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**DukeDey** · 10-30-2014, 11:14 AM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by blackkitty View Post

thanks dukeday for the reply. I am concerned about traffic because in the evening i have to wade through Rajender Nagar/Patel Nagar traffic daily. Earlier i had Pulsar 220 which i sold primarily because it was very tiring and my hands and neck/shoulders were taking a beating after going through 20 km ordeal every day while going back from work. I was attracted to Duke 390 because of its manouverability in heavy traffic. But oil leaking and coolent evapourating issues are worrying me. I have been driving bajaj bikes from very long time now and i know about their bad service in delhi. Bajaj bikes are good and value for money but service is terrible.I'll wait a little longer now 1-2 months more before making a final decision. I'll wait for more members to get their RC's and post their experience and Dukeday especially for your experience as you grow old with your RC.

As I am also from Delhi, I know the pathetic traffic jams you are talking about in those areas. Believe me you, both the Duke and the RC would be difficult to ride in such traffic because both would heat considerably and also both come with a rather heavy clutch. It would be a much more tiring experience compared to your 220.

Frankly speaking, the better bike for you would be something on the lines of the FZ16/gixxer(if its riding comfort you want in bumper to bumper traffic you mentioned). Both would offer a bullet proof and ultra refined motor, a super light clutch, superb manuverability and handling while also not heating quite as much. If you are not hungry for power then consider this.

**blackkitty** · 10-30-2014, 11:25 AM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

You guessed it right i am hungry for power. I don't want bullets, CBR twins. BEen waiting for R25. But i guess it is not coming to india soon. So the choice is now between naked or faired 390. Heavy clutch and heat are issues i can live with. But i need a bike which takes me less to SVC and from initial reviews it seems bajaj has improved on RC. I'll be keeping a close eye on this thread from now on. If not RC then naked 390 for sure and hope bajaj soon find solution for few problems cropping in duke 390.

**s1d** · 10-30-2014, 07:21 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by blackkitty View Post

You guessed it right i am hungry for power. I don't want bullets, CBR twins. BEen waiting for R25. But i guess it is not coming to india soon. So the choice is now between naked or faired 390. Heavy clutch and heat are issues i can live with. But i need a bike which takes me less to SVC and from initial reviews it seems bajaj has improved on RC. I'll be keeping a close eye on this thread from now on. If not RC then naked 390 for sure and hope bajaj soon find solution for few problems cropping in duke 390.

the naked dukes have also been improved. you now get a better designed radiator fan that pushes hot air downwards and this reduces the heat felt at the legs by around 25%
other little improvements are the extra fork dust seals, mud flap and a plastic cover over the monoshock (both do a decent job of holding back the muck) plus the extra bit bolted to front mudguard that keeps slush from hitting the radiator and finally better alloys (at least according to ktm)

**Chandan92** · 10-30-2014, 07:58 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by blackkitty View Post

You guessed it right i am hungry for power. I don't want bullets, CBR twins. BEen waiting for R25. But i guess it is not coming to india soon. So the choice is now between naked or faired 390. Heavy clutch and heat are issues i can live with. But i need a bike which takes me less to SVC and from initial reviews it seems bajaj has improved on RC. I'll be keeping a close eye on this thread from now on. If not RC then naked 390 for sure and hope bajaj soon find solution for few problems cropping in duke 390.

Yes 2014 lot is very well improved , not a single problem I had faced since I bought my duke390 three months ago. If you want upright riding and relaxed riding posture you can go for duke 390 and if you want sporty riding posture ,smoother engine and linear power delivery go for RC 390

Ride safe

Sent from my HTC Desire 816 dual sim using xBhp Connect mobile app

**Newbie101** · 10-30-2014, 08:44 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

I joined the gang today

A huge thanks to DukeDey for helping me with my "pre-marital jitters".

First impression - The bike is really stiff( I know it will be better as I put miles on it), the rear view mirrors are pointless. Maybe I have missed sweet spot of the rear view mirror adjustment.
The tyres - nothing like what I'm used to ( being on a Honda CBR 250 for almost 2 months).

The whole experience has been one hell of a roller coaster, from waiting to almost cancelling it! The riding posture is a lot better than I expected.
Used it in bumper to bumper traffic this evening, the fans ( sounds awesome just like DukeDey mentioned) kicked in and I didn't really feel any heat on my legs. The heat indicator showed some crazy level though, I wonder if it's normal.

**Shantnu** · 10-30-2014, 08:58 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by Newbie101 View Post

I joined the gang today

Congrats bro

.... do give further impressions and opinions as you ride more

.
And some pics too

Sent from my GT-N7100 using xBhp Connect mobile app

**Newbie101** · 10-30-2014, 09:50 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Sadly, most of the pictures I have shows the owners full name, so I'll refrain from posting that!
Picked up a new HJC (CL-17 Redline- 4.8 Rating on RevZilla) helmet today, I know it isn't orange but it came with a huge recommendation from trusted sources, so picked it up.

**Vysakh.M.S** · 10-30-2014, 09:53 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by Newbie101 View Post

Sadly, most of the pictures I have shows the owners full name, so I'll refrain from posting that!
Picked up a new HJC (CL-17 Redline- 4.8 Rating on RevZilla) helmet today, I know it isn't orange but it came with a huge recommendation from trusted sources, so picked it up.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]161545[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]161548[/ATTACH]

Are the images broken? Anyone else can see the images??

Sent from my Xperia SP

**blackkitty** · 10-30-2014, 10:15 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by Newbie101 View Post

I joined the gang today

Congratulations buddy. Eagerly waiting for a mini review and some snaps.
no me also not able to see the attachement.

**prathappa** · 10-30-2014, 10:34 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Sorry to interrupt but RC doesnt have pillion seat right? Saw one beside me in traffic

**Newbie101** · 10-30-2014, 10:38 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by prathappa View Post

Sorry to interrupt but RC doesnt have pillion seat right? Saw one beside me in traffic

It does, the pillion seat just doesn't look like one - it's highly deceptive :P

Originally posted by blackkitty View Post

Congratulations buddy. Eagerly waiting for a mini review and some snaps.
no me also not able to see the attachement.

I dont know how to add the BB code to the post, added it via attachment

Tried this ( http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/forum-an...-tutorial.html ) still throws an error!

**DukeDey** · 10-30-2014, 11:18 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by Newbie101 View Post

I joined the gang today

The heat indicator showed some crazy level though, I wonder if it's normal.

Congratulations mate!

The heat indicator works exactly like that on ktm consoles unlike the honda one which keep the owners calm by showing 3 bars at normal operating temp.

Don't worry till the time the heat bars don't exceed the last but two bars on your bike. You like the bike?

You'll fall in love by the time you are done with first service. The bike is going to get a lot better, take my words for that.

Ride safe!
Sent from my SM-G900H

**Balgi** · 10-31-2014, 04:09 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Hey guys,
What is a good substitute spark plug for a duke 390? Performance wise of course.
Also anyone know anything about the Bosch dual contact iridium plug? Is it suitable for the duke? Is there another option from Bosch?
I am really unhappy with the crap stock plug and am looking to change it. Any input on the same is appreciated.

**wallpapers123** · 10-31-2014, 04:58 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by Balgi View Post

Hey guys,
What is a good substitute spark plug for a duke 390? Performance wise of course.
Also anyone know anything about the Bosch dual contact iridium plug? Is it suitable for the duke? Is there another option from Bosch?
I am really unhappy with the crap stock plug and am looking to change it. Any input on the same is appreciated.

Why would you feel the stock one is a "crap" one??
Can you Please elaborate..Maybe i'll get to learn something new about them..
I haven't had any issues in my D200 since the last 1.5YRS.
Have Regularly replaced it during every warranty..

**chinmayakar** · 10-31-2014, 05:06 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by DukeDey View Post

As I am also from Delhi, I know the pathetic traffic jams you are talking about in those areas. Believe me you, both the Duke and the RC would be difficult to ride in such traffic because both would heat considerably and also both come with a rather heavy clutch. It would be a much more tiring experience compared to your 220.

Frankly speaking, the better bike for you would be something on the lines of the FZ16/gixxer(if its riding comfort you want in bumper to bumper traffic you mentioned). Both would offer a bullet proof and ultra refined motor, a super light clutch, superb manuverability and handling while also not heating quite as much. If you are not hungry for power then consider this.

Scooters are the best for the kind of traffic we have in our cities.

I ride my RayZ to work (60 KMs total round trip) sometimes and it feels so easy. It takes just 10 minutes more to reach office or home. Thats a different topic. Sorry to bring it up here.

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