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**Om1234** · 02-01-2018, 12:44 AM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by Chris2292 View Post

So a small update, my bike stopped mid way during a trip on Monday. I heard a lot of timing chain noise and then I stopped the bike to check on it, switched on the bike and there was no crank. The bike simply would not crank at all. Had to bring her back loaded on a share auto for 200 kms as I did not get any other transportation. I had changed the timing tensioner before the ride. My bike is going to touch 50k on the ODO now and just turned two years old.

The engine was opened up today and it was found that the timing chain pad had broken on two and hence the break down.

My question now:

1.i noticed that the oil level was low around 1000 ml was drained, there was a gasket leak some 2k kms before and I changed that and topped up the fuel. Almost all my gaskets were leaking after my Sikkim-Bhutan run. Would this low oil level be signs of engine seizure? Because I don't see any smoke nor any power loss.

low engine oil often results to engine siezure without any indication,just the low engine oil light warning on speedometer.One of my friends brand new rc 390 engine siezed while riding at speed of 140kmph,he heard a clunk sound,the engine stopped and could not be started again.He didnt noticed the low engine oil warning signal which resulted in this,luckily he got all the damaged parts replaced under warranty.

P.S. Remove all pics before quoting.

**B7ACKTHORN** · 02-01-2018, 05:39 AM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by Chris2292 View Post

So a small update, my bike stopped mid way during a trip on Monday. I heard a lot of timing chain noise and then I stopped the bike to check on it, switched on the bike and there was no crank. The bike simply would not crank at all. Had to bring her back loaded on a share auto for 200 kms as I did not get any other transportation. I had changed the timing tensioner before the ride. My bike is going to touch 50k on the ODO now and just turned two years old.

The engine was opened up today and it was found that the timing chain pad had broken on two and hence the break down.

My question now:

1.i noticed that the oil level was low around 1000 ml was drained, there was a gasket leak some 2k kms before and I changed that and topped up the fuel. Almost all my gaskets were leaking after my Sikkim-Bhutan run. Would this low oil level be signs of engine seizure? Because I don't see any smoke nor any power loss.

Engine seizure can not only happen due to low oil, it can also be caused by mechanical failures such as failed oil lubrication system and failed seals that eke out engine oil into the combustion chamber and over time the oil level goes down and we have an engine that goes BOOM in the middle of nowhere. It should be noted that engine oil does get consumed, in fact even KTM manual states that 100ML per 1000 kays if IIRC.

Have you got your bike back up and running? What else were replaced during the overhaul, just the timing guide rails or any other misc items, do keep your observations posted.

Cheers!
VJ

**Sird** · 02-01-2018, 07:10 AM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

100-200ml reduction is normal as per SVC.

You should have done a top-up when you found its 1000ml inside. You were running on 2/3 of oil (1.5ml).

Recently I did 65km on a RC390 (2016 model) with just 300ml of engine oil because situations. I was doing 60-70kmph + traffic. Somehow reached service centre without any seizure.

**Chris2292** · 02-01-2018, 11:59 AM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by B7ACKTHORN View Post

Engine seizure can not only happen due to low oil, it can also be caused by mechanical failures such as failed oil lubrication system and failed seals that eke out engine oil into the combustion chamber and over time the oil level goes down and we have an engine that goes BOOM in the middle of nowhere. It should be noted that engine oil does get consumed, in fact even KTM manual states that 100ML per 1000 kays if IIRC.

Have you got your bike back up and running? What else were replaced during the overhaul, just the timing guide rails or any other misc items, do keep your observations posted.

Cheers!
VJ

I have changed the timing guide rails, the timing chain and the tensioner. I should have my bike back today.

**Chris2292** · 02-01-2018, 12:01 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by Sird View Post

100-200ml reduction is normal as per SVC.

You should have done a top-up when you found its 1000ml inside. You were running on 2/3 of oil (1.5ml).

Recently I did 65km on a RC390 (2016 model) with just 300ml of engine oil because situations. I was doing 60-70kmph + traffic. Somehow reached service centre without any seizure.

The oil level was 1000ml just when we opened the engine yesterday, I topped up the oil around a month back when we had to change all the gaskets which were leaking.

**Chris2292** · 02-01-2018, 12:47 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

I also want to know if there is any other way to check the correct level of oil present, the oil level window does not seem to have the correct level almost at any point of time through the 50k kms I have been on my bike, I have to tilt it way towards myself for the level to come up and the KTM guys say it is normal and even showed me a couple other bikes which do the same.

My plan now is to change the necessary parts, pour in new oil and then check the level after say 1k kms. My guess is the oil consumption maybe more or less because of the oil gasket rupture and not topping up enough level. But I still want to make sure.

**Chris2292** · 02-01-2018, 06:02 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Update: I took the bike sometime ago, new oil and timing chain, pad changed. There seems to be a tappet noise all of a sudden, when asked the service center guys have told that they have kept the clearance a bit more because the valves seem weak. Can we go ahead and tighten the valve clearance with a feeler gauge ? Or should I live with the noise for now ?

**s1d** · 02-01-2018, 07:04 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by Chris2292 View Post

Update: I took the bike sometime ago, new oil and timing chain, pad changed. There seems to be a tappet noise all of a sudden, when asked the service center guys have told that they have kept the clearance a bit more because the valves seem weak. Can we go ahead and tighten the valve clearance with a feeler gauge ? Or should I live with the noise for now ?

u can't adjust the valve clearances like you would say on a splendor. this bike requires shims (that look like a button cell) that come in various thicknesses. you need to first measure the clearances then do some math to arrive at the shim sizes required to get the clearances in spec. it isn't as easy as simply 'adjusting' the tappet nut!

correct way to check the oil level:
1. let the bike idle for a minute or after a short ride
2. shut off engine, wait for around 30 seconds
3. hold the bike upright (not paddock stand) - or ask someone to hold it for you. even if it is a bit tilted towards the left the oil level will appear low/disappear.
4. now peek in to the sight glass.. the oil level should be between the min & max
If you check the oil on a a bike that has been sitting unused for a longer period of time, the level will be closer or slightly above the max mark.

**Chris2292** · 02-01-2018, 07:07 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by s1d View Post

u can't adjust the valve clearances like you would say on a splendor. this bike requires shims (that look like a button cell) that come in various thicknesses. you need to first measure the clearances then do some math to arrive at the shim sizes required to get the clearances in spec. it isn't as easy as simply 'adjusting' the tappet nut!

correct way to check the oil level:
1. let the bike idle for a minute or after a short ride
2. shut off engine, wait for around 30 seconds
3. hold the bike upright (not paddock stand) - or ask someone to hold it for you. even if it is a bit tilted towards the left the oil level will appear low/disappear.
4. now peek in to the sight glass.. the oil level should be between the min & max
If you check the oil on a a bike that has been sitting unused for a longer period of time, the level will be closer or slightly above the max mark.

I just did some research and came to the same conclusion, these guys told that the valve clearance is good and hence I went by that they said now with the new packing the clearance is off and this noise is showing out. So I think a full valve reseat along with new shims is the only way to go.

**B7ACKTHORN** · 02-02-2018, 09:09 AM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by Chris2292 View Post

I just did some research and came to the same conclusion, these guys told that the valve clearance is good and hence I went by that they said now with the new packing the clearance is off and this noise is showing out. So I think a full valve reseat along with new shims is the only way to go.

A new packing kit won't cause any such differences to the engine sound. The timing chain, cams and shims once removed, needs to be re-checked and then installed. Most mechanics just install the old shims and thus the sound. Many have reported the same after they've replaced the CCT and the timing chain. Get your shims re-checked for clearance and replace if necessary.

Cheers!
VJ

**bikersdream** · 02-02-2018, 04:51 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Observed that Side stand was too losse.
Found that out of two bolts one was completely missing where as other one was about to fall.
Have tightened bolt but service center are not around.
Can someone tell the specification of bolt?
Also Will it be available in local hardware or bike shops?

**petrolhead28** · 02-02-2018, 05:34 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Hey all,
I am planning to buy the RC 390. Any idea whats changed in the 2018 model vs the 2017 model. Looks are same to me but heard there are some upgrades. Anyone bought the latest model or any insight will be highly valuable.

**s1d** · 02-02-2018, 08:20 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by bikersdream View Post

Observed that Side stand was too losse.
Found that out of two bolts one was completely missing where as other one was about to fall.
Have tightened bolt but service center are not around.
Can someone tell the specification of bolt?
Also Will it be available in local hardware or bike shops?

seems to be a common issues on some of the ktm's including mine. for me it started after 3 yrs of ownership. luckily i haven't lost the bolts, just tightened them thrice so far (they tend to get loose in around 3 weeks)
be careful, the svc might ask you to replace the footrest assembly

instead of the tightening or putting in new bolts (my svc said so to me!)
it's a 10mm bolt iirc (10mm was the spanner size that i used to tighten it) should be easily available in local spare/hardware shops.. if you can take the bolt and show it to them.

**bikersdream** · 02-02-2018, 08:30 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by s1d View Post

seems to be a common issues on some of the ktm's including mine. for me it started after 3 yrs of ownership. luckily i haven't lost the bolts, just tightened them thrice so far (they tend to get loose in around 3 weeks)
be careful, the svc might ask you to replace the footrest assembly

instead of the tightening or putting in new bolts (my svc said so to me!)
it's a 10mm bolt iirc (10mm was the spanner size that i used to tighten it) should be easily available in local spare/hardware shops.. if you can take the bolt and show it to them.

Yes it's 3 years old.
I don't have money to replace the foot rest assembly so svc can't make me fool.

Thanks for size. it's M10x1x2.5 screw, searching in local shops

**bikersdream** · 02-03-2018, 05:24 PM

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Originally posted by bikersdream View Post

Yes it's 3 years old.
I don't have money to replace the foot rest assembly so svc can't make me fool.

Thanks for size. it's M10x1x2.5 screw, searching in local shops

Update :
Took a risk and got fitted missing screw at road side mechanic, costed rs 20.
Asked mechanic go easy and slow as there is side stand sensor.

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