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**jitubhai** · 05-12-2014, 01:04 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by SuperMane View Post

Since you are looking for a replacement for NS ,I think the duke 390 would be better. Still wait for RC who knows you might end up replacing the CBR. That's what I would do.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using xBhp Connect mobile app

i have bought ktm 390 duke because it is more practical bike to own ,and its have set up benchmarks which rc will not break ,except top end which i use rarely :-)

**fxx** · 05-12-2014, 01:36 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by enfro View Post

For Metzlers??

Yes for Metz.... MRF would cost around 8k + taxes ....(both F+R)

**B7ACKTHORN** · 05-12-2014, 02:19 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by thunderbird_m6 View Post

Hi Dukers,

Currently I own 200NS & CBR250R Respol Edition & planning to change my NS with 390 as I want to have a more powerful bike. My cousin already has a Duke 200 which I have tested couple of times, seating position is spot-on for Duke 200 & you are welcomed with surge of wind blast as soon as you try to go blasting with the acceleration.

Since you guys are owning 390, is it better to wait inn for RC-390 or go inn for 390... Share your expertise & experiences in this bike combo ownership.

Even I had this dilemma of choosing between the potent 390 and the track potent RC. You see, these were the first things that came to my mind when booking my naked 390.

RC

1. You have fairings, which is great, reduces wind blast, gives you superbike feel
2. Slight improvement in handling due to the revised steering geometry.
3. Unfathomably sexy!

Cons

1. When inquired with the dealer, about the guesstimate cost of the RC above the 390, the reply I got from him was, merely a 50,000 buck increase +-
2. Make a small scratch and you shell out 15k for the panel alone (told by the dealer -- I know I Know he wants me to book the Duke 390 ASAP) But then thinking about it for a while, you'll get the point.
3. Weight, weight and weight, even a KG is weight, so it means reduced potential to an extent.
4. What if you'd like to do some DIY such as removing the plugs for cleaning or other components. nitty gritty, etc. you need to remove the darn fairing every single time. You'll know this pain if you own an R15 or dealt with R15.. Sigh

5. I'd stick with the naked, as I prefer "naked" hot

Disclaimer: These are my personal thoughts.

Cheers!
VJ

**The Pain** · 05-12-2014, 08:34 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Also on the RC the heat from the bike situation could get better due to proper channeling possibilities away from the rider. Or it could be worse due to the fairings enclosing the engine. We will have to wait and watch.

Now that its been almost 2 months with my D390. I am so used to the heat that im able to ignore it completely. Well almost.. :-)

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

Even I had this dilemma of choosing between the potent 390 and the track potent RC. You see, these were the first things that came to my mind when booking my naked 390.

RC

1. You have fairings, which is great, reduces wind blast, gives you superbike feel
2. Slight improvement in handling due to the revised steering geometry.
3. Unfathomably sexy!

Cons

1. When inquired with the dealer, about the guesstimate cost of the RC above the 390, the reply I got from him was, merely a 50,000 buck increase +-
2. Make a small scratch and you shell out 15k for the panel alone (told by the dealer -- I know I Know he wants me to book the Duke 390 ASAP) But then thinking about it for a while, you'll get the point.
3. Weight, weight and weight, even a KG is weight, so it means reduced potential to an extent.
4. What if you'd like to do some DIY such as removing the plugs for cleaning or other components. nitty gritty, etc. you need to remove the darn fairing every single time. You'll know this pain if you own an R15 or dealt with R15.. Sigh

5. I'd stick with the naked, as I prefer "naked" hot

Disclaimer: These are my personal thoughts.

Cheers!
VJ

**Akash.Yadav** · 05-12-2014, 09:43 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

Even I had this dilemma of choosing between the potent 390 and the track potent RC. You see, these were the first things that came to my mind when booking my naked 390.

RC

1. You have fairings, which is great, reduces wind blast, gives you superbike feel
2. Slight improvement in handling due to the revised steering geometry.
3. Unfathomably sexy!

Cons

1. When inquired with the dealer, about the guesstimate cost of the RC above the 390, the reply I got from him was, merely a 50,000 buck increase +-
2. Make a small scratch and you shell out 15k for the panel alone (told by the dealer -- I know I Know he wants me to book the Duke 390 ASAP) But then thinking about it for a while, you'll get the point.
3. Weight, weight and weight, even a KG is weight, so it means reduced potential to an extent.
4. What if you'd like to do some DIY such as removing the plugs for cleaning or other components. nitty gritty, etc. you need to remove the darn fairing every single time. You'll know this pain if you own an R15 or dealt with R15.. Sigh

5. I'd stick with the naked, as I prefer "naked" hot

Disclaimer: These are my personal thoughts.

Cheers!
VJ

And this is why one should get reviews and consult VJ bhai to see which beast is suitable for you. I have been waiting for RC series to jump from my humble P150 to something powerful and delight to ride.I must say VJ bhai, you have caught the right nerve here

**timuseravan** · 05-12-2014, 10:13 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by thunderbird_m6 View Post

Hi Dukers,

Currently I own 200NS & CBR250R Respol Edition & planning to change my NS with 390 as I want to have a more powerful bike. My cousin already has a Duke 200 which I have tested couple of times, seating position is spot-on for Duke 200 & you are welcomed with surge of wind blast as soon as you try to go blasting with the acceleration.

Since you guys are owning 390, is it better to wait inn for RC-390 or go inn for 390... Share your expertise & experiences in this bike combo ownership.

Apart from the reasons quoted by others, one important consideration is the seating posture. RC will be more sports inclined and that may led to pressure on wrists during longer rides. The current 390 has a nice upright seating posture.

**Eshan-P180** · 05-12-2014, 10:57 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Whoaaa so many pros and cons before the launch!! Naice!.

I think someone has missed the big problem with RC390, its the range.. Holla People!! At 8.5ltrs, you can churn out max 150-170kilometers. Please consider reserve as well.

@All - I'm noticing loosening of bolts on the D390. Every weekend I have a allenkey to tighten, anyone else facing this issue. Also, who are having chain slapping issues?

Had gone to Lavasa Yesterday, I'm in love with the mid range power the Duke has. Don't know why but yesterday's ride was slow and relaxed, the weather was great too, attaching some pics.

Attached Files

**ags1773** · 05-12-2014, 11:57 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Eshan-P180 View Post

Whoaaa so many pros and cons before the launch!! Naice!.

I think someone has missed the big problem with RC390, its the range.. Holla People!! At 8.5ltrs, you can churn out max 150-170kilometers. Please consider reserve as well.

@All - I'm noticing loosening of bolts on the D390. Every weekend I have a allenkey to tighten, anyone else facing this issue. Also, who are having chain slapping issues?

Had gone to Lavasa Yesterday, I'm in love with the mid range power the Duke has. Don't know why but yesterday's ride was slow and relaxed, the weather was great too, attaching some pics.

Nice pics man. The tank pad and stickers look awesome. Did you get the 3m clear coating done?

**wallpapers123** · 05-12-2014, 12:06 PM

KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Eshan-P180 View Post

Had gone to Lavasa Yesterday, I'm in love with the mid range power the Duke has. Don't know why but yesterday's ride was slow and relaxed, the weather was great too, attaching some pics.

Lots of pics..!!
Did you manage to do any riding..??
Taking snaps is inversely proportional to actual riding..!!
I do the same at Lavasa..!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**timuseravan** · 05-12-2014, 12:19 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Eshan-P180 View Post

Whoaaa so many pros and cons before the launch!! Naice!.

I think someone has missed the big problem with RC390, its the range.. Holla People!! At 8.5ltrs, you can churn out max 150-170kilometers. Please consider reserve as well.

@All - I'm noticing loosening of bolts on the D390. Every weekend I have a allenkey to tighten, anyone else facing this issue. Also, who are having chain slapping issues?

Had gone to Lavasa Yesterday, I'm in love with the mid range power the Duke has. Don't know why but yesterday's ride was slow and relaxed, the weather was great too, attaching some pics.

Fantastic pics

How do you manage to keep the wheel rims so clean? Chain slapping is a problem I have learnt to ignore. It cannot be helped.

Going offtopic a bit, I prefer solo rides to group rides for this reaons. You can ride as the mood takes you, either carving the turns or slow and relaxed lost in the sights.

**Eshan-P180** · 05-12-2014, 02:03 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by ags1773 View Post

Nice pics man. The tank pad and stickers look awesome. Did you get the 3m clear coating done?

Thank you. No, I didnt go for the 3m clear coat.

Originally posted by wallpapers123 View Post

Lots of pics..!!
Did you manage to do any riding..??
Taking snaps is inversely proportional to actual riding..!!
I do the same at Lavasa..!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, as i mentioned, this ride was different. I was at ease and enjoying the sunday. I stopped at two places to click, usually we all just ride up to the tapri and head back. This time it was more of a relaxed ride. I enjoyed Mutha Ghat though, dint stop there...

Originally posted by timuseravan View Post

Fantastic pics

How do you manage to keep the wheel rims so clean? Chain slapping is a problem I have learnt to ignore. It cannot be helped.

Going offtopic a bit, I prefer solo rides to group rides for this reaons. You can ride as the mood takes you, either carving the turns or slow and relaxed lost in the sights.

I wash my bike every weekend. Just wipe off the excess dirt from the rims. Trying to avoid the chain slapping but just gets in my ears all the time. Any other members facing the same?

This is my 5th bike, i have ridden extensive around Pune. Also, I do not get the privilege of going out every weekend, so whenever there is free time I just head out. Yes, at some points I was happy cruising the bike than redlining to hear the Austrian howl...

**wallpapers123** · 05-12-2014, 02:10 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Eshan-P180 View Post

Thank you. No, I didnt go for the 3m clear coat.

Yeah, as i mentioned, this ride was different. I was at ease and enjoying the sunday. I stopped at two places to click, usually we all just ride up to the tapri and head back. This time it was more of a relaxed ride. I enjoyed Mutha Ghat though, dint stop .

We do stop at the tapri but the actually the road after it pretty good too..close and sharp cornering which I discovered when going the extra mile one day..
The road till the 'ekant hotel ' is pretty good..!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**The Pain** · 05-12-2014, 02:27 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Eshan-P180 View Post

Trying to avoid the chain slapping but just gets in my ears all the time. Any other members facing the same?

I think everyone on this bike has this issue. Just keep adjusting and lubing every 500kms. Ride in the right gear for the speed ur at and try ur best to get used to the sound

Sent from my LG-G2 using Tapatalk

**schwantz34** · 05-12-2014, 08:41 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Adarsh_Bk View Post

Hi buddy, here is a pic of a Metz which has done 15.2k kms

It clearly shows right side is more worn than left. I am not sure of the exact reason but that seems the way it wears out. So hopefully you have nothing to worry

But 9k kms is a bit too early for tyre to give away at speeds like 20kmph again not sure why it happened.

Regarding new tyres, I am not sure if Duke 200's tyres can be a good option. You have to be really careful if you get it, esp while accelerating out of a corner (even if you dont accelerate hard, Metz makes a big difference there) and your top speed will also be limited to around 150kmph as it is not rated for higher. But now since the Metz costs around 8k, maybe you can try and get it.

There are other options from Michelin but they are not of Duke's size, some have tried it but I dont know their feedback.

Hi,
That's the pic of my 390 Duke's rear Metzeler after 15,200kms. The right side wear is more because I did 2 trackdays in Kari where the right handers are a lot more than the lefts.

I've also noticed that the rubber wears off a lot during long rides when the tyres keeps sustaining a high temperature over a longer period of time. The rubber literally was peeling off during the highway run from Trivandrum to Bangalore. But I've got no complaints, the Metz are worth it & I got a lot more mileage out of the tyres. Front still has tread left good enough for another 2K kms, the rear is now running a brand new Metz which cost me 9.2K in all

**B7ACKTHORN** · 05-13-2014, 12:41 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Akash.Yadav View Post

And this is why one should get reviews and consult VJ bhai to see which beast is suitable for you. I have been waiting for RC series to jump from my humble P150 to something powerful and delight to ride.I must say VJ bhai, you have caught the right nerve here

Hope you upgrade to a better one, soon. All the best Akash.

Originally posted by The Pain View Post

Also on the RC the heat from the bike situation could get better due to proper channeling possibilities away from the rider. Or it could be worse due to the fairings enclosing the engine. We will have to wait and watch.

Now that its been almost 2 months with my D390. I am so used to the heat that im able to ignore it completely. Well almost.. :-)

Happy for you. Exactly, faired means less heat through your extensions and it's a real plus, plus you need to take into consideration fuel capacity and the like too, which means frequent pitstops and more over a pain in the (you know where). But all in, it's an excellent machine. I've been through R15s, though CBR250s through D200s through P200s boy the confidence you get on the Duke is world apart, personally.

Originally posted by timuseravan View Post

Apart from the reasons quoted by others, one important consideration is the seating posture. RC will be more sports inclined and that may led to pressure on wrists during longer rides. The current 390 has a nice upright seating posture.

Wrist pains aren't necessarily caused by the motorcycle, this is a cliche that most of us say due to sporty feel of the ride et cetera. Fact of the matter is, there are lots of reasons why wrist pain occurs. I'd love to go into the details, but it's more than what meets the eye.

Cheers!
VJ

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