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**B7ACKTHORN** · 05-29-2019, 08:42 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Skanda View Post

Here is another video with clear audio. The CCT sound is very evident. https://youtu.be/Stqq1eC9LM4

Just got back from Kasturiba Road KTM SVC. By the time I reached the place, the peculier sound was not present. It starts 5-10mins after the bike is started and vanishes after 30mins of ride. It is present intermittently. But by looking at the video, the SVC confirmed that it is the tensioner issue. However, the part was not in Stock with 3 SVC that I checked.

I second what you have mentioned regarding oil's lubricating property reducing with coolent mixed. As I am now riding to office rather early in the day, the coolant draining is kind of reduced which makes me think summer being the reason for coolant drain as well? Will update once I get my hands on the part and hope this issue ends there.

Don't bother about the exhaust for now. If you'll re-visit my post, I've mentioned the same point wherein, summer can in fact gobble up coolant given the right circumstances. Secondly, get the CCT replaced and observe for a few days, my guess is that that knackering type of sound shouldn't come back. If it comes back again, we "can" probably have a crank bearing issue. I am pretty much sure this isn't anyway related to an exhaust malfunction.

Keep your observations posted.

Cheers!
VJ

**s1d** · 06-01-2019, 04:43 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Skanda View Post

I second what you have mentioned regarding oil's lubricating property reducing with coolent mixed. As I am now riding to office rather early in the day, the coolant draining is kind of reduced which makes me think summer being the reason for coolant drain as well? Will update once I get my hands on the part and hope this issue ends there.

the coolant loss shouldn't be significant even in summer.. do you know how hot the bike and coolant itself gets (irrespective of the weather) , so does that mean every ktm out there will have coolant vanishing ? I've had my bike parked in scorching heat , ridden in the same scorching heat for hours without noticeable loss of coolant.
there might some other issue that is causing frequent loss of coolant.. a slow internal or external leak somewhere.

**Skanda** · 06-02-2019, 05:03 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by s1d View Post

the coolant loss shouldn't be significant even in summer.. do you know how hot the bike and coolant itself gets (irrespective of the weather) , so does that mean every ktm out there will have coolant vanishing ? I've had my bike parked in scorching heat , ridden in the same scorching heat for hours without noticeable loss of coolant.
there might some other issue that is causing frequent loss of coolant.. a slow internal or external leak somewhere.

One of my friend was coming from US and I got a block tester just in time. The results concluded that there might not be anything wrong with the head gasket.

1. I tried testing it for 15mins, the fan switched on for couple of times and the coolant was circulating. And the tester never changed the color which indicates there is nothing wrong with head gasket.

2. Considering the fact that this issue started after the bike fell once, I think this is the cause of coolant drain and I am unable to locate the leak.

I think I will let go of the coolant issue for now and concentrate on getting chain tensioner issue fixed. I'm still not able to source the part after enquiring with multiple SVC.

**abhiiceman** · 06-04-2019, 03:13 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by jack_daniels View Post

Hello everyone,

Finally my KTM Duke 390's engine seized at 30k km. Had to undergo a full engine re-build. The total cost was Rs.25,514/- including labour charge. The whole process took about 1.5 months as it took time for parts to arrive here at Guwahati.
Has anybody else undergone such an engine rebuild procedure? Kindly share your experience.

Attaching the Total Bill for the whole procedure. Hope it helps.

25k engine work for 30k old bike...

@all
Is this usual for 390.. what is the average engine life of 390?

**Skanda** · 06-04-2019, 07:15 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

The new kid (although not known much) on the block is the CEAT ZOOM Rad. CEATs by default are comparatively heavier than both Metz and Mich. Take it easy till they get a good run in period.

From what I can hear, it seems to me that the CCT is either gone for a toss or we have a faulty crank bearing. The sound is almost pre-eminent as to when an engine is about to seize, it's been the case with most four stroke at least. Secondly, a loose weld or a cracked mid pipe inside the muffler can in fact create a jingling sound inside the exhaust, but this would be almost instantaneous even before the engine is warmed up and clearly visible when revved hard.

How well is your coolant vanishing issue right now? Is it contained, yet. Start off with the CCT and then move to exhaust.

The other thing that comes to my mind is, water mixing with coolant mildly can in fact nullify oil's lubricating properties and hence can induce a seizure, even though the oil level looks good.

I'd strongly recommend you to have a look at your CCT and then get back with your observations.

Cheers!
VJ

Just got the bike from SVC. As the D390 part was unavailable, the guy has replaced it with similar part. The sound is greatly reduced but the it's still there, can be heard mildly only with observation. Can you please let me if this is safe? Putting the CCT of other vehicle? He didn't respond to me when I repeatedly ask when vehicle's CCT is that from! I am probably gonna take it to a different place and get it resolved.

**s1d** · 06-04-2019, 10:40 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by abhiiceman View Post

25k engine work for 30k old bike...

@all
Is this usual for 390.. what is the average engine life of 390?

30k km is early, and it also greatly depends on how the bike was ridden and maintained. should be able to do about twice that mileage before a major rebuild.

Originally posted by Skanda View Post

2. Considering the fact that this issue started after the bike fell once, I think this is the cause of coolant drain and I am unable to locate the leak.

I think I will let go of the coolant issue for now and concentrate on getting chain tensioner issue fixed. I'm still not able to source the part after enquiring with multiple SVC.

another guess.. it might have so happened that when the bike fell, some coolant might have spilled out of the expansion tank vent.. and on using the bike thereafter, due to the normal way in which the coolant system works, some of it from the expansion tank might have been sucked in to the radiator and so you noticed a drop. also when you opened the tank cover, did you inspect the coolant expansion tank for any sort of a crack.

but do keep an eye on the coolant level, and if you continue to see consistent drop over few days.. then you definitely have a leak somewhere.

Originally posted by Skanda View Post

Just got the bike from SVC. As the D390 part was unavailable, the guy has replaced it with similar part. The sound is greatly reduced but the it's still there, can be heard mildly only with observation. Can you please let me if this is safe? Putting the CCT of other vehicle? He didn't respond to me when I repeatedly ask when vehicle's CCT is that from! I am probably gonna take it to a different place and get it resolved.

where did he get that part from ? could be from the pulsar ns or a dominar ? was it a bajaj part ?
whether it will cause problem is a guess.. so better get it fixed with the correct part and make sure the timing is right. if not you might end up with a bigger repair bill.

**B7ACKTHORN** · 06-07-2019, 04:29 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Skanda View Post

One of my friend was coming from US and I got a block tester just in time. The results concluded that there might not be anything wrong with the head gasket.

1. I tried testing it for 15mins, the fan switched on for couple of times and the coolant was circulating. And the tester never changed the color which indicates there is nothing wrong with head gasket.

2. Considering the fact that this issue started after the bike fell once, I think this is the cause of coolant drain and I am unable to locate the leak.

I think I will let go of the coolant issue for now and concentrate on getting chain tensioner issue fixed. I'm still not able to source the part after enquiring with multiple SVC.

Originally posted by Skanda View Post

Just got the bike from SVC. As the D390 part was unavailable, the guy has replaced it with similar part. The sound is greatly reduced but the it's still there, can be heard mildly only with observation. Can you please let me if this is safe? Putting the CCT of other vehicle? He didn't respond to me when I repeatedly ask when vehicle's CCT is that from! I am probably gonna take it to a different place and get it resolved.

Now that we've ruled out that the head gasket is okay. The fact that coolant is being consumed can't be isolated to a leak alone. Coolant can vapor given the right circumstances. remember, they are 50/50 water to coolant ratio. Or we might be just over zealous.

The CCT can be of Dominar's and what not. Tensioners are basically a spring loaded toothed cam that provide the tension to the pads, I'd suggest you consider this as a temporary fix and get them replaced to the OE tensioner when you get them. Not to worry, it won't be a problem per se.

Keep your observations posted.

Cheers!
VJ

**Skanda** · 06-07-2019, 04:39 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by s1d View Post

30k km is early, and it also greatly depends on how the bike was ridden and maintained. should be able to do about twice that mileage before a major rebuild.

another guess.. it might have so happened that when the bike fell, some coolant might have spilled out of the expansion tank vent.. and on using the bike thereafter, due to the normal way in which the coolant system works, some of it from the expansion tank might have been sucked in to the radiator and so you noticed a drop. also when you opened the tank cover, did you inspect the coolant expansion tank for any sort of a crack.

but do keep an eye on the coolant level, and if you continue to see consistent drop over few days.. then you definitely have a leak somewhere.

where did he get that part from ? could be from the pulsar ns or a dominar ? was it a bajaj part ?
whether it will cause problem is a guess.. so better get it fixed with the correct part and make sure the timing is right. if not you might end up with a bigger repair bill.

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

Now that we've ruled out that the head gasket is okay. The fact that coolant is being consumed can't be isolated to a leak alone. Coolant can vapor given the right circumstances. remember, they are 50/50 water to coolant ratio. Or we might be just over zealous.

The CCT can be of Dominar's and what not. Tensioners are basically a spring loaded toothed cam that provide the tension to the pads, I'd suggest you consider this as a temporary fix and get them replaced to the OE tensioner when you get them. Not to worry, it won't be a problem per se.

Keep your observations posted.

Cheers!
VJ

Finally, after 10 days, got my hands on OEM tensioner after repeatedly following up with Kasturiba Road KTM. Got it fixed an hour ago. Also, the SVC guy identified one of the Silencer bolt weld which was broken (probably got hit by spreadbreaker ). Took the bike to a gas welder and fixed that as well. Went for 15mins ride and did not notice any weird sound. Everything looks to be OK now. Off to Leh for next 2 weeks (Renting RE there, will be missing D390 badly!). Will go for a ride once I come back and verify if everything is OK. This is a big reliever for me before my travel.

**B7ACKTHORN** · 06-07-2019, 04:48 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Skanda View Post

Finally, after 10 days, got my hands on OEM tensioner after repeatedly following up with Kasturiba Road KTM. Got it fixed an hour ago. Also, the SVC guy identified one of the Silencer bolt weld which was broken (probably got hit by spreadbreaker ). Took the bike to a gas welder and fixed that as well. Went for 15mins ride and did not notice any weird sound. Everything looks to be OK now. Off to Leh for next 2 weeks (Renting RE there, will be missing D390 badly!). Will go for a ride once I come back and verify if everything is OK. This is a big reliever for me before my travel.

Sweet! I am surprised by the stock availability in Bangalore, being such a Tier 1 place, it's weird to know why consumables aren't being stacked up. Sad indeed! At least you've got it replaced, which is good. I think your bike's jingling sound should be sorted with this weld, where in the other chap insisted to replace the entire unit. As I said in my earlier post, most jingling sounds inside or near the exhaust is due to welds giving up or metal chunks undoing inside the exhaust and which makes a jingling noise.

Don't bother about the Duke, enjoy your Leh trip. I think all your issues are sorted. The coolant thingy, don't bother.

Cheers!
VJ

**Skanda** · 06-07-2019, 04:54 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

Sweet! I am surprised by the stock availability in Bangalore, being such a Tier 1 place, it's weird to know why consumables aren't being stacked up. Sad indeed! At least you've got it replaced, which is good. I think your bike's jingling sound should be sorted with this weld, where in the other chap insisted to replace the entire unit. As I said in my earlier post, most jingling sounds inside or near the exhaust is due to welds giving up or metal chunks undoing inside the exhaust and which makes a jingling noise.

Don't bother about the Duke, enjoy your Leh trip. I think all your issues are sorted. The coolant thingy, don't bother.

Cheers!
VJ

Someone in the parts department told me that they are undergoing inventory check/change which is why there is lot of parts shortage in many KTM centers. When I went to get the part, I saw 2 mini trucks with parts were being unloaded. Looks like they just received all the backorders.

**Imam Jafer Ali** · 06-07-2019, 05:00 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by abhiiceman View Post

25k engine work for 30k old bike...

@all
Is this usual for 390.. what is the average engine life of 390?

My 390 rebuild was at 65k, it depends on number of cold starts and how the engine oil is maintained.

**Imam Jafer Ali** · 06-07-2019, 05:02 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Second oil change after rebuild, first at 1.5k then now at 5.5k from previous change

**Skanda** · 06-07-2019, 05:22 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Imam Jafer Ali View Post

Second oil change after rebuild, first at 1.5k then now at 5.5k from previous change

How is the performance after rebuild? Is it similar or is there any change?

**Imam Jafer Ali** · 06-07-2019, 05:45 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Skanda View Post

How is the performance after rebuild? Is it similar or is there any change?

I don't find any difference in performance but the engine lost its smoothness, I hope to get back the same over the usage.

**abhiiceman** · 06-07-2019, 05:46 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Imam Jafer Ali View Post

I don't find any difference in performance but the engine lost its smoothness, I hope to get back the same over the usage.

Is the performance similar to when it was new

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KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

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