Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Thank you Imam .I will follow them up on Fb

Sound from front break at the speed of 90 Kph #Duke 390

When I'm on 90 kph speed and if I apply the front brake it Is giving kreech sound with tak tak sound with kind of jerk in the end. I told the servicing guy and he told he fixed it but after one hour it started giving me the same sound every time I apply the brake.

Please help me out..

Is it a serious problem or a normal one ?

Re: Sound from front break at the speed of 90 Kph #Duke 390



If you hear a high pitched squeal, frequently when braking. I'd suggest you to remove your brake pads, glaze them with a grit paper and clean the caliper with compressed air. It should arrest the squeal. Most bikes do have this squeal and repeat after some time. Secondly, the sound you are hearing from the back might be the chain, as it is decelerating, check your chain slack and lube and reslack if necessary. Do keep us posted on the same.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences



Hi Guys, bent my 2016 duke 390’s front rim as you can see in the photo. Tyre pressure is not loosing but I don’t want to take chances, what is the solution? This is my daily commuting bike.

Thanks.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Change it Or else try to reduce the bend by hammering with rubber hammer which will be available in svc or put a tube inside the tyre.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Just keep a tab on air pressure-n change the rim with insurance claim

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Good advice from folks here. Try to get it covered under warranty. Though mild\ bend can be mended by heating and hammering, doing so, it would degrade the very structural integrity of the entire rim and can crack later on. Since, the pressure is holding on okay, for the time being, I'd suggest you get your rim replaced.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Hello Friends,

I was eyeing for a used KTM Duke 390 (2015 and above model with slipper clutch) since quite a while and have shortlisted couple of these on sale in mumbai/thane region. I have just begun the test drives/negotiations and I need your expertise/help in identifying the possible red flags.

While I’m aware with most issues with the Duke 390 and have been through fair share of ownership reviews and the forum here, I’ve summarized a couple of specific check points which I’ve been/planning to check as follows apart from the general body inspection:
1. Rim condition (breaks/cracks)
2. Check engine oil frothing from glass window
3. Coolant level check
4. Radiator condition and leakages
5. Engine characteristic and idle/running (sound, heat, vibrations etc)
6. All electrical check
7. Fork oil leakage
8. Rear shock leakage

Please let me know any other major points of worry that can be quickly identified with inspection and quick test drive. I’m not expecting a 100% fit and fine pre-used 390, just taking enough precautions in general to be not handed a complete lemon.

I just begun with my first potential test ride today and these are the impressions
December 2015, approx.
20k run, first owner (still on finance)
rear Michelin almost new and front is still on stock Metz (very surprisingly, owner says it will go another 5k kms, doesn’t look too bad to me)
All electricals are ok
Bike is in good physical condition
New exide dry cell battery with 2 yrs warranty
USB charger installed
Rims look all nice and okay
Serviced a week back from authorized SVC (radiator fan replaced)
Manual, spare key and key card available

Test Riding impression and some initial concerns
The bike stalled a couple of times probably due to human error. However, it didn’t start in 1^st or 2^nd gear. Had to get it in neutral to start on all occasions. Owner confirmed the bike starts only in neutral? Tried searching on forum but I guess the bike should start well in gears considering it on new battery

Noticeable thud sound from somewhere below when I engaged rear brake pedal with force. Happened a couple of times

Front brakes didn’t have much confidence inspiring bite. Was okay for city speeds

Tried hard braking, didn’t feel the ABS kick in. Any sure way to know ABS is functional. ABS is the prime reason for me to buy this baby. ABS light was off while running but ON when the key was turned ON

Engine was hot enough from in a kilometre of test rid

Overall, the engine response is nice & crisp. Tried starting atleast 10-15 times within an hour or so, started in first crank.

Onwer seemed like a nice chap who maintained the bike & documents well. Selling due to health conditions. He cautioned not to expect anything above 25/30 kmpl in city/highway no matter how sensibly I ride

Quoted price 140k, negotiated to 120k

Any and every advice on the above is appreciated. I’m looking to buy the 390 (this one or another), spend 10-20 k more on restoration to near perfect state if need be and start touring ASAP. I’ll update my experience here as well after I gain some mileage on the monster . Thank you

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

[MENTION=22282]mitz[/MENTION]
Search more,you can definitely find one of same vintage n much lesser mileage-i guess all KTM's suffer from poor resale value and you might find a better deal.

Was the bike you test rode on its original chain and sprocket set???

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Well the owner decided to turn a bit ambitious after seeing my interest.. now he says he won’t go down below 140k and he already has an offer. I wished him luck & moved on. To answer your question, he did change the sprocket set, an aftermarket one, some Ramos brand which i tried to google but couldn’t identify.

On second note, I happened to check out another 390 today with 12k on odo. the engine sounded & performed bit erratic and the body/rims weren’t in a great shape. Front tyre was a bald stock metz and rear one was a new Ceat. Never knew anyone using ceat on duke390. Told him I’ll have to replace both tyres and one rim so the offer, if any will be adjusted for these. Probably will look at a few more. As you rightly, mentioned there is no dearth of Duke390 on sale, trouble is finding a decent one which can last a year or two without serious unexpected niggles.

Any tips on additional things to check out? I’ve meetings planned with 3/4 owners this weekend.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Indeed, you've done your homework quite well. I'd suggest you continue with the handbook that you've laid out for yourself. Just as an additional, check the engine by revving it a little and observe if you find any white smoke, post a test ride or after the bike has cooled after a ride, this would let you know the condition of the piston kit. Air filter box crack. Check the airbox for any minute hairline cracks which means an airbox replacement is imminent.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Appreciate the quick tips buddy. I've know about the white smoke issue but conveniently forgot to check this part altogether on my test drives of 3 duke 390's so far. The sheer overwhelming nature and characteristic of this monster makes it difficult for a newbie (150cc rider) like me to overlook a lot of things while the engine is running and even after that at times. It mesmerizing to ride it for short distances atleast, you feel so alive and aware. Hope this enthusiasm isn't restricted only till the TD experiences and the ownership experience is equally rewarding.

Some of my close friends and family are suggesting to go for new 2017 Duke 390 but somehow, I'm heavily inclined towards the 2015 Duke 390. This liking is beyond the price consideration.

Will keep an eye out for the airbox cracks, any idea of the replacement cost just in case??

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

[MENTION=22282]mitz[/MENTION]
You are already in the ballpark as per the checklist.
As [MENTION=39214]B7ACKTHORN[/MENTION] has suggested,do it too,but away from the owner while on the test drive.

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

In the viccinity of around Rs. 2500 ~

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Thanks buddy, did a test ride this weekend for yet another 390.. Either all of these machines have a separate character altogether or the respective owners cared for these machines bit differently.. Or maybe just the manufacturing inconsistency.. The engine response (sound, vibration, performance) can be distinguished if you are specifically noting these as one would do in a test ride. All the Duke 390's I rode were 2015 versions with 12-18k on ODO


That's decent. Thank you..


Can anyone please help to understand any easy way to assure that the ABS is really functional. I did try the conventional hard to very hard braking of both/one brake at decent speeds (60-80) but the bike tyres/brakes did such a wonderful job to control the speed without any drama. I thin I know the feeling of ABS kicking in from my occasional ride of a CBR250 but nothing on the KTM. Maybe I was just too afraid to really brake hard.

Also, the ABS light stayed on for one of the bikes while it was shut off for other two during the test rides. Should the light stay ON for ABS to be in the switched ON mode?

Appreciate everyone's help for these rookie queries. Thanks