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**Imam Jafer Ali** · 04-07-2018, 06:10 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Hi, Changed the fork oils with just removing the top cap alone, they used 400ml bajaj fork oil in each fork. The drained oil is in very bad shape.
Oil cost 550
Labour cost 500

While I was in svc another guy given his bike for fork oil change with oil seal change, also give a motul fork oil 1L bottle.

I didn't feel difference after changing the fork oils, same stiffness as before!!!

**s1d** · 04-07-2018, 06:32 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Imam Jafer Ali View Post

Hi, Changed the fork oils with just removing the top cap alone, they used 400ml bajaj fork oil in each fork. The drained oil is in very bad shape.
Oil cost 550
Labour cost 500

While I was in svc another guy given his bike for fork oil change with oil seal change, also give a motul fork oil 1L bottle.

I didn't feel difference after changing the fork oils, same stiffness as before!!!

I think 400ml is a little less provided the entire oil was drained out.. It is the springs that do a lot of the damping and the oil just helps them along, and the springs also lose their strength over time.
Also make sure you are running the right tire pressure upfront, usually between 26-28psi no more.
Maybe the next time i will try the motul fork oil, did not know that it was available in India. 5W is the right grade.. unfortunately the oil ktm supplies doesn't specify the grade on the bottle and from what i researched, it could be a 10w oil supplied by HP.
btw, no gst on labor ? I was charged 500 + gst 18% (590)

**Imam Jafer Ali** · 04-07-2018, 07:03 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by s1d View Post

I think 400ml is a little less provided the entire oil was drained out.. It is the springs that do a lot of the damping and the oil just helps them along, and the springs also lose their strength over time.
Also make sure you are running the right tire pressure upfront, usually between 26-28psi no more.
Maybe the next time i will try the motul fork oil, did not know that it was available in India. 5W is the right grade.. unfortunately the oil ktm supplies doesn't specify the grade on the bottle and from what i researched, it could be a 10w oil supplied by HP.
btw, no gst on labor ? I was charged 500 + gst 18% (590)

The mech said since we are not removing fork entirely 400ml is enough.
I always set 25 & 30 psi front & back.
I checked in manual it says 5W oil.
I have not got the bill, no power supply in the svc.
The money I paid is 1036, may be the labour is 590 and remaining is oil cost.

**Wilson4willy** · 04-07-2018, 07:30 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by s1d View Post

Good to change the fork oil around every 3 yrs.
Stick to the stock fork oil that ktm supplies.. and when filling I would recommend adding 440ml (recommended is 450.. but NEVER over fill).
Total cost of oil, fork seals and labor is 2000rs (both forks included).. i just got it done the day before.
You could skip the fork oil seals if they are ok and just do the oil change (subtract Rs.740 if you skip the seals.. each seal kit is around Rs.370)

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I am unable to make out from the pictures if it indeed is oil+coolant. It could just be dust/old coolant breakdown gunk that you are seeing. From what you tell, i doubt it's oil mixing with coolant.
Maybe try to drain the oil & coolant and check just to be sure, before replacing the seals/gasket.

Today I talked to KTM service guys about my problem and they said the same as you mentioned in your comment. My bike is more than 3 years old so expecting this kind of things are somewhat common. Tomorrow I am going to get my m/c repaired and lets see whats the main culprit behind everything.
Thanks for your input sir[emoji4]

**B7ACKTHORN** · 04-07-2018, 11:27 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Imam Jafer Ali View Post

Hi, Changed the fork oils with just removing the top cap alone, they used 400ml bajaj fork oil in each fork. The drained oil is in very bad shape.
Oil cost 550
Labour cost 500

While I was in svc another guy given his bike for fork oil change with oil seal change, also give a motul fork oil 1L bottle.

I didn't feel difference after changing the fork oils, same stiffness as before!!!

Indeed, the oil quanity is low, when compared to the recommended level of 450 ML. Though you should feel some difference in the fork action after a few kms. Usually, when fork oil is replaced, it's always recommended to replace the fork seals along with it so that there isn't any second guess, since most of them remove the fork tubes itself to refill the forks. Secondly, the fork is required to be pumped several times during and after the fork oil has been poured in. This is done to remove any air bubbles that's inside the fork so that the forks don't become harsh. Sometimes, if this procedure isn't carried out, there are high chances tiny air bubbles might get trapped and compromise fork action.

Cheers!
VJ

**Imam Jafer Ali** · 04-07-2018, 11:40 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

Indeed, the oil quanity is low, when compared to the recommended level of 450 ML. Though you should feel some difference in the fork action after a few kms. Usually, when fork oil is replaced, it's always recommended to replace the fork seals along with it so that there isn't any second guess, since most of them remove the fork tubes itself to refill the forks. Secondly, the fork is required to be pumped several times during and after the fork oil has been poured in. This is done to remove any air bubbles that's inside the fork so that the forks don't become harsh. Sometimes, if this procedure isn't carried out, there are high chances tiny air bubbles might get trapped and compromise fork action.

Cheers!
VJ

Fork are not pumped after pouring the oil, even I know that it needs to be dome, forgot it. The mechanic might know but the assistants does the whole job.

I would asked them to use the recommended quantity if tube are removed and oils are drained.

I was worried that after changing the oil seals, it might be prone to leak. This is also the reason why the mechanic not shown interest in changing the oil without any issues at first when I spoke to him.

Cheers [emoji1365]

**Wilson4willy** · 04-08-2018, 12:12 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

You should tell him, even synthetic oil needs replacing, don't they!

Fork oils like any oils do degrade over time, they lose their viscosity after repeated shearing of the fork action, up and down, and over time the bonding between the molecules give up and become watery. It's very important to change the fork oil when fork seals are replaced as a pair. The Duke 390 uses SAE 4w oil for fork, 450 ML per fork.

Coolant mixing with oil is a silent killer of the 390 series. It happen when you least expect, during a trip or just during a weekend ride, and what not. The blood-brain barrier is separated by two oil seals. Over time these seals fail and cause mild seepage of oil into engine or coolant into engine, either way it's time to inspect the water pump seals, and also check the cylinder gasket (the middle one) if it's failed. A failed head gasket too causes similar leaks. Coolant should be absolutely grime free when checked any time of the day.

Now, for some solace, even plain rust can throw up symptoms such as coolant mixing with oil. As we all know, water inside radiator causes rusting to form over time due to poor water quality and what not. Now, when the radiator is heated up, these rust particles mix with water and create a browinish-tinge appearance to the coolant which looks like stirred up mud water. A small test should let you know what's what.

Nonetheless, it's imperative you get the cylinder head gasket and water pump seals checked. Keep your observations posted.

Cheers!
VJ

Tomorrow or on monday I am going to get my bike checked at KTM ASC. Lets see whats the reason behind the same as the engine oil in the base engine still looks absolutely fine to me i.e there is no sign of mixing up of coolant getting mixed with the engine oil.
Taking all the consideration being mentioned by you I'll get my bike checked and repaired as per the requirements and will also update about the same.
Thanks for your input sir[emoji5]

**Skanda** · 04-09-2018, 03:30 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Wilson4willy View Post

Tomorrow or on monday I am going to get my bike checked at KTM ASC. Lets see whats the reason behind the same as the engine oil in the base engine still looks absolutely fine to me i.e there is no sign of mixing up of coolant getting mixed with the engine oil.
Taking all the consideration being mentioned by you I'll get my bike checked and repaired as per the requirements and will also update about the same.
Thanks for your input sir[emoji5]

My bike has run 14K Kms and have similar issue. Though the color of coolant was not a problem, it was reducing drastically. Got the pump seals replaced and it greatly reduced the speed of coolant draining. However, I still see it reducing very little after riding about 300 Kms to 400 Kms. This might mean a pinhole leak in head gasket. This might not be a big problem unless the leakage increases which might result in rusting of cylinder and which is bad.

I have kept my bike under observation and will measure the quantity of coolant reduction per 1K Kms. I plan on getting the head gasket replaced if it is more than 40 to 50ml of coolant per 1K Kms, else I do not want to get it replaced as of now. I have seen people running cars and bikes for more than 30K Kms with out problem for pinhole leaks and still engine being fine.

I also plan on looking though the spark pug hole using a camera to see the carbon deposit on the cylinder when time permits. If there is any coolant leakage, the head will be very clean with out any carbon deposit due to coolant turning into steam and then cleaning the cylinder off carbon. Will keep the updates posted.

Do let us know what the guys at service center suggests you as a solution.

**Skanda** · 04-09-2018, 05:35 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by iBerry View Post

I want to get that softer suspension of duke 200 on my old 2014 duke 390. I recently bought the 2018 white 390 and was going to sell off my old bike but I just can't seem to let it go. So I'm keeping both bikes.

My old 390 is at 89k and it's still goes as ballistic as it did when it was brand new.
I've done a lots of mods to my 2014 390... Powertronic ecu and all. Still looking for a custom fuel map to make the power delivery and fueling smoother at lower revs. So I'm thinking of ironing out some of the stuff i want sorted out. Mainly the fueling and stiff suspension. Any help would be highly appreciated.

Wow! 89K Kms! That's impressive. Were there any issues pertaining to engine? Did you ever had to replace head gasket, piston rings or bore the cylinder? Curious to know as we still find so many niggles on these engines.

**iBerry** · 04-10-2018, 04:08 AM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Skanda View Post

Wow! 89K Kms! That's impressive. Were there any issues pertaining to engine? Did you ever had to replace head gasket, piston rings or bore the cylinder? Curious to know as we still find so many niggles on these engines.

I've not yet encountered any engine related issues. Just ride your bike on roads that don't stress your 390 and everything will be A-ok!

Other than the usual maintenance and replacements of specific parts stated in the owners manual the only issues I have come across is from the day my 390 arrived I've had to keep an eye on the oil level and needs topping up from time to time.

**Skanda** · 04-14-2018, 03:00 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Got some time to run some tests on bike and need some help with the results I have got.

1. Compression test

Got a reading of 130 Psi. Ran the engine of 3-4mins and switched it off before making the readings. Had opened up the throttle fully and there readings were consistent. Got around 128 - 133 PSI for all the runs.

After squirting 1 or 2 teaspoon of engine oil into the cylinder, the pressure increased to 142 Psi, which looks to be pretty normal. All the runs gave similar results ranging from 140 to 145 Psi.

Can any one let me know if these figures are correct? Is there any thing that I have to worry about? Searched in google and came across a link which says this is correct. However, came across a video in YouTube which says it should be around 200 Psi. I was trying to figure out the minor draining of coolant and the further results makes me believe that head gasket is in good condition if the above readings are OK.

2. Carbon Buildup

Have a USB endoscope camera that I bough from AliExpress last year and used it to look into all 4 cylinders of my car through Spark Plug hole. My bike has run 14,500Kms and this level of carbon buildup looks like a lot. My car has run 90,500Kms and it still have less carbon buildup than the above pictures. Doesn't having a high compression ratio result in less carbon buildup as the pressure blasts off these carbon from the piston head? Also, as I see a lot of carbon, I doubt the coolant leaking into cylinder block. The coolant would turn into steam and shoots off the carbon which makes the piston head to be very clean. Now I would have to find out where else is the leak?

Should I be checking the engine oil?

As 390's spark plug hole is at the top, I was not able to look at the cylinder. My car's plug are at an angle and I get a clear view of cylinder walls.

3. NGK Laser Iridium LKAR8AI-9

Got these from here. After the tests, replaced the stock Bosch with NKG Iridium plugs. What a level of difference it makes! The bike is so smooth at low speed and there is no knocking. If it helps in burning the fuel cleaner, it would definitely help with low carbon buildup.

4. Lluvia Pillion Backrest

Got this from here. Costed around 2220Rs with tax ans shipping. My better half is happy now and it helps during long rides and during hard acceleration. The pillion would not fall back as the support is good. The height of the backrest is adjustable and the material is very strong. Though costly, it helps the pillion rider during long tours. Installation was just 10mins job and I had to remove the rear grab rail for installing this. The screws supplied with this did not look strong, so used the two that were already available under the seat where this thing slots into.

**drive_angry** · 04-14-2018, 03:05 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Skanda View Post

Got some time to run some tests on bike and need some help with the results I have got.

Got this from here. Costed around 2220Rs with tax ans shipping. My better half is happy now and it helps during long rides and during hard acceleration. The pillion would not fall back as the support is good. The height of the backrest is adjustable and the material is very strong. Though costly, it helps the pillion rider during long tours. Installation was just 10mins job and I had to remove the rear grab rail for installing this. The screws supplied with this did not look strong, so used the two that were already available under the seat where this thing slots into.

Any idea this can be fit for the front passenger for the Duke 390? It would be very helpful for the driver as well [emoji13]

**B7ACKTHORN** · 04-14-2018, 04:02 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by Skanda View Post

Got some time to run some tests on bike and need some help with the results I have got.

1. Compression test

Got a reading of 130 Psi. Ran the engine of 3-4mins and switched it off before making the readings. Had opened up the throttle fully and there readings were consistent. Got around 128 - 133 PSI for all the runs.

After squirting 1 or 2 teaspoon of engine oil into the cylinder, the pressure increased to 142 Psi, which looks to be pretty normal. All the runs gave similar results ranging from 140 to 145 Psi.

Can any one let me know if these figures are correct? Is there any thing that I have to worry about? Searched in google and came across a link which says this is correct. However, came across a video in YouTube which says it should be around 200 Psi. I was trying to figure out the minor draining of coolant and the further results makes me believe that head gasket is in good condition if the above readings are OK.

2. Carbon Buildup

Have a USB endoscope camera that I bough from AliExpress last year and used it to look into all 4 cylinders of my car through Spark Plug hole. My bike has run 14,500Kms and this level of carbon buildup looks like a lot. My car has run 90,500Kms and it still have less carbon buildup than the above pictures. Doesn't having a high compression ratio result in less carbon buildup as the pressure blasts off these carbon from the piston head? Also, as I see a lot of carbon, I doubt the coolant leaking into cylinder block. The coolant would turn into steam and shoots off the carbon which makes the piston head to be very clean. Now I would have to find out where else is the leak?

Should I be checking the engine oil?

As 390's spark plug hole is at the top, I was not able to look at the cylinder. My car's plug are at an angle and I get a clear view of cylinder walls.

3. NGK Laser Iridium LKAR8AI-9

Got these from here. After the tests, replaced the stock Bosch with NKG Iridium plugs. What a level of difference it makes! The bike is so smooth at low speed and there is no knocking. If it helps in burning the fuel cleaner, it would definitely help with low carbon buildup.

The readings observed above are satisfactory, the rings are holding up pretty good. Oil test would increase a few pounds more as it builds up resistance when the piston compresses air which is normal. Any reading that is lesser than 100-105 psi means either we either have a valve train or a rings failure. Though, officially we don't have the right reading in any manual, or at least I haven't been able to fetch any data w.r.t to PSI. With that in mind, the readings that you've posted are normal.

Higher or lower compression, carbon build-up, mainly is caused by the fuel quality and how well the combustion occurs inside the engine, and taking in blowby gases etc into calculation. All pistons will have some level of carbon deposits on the dome of the piston, diesel engines are pretty much extremely high compression engines and a look at their piston will give you a more clear picture, as to the carbon deposit which are always high, it's partly because of the fuel itself, diesel which is a heavy oil, burns late leaves residue. Petrol engines on the other hand burn faster and cleaner, but that doesn't mean the piston would be sans any carbon deposit.

Fuel ratio, fuel quality, engine oil quality all are extremely prime and comes into play how well deposition occurs both on the piston and on the intake ports. Well, I could go on and on.

If you feel, you have excess deposition, I'd recommend using Adon-P or System-G and other fuel additives periodically, these help remove carbon deposits slowly. Though you won't have an immediate improvement, periodic usage does reduce carbon build up in the injectors and combustion chamber and give you satisfactory feedback.

Cheers!
VJ

**Skanda** · 04-14-2018, 04:22 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by drive_angry View Post

Any idea this can be fit for the front passenger for the Duke 390? It would be very helpful for the driver as well [emoji13]

They have one model for rider as well. Check out their website.

**Skanda** · 04-14-2018, 04:34 PM

Re: KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

The readings observed above are satisfactory, the rings are holding up pretty good. Oil test would increase a few pounds more as it builds up resistance when the piston compresses air which is normal. Any reading that is lesser than 100-105 psi means either we either have a valve train or a rings failure. Though, officially we don't have the right reading in any manual, or at least I haven't been able to fetch any data w.r.t to PSI. With that in mind, the readings that you've posted are normal.

Higher or lower compression, carbon build-up, mainly is caused by the fuel quality and how well the combustion occurs inside the engine, and taking in blowby gases etc into calculation. All pistons will have some level of carbon deposits on the dome of the piston, diesel engines are pretty much extremely high compression engines and a look at their piston will give you a more clear picture, as to the carbon deposit which are always high, it's partly because of the fuel itself, diesel which is a heavy oil, burns late leaves residue. Petrol engines on the other hand burn faster and cleaner, but that doesn't mean the piston would be sans any carbon deposit.

Fuel ratio, fuel quality, engine oil quality all are extremely prime and comes into play how well deposition occurs both on the piston and on the intake ports. Well, I could go on and on.

If you feel, you have excess deposition, I'd recommend using Adon-P or System-G and other fuel additives periodically, these help remove carbon deposits slowly. Though you won't have an immediate improvement, periodic usage does reduce carbon build up in the injectors and combustion chamber and give you satisfactory feedback.

Cheers!
VJ

Agreed. Probably something to do with the fuel quality. I think next time when I have time, using few drops of water through air filter hose will blast off the carbon clean [emoji23]. However, got to figure out where the coolant is vanishing!

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KTM Duke 390 - Ownership Reviews and Experiences

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