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**NeerajMarathe** · 12-11-2013, 01:18 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Hello guys,
I am a newbie here and this is my first post on the forum. Just wanted to share an interesting experience during the 1st (free) servicing of my Duke 390.
After calling up the service station, i went to get my bike serviced, only to be told that "we have run out of oil, please come tomorrow"..imagine a service station saying that! Anyway, i went the next day and they took my bike for servicing. I was given an estimate of Rs.2200 (=/- Rs.100). In the afternoon, it came to light that they had again run out of oil!

I was quite frustrated and told them that i will myself get the oil from outside. I got them the required 1.5 ltrs of 10W50 fully synthetic oil (Elf), which cost me Rs.1050.
With the oil being mine, the remaining bill for serving came to just Rs.140/-!!
These guys put a huge mark-up on the oil..henceforth, i intend to carry my own oil

Since its the recommended oil, warranty becoming void etc is not an issue.

About the bike:
- Done 1600 km so far, absolutely no problem. Before the 1st servicing, the chain had become very very loose, but post servicing, the problem seems to have been resolved. The service station guys advised me to use a chain lube/spray every 300-400 kms.
- While I read at many sites about heating problems with the bike, i have never felt anything out of the ordinary. Its a big engine, will heat up a bit! But never found anything alarming.

Help needed:
- I am quite a small and thin guy (5 ft 5, wear 40 size shirt). I live in Pune and I am having a tough time finding a good jacket. My requirement is a good textile jacket that fits well and will not look like a baggy cocktail dress when i wear it! If anyone knows where i can find decent jackets in Pune, please do let me know. I have tried out the usual places in Camp area, but no success.
Thanks and cheers!
Neeraj

**Team Torque** · 12-11-2013, 08:35 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by NeerajMarathe View Post

Help needed:
- I am quite a small and thin guy (5 ft 5, wear 40 size shirt). I live in Pune and I am having a tough time finding a good jacket. My requirement is a good textile jacket that fits well and will not look like a baggy cocktail dress when i wear it! If anyone knows where i can find decent jackets in Pune, please do let me know. I have tried out the usual places in Camp area, but no success.
Thanks and cheers!
Neeraj

Hi Neeraj. Welcome to xBhp

. Regarding your query, you can post it thread "Universal Riding Gears". Loads of experienced guys and its the right forum to pitch-in your help

. Ride Safe

**psr** · 12-11-2013, 09:59 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Team Torque View Post

Sir but Owners Manual and the Label on chain guard says 25F 28.5R (FOR SOLO) and 25F 32R (WITH PILLION). Since .5 mark-up is not available I prefer +.5 i.e., 29R.

The owner's manual I had downloaded from KTM shows 29/29 Psi for front and rear for single rider and 29 / 32 Psi for ride with a pillion....I guess for India they may have changed the spec..

**nishant rao** · 12-11-2013, 12:13 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by NeerajMarathe View Post

Hello guys,I am a newbie here and this is my first post on the forum. Just wanted to share an interesting experience during the 1st (free) servicing of my Duke 390.After calling up the service station, i went to get my bike serviced, only to be told that "we have run out of oil, please come tomorrow"..imagine a service station saying that! Anyway, i went the next day and they took my bike for servicing. I was given an estimate of Rs.2200 (=/- Rs.100). In the afternoon, it came to light that they had again run out of oil!

I was quite frustrated and told them that i will myself get the oil from outside. I got them the required 1.5 ltrs of 10W50 fully synthetic oil (Elf), which cost me Rs.1050. With the oil being mine, the remaining bill for serving came to just Rs.140/-!!These guys put a huge mark-up on the oil..henceforth, i intend to carry my own oil

Since its the recommended oil, warranty becoming void etc is not an issue.About the bike: - Done 1600 km so far, absolutely no problem. Before the 1st servicing, the chain had become very very loose, but post servicing, the problem seems to have been resolved. The service station guys advised me to use a chain lube/spray every 300-400 kms.- While I read at many sites about heating problems with the bike, i have never felt anything out of the ordinary. Its a big engine, will heat up a bit! But never found anything alarming.Help needed:- I am quite a small and thin guy (5 ft 5, wear 40 size shirt). I live in Pune and I am having a tough time finding a good jacket. My requirement is a good textile jacket that fits well and will not look like a baggy cocktail dress when i wear it! If anyone knows where i can find decent jackets in Pune, please do let me know. I have tried out the usual places in Camp area, but no success. Thanks and cheers!Neeraj

The scene that happened with me during my first servicing at the service centre in pune was that they finished doing the overall servicing and in the end they change the oil. the mechanic poured in 1 ltr of oil and then he goes back to the spare part depart and returns empty handed. i asked him where is the other 0.5 ltr of oil, and he tells me that the oil is out of stock. I was very frustrated since he has already poured in 1 ltr of oil and the other half is just left empty. then the service engineer guy came to me saying that their is a shortage of oil with the dealer itself and nothing can be done. He then suggested that i go and get the oil which was not possible. then luckily they found 0.5 ltr of oil which someone had forgotten to take after their servicing. So luckily i got that oil and i could leave that stupid service centre. It was one hell of an experience.

**karnik** · 12-11-2013, 01:38 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

This is very correct as also seen when dirt bikers keep tyre pressure very low only to maximize the grip. The sacrifice for the grip is tyre life.

Originally posted by DukeDey View Post

No sir, tyre pressure does make a difference on the contact patch. Less pressure would allow more flex of the side walls and thus more rubber would lay flat against the surface. Less the pressure more the contact and vice versa. So less pressure all the time would give you premature tyre wear whereas more than required pressure might compromise with the grip. I keep it 28f and 30r when riding solo and 32r when with a pillion.

No! You simply can't compare 4 wheeler tyres with a 2 wheeler tryes. 4 wheelers have a flat base, 2 wheelers have a round base!

Originally posted by Legend Racer View Post

@backlash4u @lasu007 @DukeDey

@riazmomin contact patch would be less when pressure is increased. the optimum is whats required. currently im also running in 29 f 32 r, but as i told before ride is bouncy and the suspension work is too much. but keeping the tyre price in mind its better to save tyres. @DukeDeyyar there is a correction to what you said. as i told its OPTIMUM pressure that matters in tyres. if the pressure is low and if its high, in both the cases the contact patch is LESS...this theory can be easily seen in four wheels. when the tyres are over inflated, its the centre portion of tyre that makes most contact than the sides.when the tyres are under inflated, its the sides that make most contact than the centre.these two cause, irregular tyre wear and bad ride/drive...regarding the side walls its as you said. and to save the side walls of precious metzelers its way better to keep 32psi in rear and 29 psi in front, considering the indian pot holes. correct me if anything...

From my experience

While driving straight:

Low tyre pressure = More contact with road. More grip. Less tyre life. Softer ride.
Very Low tyre pressure = Spongy drive over uneven terrains aka Indian roads. Noticeably less maneuverability.
More tyre pressure = Less contact with road. Less grip. More tyre life. Harder ride.
Very More tyre pressure = Sharp and bumpy drive, prone to slippages from front tyre.

While taking turns:

Low tyre pressure = +average controlled turning control.
Very Low tyre pressure = -average and delayed turning responses from bike.
More tyre pressure = -average controlled turning control.
Very More tyre pressure = ---average controlled turning control, front tyre sipping guaranteed.

Dirt bikes have really soft suspension, and very low tyre pressures for optimum control on difficult terrains. They don't need to speed up like we do. Duke suspensions are the exact opposite. It may not be worthwhile to sacrifice your suspension just to increase the life of your tyres by a couple of thousand kms.I concur with DukeDey on tyre pressures.The most important rule: Ride safe!

**Legend Racer** · 12-11-2013, 01:47 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

i missed that... flat base vs round base... thanks for the inputs.

**nitin_sports** · 12-11-2013, 02:00 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by nishant rao View Post

The scene that happened with me during my first servicing at the service centre in pune was that they finished doing the overall servicing and in the end they change the oil. the mechanic poured in 1 ltr of oil and then he goes back to the spare part depart and returns empty handed. i asked him where is the other 0.5 ltr of oil, and he tells me that the oil is out of stock. I was very frustrated since he has already poured in 1 ltr of oil and the other half is just left empty. then the service engineer guy came to me saying that their is a shortage of oil with the dealer itself and nothing can be done. He then suggested that i go and get the oil which was not possible. then luckily they found 0.5 ltr of oil which someone had forgotten to take after their servicing. So luckily i got that oil and i could leave that stupid service centre. It was one hell of an experience.

WTF.. which service station was that?? Nal stop OR wakdewadi one??

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

Originally posted by NeerajMarathe View Post

Hello guys,
I am a newbie here and this is my first post on the forum. Just wanted to share an interesting experience during the 1st (free) servicing of my Duke 390.
After calling up the service station, i went to get my bike serviced, only to be told that "we have run out of oil, please come tomorrow"..imagine a service station saying that! Anyway, i went the next day and they took my bike for servicing. I was given an estimate of Rs.2200 (=/- Rs.100). In the afternoon, it came to light that they had again run out of oil!

I was quite frustrated and told them that i will myself get the oil from outside. I got them the required 1.5 ltrs of 10W50 fully synthetic oil (Elf), which cost me Rs.1050.
With the oil being mine, the remaining bill for serving came to just Rs.140/-!!
These guys put a huge mark-up on the oil..henceforth, i intend to carry my own oil

Since its the recommended oil, warranty becoming void etc is not an issue.

About the bike:
- Done 1600 km so far, absolutely no problem. Before the 1st servicing, the chain had become very very loose, but post servicing, the problem seems to have been resolved. The service station guys advised me to use a chain lube/spray every 300-400 kms.
- While I read at many sites about heating problems with the bike, i have never felt anything out of the ordinary. Its a big engine, will heat up a bit! But never found anything alarming.

Help needed:
- I am quite a small and thin guy (5 ft 5, wear 40 size shirt). I live in Pune and I am having a tough time finding a good jacket. My requirement is a good textile jacket that fits well and will not look like a baggy cocktail dress when i wear it! If anyone knows where i can find decent jackets in Pune, please do let me know. I have tried out the usual places in Camp area, but no success.
Thanks and cheers!
Neeraj

They charge you for 2 Liter (1800 Rs. Motul 7100 10W50). fills 1.5 liter and give .5 liter to you. you need to save that for next time. How did you get 1.5 liter, generally oil come in 1 liter boxes. either way, i know ELF is said to be good. but i recommend going for motul always.

visit planetdsg.com online to see options in textile jackets. Shop located at MG Road.
A* is 10K range
DSG is 6K range.

don't buy a local brand.

Also cramster.in is there.. shop located in Kothrood.

**Xzibit Roll** · 12-11-2013, 02:25 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by NeerajMarathe View Post

Help needed:
- I am quite a small and thin guy (5 ft 5, wear 40 size shirt). I live in Pune and I am having a tough time finding a good jacket. My requirement is a good textile jacket that fits well and will not look like a baggy cocktail dress when i wear it! If anyone knows where i can find decent jackets in Pune, please do let me know. I have tried out the usual places in Camp area, but no success.
Thanks and cheers!
Neeraj

Since you've checked the usual places I assume you have been to planetdsg on mg road. They have small sized jackets in stock. Also probikers is a new dealer of spartan gear . Try it out.

Sent from my GT-S7562 using xBhp Connect mobile app

**nishant rao** · 12-11-2013, 03:49 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

[QUOTE=nitin_sports;1019238]WTF.. which service station was that?? Nal stop OR wakdewadi one??

the nal stop one

**timuseravan** · 12-11-2013, 04:28 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by NeerajMarathe View Post

Hello guys,
I am a newbie here and this is my first post on the forum. Just wanted to share an interesting experience during the 1st (free) servicing of my Duke 390.
After calling up the service station, i went to get my bike serviced, only to be told that "we have run out of oil, please come tomorrow"..imagine a service station saying that! Anyway, i went the next day and they took my bike for servicing. I was given an estimate of Rs.2200 (=/- Rs.100). In the afternoon, it came to light that they had again run out of oil!

I was quite frustrated and told them that i will myself get the oil from outside. I got them the required 1.5 ltrs of 10W50 fully synthetic oil (Elf), which cost me Rs.1050.
With the oil being mine, the remaining bill for serving came to just Rs.140/-!!
These guys put a huge mark-up on the oil..henceforth, i intend to carry my own oil

Since its the recommended oil, warranty becoming void etc is not an issue.

About the bike:
- Done 1600 km so far, absolutely no problem. Before the 1st servicing, the chain had become very very loose, but post servicing, the problem seems to have been resolved. The service station guys advised me to use a chain lube/spray every 300-400 kms.
- While I read at many sites about heating problems with the bike, i have never felt anything out of the ordinary. Its a big engine, will heat up a bit! But never found anything alarming.

Help needed:
- I am quite a small and thin guy (5 ft 5, wear 40 size shirt). I live in Pune and I am having a tough time finding a good jacket. My requirement is a good textile jacket that fits well and will not look like a baggy cocktail dress when i wear it! If anyone knows where i can find decent jackets in Pune, please do let me know. I have tried out the usual places in Camp area, but no success.
Thanks and cheers!
Neeraj

Which service center was this? My first service is just coming up. With the current cold wave in city, the heat is no problem at all

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

Originally posted by riazmomin View Post

Yes, Rear tyre hugger sprays the muck not just on pillion even on ride if there is no pillion. Without tyre hugger also it sprays, but not as bad as with tyre hugger. I removed it long back and it has been like that since then. I am just a little bit more carefull/ride slow when there is water/drainage on road so that it doesn fall on me or the guy riding behind.

Not doubting you but how is it possible to have more splashing with the guard?
I was planning on adding another guard between the tyre hugger and the one protecting the engine. Does that help?

**riazmomin** · 12-11-2013, 06:30 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by timuseravan View Post

Not doubting you but how is it possible to have more splashing with the guard?
I was planning on adding another guard between the tyre hugger and the one protecting the engine. Does that help?

Try it and see it

I cant give logical explantion but thats what my experience with the bike.
Addition of one more cover will help in stopping muck thrown at Rear shox and exhaust box.

**vijeth v** · 12-11-2013, 11:38 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by riazmomin View Post

Try it and see it

I cant give logical explantion but thats what my experience with the bike.
Addition of one more cover will help in stopping muck thrown at Rear shox and exhaust box.

+1
I've noticed that too. I had more muck on my back with the hugger on!

Sent from my GT-I9500 using xBhp Connect mobile app

**Ankitvile** · 12-12-2013, 01:32 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Meanwhile...A Duke 200/390 based Supermoto Spied !!

Dehradun MotorHeads

https://www.facebook.com/DehradunMotorheads

Riding, Exploring, Liberating Ourselves ! Ashley hall, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand 248001

**moses.thella** · 12-12-2013, 02:24 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Wow...that bike would look great with offroad tyres.

**timuseravan** · 12-12-2013, 12:02 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

What is the actual range of the bike once the low fuel light comes on? I assume 1 litre is not usable. The range shown on the console is considering this fact or not?
To give an example, suppose 50km is the range shown, then this is assuming the entire tank capacity or after subtracting the non-useable fuel?

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