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KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

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  • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

    Originally posted by krish2778 View Post
    The bike is indeed a tad too powerful for daily use kind of bike, it almost tough to be relaxed on this machine.

    My advice would be to test ride it from a friend of yours for say about 30-40kms, try and understand the power, take it easy and then assess about it yourself. Nothing will beat that decision.

    Cheers
    Ride Safe
    Krishna
    Absolutely, but unfortunately none of my friends own a Duke...but I have test ridden it on two occasions...for the first time when I twisted the accelerator in second gear, I was stunned...the handlebars seemed to slip out of the hands.. and I was like I cannot handle this ..

    but the second time it was a rather long one and I was prepared for the acceleration and managed it

    Comment


    • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

      Originally posted by senotrius View Post
      so leg guards might not fit on the 390?unless it smaller by the outwards length aspect.

      I need advice as to disc locks available in India. saw some on snapdeal.called viro;apparently from Italy.any advice on these?getting Xena is not possible till the year end.need alternatives available in India.
      Its (leg guard) smaller in both the length and width. Also, the groove for bolts are different.

      You can also try padlocks with alarm from ebay or such site. I have one and it has worked well for me. I think Xena is more hype than money's worth as any proper thief would be able to cut through the lock with a bolt cutter or power cutter. Having the alarm does not mean it cannot be neutralized, in fact, there is an aperture present for the speaker, just like in mobiles and other electronic gadgets, which when covered will not allow the alarm to go off loudly.
      The main purpose of these locks is to shock the thief with loud sound and the ruckus created forces the thief to run. However, a determined thief, who has lots of experience wont find it the least bit dis-concerting. This is entirely my opinion, but, I strongly feel buying a lock like xena is not worth the hype.

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

      Originally posted by A[k] View Post
      Absolutely, but unfortunately none of my friends own a Duke...but I have test ridden it on two occasions...for the first time when I twisted the accelerator in second gear, I was stunned...the handlebars seemed to slip out of the hands.. and I was like I cannot handle this ..

      but the second time it was a rather long one and I was prepared for the acceleration and managed it
      If not sure, go for the 200 . Down the line when you are ready to upgrade again (i.e., get a job), you can pick up a middle weight. Who knows we may even have a KTM 690 by then.
      But, if your heart is set on 390, its one of the best handling bikes I have ridden, so it should be a lot easier to ride for newbies than any other Indian bike. Both the bikes are good for Indian conditions, also, I don't think you would get much free time to use 390's full potential as its character really comes through on highways when you are munching miles.
      Both the bikes are powerful and whichever you decide, always behave on the road and follow traffic rules, keep in mind there are others on the road too and you should be fine.

      Comment


      • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

        Hey people lets try this set the RPM / Gear shift light to some thing like more or less to 10000 if u get the light Bilking then the ECU is limited to 10500 and if not then it is limited to 9500
        there are only 2 possibilities either 9500 or 10500 no matter how much u concentrate on the RPM its so small and that its just too difficult to get those numbers right.
        most of us are confused with the same so lets try with the help pf the RPM or the gear shift light...
        After my 1st service guys at the SVC set my RPM1 to 10500 and RPM2 to 13500 I asked them does it go that far and they where like "yes Sir, yes Sir it does... " I could not argue with them as I was running out of time and thought it would be of No use so let me try it out my self...
        and then the RPM light never came on but the EUC did cutoff and I got to know that My cutoff it at 9500...
        so changed the RPM light according to my ride and taste and it came back to Life again .....




        Happy Riding

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

        Originally posted by krish2778 View Post
        I know a guy who makes these and sells them for 2k or lower i think. If you are interested i can give the link to his profile. He ships it too, not sure where he is based at.

        Cheers
        Ride Safe
        Krishna

        Can you give me the link too for those paddock stand please...

        Comment


        • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

          Originally posted by nelson_sanjoy View Post
          Care to elaborate a bit more - I am not a guru but asking so that others can help . What happened and how was it concluded that the crankshaft is at fault ?
          Sorry for the late reply bro - missed to elaborate and update. I heard some 'tak tak tak' sound (a little loud than normal). so left the vehicle in capable hands of Khiviraj SVC; later a call came stating my baby was ready and camshaft was replaced. I went there an Praveen showed me the camshaft and where the sound was arising from. Now teh bike feels OK - but only time can tell. just waiting for a time to take her on a good ride (~200 km atleast). if further problems persist, then will have to push for a replacement.

          Somehow I can feel that while other 390 just have a bassy note and howl, my gal is quite quiet like she hums rather than howling. But the performance seems good (though I have not ridden any other 390's yet).

          Comment


          • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

            Originally posted by AmitRavi07 View Post
            Its (leg guard) smaller in both the length and width. Also, the groove for bolts are different.

            You can also try padlocks with alarm from ebay or such site. I have one and it has worked well for me. I think Xena is more hype than money's worth as any proper thief would be able to cut through the lock with a bolt cutter or power cutter. Having the alarm does not mean it cannot be neutralized, in fact, there is an aperture present for the speaker, just like in mobiles and other electronic gadgets, which when covered will not allow the alarm to go off loudly.
            The main purpose of these locks is to shock the thief with loud sound and the ruckus created forces the thief to run. However, a determined thief, who has lots of experience wont find it the least bit dis-concerting. This is entirely my opinion, but, I strongly feel buying a lock like xena is not worth the hype.

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



            If not sure, go for the 200 . Down the line when you are ready to upgrade again (i.e., get a job), you can pick up a middle weight. Who knows we may even have a KTM 690 by then.
            But, if your heart is set on 390, its one of the best handling bikes I have ridden, so it should be a lot easier to ride for newbies than any other Indian bike. Both the bikes are good for Indian conditions, also, I don't think you would get much free time to use 390's full potential as its character really comes through on highways when you are munching miles.
            Both the bikes are powerful and whichever you decide, always behave on the road and follow traffic rules, keep in mind there are others on the road too and you should be fine.
            You are absolutely right that disc lock with alarms are mainly for shocking the thiefs so that they will run, but xena lock can't be cut through easily with a bolt cutter(they are very well built), and according to me if a thief can fiddle with your bike for so long that he can cut through a disk lock without being noticed, trust me watever precaution we take the thief will succeed. My earlier bike was stolen from the front of building in broad day light so i know how it feels.
            These are purely my views.


            Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

            Comment


            • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

              Originally posted by A[k] View Post
              Absolutely, but unfortunately none of my friends own a Duke...but I have test ridden it on two occasions...for the first time when I twisted the accelerator in second gear, I was stunned...the handlebars seemed to slip out of the hands.. and I was like I cannot handle this ..

              but the second time it was a rather long one and I was prepared for the acceleration and managed it
              It can be your first bike but note that relaxed riding is almost impossible.
              KTM Duke 390 | RE Interceptor 650

              Comment


              • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                Originally posted by vikundefined View Post
                You are absolutely right that disc lock with alarms are mainly for shocking the thiefs so that they will run, but xena lock can't be cut through easily with a bolt cutter(they are very well built), and according to me if a thief can fiddle with your bike for so long that he can cut through a disk lock without being noticed, trust me watever precaution we take the thief will succeed. My earlier bike was stolen from the front of building in broad day light so i know how it feels.
                These are purely my views.


                Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
                My point exactly. Any thief would not go for a bike that has more locks on it like the disc locks and/or bound to chain. I was trying to say that I did not find Xena locks to be that impressive as even the hardened steel can be cut through, albeit it will take a couple of more minutes. I say this because I have seen live how easily this can be done. In fact your could do it in less that 5 mins flat, think about a thief who does this for a living. Locks like Xena and others have been tested and certified to withstand any tamper for 3-5 mins, but, if you check the instruments used in the process, they are merely simple tools like file, cutters etc.
                For the amount one pays for Xena, I would suggest go for multiple locks - chain locks, pad-locks with or without alarm and you would still have money left to get gears.

                Sorry for the complete OT.

                Comment


                • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                  Originally posted by Torque in Bang View Post
                  Hey people lets try this set the RPM / Gear shift light to some thing like more or less to 10000 if u get the light Bilking then the ECU is limited to 10500 and if not then it is limited to 9500
                  there are only 2 possibilities either 9500 or 10500 no matter how much u concentrate on the RPM its so small and that its just too difficult to get those numbers right.
                  most of us are confused with the same so lets try with the help pf the RPM or the gear shift light...
                  After my 1st service guys at the SVC set my RPM1 to 10500 and RPM2 to 13500 I asked them does it go that far and they where like "yes Sir, yes Sir it does... " I could not argue with them as I was running out of time and thought it would be of No use so let me try it out my self...
                  and then the RPM light never came on but the EUC did cutoff and I got to know that My cutoff it at 9500...
                  so changed the RPM light according to my ride and taste and it came back to Life again .....




                  Happy Riding

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




                  Can you give me the link too for those paddock stand please...
                  Ok, will post the public link here, i think it might be helpful to others.


                  https://www.facebook.com/pages/GA-En...nvite&refid=12


                  Cheers
                  Ride Safe
                  Krishna
                  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  Run-in Procedure | Power Loss Solutions | Riding Gears 101 | Biking Brotherhood

                  P
                  ulsar 220F
                  |2013 Honda CBR250R|KTM Duke390|Yamaha R3|Yamaha R1|Triumph Tiger XRX

                  Comment


                  • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                    Originally posted by A[k] View Post
                    Hi,
                    Anyone here using D390 as his first bike?

                    I am all set to get D200, but deep down inside, after every two days, heart says why not push it and get a 390....that crazy acceleration of Duke 200 carried forward is what 390 is to me plus the financial aspects of course ...but then the question of it being my first bike and 390 is too powerful to handle pops up in mind...the feeling is unexplainable

                    Can it be used as a first bike? (my case being graduating from an activa )
                    I think my experience might be relevant for you. The 390 has been almost like my first bike. I used to ride a CBZ extreme some 5-6 years back and was thoroughly out of feel for riding a bike when I picked up the 390. Everyone asked me to get the 390, but the 200 was making more practical sense, given the price and the mileage (I was even seriously considering the NS200 which I think is a beautiful looking bike).

                    But then, I rode the 390.. and well.. there is no going back is there . The first few months I was deliberately conservative the way I rode it (the run in limitations helped of course). A few weeks in, I got comfortable with weight, and the acceleration. In fact after my first service, I got seriously worried that I ran my bike in wrong because the first and second gears felt so under powered. Turns out it was just me getting used to the bike.

                    You have to decide what you are buying the bike for. To be honest, this bike feels horrible for a commute. It heats up, the clutch is tight and the riding position is not the most comfortable for bumper to bumper traffic. But you give it some space and it really comes to life. I stopped commuting with it and started using public transport to get to office. Take the baby out for purely joy rides when the roads are a bit empty.

                    in short, it was the best decision I made to pick up this bike and not the 200s. There is honestly nothing out there (yet) which gives this much bang for the buck. This bike so far is just out and out fun.

                    Anyway, that has been my experience. Hope it helps.

                    Comment


                    • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                      Hit a bad pothole today at more than 80 kmph and was lucky to not loose balance - thanks to my Joe-rocket gloves which held me through to not loose grip.

                      Apparently rim looks ok , no cracks visible and tire doesn't seem to have lost much air - need to check that with a gauge.
                      But I was so shaken when this happened that those gory scenes of rim cracking and accidents came to my mind immediately for that fraction of a second.

                      Right now in office and not able to concentrate - Need some time. Guys do you suggest to check some thing else.

                      Sorry to my bike (Mastiff), I will be more careful henceforth.

                      Comment


                      • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                        Originally posted by AmitRavi07 View Post
                        My point exactly. Any thief would not go for a bike that has more locks on it like the disc locks and/or bound to chain. I was trying to say that I did not find Xena locks to be that impressive as even the hardened steel can be cut through, albeit it will take a couple of more minutes. I say this because I have seen live how easily this can be done. In fact your could do it in less that 5 mins flat, think about a thief who does this for a living. Locks like Xena and others have been tested and certified to withstand any tamper for 3-5 mins, but, if you check the instruments used in the process, they are merely simple tools like file, cutters etc.
                        For the amount one pays for Xena, I would suggest go for multiple locks - chain locks, pad-locks with or without alarm and you would still have money left to get gears.

                        Sorry for the complete OT.
                        Got your point.


                        Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

                        Comment


                        • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                          Paddock stands are available online. Check planetdsg.com or do a google search. I bought mine from Orion Motors in Bangalore. You can also
                          order one from KTM/Bajaj - cost around Rs. 5,000.

                          Comment


                          • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                            Originally posted by nelson_sanjoy View Post
                            Hit a bad pothole today at more than 80 kmph and was lucky to not loose balance - thanks to my Joe-rocket gloves which held me through to not loose grip.

                            Apparently rim looks ok , no cracks visible and tire doesn't seem to have lost much air - need to check that with a gauge.
                            But I was so shaken when this happened that those gory scenes of rim cracking and accidents came to my mind immediately for that fraction of a second.

                            Right now in office and not able to concentrate - Need some time. Guys do you suggest to check some thing else.

                            Sorry to my bike (Mastiff), I will be more careful henceforth.
                            Took to the nearest petrol bunk and checked the rim and tires .
                            Tires have lost no air and rims look ok - checked the front rim more since the probability is more here. Rode for around 2-3 kms in good and bad roads and the handling is intact. No Fork leaks visible.

                            But all said and done Sorry again to Mastiff and all here for being an emotional fool.

                            Edit : Found this on the tires - really impressive ...


                            Originally posted by Torque in Bang View Post
                            Hey people lets try this set the RPM / Gear shift light to some thing like more or less to 10000 if u get the light Bilking then the ECU is limited to 10500 and if not then it is limited to 9500
                            there are only 2 possibilities either 9500 or 10500 no matter how much u concentrate on the RPM its so small and that its just too difficult to get those numbers right.
                            most of us are confused with the same so lets try with the help pf the RPM or the gear shift light...
                            After my 1st service guys at the SVC set my RPM1 to 10500 and RPM2 to 13500 I asked them does it go that far and they where like "yes Sir, yes Sir it does... " I could not argue with them as I was running out of time and thought it would be of No use so let me try it out my self...
                            and then the RPM light never came on but the EUC did cutoff and I got to know that My cutoff it at 9500...
                            so changed the RPM light according to my ride and taste and it came back to Life again .....
                            Can you set the RPM2 light above 10500? I wasn't or was I missing something . Currently my RPM1 is at 7500 and RPM2 is at 10500.

                            Originally posted by AmitRavi07 View Post
                            My point exactly. Any thief would not go for a bike that has more locks on it like the disc locks and/or bound to chain. I was trying to say that I did not find Xena locks to be that impressive as even the hardened steel can be cut through, albeit it will take a couple of more minutes. I say this because I have seen live how easily this can be done. In fact your could do it in less that 5 mins flat, think about a thief who does this for a living. Locks like Xena and others have been tested and certified to withstand any tamper for 3-5 mins, but, if you check the instruments used in the process, they are merely simple tools like file, cutters etc.
                            For the amount one pays for Xena, I would suggest go for multiple locks - chain locks, pad-locks with or without alarm and you would still have money left to get gears.

                            Sorry for the complete OT.
                            I got a (non-alarm) disc lock for a dirt cheap price from snap deal . There are many others there. One of them is Viro which is a reputed Italian Company and has quite some good disc locks and way cheaper than Xena - can have a look.
                            I am not sure how robust these are but I guess if we put 2 of them on 2 tires - it will take them at-least 15 mins to break-through .
                            Reminds me of the PMP saying " Risk cannot be eradicated ,it can only be mitigated "
                            Last edited by nelson_sanjoy; 03-14-2014, 01:02 PM.

                            Comment


                            • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                              Originally posted by krish2778 View Post
                              Check your PM mate.


                              Cheers
                              Ride Safe
                              Krishna

                              Dude even I need a low cost paddock stand, please send the link to me also......

                              Comment


                              • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences



                                Link : https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1402078363388052

                                These people make paddock stands for almost every bike and at a good reasonable price.

                                Sent from my SM-N900 using Tapatalk

                                Comment

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