Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Finally got some time and visited the svc to get my issues sorted. I posted earlier about the tappet noise and the poor front brakes. Last time one shim was replaced and they did not have another shim that was required in stock.

This time around I called them and enquired if they have all the shims in stock, when I got a positive reply only then I went to the svc. They started working and this time the work was being done under my supervision.

# The decompression arm on one of the camshaft was rubbing against the inside of the engine case. That part was replaced under warranty. After this I went away for half an hour due to some work and by the time I came back they had already packed the engine. I said what about the faulty shim that needed replacement, to which they said sir, the noise was because of the camshaft and now its fine. I said okay.

# The second issue about which I wrote a long time back was another noise, it was diagnosed as part of the exhaust touching the engine and making a distinct noise. For this they tried to increase the clearance between the engine and exhaust thrice during my previous visit but it did not help. They replaced my exhaust under warranty.

# Because of all this I lost some engine oil, they gave me a free top up.

# They topped up my coolant too without charging me anything.

# Coming to the brake issue, my disc major kit was found faulty and was replaced under warranty. front brakes are good again but they still don't have a sharp/ball crushing initial bite. This I was explained, there is a motor that regulates the brake fluid preassure as a part of the abs system(I saw it behind the radiator) as a result the fluid is not being sent directly to the calipers. Thats the reason the feedback is not there. such a big meh for having an abs equipped bike.. Duke 200's is much better

Finally they started my bike and to my horror the tappet noise still exsisted. They immediately opened the head again and replaced the remaining shims(3 more in total).

Along with this all the packing and seals were replaced under warranty and finally my bike is running like a gem. They did a wonderful job and I would say I am happy with the way it was dealt with in the end.
@senotrius @nasirkaka You paid for fork oil? It was because of the busted seal that you lost oil in the first place. Next time please reason it up with them.

Ride safe!!

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

ok.so [MENTION=63586]DukeDey[/MENTION], some more explanation on the disk brake part please.need to take it up with the SVC.had gone twice to them and they 'cleaned' the pads/brakes apparently and hence all is supposed to be good.only thing is the braking still remains poor like before.no sharp bite.
I don't feel much confident taking the bike to speed knowing the stopping power ain't there.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

My Duke has completed 2000+ kms. All within the city.

Major impressions -

- The bike has become much smoother now. Also, the exhaust sound has mellowed down - Now it sounds perfect.

- The clutch is no longer too much of a bother - The spring itself has become slightly softer, and more importantly, my hand has become used to the stiffness.

- The engine heating has gotten significantly lesser - Now I miss the warm gush of air during cold morning rides.

- The compact dimensions of the bike are now evident - The point and shoot handing within the city is a revelation. Better than the R15 in this respect.

- The brake feel has remained constant - Even thought the stopping power is good, I miss the talkative brakes of my older R15. Also another issue with the brakes - the pads starts to squeal while braking at low speed unless I wash the pads with a spray of water regularly. Any suggestions on this?

- The suspensions are very well engineered - The bike absorbs bumps well as well as does not wallow when leaned over. Perfect.

- The engine feels even more potent after the run-in - The unending surge of power starting from 3k rpm onwards with a spike at 7k rpm is very addictive.

- The stock headlight feels barely adequate - The replacement Phillips Extreme Vision Plus remedies that to a good extent.

- The stock horn is puny - The replacement Roots Cleartone is perfect. Not too loud like the Roots Windtone, but easily gets the attention when needed.

- The wind blast is evident at speeds over 80 kmph - This is the sole reason the bike does not mask speed as easily like the faired bikes. Proposed remedy - I am getting the MRA Spoiler windscreen.

- The tyres seem too soft - A grand total of 7 punctures till now. Not sure if its my bad luck.

- Mileage is as expected - I use the bike for regular work commute and I get consistent 23-25 kmpl with all riding done inside the city.

End note - The bike is full paisa vasool and I am very happy to have bought this bike. The bike fulfills all my expectations to the T. To all those who are on the fence about getting this - Get the bike already!

Edit: I forgot one more thing, the Cyclo chain lube is much better than OKS/Motul/TVS/Tribicor sprays that I have used earlier. Thanks to riazmomin for suggesting this.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Wow... glad to hear they finally made good on their work and the ride feels good.

A little taken aback though considering they removed the head 3 times for it... makes me think you shouldn't have gone for that half an hour of work and left them with it... else you'd have made sure they replaced all 3 shims right then... but hey... just glad that its running proper...
'
Enjoy your ride mate...

Cheers all.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Nice small review. Added my own observations

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

They checked my bikes brake lever freeplay. It was 8mm with brake fluid at max. The normal freeplay should not be more than 4mm. So there is a part which is a type of piston that goes into the master cylinder, that was found to be guilty. They replaced it. Now, the lever freeplay is much less.

Also, the abs explanation makes total sense and explains the lack of a direct feeling or a good feedback from the calipers. This also explains lack of initial bite. Less initial bite does not mean poor braking, guess I'll have to make myself understand this.

Sent from my GT-I9100

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

I have a concern regarding the front damping action. Initially my bike had a super stiff front suspension which I loved and appreciated while attacking corners and as the bike clocked more miles my confidence while cornering began to drop and for the past couple of weeks my front end seems to absorb potholes and undulations well, where I used to get a jolt initially. Like everyone I suspected the tire pressure but the experience remained the same. My bike has clocked 7100 kms now and it feels like the damping settings are moved to the softer side. Also the suspension travel has increased considerably and is giving a Honda-ish feel now. I love the bike for its impeccable dynamic abilities which is something I can't live without. Guys, expecting your inputs, especially from those quick mile munchers

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

^^ Even my suspensions are a wee bit softer now compared to when new. I guess this is the process of bedding in the suspension components doing its work. Like I have said before, suspensions are comfortable, while not sacrificing on the handling dynamics. For me, it is the best of both world.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Guys, I went on a solo - round trip to Coimbatore (my hometown) from Mumbai on my bike for Christmas. It was around 2750km in total and the bike fared really well, absolutely no problems at all. While returning I did one shot, around 1380kms in 19hrs 50mins (Yeah almost a saddle sore!) and once again the bike showed no strain at all.

I had my old pulsar's cramster COLT saddle bag at home and it fit really well on the Duke as well, brought it along this time and again absolutely no problem at all. I dint even have to adjust it once during my entire return journey.





Did this trip soon after my first service and now it's 4200km on the odo. No problems whatsoever and I'm very happy and satisfied with my Duke till now

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

that's just awesome man..need to find the time to do these kind of trips.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

[MENTION=11141]riazmomin[/MENTION], what nightmare with tribocor? One guy recommended it to me as the best option available right now.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

can anyone help me in getting cyclo chain lube? online availability is low... living with hp90 gear oil.lubing almost every day in 2 teaspoons, as if for a baby...lol...
[MENTION=56912]junaid12345678[/MENTION] same feelings about suspension. but its okay for me. the bike is still as expected. though the initial feel was more lovely.

im getting weird sound from front sprocket (something like chain rubbing badly against metal chain cover in old pulsars) when i accelerate in any gear. nothing loose or visible... what could be it?
[MENTION=63586]DukeDey[/MENTION] i got fear since both the bikes are from same batch. my front brake is getting worse. now its 2800 kms. do arrange me both lights, pilot and headlamp...please. i need to meet you soon and compare things. the engine sound has changed, but dont know if anything is bad. BTW is it okay to hear the primary chain sound more than anything from engine?

the FE has came down to 26-27 km/lt constantly... before it was above 31 km/lt... taking bike till 7k rpm. thinking of changing oil and filter at 3000.
2nd service at 5500 or 6000? ??
i hear squeaks from underseat. cant figure out. maybe rear seat lock... none replied to my earlier query about gear lever setting.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Its available at all Shell fuel bunks. Gear oil is certainly not recomended - it dirties the rear wheel and does not stay between the chain links.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

They said consumables are not covered under warranty.


ok, have been facing a peculiar problem since yesterday. The bike is been stalling very frequently. Happens at any speed, irrespective of whether the engine is cold or hot. imagine a situation: going at 40kmph at 2nd gear, see a speed breaker, pull in the clutch, and the bike just stalls. At times, its stalling just while changing gear, bike being in motion. At times the feeling is like the petrol is just cutoff. starts and moves fine after switching off and on the kill switch. Its happened around 8-9 times since yesterday morning and had started to worry me. What areas could i look in to? could it be bad fuel and clogged injectors? Could it be some sensor playing some trick somewhere? will these stallings be registered by ECU and shown up on running a diagnosis? or it is some play issue in clutch and accelerator?



also sharing a pic of the busted fork below showing oil leak.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

did u happen to pass through bangalore on 26th dec? on krishnagiri route. i remember seeing a D390 guy early morning.