Announcement

**Rohan200ns** · 07-01-2012, 08:58 PM

buying duke

today finally my dad agreed to get me duke .. i showed him this thread and he has agreed after seeing people posting mileage figures of 35+kmpl .. thank u guys .. i am allowed to buy it on july 21 .. i will make full payment that day and i will get the bike in 5 days after payment ..
i have currently booked 200ns at popular bajaj . i had paid just 1k for booking .. will i get back that amount ?

**Bplus** · 07-01-2012, 10:42 PM

1. What should I keep in mind during the initial 1000 KM (run-in period) ?

There are generally three different methods of breaking in a new bike:
1. Breaking it in gently, babying it. Easy does it.
2. Breaking it in Roughly, revving the heck out of it - ride it like you stole it philosophy.Duke is a real hooligan, Slam, bam, thank you ma'am.
3. Break-in as per the Manufacturers Manual recommendations.

I will go with the third method anyday.This is going to seem long and would require a lot of self control but I promise it will be worth it !

A. Allow the engine to idle for 3 minuets before starting to ride and after getting off the bike.
B. Strictly do not exceed 7500 RPM and do not run constantly at too low RPM either.
C. Ride with a varying RPM all the time while shifting the gears as and when required to allow the gear box to break-in.
D. Do not open full throttle.Accelerate and decelerate the speed gradually and in a uniform manner.
E. Do not take it for a long distance highway rides,at constant speed and attempt to clock the initial 1000Km over a weekend.A short 30 minuets ride and then allowing the bike to cool down would be great.
F. Use both the brakes and use them gently.Do not apply the brakes hard.
G. It will take 200 Km for the tires to break-in to provide optimum road grip.Drive with caution during those initial 200 KM as the tires will tend to be slippery and is perfectly normal with any new tire.
H. Fools might invite you for a race, dont fall for it.
I. Read carefully through the rest of this document.

Other reference:

New Engine Break-in Procedure

http://www.ntnoa.org/enginebreakin.htm

How to break in a new engine

http://www.lazymotorbike.eu/motorcycles/breakin/

Is it still necessary to break in a new engine, or is there no need? If it is a good idea to break an engine in, why? And if you would like to break in your n

Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

http://mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

New Engine Break In Procedure For Cars, Motorcycles, Motocross, Snowmobiles and Boats

2. What petrol can be used ?

The owners manual says to use Super unleaded RON 91 petrol.All fuel available in India have a RON 91 rating except for Bharath Petroleum Speed 93 and Speed 97 which have a RON rating of 93 and 97 respectively.The difference is in the type additives added.Premium petrol is not mandatory for the Duke but advisable.I prefer to use Shell Super Unleaded or fill at the same busy COCO (Company Owned Company Operated) petrol station.

Some other facts:

RON – Research Octane Number; is a measure of the resistance of gasoline and other fuels to detonation (engine knocking) in spark-ignition internal combustion engines. High-performance
engines typically have higher compression ratios and are therefore more prone to detonation, so they require higher octane fuel.

A. A lower-performance engine will not generally perform better with high-octane fuel, since the compression ratio is fixed by the engine design.
B. Higher RON levels does not produce more power – it’s only safer.
C. RON ratings are not quality ratings.
D. If your bike only requires RON 91, higher RON petrol rating is only a waste of your money!

3. What you should know before heading towards a petrol station for re-fueling.
(or)
The petrol overflows after doing a full tank topup and leaves behind a strong petrol smell - Refer point 3 D.

A. The total fuel tank capacity is 10.5 liters out of which 1.5 liter is the fuel reserve capacity.
B .Each bar on the fuel indicator, approximately equals to one liter.
C. A 'Low fuel level' warning would appear on the info display if the fuel level reaches the reserve mark.You need to be heading straight to the nearest petrol station when you see this warning.
D. Do not fill petrol up to the brim (full tank) as this would cause the fuel to overflow usually when tilted towards the side or when running over a pothole/speed breaker,leaving behind a strong petrol smell.
E. To ensure that the fuel indication on the display by the fuel sensor is accurate follow the steps below
- Turn off the bike.
- Shake the bike towards either side.You might be able to hear the fuel splashing inside the tank.
- Hold the bike upright.
- Turn on the key and wait for a few seconds.

4. What you should know about the engine coolant (also known as anti-freeze).
(or)
Floresent green colour coolant is leaking - Refer point 4 E,4 H,4 I

A. The owners manual recommends Castrol RadiCool Heavyduty coolant (premixed).
B. Castrol RadiCool is a glycol based premixed coolant which can be directly pored into the coolant reservoir unlike other concentrated coolants.When your coolant level is low, DO NOT ADD WATER into the coolant reservoir or dilute the Castrol RadiCool as it will reduce the glycol and corrosion inhibitor concentration and accordingly reduce the protection provided,increasing the risk of damage to your cooling system and engine.
C. Motul Motocool Expert Coolant (premixed) can also be used.
D. Never mix two different coolants because of the possible incompatibility.
E. In case the coolant is dripping/leaking or spills, wash off with water immediately, do not simply wipe off with a cloth.
F. For maximum system protection, replace (complete drain out and refill) Castrol RadiCool at least every three years or 60,000 km.
G. Never remove the radiator cap,radiator hoses or other cooling system components when the engine is hot.
H. Check the coolant level when the bike is upright and not when it is resting on its side stand.
I. The coolant level must be between MIN and MAX mark.If the coolant level is at or above the MAX level,the coolant will overflow from the radiator house usually after the engine becomes warm.
J. How to flush your Coolant

Castrol | Error Page

http://www.castrol.com/castrol/genericarticle.do?categoryId=9013136&contentId=7011123

5. What you should know about the engine oil.
(or)
Can I switch over to a fully Synthetic oil during the first service ? - Refer point 5 A,5 B,5 C

A. The recommended engine oil is Bajaj DTS-i 10,000 or Motul 7100 20W50.
B. Motul 300v Factory line double ester 15W50, though not recommended my the manufacturer would be more suitable if you live in a place which has a generally cool climate throughout the year.
C. The stock engine oil,Bajaj DTS-i 10,000 is a semi synthetic oil.It is usually recommended to change to fully synthetic oil (like the Motul 7100/Motul 300V) at 5000KM.However,people who
had changed to fully synthetic oil during their first service (1000 Km) had only good things to say.
D. The specification of the engine oil to be used is SAE 20W50 API SG/SL JASO MA,MA1.
E. The engine oil capacity is 1.4 liters.
F. The engine oil level must be between the lower and upper edge of the oil level viewer window when the motorcycle is held upright on a horizontal surface.
G. Replacing the oil filter every time the oil is changed is highly recommended.
H. Like the engine coolant,never mix two different engine oil.
I. Cold engine oil will not drain properly, so before you start changing the engine oil, drive your bike around to raise the oil temperature to bring it to normal operating temperature.Then switch off the engine and remove the oil drain plug.Be prepared for the potentially hot flow of oil as you unscrew the drain plug.
J. Never use a engine oil meant for a car on a motorcycle.

Some other facts:

Below is the break down of the engine oil specifications as recommended by KTM
SAE 20W50 API SG/SL JASO MA,MA1

SAE - It stands for Society of Automotive Engineers.They have created a standard for identifying the viscosity characteristics of engine oil and have a reading such as 2oW-50,15W-50 ..etc

20W-50 - The number 20 before the 'W'(W = Winter) indicates the low temperature viscosity properties while the 50 indicator of the high temperature or operating viscosity properties.Lesser the value of the number before the W would mean thinner or less viscous the oil would be and is recommended for places that have cold climate almost throughout the year.

API – American Petroleum Institute

SG/SL - The 'S' as in SG/SL is meant is a motorcycle with petrol engine.SG and SL are standards as per API.

JASO – The Japanese Automotive Standards Organization.

MA,MA1 – Grade for Wet Clutch type vehicles.MA,MA1 or MA2 means you are guaranteed that the clutch won't slip.JASO split their JASO-MA standard into JASO-MA1 and JASO-MA2. MA1 is the follow on for bikes that call for JASO-MA oils.The 'M' and 'A' as in MA stand for -
M - Motorcycle Application,A - For engines which share their oils with clutch.

As KTM has specified a API rating of SG/SL and a JASO rating of MA,MA1 ,use only motor oils that satisfy both of the standards listed (the packaging for the oil will carry symbols for both if it meets both standards). Do not use an oil that only meets one standard but not the other.

6. What you should know about the brake fluid.
(or)
I hear a squealing noise from the brake. - Refer point 6 H

A. The recommended brake fluid specification on the owners manual is DOT4 or DOT 5.1
B. The brake fluid can be topped up just like the engine coolant.
C. Never mix two different grades of brake fluid or different brands of brake fluids.
D. DOT 5 brake fluid should strictly not be used on the Duke.
E. The brake fluid level should always be above the MIN mark for front and rear brake.The brakes may not function if it goes below the MIN mark.
F. The front and rear brake fluid needs to be changed during the third service.
G. Clean up overflowed or spilt brake fluid immediately with water.They will cause damage to the paint job.
H. Use the brakes gently until 1000 Km to let the brake pads to bedin properly.You may notice a squealing noise caused due to this is and is perfectly normal.

Some other facts::

- DOT - Department of Transportation..
- DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 are glycol-based brake fluids, DOT 5 is a silicone-based brake fluid.The different DOT categories refer to the different boiling points of the fluids.Higher the number,higher would be the boiling point.

7. What should be the tire and the tire pressure ?
(or)
My new tire feels slippery around the corners - Refer point 7 A

A.It will take 200 Km for the tires to break-in to provide optimum road grip.Drive with caution during those initial 200 KM as the tires will tend to be slippery and is perfectly normal with any new tire.
B.Poorly inflated tires can be a safety threat and degrade the handling of the bike.This would also cause low mileage,abnormal wear and overheating of the tire eventually reducing the service life of the tire.
C.Some owner manuals may indicate the wrong tire pressure.The correct tire pressure is printed on the swingarm

Only rider -
Front: 25 Psi
Rear : 28.5 Psi

Rider + Pillion-
Front: 25 Psi
Rear : 32 Pst

8.What is the tire size specification?

The stock tires MRF revz FC for the front and MRF revz C for the rear.
Front tire size : 110/70 R17 54S
Rear tire size : 150/60 R17 66S

Some other facts::

Below is the breakdown of the tyre size specifications

Rear :150/60 R17 66S

150 -is the width of the tyre in millimeters.
60 -is the aspect ratio or tyre profile.In other words it means,height of the tire is 60 percent of the width of the tire
R -means it is radial construction.
17 -is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
66 -is the load index.It is the amount of weight the tire can support when properly inflated.
S -Speed rating of S would mean it can withstand a maximum speed of 180 KM/h.

Front:110/70 R17 54S

110 -is the width of the tyre in millimeters.
70 -is the aspect ratio or tyre profile.In other words it means,height of the tire is 70 percent of the width of the tire
R -means it is radial construction.
17 -is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
54 -is the load index.It is the amount of weight the tire can support when properly inflated.
S -Speed rating of S would mean it can withstand a maximum speed of 180 KM/h.

9. How to wash the Duke and keep it shinning ?
(or)
The digital console shows warning light just after a water wash - Refer 9 A, 9 D.

A. As mentioned in the owners manual ''Never clean the vehicle with high pressure cleaning equipment or a strong water-jet.The excessive pressure can penetrate electrical components,socket connects,throttle cable and bearings, etc., and can damage or destroy these parts.''
B. Never wash a motorcycle when it is hot.
C. Use a sponge and a regular garden hose with a regular stream of gentle water cascading out works just fine.You don't use a high pressure jet to water your roses, do you ?
D. It would be ideal to cover the entire seat with a plastic cover before starting to wash with water as most of the electricals are right under the seat.You probably have your bike papers under the seat as well.
E. Use a mild car wash shampoo to clean the bike and not detergent powder.Detergent or dish soap can cause permanent damage to the paint job.Read the instructions on how to use the wash shampoo carefully before using it.
F. Never direct a flow of water directly on to the radiator,use a soft brush instead to remove those dead bugs and clean the radiator fins gently.
G. Clean and lubricate the chain.
H. After you have cleaned you bike allow it to dry for 15 minutes and then take it out for a ride,this will ensure the bike is dry and shining.
I.Washing a motorcycle is a skill,you will get better at it with every wash.Dont be disappointed if you dint get it right the first time.

Note:Many Dukers have reported electrical issues immediately after a high pressure water wash.Don't do it on any motorcycle.

**premsaharan** · 07-02-2012, 12:11 AM

are latestes dukes improved

guys i visited gurgaon MG road KTM, they have almost 20 bikes instant delivery. i talked to manager abt issues dukers are facing. he said latest lots are imroved all issues are resolved, front USD has got extra seal to stop leakag and improve cleaning of inner pipe, the chain set has got rubber round the swingarm to sort chain khat khat sound and other chain issues. he claimed the latest dukes have no issues at all. i m not sure if the parts which he claimed as addition were already present in earlier lots. has any early birds checked the claimed improvements.

forgot to add few more things, manager said all older dukes will be updated with new item and new dukes are coming with motul as standard engine oil

**Bplus** · 07-02-2012, 12:16 AM

Originally posted by premsaharan View Post

guys i visited gurgaon MG road KTM, they have almost 20 bikes instant delivery. i talked to manager abt issues dukers are facing. he said latest lots are imroved all issues are resolved, front USD has got extra seal to stop leakag and improve cleaning of inner pipe, the chain set has got rubber round the swingarm to sort chain khat khat sound and other chain issues. he claimed the latest dukes have no issues at all. i m not sure if the parts which he claimed as addition were already present in earlier lots. has any early birds checked the claimed improvements.

Wow, thats good news man.

**Berlin** · 07-02-2012, 12:45 AM

Dont know whether its posted already or not...
found on fb
job done by:GRz Customs.Inc

**Bplus** · 07-02-2012, 01:45 AM

Page 134 of the owners manual says ''If the vehicle was operated in road salt,clean it with cold water. WORM water would enhance the corrosive effects of salt''

What is WORM water ? lol

**manas1ayan** · 07-02-2012, 01:51 AM

Well this is not fair... If new lots are packed with better usd fork seal than this should be replaced to all previous Dukes too...and if any other improvment is done in newer Dukes than service stations or showrooms should call previous owners to get those changes, either free or at nominal cost. But this is not acceptable that owners who showed faith first in Duke must remain in shadow of little hitches in bike..

**ASSASSIN07** · 07-02-2012, 01:53 AM

Originally posted by manas1ayan View Post

Well this is not fair... If new lots are packed with better usd fork seal than this should be replaced to all previous Dukes too...and if any other improvment is done in newer Dukes than service stations or showrooms should call previous owners to get those changes, either free or at nominal cost. But this is not acceptable that owners who showed faith first in Duke must remain in shadow of little hitches in bike..

^^ +1.
I am surely gonna talk to the Bajaj Engineer tomorrow for these upgrades

**Bplus** · 07-02-2012, 01:58 AM

Originally posted by manas1ayan View Post

Well this is not fair... If new lots are packed with better usd fork seal than this should be replaced to all previous Dukes too...and if any other improvment is done in newer Dukes than service stations or showrooms should call previous owners to get those changes, either free or at nominal cost. But this is not acceptable that owners who showed faith first in Duke must remain in shadow of little hitches in bike..

Take it easy man.Nobody said the first batch of Duke owners are not going to get the changes that where going to be made to the newer Dukes.Moreover it was a ''manager'' who said that , I would want to see it myself to believe it.

P.S: I have nothing against any managers, they are doing what they know best.

**Doga** · 07-02-2012, 02:17 AM

Originally posted by Bplus View Post

Just re posting what I had put up on FB.Please feel free to correct me or make any suggestions.Thank you.

2. What you should know before heading towards a petrol station for re-fueling.

A. The total fuel tank capacity is 10.5 liters out of which 1.5 liter is the fuel reserve capacity.
B .Each bar on the fuel indicator, approximately equals to one liter.
C. A 'Low fuel level' warning would appear on the info display if the fuel level reaches the reserve mark.You need to be heading straight to the nearest petrol station when you see this warning.
t

Bhai, I dont think the 'low fuel level' warning is very honest. I have had situations when it started flashing and I could only fill 6.5-7 odd litres to the brim. I think they have designed it to flash it a little early so that people do not damage there fuel pumps

**Bplus** · 07-02-2012, 02:51 AM

Originally posted by Doga View Post

Bhai, I dont think the 'low fuel level' warning is very honest. I have had situations when it started flashing and I could only fill 6.5-7 odd litres to the brim. I think they have designed it to flash it a little early so that people do not damage there fuel pumps

Hey Doga,The owners manual says ''Low fuel level' warning would appear on the info display if the fuel level reaches the reserve mark (1.5 Liters).'' The fuel indicator may not be very accurate at all times because of the way the sensor works on the Duke.But you may be right I have seen the digital console show full tank after filling 7 L of petrol,when I had low fuel level warning alert a few minuets back.Can anybody else confirm the same ?

**NiXTriX** · 07-02-2012, 09:52 AM

Originally posted by Rohan200ns View Post

today finally my dad agreed to get me duke .. i showed him this thread and he has agreed after seeing people posting mileage figures of 35+kmpl .. thank u guys .. i am allowed to buy it on july 21 .. i will make full payment that day and i will get the bike in 5 days after payment ..
i have currently booked 200ns at popular bajaj . i had paid just 1k for booking .. will i get back that amount ?

Congrats mate..
You should be able to get back the booking amount. If you make the payment on the 21st you should be able to get by Tuesday or Wednesday no later than that.
Yo can talk to Farhan at the store. He'll help you out. Since you are from Bangalore, you can join the Bangalore KTM group on Facebook.

KTM Bangalore

https://www.facebook.com/KtmOwnersBangalore

KTM Bangalore. 20,199 पसंद · 1 इस बारे में बात कर रहे हैं. Join us on Facebook to keep your self updated on various Tours, Bike rides and other events organized in Bangalore. KTM Owners, Bangalore...

Happy riding!!!..

P.S - Time for a change in your avatar name me thinks

**Janesh.J** · 07-02-2012, 11:01 AM

Originally posted by Bplus View Post

Page 134 of the owners manual says ''If the vehicle was operated in road salt,clean it with cold water. WORM water would enhance the corrosive effects of salt''

What is WORM water ? lol

I suppose they meant WARM

Originally posted by Rohan200ns View Post

today finally my dad agreed to get me duke .. i showed him this thread and he has agreed after seeing people posting mileage figures of 35+kmpl .. thank u guys .. i am allowed to buy it on july 21 .. i will make full payment that day and i will get the bike in 5 days after payment ..
i have currently booked 200ns at popular bajaj . i had paid just 1k for booking .. will i get back that amount ?

**devil_rider** · 07-02-2012, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by arjun_c2 View Post

hi.. posting a pic of my duke ..

Hi, are you from vikhroli by any chance?

Originally posted by Rohan200ns View Post

help me out guys .. i have booked 200ns but after riding duke i feel that duke is a better value for money .. FI , twin cam , wp suspensions and alluminium swing arm are easily worth the 35k price difference ... feeling of riding a ktm is priceless .. my dad has pretty much agreed for duke , but he clearly told me that i should be able to extract 35+ kmpl out of it ... please tell me what is the real world mileage of duke under sane riding conditions in city .. duke dealership guy was telling me that it easily gives 40kmpl and also he told that a few duke owners even reported 45+ kmpl during service ... help me guys regarding the mileage i can expect from duke .. 100% city riding conditions ..

You can squeeze out maximum avg by riding between 60-80 kmph

check tyre pressure once in 5-7 days

switch off engine on long signals.

You should get a decent average.

Originally posted by Rohan200ns View Post

ok .. lets leave the comparisons aside .. lets talk only about duke .. the sales guy at ktm bangalore is confidently claiming 40kmpl .. how do you check FE in FI bikes ( they dont have fuel knob for reserve ) .. FI engines should be more fuel efficient than carb ones right ?
when i test rode the duke , it was showing 15kmpl on the display ..

The display shows average based on how the bike is rode.. in heavy traffic the console showed me 8L / 100km.

Originally posted by Newrider88 View Post

Hello all, i am looking forward to buy duke but its issues are holding me back. I have heard of coolant dripping,front shocker leaking, gear shifting problem,too much engine overheating, spare part availability etc. Are these issues minor and can be sorted or i have to face these and live with these ?

all these issues were not faced by every1. No bike is perfect and every bike is going to have a certain flaw. And many of the times (not all the times) the problem has been sorted out by the svc guys.

I bet Bajaj is going to make changes in the new lot so i guess you can go for the duke without much worries.

Originally posted by manas1ayan View Post

Well this is not fair... If new lots are packed with better usd fork seal than this should be replaced to all previous Dukes too...and if any other improvment is done in newer Dukes than service stations or showrooms should call previous owners to get those changes, either free or at nominal cost. But this is not acceptable that owners who showed faith first in Duke must remain in shadow of little hitches in bike..

Originally posted by ASSASSIN07 View Post

^^ +1.
I am surely gonna talk to the Bajaj Engineer tomorrow for these upgrades

Originally posted by Bplus View Post

Take it easy man.Nobody said the first batch of Duke owners are not going to get the changes that where going to be made to the newer Dukes.Moreover it was a ''manager'' who said that , I would want to see it myself to believe it.

P.S: I have nothing against any managers, they are doing what they know best.

I may have missed out on this.. can u ppl plz elaborate this

**gaurav2203** · 07-02-2012, 12:16 PM

KTM Duke 200 - Piston and block replaced

Hello everyone:

I got delivery of my duke 200 in April first week and been enjoying the ride till i started to hear a krrrrrrr sound from engine. Following is a quick summary of the events:

Bike usage details:
1) The bike was driven by no one else except me, without a pillon rider.
2) First service done on time, no changes made to the bike. Used company recommended engine oil and coolant. Servicing was done @ Ghatkopar service centre.
3) Took every care possible including not exceeding speed limits as recommended by the company.
4) Daily commute of approximately 60 Kms from Thane to my office in Malad
5) Petrol filled from HPCL petrol pump located on SV road in Malad. Used normal petrol from day one.
6) Except the chain noise, no other issues were noticed in my bike.

Started noticing the krrrrrrrr sound when bike was in motion and not when raced at idle (ODO showed 4100 kms). That made me think there is some issue with the engine and within 5 days of noticing the sound took bike to service centre in Thane.

The guys were helpful and after thorough checking recommended that the piston and block needs to be replaced. Came as a big shock to me and I was being told that engine might have seized if i wouldnt have got bike for check-up on time.

bike is under warranty and hence the replacement was done free of cost. Bike had clocked almost 4300 kms and hence they recommended to change the engine oil along with filter. They also topped up coolant.

Time taken for servicing the bike: One week
Total expense INR 678.
Thane service centre: Initially got on my nerves, but later on handled the issue with good care.

Reasons for damage to piston
Reason for damage to piston are unknown. The service centre guy said that their are probably many reasons why it could have got damaged. One of the reason cited was "if you slow down bike after high speeds, piston might get damaged". but the guy himself countered the argument saying we cant maintain constant speed and the bike is suppose to be driven at varying speeds. Moreover my point was, isinit KTM made to be driven like that?

I fail to understand why piston got damaged so eary and is it something to do with the quality of parts? Answer is open to speculation but the incident has lead to loads of unanswered questions and has also made me rethink about my love for KTM. Was planning to buy KTM 690 whenever it was available in India, but now giving second thoughts.

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Announcement

KTM 200 Duke

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