Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

People who have experience having had theirs changed, any suggestions for a good service centre in the far east of Bangalore (Marathahalli, KR Puram, Whitefield)?

Also, how much did you pay?

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Thanks for the info. I got in contact with Gaurav. Btw does the contact area of the stand with the swing arm has a rubber coating so that it doesn't scratch.
Thanks. Does your stand has a rubber coating or something of that kind where it contacts with the swing arm.
Thank you. I am looking for the one that lifts from the swing arm.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Yes it lifts from the swing arm and it does have rubber coating.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Hey there guys. I've been a mute stalker to this thread for quite long now, and my first post comes as a selfish question. I'll make my contributions soon, but today I have a question which only someone with the Duke 390 can answer.
I was looking online for automatic bleeder screws, that have a check valve that lets air pass outside, but shuts off in time to not let it back in the system when we bleed the braking system. These will make life easy for us maintenance freaks (easier one person bleeding).
Now I have scouted many forums, foreign as well, to find out the right size of the bleeder screw, but have not been successful yet. It will be really nice if someone who bleeds their system can provide the info, for front as well as rear brake caliper screws.
And no, I don't have the bike yet, have made the booking for the 2016 Duke whenever it comes. Previously I owned the 1st gen TBTS (2008).

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Hi Shaurya,
I Changed mine at 15k km. i got it replaced at kolkata back in April. Total set cost me around 2400 and labour 200. Check few more svc if they say the same rate, might be the price has increased or ask any of your friend in other state to check some svc to compare the price.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Beautiful query. Actually I myself am seeing this for the first time, self bleeding screws. I usually bleed them the (laborous way) and haven't observed or had any issues per se, but the only con I've had with this type of bleeding system is someone should be there to either top up or check the fluid reservoir for the fluid, when you do the bleed but apart from that, it's pretty much straightforward. This self bleed type of a system should come in real handy saves time and spill overs, quite a net job.

Now I am not quite sure about the diameter or the thread length of the screw, but if I can, will check it out and let you know. You can head to KTM shop and ask them for the bleeder screws or get a screw and measure then with a vernier.

But if you haven't gotten the bike, I'd suggest it's even more easy and you have plenty of time to do your homework (project). My suggestion would be to head to a KTM SVC and check it personally, they can definitely help it out, you can even get it as a spare.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Thanks for the quick reply bro. I do not have a vernier, otherwise would have just bought the spare. I'll try again at the SVC in a couple of days (Black Friday sales in US tomorrow, will be stuck on computer to scout for good deals!) but the last time I went everyone was in a hurry and they were too lazy to get the part and measure it.
These screws also make easy the 'Mini bleeds' that need to be done on the KTM 390s easy ( you must know VJ, plenty of posts on ktmduke390forum on how quickly the braking system captures air). This coupled with DOT 5 brake fluid should give us a better and more crisp braking system.
I need to make a choice soon else run the risk of the shipment arriving too late for my sister to get it to India. Another 5 month wait then.
On another note, I do have many simultaneous projects running, from sourcing a SPAL fan from India itself, to scouting for Delrin rod suppliers in India to make my own (that obviously means a visit to an expert neighborhood lathe shop) cheap crash bobbins for forks, swing arm and handlebars. Then comes the search for good torque wrenches fitting the torque values suggested for the Duke 390.
cheers!

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

I'd suggest you get the EBC Sintered Brake pads too for the Duke, here in India, it's quite costly. These pads coupled with the above mod, should improve the brake feel/feedback quite significantly over the stock. If you have somebody who can source it for you, source these EBC Brake Pads for Duke

KTM Duke 390 (2013 to 2014) EBC Brake Pads - ebc-ktm-duke-390 - MSA-Direct



Check the part number it's EBC HH SINTERED

Front brake (FA606)
Rear Brake (FA213)

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

If you are ordering from us, buy from amazon. I got 2 sets for 30$ each, free shipping in us. Mrp on other sites is 37.5$ plus shipping

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Oh.. Thanks for the tip brother. I'll try Amazon then. I just need these for the front brakes as I only use rear to stabilize and add little bit of braking power

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Yes I did read about these, raving reviews everywhere. A must have upgrade in my opinion to counter the average braking prowess of the 390s. I almost bought them but the RC update in EICMA left some doubts with regards the fitment considering the updated 320 mm rotor. I think it should still fit, and if not, I'm sure someone in the biking community would be obliged to get it off me!

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences



Just came across This. I must say the bike looks unique.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Awesome bike man. Normally, I don't like antique, but this one is amazing. I wonder why we don't have such quality mods in India.?

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

2 Year Ownership review

I got my bike in October 2013
Have done 20,000 km till date.

Apart from the regular servicing expenses, i got my rear and front tyres changed at 16,500 km
Went for Metzelers and paid 7,600 for the rear and 5,800 for the front.
I have also changed the clutch plate at 11,000 km and the sprocket at 16,000 km

I haven't had any major issues except initially (2013) when my bike was leaking coolant (more like vanishing)
After a couple of mails to some senior officials and a lot of trips to the service station, the issue was fixed.
The crank case was changed under warranty as there was a slight leak\gap in alignment from where the coolant was going into the engine.
This gap was very minute and hence the bike would not emit white smoke and the coolant took a few rides to disappear.
I've never had to top it up since then. Coolant level is same.

I get a constant mileage of 22 Km\L in the city. (I use an android app to track mileage "Fuel buddy" using the tank full method)
The max i have managed to get in the city is 26 km\L and it has been a while since i've seen those numbers lately. I think it was during the running in period or maybe just after that.
The lowest i have got is 16 km\L on the highway That's because i was redlining the bike in the 5th and 6th gears and was caning it.

Lately i feel the brakes have lost the bite. Specially the front.
I've got the pads changes and even bled the brakes but its the same.
I want to know if anyone has had any experience using aftermarket brake pads and how are they compared to the stock?

The headlight on the bike is not great specially when you are on the highway.
The stock light is not enough.
I have seen a few people use the LED's mounted on the shocks or on top of the stock headlight.
I wonder if there are any issues with the battery or ECU when you have them fitted.

I also wanted to know if any one got the slipper clutch fitted on a pre 2015 model?
How much is the cost and does the service center fit it for you?

Apart from the above I've never had any issues with the bike and i grin every time i twist the throttle.
I also strongly advise to subscribe for the orange assist program.
It gives you peace of mind and the service is professional.

I recently rode the bike from Pune to Goa via Chorla ghat.
As usual the bike was excellent around corners even though i had the "Via Terra Vellox" KTM Saddlebags and "Via Terra Seaty" mounted.
I think the bags are great and mount on the bike perfectly. They didn't move an inch and there were no issues with the handling.
The max i speed i could attain was 165km on the highway. The bike would not go beyond that.
I wonder if its an issue or was it because of the side mounted saddlebags (I weigh 90 kg's)

Here is a video of the ride shot using my new GoPro Hero4 Silver.
Video speed has been increased to show most of the ride.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

The headlight doesn't suit the overall look at all.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Could you please suggest where you bought the tyres from as I paid 17k for the Metzlers