Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

I have the same issue, got done with my first servicing 2 weeks ago and the heating is so much it reaches my bottom as well, inner thighs and calves. I went to the SVC twice and they drained the coolant, filled in water and flushed and air packets. That didn't help either. I escalated the issue and their service head checked the bike and said all fine, excess engine heat on the legs and inner highs is normal!

I have ridden before in excess traffic and never had issues. All of a sudden the amount of engine heat is extremely high and I haven't had a high coolant warning at all.

What can I try out now?

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Try cleaning the radiator once,or the radiator might not be at its pull power(may be)

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Try RC390 ones, i think their air flow is towards ground level and also check the speed of radiator fan. Speed of radiator fan might not be enough.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

If you have not got high coolant warning, then it's nothing to worry about the engine. There is a box around the radiator fan which forces the air out at the bottom. Just check of any gaps and air passages around the box. If there isn't a problem with that, I really can't think of anything else. You do feel the hot air near thigh but it's not intolerable and not too hot as well. It's just a bit warm. Many high cc naked are known for heating and throwing hot air near thigh area.


All the radiators which comes with Duke has the same surface area and there is no way to measure heat dissipation (I mean, it's not a DIY). Radiators just increase the surface area. Coolant carries the heat from engine to radiator and due to larger surface of radiator the heat escapes much sooner.

There are two ways to decrease heat from the engine. Using good coolant than the stock which carries more heat from the engine to radiator provided radiator is large enough or use a larger radiator to increase the surface area. Fans are provided to increase the airflow which allows more heat to escape from the radiator. Adding powerful fan does the trick up to some extent as well.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

These diagnosis suggest the fan is fine!

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

So, with user requests, I have added a poll to our forum, regarding the bike's overall ownership experience. Do cast your votes, so that it helps everyone get a practical insight into the ownership experience. Keep Voting..

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

I've noticed basically 2 things-
1. Bike gets hot when lugging, i.e. lower speeds at higher gears. & also, if u revv it high in LOWER gears. Revving high in 5-6th gears, heat will be alright. Otherwise, the heat is just fine/ normal.
2. Yes, the Coolant level has gone down a little. I guess I'll have to top it up.

Also, Any decaling suggestions? I've personally seen a guy do matte black paint scheme on Duke 390 at the svc. Bike looked too good. The guy said he did it in a car garage for Rs.2.2 k. Thinking of going for it. [emoji16] [emoji16]

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Guys.

I went through the first 128 pages of this thread and read about the struggles you guys have faced in delivery of the machine and the happiness on getting it.
And I am getting an used Duke 390 (2013 November) ran 9300kms by this month end (still on stock Metz and they are good as the bike was used only for weekend Rides). I've had a look and took the bike for a short ride for 20kms.
Now my doubts,
1. How much are a pair of Metzelers ? (there are prices from 12k to 26k in the first 128 pages)
2. What oil to use? (Synthetic or Mineral and your recommendations in that)
3. Is there any group for Duke riders in Chennai?

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

1. Metz pair can costs 16-17k pair.

2. Fully synthetic Motul 7100 20W50.

3. Don't know i am not from Raipur.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

1. Metz can cost close to 18 or 19 k a pair. imo Metz aren't really feasible for Indian road conditions. it's very soft, wears out soon, and expensive. I would recommend Michelin Pilot street radial (150 sections are available now). The rear costs around 6.3k. I just changed mine to this and they are pretty good. They should also last quite longer than metz. so give it a try. And I don't think you may have to change your front so soon. My bike has run around 12k and the stock front tires are good to go.
2. Use fully synthetic (Motul 300v if you can afford it)
3. I don't know of duke specific groups, but we do have a bunch of folks in XBhp Chennai chapter. You are welcome to join us. Pm me for details.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Thank you for the inputs.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

The mechanic once said, behind the fan is a box like packing which has a whole (2015 Design changes) Says that could through heat up! Now how to better resolve this, I don't know. But yes, the amount of engine heat is very very high off late. I can't think of riding this in bumper to bumper!

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

If bike is not shutting off showing high coolant temperature then everything is fine, ask SVC guys to check thermostats also. Just ask SVC to show RC's radiator fan, downward air flow can cause some relief.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Direct fit for the Duke 390?

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

I think it's a direct fit because radiator fan which SVC guys fitted in my D390 had hot air flow downwards earlier fan they changed had air flow towards my legs.