Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

That's surprising. Generally, the "thud" you hear when you engage the gear is normal, especially first gear and second while downshifting. But, if you hear a clanking noise while accelerating or a "clunk" as you mentioned each time you open the throttle, then it can be the cush drive. But, has the issue solved after replacing the cush drive?

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

I had a issue of 'clunk' sound while shifting gears (notchy gearshifts), today went to a local mechanic and found out that the rear cush drive bushing has wornout. There is very large play in rear sprocket. I donot know what has caused this since the bike is only 3600 kms old.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Yup, brake fluid was replaced too.

I think around 1.5k

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

The chain adjustment procedure is the same as other bikes, i.e R15, Dominar and the likes and yes, it's very easy to adjust the chain, though a paddock stand can make life a bit easier for adjustment. Secondly, a car jack can be used lift by placing planks underneath the bike with side stand and slowly lifting until the rear wheel slowly lifts off the ground, helps for chain maintenance, lubrication and adjustment.

Secondly, a loose chain can and will rob power and give you a snatchy feeling when riding the bike. The Duke does require chain slack adjustment every 500 to 600 kms or when notices a slack sound whichever is earlier.

Check this video for how to check for coolant level on the 2017 Duke 390. Your owners manual too lists the details as to how to check for the right coolant level. The 2017 indeed have a tight small window to check for the coolant level, but it's easy. Take a torch and light it at the compensating tank window and you can see the level of the coolant, incase you have trouble seeing it. Always check the coolant level when the engine is cold, because cold coolant reading is the right reading on the compensating tank.



Start the video from 4:00 to END, where it details on how to check it.

Coolant should be between minimum and maximum level.

Regarding gear shifts, make sure you give adequate force to shift the lever, sometimes, mild force can grind the gear and cause notchy shifts.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Which ever speed I shift the gear, the gear box acts like it used to in my Pulsar when the chain was loose. Is the chain tightening procedure same as the other bikes? The bike has not been dropped. One more thing is how do I check the coolant level, it is very difficult in the post 2017 models to spot the level in coolant window.

Pardon me if my questions sound childish, this is my first bike after I sold my Pulsar 180 UG4 around 2012, since then I had been driving car untill the bike bug hit me again a few months ago . I guess this will be the last bike I will be owning in this lifetime.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Sid, I don't have a KTM/Bajaj Duke/RS/NS (yet). Yes, am aware of the heat produced due to high CR but there's liquid cooling in these motors, hence my doubt. I thought the oil won't be as stressed as in an air-cooled one.

Thank you very much both of you! It helped.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

I'd strongly recommend in the order 10w50 > 15w50 >20w50. The w40 is purely the ability of the oil to resist heat and temperature induced viscosity loss. The thicker the after W number would mean the oil is able to resist heat and still provide the desired lubricity to the engine. w40 would mean it would get thinner than a W50. To the temperature that the Duke 390 produces, it's better to stick to w50. Using a w30 or w40 can mean once the engine heats up, one experiences, false shifts, notchy/rough gearshifts.

The gearbox is the main enemy of the engine oil, it not lubricates itself with this oil, but also the constant meshing of the oil shears the oil in every possible extent. The same oil has too much duties, cool the engine, provide lubrication to all the parts, take care of combustion soot, take care of the heat so that it doesn't thin itself. As Castrol put it, oils are liquid engineering to be honest.

Hope it helps and I'll stop it at that.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

make sure chain is adjusted to spec.
get the gear shift lever/tie rod adjustment done correctly and inspect for any damage (if you dropped the bike it could have bent the lever/tie rod mechanism) and observe.
otherwise it could need a replacement of the spring/stopper drum (or the entire gear shift shaft)
do get it checked by a mechanic and get their opinion.. i can't say much without actually riding it.
here is a link to one of my prev post about the shift shaft/spring/stopper drum



ktm's are happy with a w50 (10,15,20W) especially in a country like India.. and seeing you location set to TN, you should probably be sticking to a w50 all yr round. remember its not just about clearances, but also the heat which the oil should cope up with.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

What is your advice VJ - 10w40 or 15w50?

I guess both are okay according to KTM depending on the average ambient temperature. I noticed that the Duke 200/250/390's tolerances are very good like the Japs. Is the very high CR of 11.x a point to opt for xW-50?

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Are you engagements notchy or the shifts notchy? If your engagement is notchy, then you can adjust the gear lever freeplay and get it adjusted, it will help make the gear shifts feel more positive. Secondly, low oil level too can cause notchy gearshifts. Some showrooms just topup instead of replacing the oil, so if it's old oil topped up, your shifts will be notchy. What grade oil did you use?

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Thanks guys. Fan issue turned out tobe a blown fuse. Replaced the engine oil, oil filter etc.

Also, noticed that gear shifts are notchy what could be the problem.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

How much did the Master Cylinder cost you, I am looking to replace as well.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

I hope you did replace the brake fluid along as well. Nonetheless, observe it for a few days and make sure everything's as it should be.

Ride safe!

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Try amsoil

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

An update to my front brake issue. Got the Master Cylinder changed (again) few weeks back and have so far ridden ~600kms in thick Bengaluru traffic. Brake feel and bite is MUCH better. Lever travel has not increased. I don't know who conned me, KTM Banaswadi or KTM Mekhri but one of them has NOT changed MC but charged me for it. Most likely KTM Banaswadi. But I am relieved that brakes are performing better as I this was going to be my last try. I was already eyening everything from Xpulse to used Street Twin.