Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences


Thanks Bro will give it a go asap.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

NO MANUFACTURER gives free engine oil !! Doesn't matter if its Bajaj oil or motul or coconut oil.
Only labour charges are free during free service. and if its a warranty replacement, only then the parts will be 'free' along with free labor.
So you pay for chain lube (the lube not for the labor of doing it) , engine oil, oil filter plus the so called consumables (which everybody seems to be charging now around 50rs)
My only gripe is the so called 'consumables' which ideally shouldn't be charged.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

What labour Bro? What is so labourious about opening a bolt and letting the oil flow out or just putting the bike on a paddock stand and pouring oil on the chain. These people provide no special service and if asked to adress a problem on the bike, warrenty or no they waste our time. Ktm is not as bad when it comes to this as say Honda? But they arn't bathed in milk either bro and companies only stopped providing free oil since 2008. As I mentioned I got free oil for my Honda unicorn.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

2,07,293 (mumbai on road). This was from KTM Mulund off LBS Marg.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Let's not talk about the 'service' levels or customer service.. that's non existent at most places.
Ever since I have been riding, I haven't seen or heard of a authorized service center providing free engine oil. Since you mentioned Honda, I never got free oil for my Honda (Dio) since 2007..and i live in hyderabad too -- best case is some asc's might just do a engine oil top up of 100ml for free but that's about it. Or Did you pay upfront for some 'service package' while buying the bike ?

As i mentioned, during free service labour is free.. if they charge you for labor charge for lubing chain or oil change then pl write to the customer care of the concerned manufacturer.

Since this is going OT, lets leave it at this.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Few question here.. need help.

I hv been following this thread for quite some time now.. plus read lot of other forums and sites.. So.. im planning to get one of these machines.. last min question just for my satisfaction..

1. How is the reliability of the bike.
I would use this majorly for long rides. wanted to know, if its a fill and go bike apart from few lubrications and topups?

2. Im 6ft tall and 98kgs. not fat but big built types.. can I ride it for long durations? (Test ride for about 4 kms seemed fine.). I come from Bullet and Avenger background.

3.I want a bike which I keep for some years.. 6-7 yrz.. do u guys think this can be used for that long?

4. How many kms hv driven total.. any problems that faced so far or any known issues?

Quick reply would really b appreiated as I hv already applied for loan.
Will post pics soon if i get one.
Also if some one P.M me the P.D.I.. that would be really great along with on how can I check with manufacturing date from serial number.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

well first off
1) this bike has a service interval of 5000 kms and you actually don't have to change the oil before 5k kms are complete even after long rides but the coolant might need topping up after about 2-2500 kms ( the bike heats up quite a bit)

2) My friend is 6'1 and he finds the bike comfortable. but needs to get off it and flex his legs a bit every now and then on long rides. but then that might be because of the rear set foot pegs because I have to do that too and I am 5'9

3) this is a fun bike yes you can keep it but there may be other bikes out there that might be more worth keeping. but if you meant will it last? then the answer is yes I believe so. the bike is quite sturdy and and the parts are manufactured using quite a high quality process and materials.

4) so far I have done about 5700 kms of which about 2300 kms were spent on a highway and the rest in the city. no major complications yet just an oil leak from the cylinder head cover near the cam sprocket which I am told is a common problem and it has so far not caused the bike to loose oil pressure or seize.

My advice............... go for it........ its easy on the pocket plus you owe yourself some fun. but if your goal is to carry a pillion on the bike honestly steer clear of this bike.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Dude it depends on the pillion a lot. Ive found if your pillion is a guy it will be uncomfortable for both of you. But if its a girl (whom you are trying to impress), the Duke is an excellent wingman! The angle of the seat is such that unless and until your pillion sticks to you they will be uncomfortable, but once they do, the bike feels really comfy. The back seat is surprisingly adequate and comfortable for the fairer sex. Add to that the amazing performance of the beast, and you get an almost perfect combination.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Well can't argue with that my friend. the bike is meant for girlfriends not best friends......LOL and the performance does put a smile on your face.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Those must have been some very special vehicles bro. Because I am yet to see free fluids being offered in any vehicle. Free service only covers bike washing and labour cost of service. It takes more than just opening cap and pouring oil. A service advisor needs to follow a long list (if they ever do it correctly) before they can say it is "serviced".


Mineral oil will never fry your engine. The biggest difference is drain intervals. I used Motul Mineral oil in my 390 till second service.

We have superbikes here that run in Mineral oil. Stunt 390s that run mineral oil and work like charm .

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences




You are not wrong friend. In fact I enquired about it and found out the 2007 unicorns and shines from august to November were under default extended warranty and service scheme. Fluids were covered under this scheme for customers who chose this. I actually have the reciepts to that effect for my only 3 out of 6 free services as I did not avail all the services fearing my bike destruction......UNDER WARRANTY...... by Honda the great.



My only beef with them is that they charge fir everything and call it free. Who in this world has two lakh rupees to spend on a bike an not 3-400rs on service labour charge. And also if your gonna add a consumables charge I better get proper chain cleaner and chain lube not diesel and motor oil, a clean bike not "corners pe mitti chalti hai". If your gonna charge then give me service or don't shove warranty in my face when I get it done elsewhere is what I am saying.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

This must be specific to the service center you are taking your bike to. They do charge more, but you do get some value for money here in Delhi. They don’t use diesel or motor oil here. If fact, I got my bike serviced yesterday and I had to literally request the guy to stop washing my bike as he had already consumed 45mins of my weekend doing so.

Today at a traffic signal an auto rickshaw guy asked me if the wheels were made of plastic. I was so tempted to reply in a positive considering the alloy breaking issues, but did'nt.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences



Oh no this is the case with ktm in Hyderabad man but the banjara hills service station at least listen to you when you tell them stuff.



Btw This morning I had four kids bugging me to let them take pictures with my ride so I let them. The excitement on their faces gave me a sence of pride. These experiences make life worthwhile.

As for alloy breaking the problem does exist as corners were cut to keep the price and weight down. But it still takes quite some abuse to effect damage to the rims. My advice....... Keep air pressure optimal and avoid offroading.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

hi friends. im a step closer to buy this bike. if someone can provide me list of PDI.. i'll really appreciate it. plus any do's and don't would be welcome.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

the only things you need to know about the bike are:

1) don't rev beyond five thousand rpms before run in or beyond 7000 upto second service. risk of engine seizure and ABS failing exists
2) get the vehicle serviced 3-500kms prior to completion of service interval post 1st service.
3) don't use the throttle as far as possible in stop gap the bike has ample torque and high enough revs that you can ride the clutch a bit.
4) control your speed using the engine breaking as much as possible it saves you money on disk pads and keeps fluid costs down as well.
5) keep optimal air pressure always as soft compound tires are at risk of greater wear and flats.
6) extra fittings from even trusted third part sources are not advised. risk of voiding warranty.
7) Forget this stuff and Have a little fun.

The Finance scheme goes to 36 months wherein you'll be paying 73000 down payment and 5500 per month emi can opt for lesser time. here is a pic of the breakdown from hyderabad.


the cash down option is easy as the booking amount is 30000 and then it takes a few weeks to couple of months max to get the bike. all costs included the hyderabad on road is Rs2,07,000

you should find out what the cost is at your town.
BTW best to go to the showroom just after the mid of each month and ask for spot delivery of bike on cash payment as they always have a few bikes with them for just such customers but inspect them thoroughly and choose the best one. don't spread the word as it will delay deliveries for other customers.