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**B7ACKTHORN** · 03-05-2015, 11:36 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by venky View Post

Hi everyone. I currently own a Duke 200 and I am going to replace it with a Duke 390. One major irritant for me with the 200 was engine overheating. As you guys discuss I came to know 390 also has engine overheating issues. Does anyone fitted a bigger radiator in your bike? Does it work fine?

P.S: Duke 200 when ridden in colder climate where the temperature bar will be around 2 bar lower, the engine performs well and the power delivery is very smooth ie not snatchy.

The Duke series almost all of them, don't love B2B and slow-mo riding. Yes as the engine gets heated up, the engine does sound a little clunkier, but it's normal, and nothing to fret about. Yes, 390 does overheat too, again, when faced with similar situations, cited above. Bigger radiator might work, but the practicality of using one, with the fan, connections etc are to be tinkered with more importantly the space it occupies in the front of the motorcycle, again lots need to be taken into consideration.

Heat is almost given on any high-compression engine.

Cheers!
VJ

**Panini** · 03-06-2015, 09:58 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Thanks wallpapers. (reply to 5663, @5661_first post) -> duke 390 quick downshift stalling + speedo zero error
1. So does this warranty extend to the second owner too?
2. Will there be any other miscellaneous charges to go to the service centre (inspection charges and shit like that)? If yes, in what ballpark?
3. Do I need to go to the same service centre that the first owner bought it from, or can I go to a different one?

Thanks in advance.

@i_rock: 1.5

**raghav_706** · 03-06-2015, 11:48 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

How much should a used duke 390 cost me, considering decent condition <5000 kms and post 2014 model in Bangalore?
I am looking to replace by thunderbird 500, though a good tourer but does not fulfill my appetite of being fast

**snapppy** · 03-06-2015, 01:06 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by raghav_706 View Post

How much should a used duke 390 cost me, considering decent condition <5000 kms and post 2014 model in Bangalore?
I am looking to replace by thunderbird 500, though a good tourer but does not fulfill my appetite of being fast

Any particular reason looking for a used bike. Given the criteria, there shouldn't be substantial price diff to the new one and note that the 2015 model comes with a lot of improvements like slipper clutch, better raditor assembly to direct hot air downwards etc.

**raghav_706** · 03-06-2015, 01:13 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by snapppy View Post

Any particular reason looking for a used bike. Given the criteria, there shouldn't be substantial price diff to the new one and note that the 2015 model comes with a lot of improvements like slipper clutch, better raditor assembly to direct hot air downwards etc.

Budget constraints. Anything north of 1.8 would be difficult

**snapppy** · 03-06-2015, 01:18 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Given bangalore prices, I doubt you would get a good 2014 model for anything less than that. and If someone is offering you for anything less than 1.7 ~ 1.8 think twice before you make a decision.

**Vijesh** · 03-06-2015, 02:11 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by krish2778 View Post

Have you decoded the Frame number and checked ? Is it a 2015 manufactured version ? Also , more importantly, does it have the slipper clutch in them ? Reason for asking is that, never heard of the new lot reaching bangalore.

Cheers
Ride Safe
Krishna

I took the delivery of my Duke 390 on Feb 20th, 2015 and that is also with Slipper Clutch....yes VVN number will confirm but apart form that it has good amount visible changes through which you can conclude like front fork protector, sealed indicator, dust cover on rear shock absorber, wider mud flap, and in service book you can see 7500KM as the service interval......................

So far ridding under the limit as yet to cross tht 1000km....but compared to older model main benefit i see a softer clutch very helpfull in b2b traffic in Blore.

**krish2778** · 03-06-2015, 02:18 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Vijesh View Post

I took the delivery of my Duke 390 on Feb 20th, 2015 and that is also with Slipper Clutch....yes VVN number will confirm but apart form that it has good amount visible changes through which you can conclude like front fork protector, sealed indicator, dust cover on rear shock absorber, wider mud flap, and in service book you can see 7500KM as the service interval......................

So far ridding under the limit as yet to cross tht 1000km....but compared to older model main benefit i see a softer clutch very helpfull in b2b traffic in Blore.

That's really good to hear.

And I also heard that swapping the same unit for older batches is very easy and doable task right from the svc.
Again great move from Bajaj.

Cheers
Ride Safe
Krishna

**venky** · 03-06-2015, 02:54 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

The Duke series almost all of them, don't love B2B and slow-mo riding. Yes as the engine gets heated up, the engine does sound a little clunkier, but it's normal, and nothing to fret about. Yes, 390 does overheat too, again, when faced with similar situations, cited above. Bigger radiator might work, but the practicality of using one, with the fan, connections etc are to be tinkered with more importantly the space it occupies in the front of the motorcycle, again lots need to be taken into consideration.

Heat is almost given on any high-compression engine.

Cheers!
VJ

thanks for your reply VJ. I live in outskirts of coimbatore, so no worry about riding inside city. My drive will be mostly touring, even then I feel the temperature bar is higher than the normal. As you said high compression engine generates much heat is a point to be taken before thinking 200 and 390. Hope some xbhpians could find a solution.
Few days before I read in websites about duke 390 2015 model have 19 updates and two things I much appreciate KTM are adding slipper clutch and radiator fan heat is directed towards lower portion of the bike. I hope this would save our legs. I have to test the updated model and decide.
Meanwhile is there any issues of rim breaking or chain blocking situations in any part of india or abroad. I think all our duke loving xbhpians would be well aware of it. Is there any changes in rim announced by KTM or Bajaj.

**jackofsome** · 03-06-2015, 03:01 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by venky View Post

thanks for your reply VJ....
Meanwhile is there any issues of rim breaking or chain blocking situations in any part of india or abroad. I think all our duke loving xbhpians would be well aware of it. Is there any changes in rim announced by KTM or Bajaj.

dont know about any official update but i own a RC and have been through craters above 120kph. everything is fine, just fine. :beer:

Sent from my XT1033 using xBhp Connect mobile app

**venky** · 03-06-2015, 03:09 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

That's nice to see. Even my 200 has no issues as it had done 17000 km till date. Rim breaking is a worst case scenario given the bigger bike with greater power output. Can't imagine a crash at 100+ kmph.

I strongly advice everyone to ride with complete safety kit on. Even a low side without riding suits would land us in bed for weeks.

**wrecker** · 03-06-2015, 03:37 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Vijesh View Post

I took the delivery of my Duke 390 on Feb 20th, 2015 and that is also with Slipper Clutch....yes VVN number will confirm but apart form that it has good amount visible changes through which you can conclude like front fork protector, sealed indicator, dust cover on rear shock absorber, wider mud flap, and in service book you can see 7500KM as the service interval......................

So far ridding under the limit as yet to cross tht 1000km....but compared to older model main benefit i see a softer clutch very helpfull in b2b traffic in Blore.

Just wanted to know how to decode VVN number??

**Vijesh** · 03-06-2015, 03:38 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by krish2778 View Post

That's really good to hear.

And I also heard that swapping the same unit for older batches is very easy and doable task right from the svc.
Again great move from Bajaj.

Cheers
Ride Safe
Krishna

I guess now whoever goes to buy should be carefully about checking the VVN number as well. Should be checking this "F" if its E then it is 2014 model, i don't think you can make out which month model it is.

KTM Vin Number Identification

The vin can usually be found on the steering column or neck of the frame.

V

B

K

E

X

L

2

0

6

L

M

0

1

Sequential Serial Number

Type of Motorcycle

E = Enduro Closed Course

Engine Type

Model Year

DX = Desert

2 = 2 Stroke

1990 = L

1998 = W

2006 = 6

MX = Motocross/Cross Country

4 = 4 Stroke

1991 = M

1999 = X

2007 = 7

MXC = Motocross/Cross Country

1992 = N

2000 = Y

2008 = 8

RX = Dual Purpose/Trial

1993 = P

2001 = 1

2009 = 9

DU = Duke

1994 = R

2002 = 2

2010 = A

Model

1995 = S

2003 = 3

2011 = B

DUL	640 DUKE II
DUM	620 DUKE
DXJ	250 DXC
EXC	200 EXC
EXD	620 RALLY
EXE	125 EXC
EXJ	200 EXC
EXJ	250 EXC
EXJ	400 EXC
EXJ	400 TXC
EXJ	600 EXC
EXJ	400 EXC RFS
EXK	300 EXC
EXK	440 EXC
EXL	360 EXC
EXL	380 EXC
EXM	520 EXC RFS
EXN	620 SX, MXC
EXN	620 TXC
GSL	640 LC4 99
GSL	640 SUPERMOTO 99
GSL	640 ADV R 99
M3A	50 SX3
MRA	50 SXR, 50 MINI ADV.
MRA	50 SX PRO JR, PRO SR
MRA	50 SXR PRO from vin TZ 026862
MRA	65 SX
MXA	50 SX
MXF	125 MX, SX
MXG	125 EXC
MXH	125 SX
MXJ	200MXC
MXJ	250 MX, SX
MXJ	250 MXJ
MXJ	400 MXJ
MXJ	400 SX RFS
MXK	300 SX, MXC, DXC
MXK	400 MXC
MXL	360 SX, MXC
MXL	380 SX, MXC
MXL	500 MX, SX, MXC
MXL	540 MXC, DXC
MXL	550 MXC, DXC
MXL	600 MXC, DXC
MXM	520 SX RFS
RXH	400 RXC
RXL	620 RXC

1996 = T

2004 = 4

2012 = C

1997 = V

2005 = 5

2013 = D

Frame Number Identification 1982-1989 Models
Designation 1st 4 Digits

Year

Frame Number

Year

Frame Number

1982

From 8106-8205 (total 9 digits)

1986

From 8506-8605

1983

From 8206-8305

1987

From 8606-8705

1984

From 8306-8405

1988

From 8706-8805

1985

From 8406-8505

1989

From 8806-8905

Frame Number Identification 1975-1981 Models

Frame Numbers Starting From 1st Digits (from 8 digit numbers)

5 x x x x x x x

1975

9 x x x x x x x

1979 to 90607184

6 x x x x x x x

1976

00 x x x x x x x

1980 some 1980 starting from 90607186

7 x x x x x x x

1977

01 x x x x x x x

1981 from 000820484 to 00921378

8 x x x x x x x

1978

Frame Number Identification Some 1982 Models

From 103 28000 to 104 29300 mix of 1982 250 WR

From 107 30169 to 107 30648 - 1982 250 WR

From 109 30950 to 109 30999 - 1982 400 WR

From 109 31013 to 109 31816 - 1982 125 L/C 125 WR

From 110 32000 to 110 32400 - 1982 400 WR

From 202 32479 to 204 33146 - 1982 420 WR

Engine Model Specifications

FM * X X X X X X 50 Mini Adv. / Pro Jr /Pro Sr.

X * 55 X*X X X X X X 400 cc 2 Stroke

B65*X X X X X X 65 SX

X * 56 X*X X X X X X 420 cc 2 Stroke

X * 49 X*X X X X X X 80 cc

X * 56 X*X X X X X X 500 cc 2 Stroke

X * 50 X*X X X X X X 125 cc

X * 57 X*X X X X X X 4 Stroke Rotex

X * 52 X*X X X X X X 175 cc

X * 57 X*X X X X X X 4 Stroke KTM

X * 54 X*X X X X X X 250 cc

X * 858 X*X X X X X X 640 LC4

X * 55 X*X X X X X X 350 cc 2 Stroke

NOTE: This is only a general guide for use in approximate model and year identification. Some information may not be exact. Please be aware of this when ordering any replacement parts. If you are unsure call AOMC at [COLOR=#00AFFD !important]304-932-0437[/COLOR].

**sriharsha_madineni** · 03-06-2015, 04:43 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by raghav_706 View Post

Budget constraints. Anything north of 1.8 would be difficult

If you have a budget of 1.8L, instead of going for used one. Save some more and get a brand new 390.

Let's say you bought a used one for 1.8L and kept the bike for 2 years, you'll end up paying more on spares and service.
By the end of two years, your total investment on bike will be more or less the same, both for used one and a brand new one.

Buying an elephant is the easy part, feeding it is the difficult part.
So, it's more practical to go for a new one.

P.S: The metzelers stock is almost dried up in most dealerships, word is that Bajaj mailed KTM service centers to procure their own stock from local metzeler dealers and the price has gone up considerably. Roughly around 23-24k for the set.

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

Originally posted by venky View Post

Meanwhile is there any issues of rim breaking or chain blocking situations in any part of india or abroad. I think all our duke loving xbhpians would be well aware of it. Is there any changes in rim announced by KTM or Bajaj.

New batch of rims are supposedly strengthened to avoid rim breaking.
Also evident is the fact that very few rim breaking issues were reported from newer bikes, not as much as you used to in older batch of 390's.

**raghav_706** · 03-06-2015, 04:45 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by sriharsha_madineni View Post

If you have a budget of 1.8L, instead of going for used one. Save some more and get a brand new 390.

Let's say you bought a used one for 1.8L and kept the bike for 2 years, you'll end up paying more on spares and service.
By the end of two years, your total investment on bike will be more or less the same, both for used one and a brand new one.

Buying an elephant is the easy part, feeding it is the difficult part.
So, it's more practical to go for a new one.

P.S: The metzelers stock is almost dried up in most dealerships, word is that Bajaj mailed KTM service centers to procure their own stock from local metzeler dealers and the price has gone up considerably. Roughly around 23-24k for the set.

Makes sense. Even i had though the same but if i get a mint condition with just few thousand km's under decent warranty time left, can think of it.
For now will stick with the lazy bird (TB500

)

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KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

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