Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Can someone please tell me if KTM has made changes to the alloy wheels on the Duke 390? I contemplated buying one but have been put off by some of the images of badly cracked up wheels. I read the following link but would like to know if it is authentic/true. Thank you!

KTM Makes Changes For Indian Conditions, Strengthens Alloy Wheels | MotorBeam – Indian Car Bike News & Reviews

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

The KTM showroom folks claim that the alloy wheels have been strengthened sometime late last year.

KTM sends out the list of updates for every new batch of production to all the dealers. I suggest you speak to a dealer regarding this and ask him to show you the official email which indicates the change in the alloy compound/design. That will be an official confirmation.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

This is how the mudguard fits on motorcycles like R15 v2, FZ v2 etc. I just copied their design. Results should be similar too. I will update once the rainy season starts.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Thank you. I did speak to the dealer and he said such problems have been sorted out. But then dealers do say such things - I thought someone here might know better.

Regards

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

@wingrider767 Can you ask if it is possible to fit the slipper clutch in the 2013 duke 390? If so what will be expected price?

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Yes I had a similar query. Would the 2013/4 models get that upgrade?

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Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Ok, so they seem to have incorporated a few more changes since 2015 (late Jan manufactured onwards)
1. Handle grips are from the RC series.
2. Added Extra plastic protector for the front forks
3. softer seats (maybe!) - noticed that the gap between the seat and tank on the 200/390's has almost vanished now.
4. "Slipper clutch" - not sure if this is in fact a proper slipper clutch (even the showroom guys do not have complete information on this yet), but the clutch does feel softer and easier on the hands! Unfortunately it wasn't available for a test ride to check it out.

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If you are picking up the duke, then i suggest you look for the extra hard plastic fork protectors so that you can identify that it is the 'latest' model.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

The pulsar ns grips feel quite nice on the bike

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Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Having been spent 1500 bucks on fuel for my car, just for a visit to the dealership, just to get some know-how!

I can call it a day.

Of the total 8 RCs and of the three naked motorcycles that arrived at the dealership, two black nakeds were sent to their owners, one white was sitting around.

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The older indicators were rock hard, stubborn to any flex. The newer ones allows for a good flex, literally bent it to the max, almost touching the mask, absolutely perfect and retains position with no fuss.

And also gets a black covering (like in RC) outside the rims of the indicators (all four) nice add-on makes it exceptionally waterproof, and no fogging. +1




Fork protector shroud, still trying to discern as to why, perhaps to prevent crud from sticking to the fork tube which in turn reduces the seal life. +1




Grips are a welcome change. Unfortunately switch gear remains the same, perhaps could have incorporated the RC switchgear (just my suggestion)

Plus, the clutch play is revised, thanks to the new triple spring setup. When asked upon, was this just a change in the clutch spring setup that was being made such a fuss about, the chap reiterated, yes the clutch has been revised and the SLIPPER CLUTCH too is included. +1 nevertheless.

Coming to the seats, the rider seat has an additional crease atop and has become a wee softer, the pillion seat remains the same. Sorry girls.




The clutch actuator arm, too gets a new design.




Being owned a early 2014 Duke, I can attest to the fact that how flexible and soft those rear fenders were. Mind you, these are superbly rock solid. Not prone to the crazy flex the older version were prone to. I tried pressing my full 90+ kgs on them for a second, feels remarkably stiff, and allows for the right flex +100




Old story, gets a crud prevention plastic wrapround inside the shocker (notice the external plastic protector to prevent crud throw on the tightly spaced rings, which causes paint to chip rubbing against crud. Totally +100





Old story. Radiator fan shroud to reduce the amount of heat deflected towards the rider. +100




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A glimpse at the ladies waiting for their respective riders.




The model for the day




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The 2015 January RC. Nothing has been touched on the RC, it's almost the same as it was introduced.




Phew! Apart from these changes, even more teeny-tiny corrections are incorporated plus a few mechanical changes to the clutch has been done, as reported by the senior mechanic. All these changes have been included in the Duke 390 naked series ONLY for now. RC series has been untouched, at least for now. Next lot "might" be getting all these slipper clutch upgrades.

Apparently a very senior chap from KTM is heading to Coimbatore, and my good friends have promised me more updates on the RC. Will report them once on hand, verified, of course.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Thanks for the detailed post and good to know that bajaj/ktm is taking user feedbad seriously and and refining their products. (unlike Royal Enfields).
Was just wondering how many of these refinements can be easily adapted to the older models. I am especially curious about the new clutch!


Guys, one help! The screw which holds the chain slider along with the plastic chain cover (top of swing arm) is fallen off my bike. Went to KTM service on hosur road to get a space and was told that they do not have it. Was also told that its very difficult to procure one, and i may have to go looking for it in various automobile spares outlets. Any help with where i can procure that screw. Also, would it be safe to ride the bike without that screw in place? (i have been riding the bike everyday and just discovered the lost screw last evening, while adjusting the chain)

Rattling sound in Duke 390 at low speeds

Hi,
I'm considering getting a second hand Duke 390 (Jan 2014).
I just tested it out, and while the acceleration is orgasmic, my friend and I noticed this weird rattling sound around 2-4000 rpm in the first gear. We didn't get much time to test it out properly, but this was noticeable.
The owner said that it's because of the heavy sports engine. We, on the other hand aren't quite sure.

Would you guys have any idea about this?

Thanks

Re: Rattling sound in Duke 390 at low speeds

Approved and merged!

KTM Duke 390

It's been a week from the time I got the delivery of my very own KTM Duke 390.
The initial phase during the process of choosing this babe amongst the other strong contenders.

Have simply typed out my opinion and thoughts on the same, and in the process sharing the joy of owning a new bike.
Website link >> KTM Duke 390 | Frozen Mercury

Will be taking more snaps in my rides further on and post them here as well.

Cheers,
Pavan

Re: Rattling sound in Duke 390 at low speeds

These noises are like the noises we sometimes hear in our head (atleast i do), and it is not easy for others to understand them without hearing it
What i would recommend you to do is:
1. Ride another 390 - get a test ride at the dealer, try two dealers so you atleast get to ride two other bikes
2. Ask to see the service record of this vehicle - you should find out if it has had any replacements under warranty/insurance etc and if the service record is intact. Apart from that ask if there have been any insurance claims on the bike. -- you can ask the service center regarding this.
Also note that ktm mentions that warranty is tied to bike not owner, so you can get the warranty transferred too (not many ppl know or do this)



The 390 can throw a few nasty surprises, and Ive seen a few sitting at my ASC getting fixed up for all kinds of stuff. One of the first things i suggest is to look at the oil indicator screen and see if its milky white.. i've seen a few 390's that had coolant mixing with the oil, Stay away if you notice.. too much work getting this fixed.

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When I spoke to the ASM of KTM here in Hyderabad, he said no slipper clutch on the 'new improved' 390 (but i should admit he was a little confused as well) but the RC might receive a slipper clutch in future. The clutch did feel more softer but can't confirm the presence of a slipper clutch without riding the bike. Earlier the showroom manager/sales guys were also clueless about the inclusion of the slipper clutch and asked me to wait for a week or so until they receive 'information' from ktm.
But yes, some change has been done to the clutch wrt the springs maybe, but slipper clutch ?! lets wait until more info flows out !

Re: Rattling sound in Duke 390 at low speeds

Duke 390 does have a habit of throwing some annoying rattling or buzzing sounds. From my personal experience these are the common culprits - fuel tank cap rid rattling or crash guard screws which get loosened up and rattle or rattle coming from engine guard or rattle from the exhaust or the most common rattle from console. Once you've identified a source it's pretty easy to fix. However what you must look out for is any abnormal clatter coming from the engine which usually points out to some issues with the shins.

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