Announcement

**shadowrider** · 07-19-2019, 09:40 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

For the Duke, it's good to check almost every aspect of the bike, starting from.

Engine sound and condition, which tells a lot about the bike.
Maintenance record. Helps know if service was undetaken at the right interval.
Documents. Make sure it isn't on a loan and what not.
Battery, brakes, chain life, bent wheels, tire life all play a major element when taking a second hand Duke.
The best odo that you should be looking for is lesser than 12k. Anything more than 20k+ is a risky venture, and making a final call depends on the condition of the vehicle.

Best of luck.

Cheers!
VJ

Everything near my area is from 17k km onwards. Will keep all the points in mind especially the engine sound.

**B7ACKTHORN** · 07-19-2019, 09:45 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by shadowrider View Post

Everything near my area is from 17k km onwards. Will keep all the points in mind especially the engine sound.

17k is not a bad odo reading. But, the lesser the better.

Cheers!
VJ

**shadowrider** · 07-19-2019, 09:48 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

17k is not a bad odo reading. But, the lesser the better.

Cheers!
VJ

Max odo reading for me will be 23 to 24k.thank you for the help.

**DukeNukem7** · 07-20-2019, 12:17 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Hey guys,
I am planning to buy the Duke 390 (2019) model especially for long tours and I have a few questions in mind -

1. How reliable is the engine of the bike? I have heard a lot of people complaining about blown head gaskets, coolant mixing with engine oil and other mechanical issues, are these problems still present in the 2019 model?

2. How long will the engine last if properly maintained and ridden before it requires a rebuild? (PS - I am planning to keep this bike for at least 5-6 years)

3. How is the bike for long tours and some off-roading?

And finally what maintenance tips do you guys suggest other than what's written in the owners manual?

Thanks for your replies in advance.

**s1d** · 07-20-2019, 04:23 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by DukeNukem7 View Post

Hey guys,
I am planning to buy the Duke 390 (2019) model especially for long tours and I have a few questions in mind -

1. How reliable is the engine of the bike? I have heard a lot of people complaining about blown head gaskets, coolant mixing with engine oil and other mechanical issues, are these problems still present in the 2019 model?

not as rampant as earlier, but very few cases these days where the water pump seal could give up causing the notorious oil+coolant mix.

2. How long will the engine last if properly maintained and ridden before it requires a rebuild? (PS - I am planning to keep this bike for at least 5-6 years)

depends on maintenance and riding.. if maintained well, should last 60-70k km before a rebuild.

3. How is the bike for long tours and some off-roading?

very good for touring.. and easily handles some off-roading aka bad roads that we usually come across.
this bike cannot be enjoyed in stop-go traffic, it begs to be taken out on the highways or the mountains.
practically speaking it has more than enough oomph to tackle the highways, bad patches and covering distances at remarkable pace with minimum effort.

And finally what maintenance tips do you guys suggest other than what's written in the owners manual?

if you can follow or get the work done as per the manual, you wont need to do anything else. use a good quality engine oil like motul 7100 and change it every 5k km. all other fluids (brake,coolant,fork) every 2-3 yrs.

Thanks for your replies in advance.

my replies in bold above

**B7ACKTHORN** · 07-20-2019, 10:23 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by DukeNukem7 View Post

Hey guys,
I am planning to buy the Duke 390 (2019) model especially for long tours and I have a few questions in mind -

1. How reliable is the engine of the bike? I have heard a lot of people complaining about blown head gaskets, coolant mixing with engine oil and other mechanical issues, are these problems still present in the 2019 model?

2. How long will the engine last if properly maintained and ridden before it requires a rebuild? (PS - I am planning to keep this bike for at least 5-6 years)

3. How is the bike for long tours and some off-roading?

And finally what maintenance tips do you guys suggest other than what's written in the owners manual?

Thanks for your replies in advance.

Points one and two: Reliability isn't the forte of the motorcycle. Though it can be extended with due maintenance and keeping an eye on the bike's wherewithals. The engine of the 390, for the most part is reliable, but isn't reliable when compared to its Japanese counterparts. The 2019 models too have a few issues here and there, but for the most part, they should be taken care of easily. Basic maintenance and timely service is key.

Point 3. If you intend to purchase the recent 2019 model, then yes, the engine is much smoother and seat is accommodating when compared to the older models. Touring is the bike's forte, and you can cruise along easily in triple digits all day long. For extremely mild off-roading, yes. If you're into some real mud action, then this isn't the bike. Though it can give yous some cheap off road thrills, but don't expect much.

Point 4: Same as, points one and two. Basically, make sure you check your tire pressure, check the level of oil, ESPECIALLY the COOLANT every time a long trip is planned or every three days. Lube your chain periodically and chain slack adjusted as necessary.

Rest, you should sorted with.

Cheers!
VJ

**DukeNukem7** · 07-20-2019, 10:34 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Thanks for the reply brothers!
What all other options should I consider in this price range?

**#bpk** · 07-20-2019, 11:32 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by DukeNukem7 View Post

Thanks for the reply brothers!
What all other options should I consider in this price range?

Dominar 400, mojo abs and CB 300r .

**B7ACKTHORN** · 07-21-2019, 08:02 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by DukeNukem7 View Post

Thanks for the reply brothers!
What all other options should I consider in this price range?

If touring is your forte, then I'd strongly recommend the Dominar 400. The newer Dominar is a fantastic all rounder and an excellent tourer. Coupled up with the updates and features it has to offer and good pillion and rider comfort, it currently is undoubtedly the Dominator in its segment. Secondly, the Himalayan, another very, very capable on and off road bike. Though the bike has well sorted suspension, and comfortable for both the rider and pillion, servicing and overall quality can be a hit and miss. Thirdly the CBR 300 a well sorted city bike, but for touring, the ergonomics won't be everyone's forte. Last but not the least, the Mojo, the Mojo engine has proved its worth and apart from the ease of servicing, it's pretty much a strong motorcycle for what it has to offer, and IIRC, it is available in some two to three variants. The above recommendation is for a tourer and one who enjoys a relaxed riding position.

For the sporty types, you have one too many, right from Kawasaki Ninja 300, to RR310 to, Gixxer 250, Duke 390, the Interceptor 650, and the likes.

Cheers!
VJ

**blak bandit 350cc** · 07-23-2019, 12:08 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

hi guys , hope everyone is good.

I want to change my chain kit as it is wobbling very much ,I have surpassed 17500 kms now.

please suggest, I have a deal for rolon gold brass chain with sprocket for 2800 rupees

**blak bandit 350cc** · 07-23-2019, 12:09 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

check the chassis for sure and swing arm for accident purpose..

check any insurance claims if any .
for most important, get the engine checked..

Originally posted by shadowrider View Post

Guys planning to buy a used duke 390. What are the things to look before buying. How much km on the odo is too much, and parts to look for any oil leak and stuff like that.

**blak bandit 350cc** · 07-23-2019, 12:10 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

after I cleaned throttle body and injector ,the alert sign is not there or any ERROR alert.

Originally posted by blak bandit 350cc View Post

engine indicator flows once or two in a month of ride that too in low fuel sometimes but on my last ride where environment was dusty and on 11000 fts, very low fuel ,I got 3 signals but I think it's due to fuel only.

Sent from my SM-J600G using xBhp Connect mobile app

**blak bandit 350cc** · 07-23-2019, 12:15 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by DukeNukem7 View Post

Hey guys,
I am planning to buy the Duke 390 (2019) model especially for long tours and I have a few questions in mind -

1. How reliable is the engine of the bike? I have heard a lot of people complaining about blown head gaskets, coolant mixing with engine oil and other mechanical issues, are these problems still present in the 2019 model?

2. How long will the engine last if properly maintained and ridden before it requires a rebuild? (PS - I am planning to keep this bike for at least 5-6 years)

3. How is the bike for long tours and some off-roading?

And finally what maintenance tips do you guys suggest other than what's written in the owners manual?

Thanks for your replies in advance.

brother ,this bike is replacing the touring models of RE which used to be ladakh going motorcycle for a every rider.

the motorcycle can offroad upto limits , in highways it's a horse .
fuel economy is good . further maintaining makes a good motorcycle.

**kiran2508** · 07-23-2019, 12:27 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by DukeNukem7 View Post

1. How reliable is the engine of the bike? I have heard a lot of people complaining about blown head gaskets, coolant mixing with engine oil and other mechanical issues, are these problems still present in the 2019 model?.

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

Points one and two: Reliability isn't the forte of the motorcycle..
...The engine of the 390, for the most part is reliable, but isn't reliable when compared to its Japanese counterparts.
...Basic maintenance and timely service is key.

Adding,

True it's not as reliable as Japanese counterparts, but parts are dead cheap. Even a full engine rebuild will cost maximum of ₹30-35K (even a 150cc bike costs 12-15K for full rebuild) which is a steal deal for a hoot machine like the D390, also as compared to Japanese 300cc counterparts which will be in ballpark of ₹50K+ and KTM parts is the easiest to source compared to all other bikes.

So in comparison even with a not so reliable engine, it'll easily last 50K kms even if maintained badly. All in all it'll still be cheapest smiles per rupee at the end of the day, interms of the bike cost, power offered and service aspects.

**B7ACKTHORN** · 07-23-2019, 03:01 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by blak bandit 350cc View Post

hi guys , hope everyone is good.

I want to change my chain kit as it is wobbling very much ,I have surpassed 17500 kms now.

please suggest, I have a deal for rolon gold brass chain with sprocket for 2800 rupees

Make sure you replace your chain kit, along with your wheel hub rubber dampers. Go for the Rolon X ring or O ring whatever you get it for, as the stock chain too is manufactured by Rolon. Make sure, your rear hub is cleaned, inspected for any warpage, along with new rubber dampers installed when you replace the chain. A chain sprocket kit shouldn't wobble per se, as it can mean it might be warped. Riding with warped chain sprocket can ruin you rear wheel bearings and can ruin your rear hub.

Cheers!
VJ

Announcement

KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment