originally posted by Doga View Post

A lot like the Ninja 250 perhaps, only that bike doesn't have any issues, not any that I am aware of.
I hope Bajaj takes care of all these niggles. I really don't get why Bajaj could not get the Duke right the way it did for the Ninja. s

Just for the part about the Ninja, Bajaj never had to get it right for the N250R
as it was never manufactured here, it's just being assembled, all parts manufactured by Kawi.
Bajaj just sells and services the Ninja's, they having nothing to do with their manufacturing.

**VindyTheRider** · 05-29-2012, 11:09 PM

Originally posted by hunkofgals View Post

As i mentioned in one of my posts few pages back

The problems are faces only by few memebers
but not by everyone
atleast for me
i have zero issues with the bike
except the heating which is common
else my bike has to complains
and i got my bike a month after the launch so may be its the 3rd or 4th lot
and i think the 1st lot duke's have got all these issues
.
the quality is top notch
except few parts
such as the front mud guard
and the rear fender and black fiber part near the headlight and windshield
they are kind of very rough when we touch it and not smooth and its difficult to clean with dry cloth
.
now coming to the comparison with CBR
i would just like to say that
every bike has got some niggles

just ride the bike eliminating all those feelings in ur mind
ull love ur ride and the bike too

Yes i would agree with you i have absolutely no major issues with the bike so far.. even the heating issue is seen only in heavy traffic, otherwise its not that big an issue..

Only issue that has been irritating is the squeaky noise from the front disc brake assembly.. I was given the card of the service manager Bangalore - Praveen, just gave him a call and he told me that its just a lubrication issue and will be solved in my next visit to the service center..

My friend just bought a ZMA and the tank creates a vacuum in the flow of the fuel to the carb and the bike just doesn't start no matter what until you open up the tank and try starting.. Its a brand new bike and the engine shows signs of misfiring.. I have seen these issues in another bike bought 3 years ago and Hero motors don't seem to have solved the problem even now..

What i am trying to say is that yes bajaj should have had better quality checks before releasing the first lot itself but as any other manufacturer they have short comings as well..

So lets forget all that just get DUKE'D

**hunkofgals** · 05-29-2012, 11:52 PM

Originally posted by VindyTheRider View Post

Yes i would agree with you i have absolutely no major issues with the bike so far.. even the heating issue is seen only in heavy traffic, otherwise its not that big an issue..

Only issue that has been irritating is the squeaky noise from the front disc brake assembly.. I was given the card of the service manager Bangalore - Praveen, just gave him a call and he told me that its just a lubrication issue and will be solved in my next visit to the service center..

My friend just bought a ZMA and the tank creates a vacuum in the flow of the fuel to the carb and the bike just doesn't start no matter what until you open up the tank and try starting.. Its a brand new bike and the engine shows signs of misfiring.. I have seen these issues in another bike bought 3 years ago and Hero motors don't seem to have solved the problem even now..

What i am trying to say is that yes bajaj should have had better quality checks before releasing the first lot itself but as any other manufacturer they have short comings as well..

So lets forget all that just get DUKE'D

ya the noise from the front brake is very annoying
but now i got used to it
so i wont complain about it because the grunt of the engine and downshifting and pressing the front bike makes me to forget the front noise from disc

.
exactly few bikes have some manufacturing defects , but not ALL bikes that are manufactured
.
so bajaj must have been a little more attentive while releasing the bike regarding the quality check up

**Doga** · 05-30-2012, 12:56 PM

Originally posted by hunkofgals View Post

As i mentioned in one of my posts few pages back

The problems are faces only by few memebers
but not by everyone
atleast for me
i have zero issues with the bike
except the heating which is common
else my bike has to complains
and i got my bike a month after the launch so may be its the 3rd or 4th lot
and i think the 1st lot duke's have got all these issues

Originally posted by VindyTheRider View Post

Yes i would agree with you i have absolutely no major issues with the bike so far.. even the heating issue is seen only in heavy traffic, otherwise its not that big an issue..

Only issue that has been irritating is the squeaky noise from the front disc brake assembly.. I was given the card of the service manager Bangalore - Praveen, just gave him a call and he told me that its just a lubrication issue and will be solved in my next visit to the service center..

So lets forget all that just get DUKE'D

Originally posted by hunkofgals View Post

ya the noise from the front brake is very annoying
but now i got used to it
so i wont complain about it because the grunt of the engine and downshifting and pressing the front bike makes me to forget the front noise from disc

.
exactly few bikes have some manufacturing defects , but not ALL bikes that are manufactured

I personally haven't faced any of these issues(touchwood), so it's probably possible that only the 1st lot had those issues and were rectified in the later lots.
All I wanted to say is that in case of the CBR too, the 1st lot had issues majorly, the later lots were relatively free of them. But that didn't stop the negative publicity for it here in this forum. The duke has been lucky in that it did not have to fend off the brickbats and enjoys a hallowed status here in this forum atleast

. And I like that.
And that Bajaj shouldn't have let these niggles pass their checks.Poor quality checks and completely avoidable problems, these.
Just that I feel for the CBR. Had a crush on it for quite some time, you see.

This may be due to the

Originally posted by R-series View Post

Just for the part about the Ninja, Bajaj never had to get it right for the N250R
as it was never manufactured here, it's just being assembled, all parts manufactured by Kawi.
Bajaj just sells and services the Ninja's, they having nothing to do with their manufacturing.

I know that buddy. You probably did not read the entire post.
On a second thought, I am wondering if the Duke had come through the CKD route how much it'd have cost? Keep in mind the fact that almost all european bikes are priced at a premium compared to the Japs in all the markets.
After the rant on poor quality checks, let me thank Bajaj for bringing the duke here and letting us own this fantastic machine at such 'bargain' prices.

**Janesh.J** · 05-30-2012, 01:54 PM

Originally posted by Doga View Post

Just that I feel for the CBR. Had a crush on it for quite some time, you see.

This may be due to the

+100 for the crush.. I had the same feeling too bro

Coming to my coolant leak issue, called the ASC to ask them if i should get the bike for service as they had told me to get it in early so they can fix the coolant leak.
They ask me "Is it still leaking", I said no, i applied some sealant to stop it leaking. To that they say

why did u do that - you should not have done that. To that i felt, in the first place you are not able to solve my problem as u dont have spares, and when in find a solution and stop it leaking you react as if i have committed a crime.
I would not let the bike coolant leak and keep it at home. Had to fix it till they rectify the issue. Thats what we bikers are born to do.. Keep your ride happy

**NiXTriX** · 05-30-2012, 02:46 PM

Originally posted by Janesh.J View Post

+100 for the crush.. I had the same feeling too bro

Coming to my coolant leak issue, called the ASC to ask them if i should get the bike for service as they had told me to get it in early so they can fix the coolant leak.
They ask me "Is it still leaking", I said no, i applied some sealant to stop it leaking. To that they say

why did u do that - you should not have done that. To that i felt, in the first place you are not able to solve my problem as u dont have spares, and when in find a solution and stop it leaking you react as if i have committed a crime.
I would not let the bike coolant leak and keep it at home. Had to fix it till they rectify the issue. Thats what we bikers are born to do.. Keep your ride happy

Any response from the official KTM email id?

**devil_rider** · 05-30-2012, 03:30 PM

Originally posted by Janesh.J View Post

+100 for the crush.. I had the same feeling too bro

Coming to my coolant leak issue, called the ASC to ask them if i should get the bike for service as they had told me to get it in early so they can fix the coolant leak.
They ask me "Is it still leaking", I said no, i applied some sealant to stop it leaking. To that they say

why did u do that - you should not have done that. To that i felt, in the first place you are not able to solve my problem as u dont have spares, and when in find a solution and stop it leaking you react as if i have committed a crime.
I would not let the bike coolant leak and keep it at home. Had to fix it till they rectify the issue. Thats what we bikers are born to do.. Keep your ride happy

Dude. Don't take any of their crap.

Tell them to replace it. And do write your response (To that i felt, in the first place you are not able to solve my problem as u dont have spares, and when in find a solution and stop it leaking you react as if i have committed a crime.) to Bajaj customer care in the e-mail. Let Bajaj top authorities also know what services are we getting..

**hunkofgals** · 05-30-2012, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by Janesh.J View Post

+100 for the crush.. I had the same feeling too bro

Coming to my coolant leak issue, called the ASC to ask them if i should get the bike for service as they had told me to get it in early so they can fix the coolant leak.
They ask me "Is it still leaking", I said no, i applied some sealant to stop it leaking. To that they say

why did u do that - you should not have done that. To that i felt, in the first place you are not able to solve my problem as u dont have spares, and when in find a solution and stop it leaking you react as if i have committed a crime.
I would not let the bike coolant leak and keep it at home. Had to fix it till they rectify the issue. Thats what we bikers are born to do.. Keep your ride happy

just give them left and right
1st of all they are not able to solve the issues
nor having any spares at the moment
and they are expecting u to sit at home
looking at ur bike's leaking coolant !
.
if at all when u go to fix the issue and they say u did this and that for the coolant , just blast them , dont spare those guys ! its because of such people the brand reputation is going down .

.

and any one here using
MOTUL coolant ?
any review on it?
im thinking to change to motul coolant or engine ice coolant
any body can help me out please because here my outside temperature is 42'C and is rising day by day and engine is getting heated up !
so want to change the coolant !
and how about M7 coolant
which was suggested by harish K which he used in his R15 ?

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