Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Tire, chain, brake pads are user oriented. Different riding styles, throttle inputs, all affect the life of these accordingly. Usually, the front lasts comparatively longer than the rear Metzeler, though, again, it totally depends on the rider, most riders do report that the front end lasts a little longer than the rear, close to 12 to 15k and even more. As fellow member mentioned, Google and you will find all your answers here in our forum.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Hi guys,

I gave my RC 390 for its third service at Suman Bajaj (Noida) and the SA informed me that my third free service has been used. On my further prodding they took out the information of the third service and found it had been done at KLN Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. (which located somewhere in Chennai and is an authorized service centre of KTM). I was shocked to hear this, as firstly, I never had the third service done and secondly, I had never heard of KLN.

After several hours of discussion with the manager at Suman Bajaj and questioning the apparent discrepancies in the details of the third service they decided to not charge me for the service.

I would just like to inform others here to be careful about such malpractices of some service centres. Although the Noida SVC may not be at fault here but someone definitely is. Following is the sequence of events:

26/11/2016: I receive SMS on my phone that the third service has authorized and mentioning a coupon number. I store the coupon number for future and do not share it with anybody (to be used when I give my bike for third service)

22/12/2016: I give my bike for the third service and the SA informs that the service had already been done on 26/11/2016. He shows me the details on his system.

23/12/2016: I have several hours of discussion with the manager at Suman Bajaj and he takes it up with his superiors. He asks for time till 26/12/2016 to obtain confirmation for refund. I make the full payment and take back my bike after service.

26/12/2016: The manager calls to inform me that they would be refunding the labour charges. I was given the refund and the original invoice of the service. I notice that my mobile number has been changed in KTM's records to that of someone in Chennai.

I strongly believe that somebody at KLN Automobiles in Chennai got a hold of my chassis number/registration number and changed my mobile number in KTM's record to obtain the coupon code and use it for a service.

If anyone else here have experienced something like this then KTM needs to do a thorough investigation.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Today evening my bike was refusing to start up. It was cranking up but the engine wasn't starting at all. After almost 5 minutes of trying, it turned on but there was white smoke from the exhaust and some burning smell. Even there was coolant dripping from under the bike. All these symptoms had gone away after a while but now i try to start the bike again and the same thing is happening, it is refusing to start. What may be the reason?? It is 22k on the odo.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

White smoke for sometime on star during cold days is completely normal.

If you are starting bike afte 3-4 weeks then its taking time to start, 5-6 cranks or 1-2 minutes, its also normal.

But sudden decrease in coolant levels is thing to worry. Get it checked.
If you haven't replaced coolant yet, replace it as preventative maintenance after 2 years or 20k

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

White water vapor or steam like exhaust you see in early morning is absolutely normal, nothing to worry about. This vapor doesn't smell, you can see it vanishing in thin air as the exhaust comes out. But, if you observe smoke that is cloudly, smells oil, like a Suzuki Samurai or an RX 100 like smoke, then we your valve stem is leaking and your bike is burning oil or worse, your piston rings have given up, or a combination of both.

If your piston rings are not sealing the cylinder properly, the engine burns oil and oil comes as smoke, over time this gets worse. The valve stems leaks at the head level, when oil enters into the combustion chamber. Not to get too technical. If you observe smoke even after riding more than 15 to 20 kms and stopping and you observe this after you start the engine. We indeed have a problem in our hands.

If it's a valve steam leak, upper head job removal is required, if it's a piston ring replacement, half engine work is required. If you're under warranty press for it, else things can get a wee big expensive on the cylinder kit side.

Coolant dripping? Can you give us some insight into from where the coolant leaks, usually they leave a clear mark as to where they are leaking from; ex, expansion tank or radiator or water pump next to the engine. Keep us posted.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

I think you have a blown head gasket, and that is causing flooding/mix with fuel causing starting trouble.
Kindly get it checked at the svc asap.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

What's your oil change interval, and do u go past 7000rpm often? Depending on your riding style change the engine oil is what I think, maybe I'm wrong .

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

I usually ride at or above to RPM where an engine produces torque which has always been my sweet spot, unless I find that deserted stretch or a nice patch where I can open her up. Usually my sweet spot is 6.5 to 7.5 and at 6th it's no less than 7 to 8.5k specifically on my Duke 390. You are right, and I am proponent of the fact that, your engine oil degrades faster when your engine is always ridden on the upper limit. This is even imperative when the the riding conditions include high bumper to bumper situations, coupled with dusty ambience.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Yes my friend, if your riding at that range , my advice change oil at 2000-3000km range for a longer engine life! Its bad for the clutch plates too, just make sure you check the colour, smell and viscosity, I'm certain you've been running on burnt engine oil.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Hi guys I searched the thread and could not find any answer.

Could the OLD RC390's be retrofitted with a slipper clutch from KTM?

I hope somebody could answer me. I'm based in Philippines and could not find any help here.

PS: I own both a duke and rc 390 I just love them so much!!

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Yes you can retrofit slipper clutch on old models both duke and rc 390.
In India svc are quoting 8k INR ~110 usd for same.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

I replaced my Rear Metzeler to a Michelin Pilot Street Radial at 12.5K Km. The ODO is now at 15K Km and the front Metzeler is still holding up quite well.

I'm running the Michelin Rear and Metzeler front combo and the bike is doing great. I'll probably change the front to Metzeler again when it wears out. This combination is working too well for me. The rear is definitely not as soft as the Metzeler but it's totally okay. Once the tyre breaks in, all is well.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

WOW thats a huge price difference. Do you think it will be fairly easy to install?

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Opps sorry its ~ 110 usd not 1100. Typo error.
I think you need to take help from ktm service center for fitting. Its better and reliable.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

My rear metz is due for replacement and I am going to try Michelin psr.

Only worried about tyre grip in wet condition in straight highway driving.
Though I am preparing for not to expect wet condition grip on cornering.