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KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

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  • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

    Originally posted by chip94 View Post
    The thing that worries me is him kicking the front tire to make it straight with respect to the handlebar. What if the handlebar was bent and now he kicked the tire and twisted the forks? Is that possible? If I replace the handlebar and tire is still
    Not straight, that means the forks are out of alignment right?
    Very unprofessional of him to do it that way, cuthroat mechanics do we have a choice? Understood that horror stories would run through ones mind. Forks can be misaligned, yes, happens. Twisting of forks can happen when the impact is very severe. But I would suggest, check with the basics check for improper T stem to handlebar alignment, secondly check for fork bend, and tighten all the pinch bolts with proper alignment.

    Cheers!
    VJ
    Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl 'Will you marry me?'
    The girl said, 'NO!'


    And the guy lived happily ever after and rode motorcycles and watched sport on a big screen TV, went fishing and surfing, and played golf a lot, and drank beer and scotch and had tons of money in the bank and left the toilet seat up and farted whenever he wanted.


    THE END

    Comment


    • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

      Originally posted by Serene George Thomas View Post
      .

      2. I need some extra lights. I intend to keep the same headlamp and install a couple of LED lights on the crash guard on both sides. Are there good reliable brands i could go with? or is there some specs that i should look for? Also, a reliable online source will be much appreciated.
      I have used the U5's leds, frankly, they are not great. I suggest you to get osram 30W led spotlight. I recently used them for my Ladakh ride, and they turned night into day!
      Live to Ride!

      Comment


      • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

        Originally posted by Skanda View Post
        I have used the U5's leds, frankly, they are not great. I suggest you to get osram 30W led spotlight. I recently used them for my Ladakh ride, and they turned night into day!
        Hi Skanda,

        THanks for the info. However, do you think installing high wattage bulbs create a stress on the battery? Will it affect it's life?

        Also, i tried looking it up online for purchase. Apparently, buying lights is very technical. I can do this for electronics, but, ain't confident about the lights. Is there a set of specs that i could match up for purchase?

        Is this the same product as you were mentioning?

        Comment


        • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

          Originally posted by Serene George Thomas View Post
          Hi Skanda,

          THanks for the info. However, do you think installing high wattage bulbs create a stress on the battery? Will it affect it's life?

          Also, i tried looking it up online for purchase. Apparently, buying lights is very technical. I can do this for electronics, but, ain't confident about the lights. Is there a set of specs that i could match up for purchase?

          Is this the same product as you were mentioning?
          http://s.aliexpress.com/yYvy6zuu. This is the one I was referring to. Rated at 30W, but actual consumption is way less, around 10W for a pair of lights which is very light on the battery. I had posted details on the power consumption of these lights somewhere on this form. But they are not white in color like U5s, they are around 4500K to 4700K temperature range which is very nice and helps during rain as well.
          Live to Ride!

          Comment


          • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

            Originally posted by AngadV View Post
            As for the lever, I don't think it could affect braking with a minor bend, try it for a few days, if you think its weaker, then get it replaced, a brake lever is anyway barely 200 bucks and it'll give you peace of mind too.
            Just a small piece of advise, don't think too much about it, and just ride normally. Wait for a least a week before you take it again if you feel any issues, its 99% psychological.
            Hi Angad,
            You're correct. I rode the bike today and it felt the same as before. As for the brakes, I realised that I was pressing the level a bit too much than usual which inturn was activating ABS. I've decided to still get the handlebar and brake lever changed for peace of mind Good to know that these things have happened before with other people! Gives me a lot of assurance.

            Originally posted by s1d View Post
            I think you are set for now, don't bother fiddling with forks.. but if the handle bar is bent you might as-well get that changed. As for braking, do you notice any shudder and pulsing in the lever when you apply the front brake, especially at speeds over 50?
            It's probably in your head.
            Hi Sid,
            You're correct. I don't want to fiddle with the forks when everything seems fine now. Like I said above, I've been pressing the lever a bit too much which inturn activates ABS and pulses the lever. For some reason I think it pulses a bit more now, but it just may be in my head.

            Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post
            Very unprofessional of him to do it that way, cuthroat mechanics do we have a choice? Understood that horror stories would run through ones mind. Forks can be misaligned, yes, happens. Twisting of forks can happen when the impact is very severe. But I would suggest, check with the basics check for improper T stem to handlebar alignment, secondly check for fork bend, and tighten all the pinch bolts with proper alignment.
            Cheers!
            VJ
            Got the bike washed and inspected it properly. As far as I can see, only my Powerpart Handguards are scratched, otherwise there isn't a mark on the bike. I did check my front tire pressure and it was 23psi. Maybe it reduced because of the impact? The bike seems perfectly normal now but I'll keep an eye out and update all of you.

            Comment


            • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

              Originally posted by Skanda View Post
              4" inch 30W LED Work Light Lamp for Motorcycle Tractor Boat of Driving Offroad Light 4WD 4x4 Truck SUV ATV Spot Flood 12v 24v-in External Lights from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group. This is the one I was referring to. Rated at 30W, but actual consumption is way less, around 10W for a pair of lights which is very light on the battery. I had posted details on the power consumption of these lights somewhere on this form. But they are not white in color like U5s, they are around 4500K to 4700K temperature range which is very nice and helps during rain as well.
              THanks Skanda. I purchased the same. But, 60 days in transit!!!!!! Also got the handle riser from viaterra

              Comment


              • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

                Originally posted by Serene George Thomas View Post
                Also got the handle riser from viaterra
                Can you post a picture of it once installed? And your feedback on the handling/ergonomics.

                Comment


                • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

                  Will do. I suspect it should reach me over the weekend.

                  Btw another question. Do y'all wash the bike in authorized service centers or local car washes? I was adviced when i took delivery that the radiator tubes are damn sensitive and that washing should only be done by people in the know.

                  As a result by bike is always caked in dirt!

                  Comment


                  • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

                    Originally posted by Serene George Thomas View Post
                    Will do. I suspect it should reach me over the weekend.

                    Btw another question. Do y'all wash the bike in authorized service centers or local car washes? I was adviced when i took delivery that the radiator tubes are damn sensitive and that washing should only be done by people in the know.

                    As a result by bike is always caked in dirt!
                    I just do the basics myself, like the fairing, tank, chain cover and so on every once in a while. Whenever I give the bike for service, it'll get washed that time, as SVC is too far for me to just give it for a wash.
                    Like you've said, I see these washing places directly applying strong jets of water from a very close range, which *could* mess something up. Might as well pay the extra 50-80 bucks the SVC charges (I think wash is 150) and get it done like every 3 weeks or such, or do it yourself

                    Comment


                    • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

                      Originally posted by Serene George Thomas View Post
                      Will do. I suspect it should reach me over the weekend.

                      Btw another question. Do y'all wash the bike in authorized service centers or local car washes? I was adviced when i took delivery that the radiator tubes are damn sensitive and that washing should only be done by people in the know.

                      As a result by bike is always caked in dirt!
                      You can get it washed at your local bike/car wash guy. Just make sure they keep the water jet nozzle at-least 3-4ft away from bike during the wash. These guys usually dont have a adjustable pressure washer and its always on full blast.
                      Also the radiator on the ktm's are thick skinned and the fins do not bend as easily as say on a cbr/ninja. They can handle a good beating on pressure wash.
                      You can also watch the 'experts' at the svc wash the bike and follow a similar process. It's not rocket science.. just common sense.

                      Comment


                      • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

                        I am on the hunt for a good pair of grips and adjustable levers for my D390. Tried searching the internet, but wasn't able to find any decent/branded ones. I am also worried that some of the adjustable levers are thinner than the stock levers, hence fit looser and have vertical movements.

                        Any suggestions would be appreciated.






                        Happy Biking Everyone
                        Cheers,
                        Krish

                        Comment


                        • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

                          Originally posted by krishkaz View Post
                          I am on the hunt for a good pair of grips and adjustable levers for my D390. Tried searching the internet, but wasn't able to find any decent/branded ones. I am also worried that some of the adjustable levers are thinner than the stock levers, hence fit looser and have vertical movements.
                          Even the stock levers have the 'vertical movement' and it's normal.
                          I've seen people use the adjustable/foldable levers on the ktm's. These are usually stuff bought off ebay.in or aliexpress.com . All probably made in china/thailand. They are pretty decent quality and don't cost a bomb like some 'branded' levers. I know a guy who uses similar levers and have ridden that ktm, they work just fine and can hold up in a crash (this bike in question had a crash and the hand levers survived while the rear brake lever snapped)
                          here is an example of one such lever: (they cost anywhere from 1000~3000rs depending on the type)
                          Black RED 3 WAY Adjustable Brake Clutch Levers KTM Duke RC 200 390 | eBay

                          Comment


                          • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

                            Originally posted by krishkaz View Post
                            I am on the hunt for a good pair of grips and adjustable levers for my D390. Tried searching the internet, but wasn't able to find any decent/branded ones. I am also worried that some of the adjustable levers are thinner than the stock levers, hence fit looser and have vertical movements.

                            Any suggestions would be appreciated.






                            Happy Biking Everyone
                            For grips, search for TripMachine. I have them, very good quality, and very responsive owner, I really enjoyed the whole transaction with them. Using for 4 months now without any hint of wear and tear etc.
                            Lever I have no clue [emoji14]

                            Comment


                            • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

                              In view of the earlier incident I had, the bike is fine now. Did a good run on the Kolar Road today and it felt the same.

                              How much does the small visor near the headlamp cost? Mine broke when I dropped the bike.

                              Comment


                              • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

                                Originally posted by Serene George Thomas View Post
                                THanks Skanda. I purchased the same. But, 60 days in transit!!!!!! Also got the handle riser from viaterra
                                Maximum time is 60 days. Probably will get it earlier than that. My experience is anywhere between 35 to 45 days
                                Live to Ride!

                                Comment

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