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KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

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  • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

    [MENTION=63586]DukeDey[/MENTION] : Great that they are replacing your bike...hope they don't deliver it to some other poor soul

    Comment


    • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

      Originally posted by DukeDey View Post
      I don't know man how come so many issues in a new bike, but as I maintain my bikes as good as one can, I have got a keen eye for details. I check everything as thoroughly as can be done.
      That bike could have been easily sold to a non suspecting rider. Hope ktm ups its ante when it comes to quality checks and pdi at their side.

      Sent from my GT-I9100
      I was keenly following the 200 threads when that bike was launched, and i dont recollect reading so many issues then. with 390, there seems to be more issues, mostly related to negligence at final check at the factory and PDI at showrooms. No wonder these bikes go through a thorough check at the Austria before being sold in Europe. Could these niggles be related to strike at chakan? shuffling of workforce, less experienced guys on the assembly line?? Or is it just the laid back 'chalta hai' attitude kicking in?

      I have a feeling you were given a defective piece as you strongly raised issues with them wrt delay in delivery, etc. I did created a lot of ruckus when my C5 was getting delayed much beyond the prescribed limit, and patience was running thin, and i could sense a shift in their attitude. one never knows!! Hope it all gets sorted for you and soon.

      Comment


      • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

        Originally posted by nasirkaka View Post
        I was keenly following the 200 threads when that bike was launched, and i dont recollect reading so many issues then. with 390, there seems to be more issues, mostly related to negligence at final check at the factory and PDI at showrooms.
        I guess its due to the increasing bookings and the need to deliver the bike in time makes them careless on final factory inspection..

        Comment


        • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

          Originally posted by DukeDey View Post
          Got my bike on 12th, updated on fb, started riding and it turned out to be a lemon. Returned it, waiting for a new bike that'll be delivered on 25th.

          Between all this there is a huge story of struggle. I would share it once I have time.

          Sent from my GT-I9100
          Originally posted by DukeDey View Post
          I got my bike on 12th of November after waiting for more than 4 months. I was initially being told that you'll have to wait till 25th nov but I mailed ktm India with all the details and proof that something is wrong with the deliveries and booking number somehow have not been respected. I got my bike the very next day.

          Went for a pdi, pointed out a few issues like missing mud guard extension, loose chain, and a peculiar problem where the gear lever was not coming back to its original position by itself when engaging the gear. It needed a very slight nudge.
          I was promised everything would be sorted and during the delivery all seemed fine.

          The moment I rode the bike out of the showroom I noticed the handlebar alignment was messed up and was not in the center. Called the manager out and told him about the issue. He was helpful enough and called the svc to tend to me immediately even though it was 6 in the evening. Rode straight to svc and while riding I realised the gear shift problem still persists. I got this to the service managers notice and he tried changing the gear lever and oiling the shaft but after a lot of efforts and trying to convince me that its fine when I was still not satisfied we figured out that the gear selector shaft that runs into the gearbox is bent. I was like wtf? He said he'll rectify it in the first service.

          I said pack the bike up the way it was and rode back to the showroom, there the manager told me and some senior fellow xbhpians who were with me throughout, that the bike has been temporarily registered and nothing can be done about this. After a lot of discussion with ktm officials and being at the showroom till 10.30 I finally did not take the bike. The manager at the showroom was really helpful but the ktm officials were a different story altogether.

          Got the bike from Trivandrum showroom.
          Keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best.

          Sent from my GT-I9100
          Sorry about the trouble you faced. You tackled the issue exactly the way it is meant to be. The PDI is a real joke and I am one of the sufferers. In my case it was a loose oil drain plug, an unfastened battery band, a broken mirror clamp and a missing tool kit which I haven't got yet. Any way the bike is running fine till now with no problems.

          Yes, the showroom manager Mr. Renju is a very nice person. Its only because of him my delivery process went butter smooth. He cares for his customers a lot and I was tempted to buy the 390 because of his attitude. He has got a great respect for bikers like us. You got the bike yesterday? I was there at the showroom till 2pm as I usually enjoys my leisure time there with the manager discussing biking news Its the only one showroom where customers are treated like friends I saw one 390 there waiting for delivery. May be it was the lemon in disguise. BTW, when you get your new bike?
          If you worried about falling off the bike, you'd never get on.

          Comment


          • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

            Originally posted by DukeDey View Post
            I don't know man how come so many issues in a new bike, but as I maintain my bikes as good as one can, I have got a keen eye for details. I check everything as thoroughly as can be done.
            That bike could have been easily sold to a non suspecting rider. Hope ktm ups its ante when it comes to quality checks and pdi at their side.

            Sent from my GT-I9100
            Great!! You handled the situation pretty well. And I suspect bajaj is following India's tradition. I guess you all know this.. From tea, spices and even soaps all the top quality products are exported. We get the low quality product for a higher price. If you don't believe go and taste the tea at tea factory in ooty..you'll never get that taste in any premium branded tea. All those are exported. Bitter truth
            Is bajaj doing the same thing?? Manufacturing here and giving us dud piece is not at all fair. Companies are using us. This is not the first case to tell its one in hundred bikes. One guy had a broken valve and many getting noise from engine.
            Its better to sweat than bleed!! "AGATT "

            sigpic

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            • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

              Originally posted by hav0c View Post
              Btw, i dont know if i didnt notice before or if svc guys missed something , but my front brake oil reservoir appears to be empty. I am not sure if the oil is so transparent or if it really is empty. Front brake and lever play appears to be absolutely fine though....
              I too noticed this when getting delivery of the bike. I was told that the brake fluid is full thats why is not showing. There were a number of bikes to choose from and I checked a few bikes, finding this is the case with all. I personally think that the brake fluid is transparent or else the brake wont have worked at all.

              Comment


              • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                Originally posted by siddharthsure View Post
                Great!! You handled the situation pretty well. And I suspect bajaj is following India's tradition. I guess you all know this.. From tea, spices and even soaps all the top quality products are exported. We get the low quality product for a higher price. If you don't believe go and taste the tea at tea factory in ooty..you'll never get that taste in any premium branded tea. All those are exported. Bitter truth
                Is bajaj doing the same thing?? Manufacturing here and giving us dud piece is not at all fair. Companies are using us. This is not the first case to tell its one in hundred bikes. One guy had a broken valve and many getting noise from engine.
                True. Its a very sad fact that our own manufacturers are considering us inferior and exporting all the best of their products to all over the world in fetch of more profit. Bajaj is well known for pathetic quality of build, using cheap and third quality stuff in making their products. Bajaj still haven't learned making a proper motorcycle. All of the products they manufactured till date had various quality issues and now they are on the way to hamper the reputation build by KTM in manufacturing tough and rugged motorcycles. The Duke 390 is completely build by Bajaj using inputs from local and cheap vendors and this thoroughly reflects in the durability of their bikes. The fuel pump sounds like its about to die. The paint from the engine has started to chip off. The chain sprockets are wearing out freaking fast. The engine has already started making noises as if it is 30k kms old. The gearbox is way too clunky. There are issues popping up from almost all crucial parts. Even the customers abroad are complaining of various issues as they are seeing a new face of KTM from what they have experienced. The Kawasaki knows Bajaj well and never went to manufacture the ninja here. And the result; we are getting a world class product. All the Japanese manufacturers maintains some quality standards while making their products and they are peoples favorite all over the world just because they get a proper no nonsense machine
                that could serve them well for years. On the other hand, we Indians go for the cheapest alternative and gets rewarded by such inferior products.
                If you worried about falling off the bike, you'd never get on.

                Comment


                • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                  Originally posted by junaid12345678 View Post
                  True. Its a very sad fact that our own manufacturers are considering us inferior and exporting all the best of their products to all over the world in fetch of more profit. Bajaj is well known for pathetic quality of build, using cheap and third quality stuff in making their products. Bajaj still haven't learned making a proper motorcycle. All of the products they manufactured till date had various quality issues and now they are on the way to hamper the reputation build by KTM in manufacturing tough and rugged motorcycles. The Duke 390 is completely build by Bajaj using inputs from local and cheap vendors and this thoroughly reflects in the durability of their bikes. The fuel pump sounds like its about to die. The paint from the engine has started to chip off. The chain sprockets are wearing out freaking fast. The engine has already started making noises as if it is 30k kms old. The gearbox is way too clunky. There are issues popping up from almost all crucial parts. Even the customers abroad are complaining of various issues as they are seeing a new face of KTM from what they have experienced. The Kawasaki knows Bajaj well and never went to manufacture the ninja here. And the result; we are getting a world class product. All the Japanese manufacturers maintains some quality standards while making their products and they are peoples favorite all over the world just because they get a proper no nonsense machine
                  that could serve them well for years. On the other hand, we Indians go for the cheapest alternative and gets rewarded by such inferior products.

                  Why don't you open Honda CBR 250 R intial ownership report and see all the trouble they went through....so much for japanese manufaturers

                  Comment


                  • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                    Well, cbr didn't have as many problems/glitches/quality check problems I believe.aargee had his engine troubles thou initially.but then 390 is a new product, a, premium one at that.the issues are down to quality control.which leads me to the next question. @all owners could u please post a detailed pdi list. I'm selecting my bike tomorrow [MENTION=63586]DukeDey[/MENTION] could you please post the same for the community's benefit.
                    ๔ยкє ҭђгєє ภเภєҭұ เภ ๓ұ שєเภร

                    Comment


                    • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                      Originally posted by shootingstar View Post
                      Why don't you open Honda CBR 250 R intial ownership report and see all the trouble they went through....so much for japanese manufaturers
                      Yes, I am well aware of the issues faced by CBR 250R owners but those issues only made the bike better. Honda swung into action almost immediately and replaced the affected parts without any hassles. Honda even sued their vendors for supplying them defective parts. CBR 250R even have a five year warranty as an option for a nominal amount . The Duke's warranty is just 30000 kms or 2 years. Bajaj knows their products well and are not ready to go beyond that.The Duke is by no means a new product to the market. The duke 200 faced an alarming number of issues but still Bajaj haven't improved anything on the bike, but opted for quick fixes or some 'jugaad'. Now the 390 is also going the same way.
                      There is no need for a debate here. You have two options for two lakh rupees. One is a well built and engineered 250cc 25 bhp motorcycle and the other is a well engineered but pathetically built 375cc 44 bhp motorcycle. Its just like making a Bugatti Veyron in a farmhouse. Quality always comes at a price. And I am pretty sure that 2 years later, a 2013 CBR250R would easily overtake a 2013 Duke 390 because CBR still makes 25 bhp while the duke makes a humble 22. I don't know when will Bajaj learn we need well made proper motorcycles. Service centers are not the best holiday destinations we would like to visit often.
                      Last edited by junaid12345678; 11-14-2013, 12:13 AM.
                      If you worried about falling off the bike, you'd never get on.

                      Comment


                      • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                        Originally posted by junaid12345678 View Post
                        I saw one 390 there waiting for delivery. May be it was the lemon in disguise. BTW, when you get your new bike?
                        That lemon was mine, parked next to the pillar by me the day before. I took the delivery around 5 in the evening.
                        [MENTION=23253]senotrius[/MENTION] there is no checklist as such, I checked everything you mentioned like, oil, coolant, brake fluid, whether the mudguard extender was there or not, fork boots installed or not, throttle, brake and gear lever play, if the radiator is switching on or not, scratches, chain slack, headlight beam focus, any unusual noise while riding, clutch setting, handlebar alignment, all indicators and light working, fender and all other parts screwed properly, the toolkit etc. I just took my time to inspect the bike, rode the bike for a good 10kms and this was my Pdi
                        Why 2wheels over 4.....
                        Its because 'Whatever it is, it's better in the wind!'

                        Comment


                        • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                          Originally posted by junaid12345678 View Post
                          Yes, I am well aware of the issues faced by CBR 250R owners but those issues only made the bike better. Honda swung into action almost immediately and replaced the affected parts without any hassles. Honda even sued their vendors for supplying them defective parts. CBR 250R even have a five year warranty as an option for a nominal amount . The Duke's warranty is just 30000 kms or 2 years. Bajaj knows their products well and are not ready to go beyond that.The Duke is by no means a new product to the market. The duke 200 faced an alarming number of issues but still Bajaj haven't improved anything on the bike, but opted for quick fixes or some 'jugaad'. Now the 390 is also going the same way.
                          There is no need for a debate here. You have two options for two lakh rupees. One is a well built and engineered 250cc 25 bhp motorcycle and the other is a well engineered but pathetically built 375cc 44 bhp motorcycle. Its just like making a Bugatti Veyron in a farmhouse. Quality always comes at a price. And I am pretty sure that 2 years later, a 2013 CBR250R would easily overtake a 2013 Duke 390 because CBR still makes 25 bhp while the duke makes a humble 22.
                          Hold your horses there mate.
                          Duke 390 is a new product in the market.It is bound to have is share of glitches.That doesn't mean Bajaj is using sub quality parts to build their bikes. Bajaj has not independently designed and developed duke,its a product under strict quality checks from KTM. Just because a few bikes have been delivered with a bent gear lever/handle bar doesn't mean Bajaj has used sub par vendors .It probably will be the lackluster attitude of person/engineer in charge of PDI or some mishap that might have occurred during transportation.It would be baseless to point fault at Bajaj/KTM themselves,the correct thing to do here would be to take it up with the dealer and report the incident to KTM.

                          My Ninja 250R ,with a tried ,tested and proven engine also has a 2 year warranty.Does it mean that the engine of my 250R is perceived as less reliable by the manufacturer and hence they have only given two year warranty?

                          An improperly run in/modified bike will most likely seize.Considering just a few isolated incidents and generalizing them is pointless.

                          The Duke 390 is built to a cost.It offers the most bang for the buck. Chipping of paint etc are trivial issues.
                          The very fact that 390 comes with a Metzler tyre and ABS as standard indicate how committed KTM-BAJAJ is to providing a quality product.If Bajaj wants to compromise on the paint quality to provide the best equipment in class,then I would say Kudos to Bajaj.
                          And No,the duke does not make a "humble" 22,It makes 25 bhp.

                          "2013 CBR 250R would easily overtake a 2013 Duke 390"
                          What do you mean? In terms of performance?,you've got to be kidding me
                          In terms of sales?,maybe .There a large number of fared bike aficionados in our country,which would also explain how a 17 bhp overpriced bike still sells.
                          REVVADDICT
                          -
                          Yamaha FZ-16 (2010-12)
                          -Kawasaki Ninja 250R (2012-13)
                          -KTM Duke 390(2013- )

                          Comment


                          • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                            Originally posted by senotrius View Post
                            Well, cbr didn't have as many problems/glitches/quality check problems I believe.aargee had his engine troubles thou initially.but then 390 is a new product, a, premium one at that.the issues are down to quality control.which leads me to the next question. @all owners could u please post a detailed pdi list. I'm selecting my bike tomorrow @DukeDey could you please post the same for the community's benefit.
                            The list below may help.

                            1. ODO reading ( KTM won't do extensive test run as many dealers say. I got the bike with 5km on the ODO)
                            2. Chain slack and lubrication as most of us got chains dry like desert sand
                            3. paint job for any scratches
                            4. All the connectors that's visible (There is one under the seat for plugging the diagnostic device and should be left unconnected)
                            5. The reflector (crack)at the tail end and the whole fender assembly for excessive shaking
                            6. Switches and controls for smooth operation and desired result
                            7. Brake and clutch and gear lever play
                            8. Check all bolts and the oil level
                            9. Brake fluid levels ( The front reservoir may look transparent but it may have fluid filled up)
                            10. The coolant level. (In my case, it was at the minimum level)
                            11. closely check all plastic parts for any breakage as its quite possible to happen in transit or during unloading or from over aggressive PDI by the dealer
                            12. Check the tool kit, FA kit and remember to collect user manual
                            13. Download the user manual online from KTM website and go through it well before going to the dealer for delivery.
                            14. Check the fuel level and refuel at the earliest (Keep in mind the octane ratings, 91 minimum)
                            15. Ride out before the KTM guys say ''get out''. I am one among them who got to hear congrats (I watered my eyes)

                            Close the visor and keep the big. I may have missed many things and contributions to the list are welcome
                            If you worried about falling off the bike, you'd never get on.

                            Comment


                            • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                              Originally posted by junaid12345678 View Post
                              Bajaj is well known for pathetic quality of build, using cheap and third quality stuff in making their products.
                              And here begins the third world war!
                              How can us come to the conclusion that the faults are from Bajaj or KTM? Almost all bikes are mishandled at the service centre and there is a possibility that Duke 390, being a new bike, being used for test rides by the mechanics and the public.
                              Originally posted by junaid12345678 View Post
                              CBR still makes 25 bhp while the duke makes a humble 22.
                              What did Honda do to make CBR250R better? Some of the CBR owners asked to stop complaining about the bike and the rest agreed; that is what happened. If in doubt, go through some of the first pages of its ownership thread again.
                              And which Duke is producing 22 bhp? As far as I know, D390 produces 44 bhp and 35 Nm torque and D200, 25 bhp and 19.2 Nm torque.
                              The torque at wheel of D390 and the speed it can reach is far higher than CBR 250. The torque at wheel of even D200 is better than CBR except in 1st gear.
                              And the longevity of both these bikes is yet to be proved but nobody is expecting a century long life for any high revving engine.
                              So, let us stop this fighting.
                              Last edited by punarvasu; 11-14-2013, 01:21 AM.

                              Comment


                              • Re: KTM Duke 390 - Owners Reviews and Experiences

                                Originally posted by DukeDey View Post
                                That lemon was mine, parked next to the pillar by me the day before. I took the delivery around 5 in the evening.
                                @senotrius there is no checklist as such, I checked everything you mentioned like, oil, coolant, brake fluid, whether the mudguard extender was there or not, fork boots installed or not, throttle, brake and gear lever play, if the radiator is switching on or not, scratches, chain slack, headlight beam focus, any unusual noise while riding, clutch setting, handlebar alignment, all indicators and light working, fender and all other parts screwed properly, the toolkit etc. I just took my time to inspect the bike, rode the bike for a good 10kms and this was my Pdi

                                wow - that indeed is a good PDI work done by you mate. Hope your get the new one soon

                                Comment

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