I saw one of the owners in Bangalore OG reporting a reduction in the topspeed,after installing the new front replacement sprocket. Any similar observations here?

There is definately a change in the number of teeth IMO judging from the change in behaviour of the bike. So there will be some tradeoff wrt pickup or top speed. I havent had a chance to check the top speed yet due to the lovely Mumbai traffic conditions, high speed runs need to be planned.

However, since the bike is now more docile in traffic this would lead me to believe that the sprocket size is smaller/has more teeth which should yield a better top end???? Im confused too :-)

Can you count the number of teeth on the new sprocket? If they have indeed been reduced, it should help at lower speeds.
In that case the top speed would come down but frankly, how many times are we going to even approach the top end?

True about the top end at least in my case as most of my riding is in the city. Will check the number of teeth and post back here on Wednesday. Running a very busy schedule at work this week.

The number shouldn't be different, seriously, that makes a big change in the characteristic of the bike, is should be because of replacing the front sprocket and running a old rear sprocket and worn out chain, i mean that is down right foolishness, you will now end up with uneven slack at different points and a weirdly worn out front sprocket.

Cheers
Ride Safe
Krishna

Just got off the phone with the service center, the manager guy insists that the number of teeth are the same. The replacement was due to the sprocket holder of certain batches being faulty/having the possibility of becoming loose/damaged. The latest production bikes are already shipped with this new kit.

This is different from what was told to me on Saturday by the person handling the service center who said it was to address knocking/noise and vibes at low speeds.

This is why i hate the KTM service centers. Everyone is clueless on whats going on.

Will count the teeth in any case to confirm. Also ive only covered around 1200 Kms on my bike so i dont think the wear should be that bad. The bike seems better behaved in traffic for sure. Either that or im losing my mind. LOL.

Just got off the phone with the service center, the manager guy insists that the number of teeth are the same. The replacement was due to the sprocket holder of certain batches being faulty/having the possibility of becoming loose/damaged. The latest production bikes are already shipped with this new kit.

This is different from what was told to me on Saturday by the person handling the service center who said it was to address knocking/noise and vibes at low speeds.

This is why i hate the KTM service centers. Everyone is clueless on whats going on.

Will count the teeth in any case to confirm. Also ive only covered around 1200 Kms on my bike so i dont think the wear should be that bad. The bike seems better behaved in traffic for sure. Either that or im losing my mind. LOL.

Cool, do update about it here. But just another thought, changing the front sprocket alone, would cause the chain to wear off unevenly and badly and cause the uneven slack , right ?
Isn't that kinda bad ? And already with this bike chain adjustments are needed much more than one would like.

Cheers
Ride Safe
Krishna

Indiranagar is the closest SVC to me but looks like I better go somewhere else

Btw KTM is replacing front sprocket of all 390s for free, apparently its a new design. Not sure if the number of teeth has changed or anything, if so it will make significant difference.
One guy who has April 2014 model didnt need replacement as he already had the newer one.

Got my front sprocket changed from the Goregaon svc center just now. They have been updated abt the advisory and changing the sprocket for free.

The manufacturing date on the replacement box is may 2014. The person there said it was to reduce knocking and vibration. Post installation the bike is more rideable in the 1st and 2nd gears. The initial jerkiness/violent engine braking of these gears is no more.

Overall I have mixed feelings as the bike behaves much better in traffic but I was kinda used to the way it was before.

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Was your bike 2013 or 2014 model? One of my friend checked with SVC today and they told him its only for 2013 models. And going by your feedback, they have changed the number of teeth in the sprocket. (Most likely reduced by 1 teeth as you said city rideability is better).

Mines Feb 2014.

They are always a bit funny with the updates to SVCs/Dealers regd service advisorys and prices. The sprocket itself costs around 250/- as per the box.

There were some cases of the front sprocket losing alignment, coming loose, and the chain getting stuck. It was due to an alignment issue along the sprocket axis in the earlier lots. That too only in some of them. In these the sprocket would go off its fit, chain would go off the front sprocket in high speeds, and get stuck. AFAIK, this was mostly restricted to the second batch of 390s delivered in India circa early October 2013. My bike delivered mid Oct 2013 didn't have it.

There is definately a change in the number of teeth IMO judging from the change in behaviour of the bike. So there will be some tradeoff wrt pickup or top speed. I havent had a chance to check the top speed yet due to the lovely Mumbai traffic conditions, high speed runs need to be planned.

However, since the bike is now more docile in traffic this would lead me to believe that the sprocket size is smaller/has more teeth which should yield a better top end???? Im confused too :-)

Can you count the number of teeth on the new sprocket? If they have indeed been reduced, it should help at lower speeds.
In that case the top speed would come down but frankly, how many times are we going to even approach the top end?

The number shouldn't be different, seriously, that makes a big change in the characteristic of the bike, is should be because of replacing the front sprocket and running a old rear sprocket and worn out chain, i mean that is down right foolishness, you will now end up with uneven slack at different points and a weirdly worn out front sprocket.

Cheers
Ride Safe
Krishna

@Eshan-P180 thanks so much for the clarification mate

Now this is the pic of my front sprocket (http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/motorcyc...ml#post1065577)

So this is an older version of the clip right? And also its prone to rust!

Have to get the newer one then.
@krish2778, I think you are unnecessarily getting worried about only front sprocket getting changed, at least for @The Pain, the bike is new so will have no probs. And uneven slack is already there in my bike

Ishan at which SVC you got your sprocket changed? I am guessing you are from Pune.

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@Eshan-P180 thanks so much for the clarification mate

Now this is the pic of my front sprocket (http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/motorcyc...ml#post1065577)

So this is an older version of the clip right? And also its prone to rust!

Have to get the newer one then.
@krish2778, I think you are unnecessarily getting worried about only front sprocket getting changed, at least for @The Pain, the bike is new so will have no probs. And uneven slack is already there in my bike

No change in teeth. Same design but a new sprocket clip.



Yep May 2014 manufacturing. No change in handling.





No change in teeth. early 2014 models - Jan, Feb, 1st week of March affected






Yep, Bang on thats the issue right there. There are cases where the sprocket has come loose at high speeds resulting in locking of rear tire.





Yep the same.



Nope

OMG so many speculations. I got the front sprocket changed over the weekend. I even got a chance to change it myself in the SVC, damn I’m in love with that Hitachi Automatic Screw Driver.
Ok, coming to the point. The front sprocket will be changed silently during periodic servicing. The customer will not be informed about this change.
The reason for changing the front sprocket:
1) The old sprocket has a clip which has equal tooths which fits the sprocket bang on. That’s what even I thought. But folks at KTM say they need to be irregular, Not the sprocket but the clip.
2) Recent accidents are taking place where the front sprocket is coming loose and breaking the plastic cover. They showed the pics in which I felt the rider was lucky to be alive.
3) Since this is a silent recall there is no fuss, no media, no calls or emails from KTM for the owners to change the sprocket. As said its gonna be done silently.
4) The new sprocket and sprocket clip has irregular tooths which grip the gear protruding the engine as transmission further gripping it.
That’s all I could get over the weekend, got a free wash and lube as well. I have attached some pics as well, see for yourself.
So who went for a ride this weekend ? Anyone coming for the Orange Ride to Dapoli next month? Pune Bund Garden KTM has organized.