Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Reliability-I owned a duke 200 for full one year and now 390 for almost 8months and without any problem. Each and every product in the earth(humans too)are not perfect. There may be some small issues in very small number of products. Don't judge the whole lot with a few issues. Recently I read in triumph owners face book page that one of the Bonnie's speedo is not working within a few days or a month. One of the worlds best brand company.So no reliability problem you can go for duke 390 with eyes shut. They have improved and redesigned many small parts that are creating issues and they are watching our forums,FB pages to know about the issues and they take steps to rectify them.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Hi guys has anyone faced issue with the gear indicator my gear indicator stops working after a while , Its shows only the first 2 gears, after that what ever gear I shift to still shows its in 2nd gear even when its in neutral. still ist able to show the first two shifts properly.

One thing I have noticed is if you park the bike overnight the gear indicator works fine for some 20 km and then again issue starts. I have left my bike for first service today. I have not faced any issue other than that , It was a right choice I made upgrading from a pulsar 220.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences


As many in the forum have mentioned, none of the bikes are without any niggles. Any niggle faced by us have been rectified by svcs and if those niggles affect many bikes then changes are made to the bikes design pronto. Few cases in point I remember - Radiator fan turning anti-clock wise below speeds of 8kmph; Front mud-guard extension nuts changed so that the bolts do not fall off; design changes of bar-end weights; include fork-boots to protect front forks, etc..
The only gripe I have is about the pulsar switch-gear being used on this bike, the grips, and some of the nuts loosening from constant vibrations. I have gone on long rides too, with the longest being ~1700kms in 20 hours, at the end of which I was tired, but, no problems with my back or bums.
Therefore, my advice would be to take some time out and check the bike out properly, every part, nuts and bolts, plastics. If you find that the quality is less than that of either of the japs, then go for the one you feel offers the best quality.

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Thats a strange one, probably a faulty sensor which should be replaced by svc under warranty. Anyways, the problem should be rectified since you have taken it to svc and pointed out the problem to them.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

im still wondering how I finished my tyre at 8000 kms... anyway changed it to Michelin pilot street at Rs 5500. saved around Rs 3000. if anyone wishes to hear me, choose metz or something that's better than metz... downgrading to a lower tyre compromises ride fun on 390. believe me...

the bike simply falls into corners, which was not case before, the bike responded to my cornering commands, but this Michelin just does what it likes. hence, more and more precise throttle control is required now. on metz throttle it as you wish and metz took care, but Michelin does not.

have a look at my rear sprocket. will be done by 15k kms. new problems have came up. its monsoon here in kerala, water vapour/ water has been found inside instrument display. will speak during service. but will they listen and replace?

as tyre was gone , I didn't take bike for around 20 days, other than simply starting and idling. so after a ride of 60 kms to tyre shop, [MENTION=14435]backlash4u[/MENTION] saw coolant leak from underneath. found the source of leak, but it stopped by itself. fingers crossed. will go for 3rd free service in next week.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Guys, is there any PDI list for Dukes? I wish to do the PDI myself although I know that KTM Store guys can do a good job with it.
Also, what are the things that are to be kept in mind for the coolant levels and engine oil to be used for run-in? Any particualr suggestions? I am coming from an air-cooled humble bike with normal chain and normal power. This will be a good upgrade for me.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

so it seems the duke390 sprockets can be fitted in my 200NS. I guess they are of 44 teeth.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Thanks so much for the review mate!

When KTM has done cost cutting on almost every possible part on 390, there mustve been a damn good reason why they chose one of the most expensive tyres and deemed no cheaper alternative was worthy enough

I have been telling my friends to stick to Metz, its not just a soft compound tyre, its technologically advanced as well (You can check their website for more info).

But anyways, the tyre you have is the second best thing available now in India

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Downgrading on the tyre size does bring a major difference on how the bike handles, Fitting the 140 on the 150 cross section might have ended up with a even more lower profile and the tyre taking a more flatter cross-section width

Also the level of confidence one gets from the Metz is indeed something which will be missed.
So much so i am considering to upgrade to metz in my cbr..:-P


Cheers
Ride Safe
Krishna

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Hi guys got my bike from first service the engine is smoother but gear indicator issue still their they said will replace the sensor they had taken the pic to send to ktm hope they replace it

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Not really. Switch to the Duke 200 tires if required. Downgrading the size be it even Metz will hamper the quality. Keeping the same size does help at times. Also, once the MRF are heated they do provide substantial grip, although Metz cannot be defeated at any cost.

@All - Completed the 2nd service last weekend.

Servicing details

1) 1 Motul FS 10W50 (1 Liter) - Rs825
2) Petrol Filter - Rs99
3) Air Filter Element - Rs288
4) Oil Filter - Rs64

Total - 1276 excluding taxes.

Before taking the bike to SVC I applied WD40 to the chain as a degreaser. The difference between the muddy chain and new box pack chain was something to look forward. I'm happy to continue this procedure for my 5th bike as well. The mechs were surprised to see the chain so clean. As usual got the chain lubed for free, saw the entire procedure of the servicing and got the bike back around noon.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

[MENTION=23956]Legend Racer[/MENTION]. Just as an experiment try fiddling with the rear tyre pressure. Try 28. Might help. Am just suggesting. It might make it better.

Sent from my GT-I9500 using xBhp Connect mobile app

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

It this true
390 has a micro chip which controls the engine when the engine is overheated the chip kill the engine automatically
What is the limit I have heard if you try to pull the bike above 100kmph for more than half an hour the chip shut down the engine automatically

tej

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Hello Tej,

Overheating might cause the engine to shut off.
But it is not specific to the speed.
I have done a long trip from Bangalore to Madurai in 6 hrs.
Took short breaks.
At times maintained speed of 130kmph, it has never happened.
My Bike has done 4000kms so far in the past 2 months. I have never had any high temperature warning or anything as such.
Its a delight for long rides.
Hope this answers.

Cheers,
Dev

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Wrong! KTM engineers have ingeniously designed a feature that never lets the bike rev beyond the 4k RPM mark once engine heat is above the average and run for prolonged period. But with that being said, driving for 100 KMPH on a constant basis I know a few noobs who do 120 constantly all the way, it doesn't even come close to the temp kill region. This is pure bollocks information that riding above 100 will kill the engine. The engine will automatically detune itself to 4k so that the engine cools down before further rev opening.


Hey there, Akash, itching for a Duke 390 eh! You need not worry about the coolant levels and the engine oil for the run in, as the bike is pre filled with the right amount of oil, just make sure these are at the right marks, especially the coolant. Secondly do take a look at the engine oil level just in case, but as you've said KTM SVC keep a real keen eye on the fluid characteristics of the bike before delivery.

There is nothing of particular significance with regards to normal chain or normal power, but keep in mind that different bikes have different power and the setup made for them is different but again not significantly different.

I'd suggest you take a test drive of both the 200 and 390 and go for the which makes you feel home.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Akash, so finally upgrading eh ?

I always thought you'll wait for the N650.

hmm..anyways,...congrats mate.!

Cheers
Ride Safe
Krishna