Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

I think larger the bandwidth (diff between high and low) of oil the costlier it is.

Also is there oils like this negative -5w50 [emoji848]

What kinda oil do those people in artic regions use ??

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Single weight oil, like 40 or 30, in arctic regions where extreme cold can literally freeze the oil, you don't have multigrade like 20w50 or 5w40 just a single grade like w20 or 30.

Yes there are minus oils, when it goes minus, no prefix, only suffix like w40 w50 not like 0w50 it 0w50 though it depends the manfacturer labelling.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

VJ, This is what exactly I was talking about.

Quoting myself again " If you know the perfect balance (i.e the lowest viscosity with which your engine will still work normal) you will want to go to a lower viscosity oil as it reduces friction greatly"

You have to know if your engine can work with the oil grade you are using. If it does, then there is no harm in using a lower viscosity oil.


By the way, I changed to Motul 7100 10W-40 as 5W-30 was not available with the SVC and I had no time to get it from outside.


Happy Biking Everyone

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Hola!

Tried to set chain slack today since it was making noise.

I usually measure very precisely to keep things aligned.
For e.g



For setting the chain slack I've read that always look for tight spot and then proceed. Which i did.
Now the thing is, If I loose my chain considering the tight spot, the loose section would get very loose.
&
If I tight my chain considering the loose section, the tight section would get very tight and makes weird noise.

Does it mean its time to replace chain sprocket?

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

I understood nothing

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

[emoji23] [emoji23] Sorry mate. I suck at explaining things.

Edited.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences


Completely normal. Thing is why the manufacturer recommends this "tight spot" way is to adjust the weight for both the rider and pillion. If your ride solo, you can tighten it up a notch, no drama. But if you carry a pillion or especially a heavy one, go down a notch from that "tight spot" so that the chain isn't too stressed/tight when the bike is fully loaded.

The method you've used is correct, and nice trick with that measuring tape, should come in handy.

Cheers!
VJ

KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Tried Rynox 6.2" croc mount today. It's awesome but the problem is its not usable now. Cz of hot weather my phone gets too hot. Also screen is not visible in sunlight. Ll be useful in my future Ladakh trip I guess.



Did an 240km round trip today [emoji41]




I used an jerkin as temp workaround for windblast protection but hot weather made me to remove it. I kept it on my bag & fastened with bungee chords.

Learnt following things today

1. After fixing luggage drive for a kilometre or two & check how stable it is.
Almost wasted my 6k jerkin Cz hand of the jerkin was hanging near tire & rubbing it. Slightly damaged near ankles.
Also drove with my bag open after stopping for water & charger cable was hanging near tyres.

2. I was thinking about buying an full leather jacket. Now I changed my decision to mesh jacket with rain & winter liners.

3. Have to insulate my exhaust pipe near left leg

And to the trip part.
This is an 2k year old cave used by Jain monks. Inside the cave If you breath in & say "Mmm" without breathing out you ll hear "OM"
Also if you stand near an column outside room & do the same it ll sound "OM" inside room.

Also met an cute girl who expressed her intentions to speak with me. Spoke with her but forgot to get her number didn't asked her name too [emoji19] only breadcrumbs I have is. She is an travel & tourism student. Living in Ambattur. Got 2 more years to finish degree. I was exited about return ride so haven't concentrated on that part :banghead: [emoji17]typical reason why am single [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Overall an awesome trip. Sunday well spent.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

What is the oddo reading?
If its 15k or more, then depending on your driving habits, it might be time to replace chain and sprocket. Check it out with svc.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

you should actually check the chain at various spots (from under by pushing it with your finger) as you adjust it and not at just one spot.
and yes there would be a slight variation which is normal and the reason for checking it along the length of the chain as you adjust and spin the wheel.

what i've learnt is that on the ktm's it's better to keep it a bit on the looser side compared to the recommended slack, because when one sits on the bike (or pillion) the chain tightens up.. and each person weighs different so the recommended slack might end up putting more stress on the chain/sprocket resulting in quicker wear.
A lot of mechanics do tend to keep it border line or over tighten resulting is quicker chain-sprocket replacements.
After a preliminary adjustment, i make someone sit on the bike and again check the slack and then adjust it again if necessary.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

It seems my feeling was right, and there was an issue with the suspension (well not technically)
When the bike went over a speed breaker, the saree guard actually got stick on the rear footrest. I think same issue was reported by someone in this thread also.
Result-> There was no travel in the rear suspension so the ride was bumpy and hard.
Solution-> Removed the saree guard.
PS: My bike is about 520km done and due for 1st service in another 480 km. Would it be good to get the chain cleaned and lubed now and then again in first service ?
I am thinking of getting it done at 1st service only. There is no chain slack as of now and the chain looks good to me.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Hello,

I'm new to the forum, i've few queries regarding KTM 390 / 200, considering to buy either of these,
I'd Royal enfield standard 350, 1992 model (converted to electra).

1. Are these KTM Bike, easy to handle for short riders (i'm not very tall person)
2. For mainly city commute (90% city travel, 10% leisure rides), which suites more Duke 200 or Duke 390?? Though with 390 more power is always fun to have.
3. Which is more practical to have (affordability, maintenance, FE, day to day usage) etc.

Looking forward for you comments / feedbacks

Regards

Gagan

Go for 390. Without a doubt. There will be additional expenses for tires through your ownership, but the exhilaration you feel while riding is incomparable.

To add on, use your heart to buy 390 . If you are a logical brain, you will end up buying 200

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

how about handling by short riders,
with enfield i had benefit of after market seats to reduce seating height.

Is it possible to do something similar with KTMs

KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

You didn't specify your height. Am 5'7" and I feel am short guy. But for me no probs. as am skinny I also adjusted shocks to lowest setting which helped better.

For 90% city go for 200. You hate riding 390 Cz of frequent gear changes.


200 & RE almost have same FE. Not sure about maintenance aspect.i think RE isn't cheap either.

But 390 gives 24kmpl avg. if yours gives better mileage than this then you are doing it wrong.

6th gear and 70kmph shows 37-40kmpl on Dashboard but coughs like granny.

Practically 200 suits you but you wouldn't get that fun you get in 390. Awesome tail-slides even in third gear [emoji12]