Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

The fan is always loud and clear with its operational character, and always almost is the first to get the attention of the rider. The fan should come on for a few seconds and then turn off at round 8 to 9 bars. If the fan is slow or produces screeching sounds, the fan is faulty or in the process of getting conked. Do post a video if possible when the fan kicks in, this can definitely give us an idea as to the performance of the fan, and the next course of action.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Finally got the NGK spark plug installed. I really can't believe how much difference such a small part can make. Low speed stutters are gone. Now the bike picks up even as low as 9kmph in 3rd gear. No more shifting gears all the time.

On funny note: service guy at KTM said the tip is so thin compared to stock. This will blow up in a week and i was smiling at his innocence

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Wah, you really felt that much of a difference eh!?
I have one lying around, and will plonk it in sometime soon on my D200.

I still don't understand how the IR plug for the ktm costs a mere Rs.260 compared to other IR plugs from NGK which usually sell for around Rs.650 ! If i notice an improvement, I'll definitely buy a couple of them and stock up (stock plug iirc costs Rs.175 and is a bosch nickel/yttrium plug)
here is some info on the bosch plug vr5ne http://www.bosch-automotive-catalog....uct/0242145524
it was since replaced by the vr5neu (0.9mm gap compared to 0.8mm on the vr5ne)

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

It does, S1d. The IRIDIUM series is a better plug in many respects. This, I've reiterated earlier too, the cold start and idling is improved by a significant margin. From my personal experience, the engine revs freely without a miss or stall when cranked in cold conditions. YMMV, depending on how the condition of the bike and the ambient temperature is. But, here in the hills when temperatures get so cold, the plug performance is extremely extremely superb!

Try it! But don't come back to me cribbing, I expected 15 hp bump, and 0-100 in 2.5 secs. It's a spark-plug and helps burn the fuel more efficiently and cleanly, thus no more stuttering and stalling.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

ha ha, no worries man. i was the one who recommended the right ngk plug to him and was just surprised at his feedback because my expectations are by themselves very low, and i'd be happy if it runs just as well as the stock plug.
Even on the stock plug the bike behaves a bit diff in cold temps because of the cool air. Let's see, I'll plonk it in sometime soon.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Where did you get it from, do you have any link where I can get it

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Got it from Amazon India. Seller is cloudtail India. Search for NGK LKAR8AI9

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

I've installed the clutch shaft assembly from slipper clutch model in my 2015 rc390. Clutch has become noticeably lighter. Part no : JY541251 Cost was around 150rs and changed clutch gasket also, 50rs.

My bikes instrument panel rubber button has got damaged due to wear and tear. Any idea if it can be replaced or any other workarounds? TIA

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Unfortunately, the entire console has to be replaced in such a case. The upper bezelle (with the glass) can't be replaced. Can you post a picture of the console button.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Thanks. Posting the picture.
The ABS light is not going off. Any thing to check from my end before going to service center? TIA

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

I don't think you can replace just the top plastic/rubber part of the console. One work around to protect the console buttons from further damage is maybe to apply some good quality clear tape over the buttons, which will make them watertight without affecting functionality or visual appearance much.
I've used a tape called gorilla clear tape (got it from the usa) and it does a very good job at holding things up even when wet (unlike the conventional cello tape) and another similar product called flex tape clear. Sadly these are not available in India i guess. I would recommend the gorilla tape in your case.
For the abs, check the fuse and also visually inspect the area around the brakes for any damage to the abs wiring/rings.. and take it to the svc and get it checked with the diag tool for any error codes and fix accordingly.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Today while riding the engine suddenly turned off. Since then I am getting an engine warning light: 4 long blinks followed by 9 short blinks. I looked up online and it seems to have to do with "idle control". The engine doesn't idle properly: in neutral it's either unstable or shuts off. And if the clutch is pulled in gear, say while slowing down and downshifting, the engine always cuts off.

Any suggestions on what might be causing the problem and how it can be fixed?

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

might have to do with the idle control stepper motor (which is located on the throttle body).
do take it to the svc and also run the diag by connecting their tool.. the ICS can be replaced if needed, no need to replace the entire throttle body.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

update from my end:
good news: i have reliable information from a friend that the top part of the console housing can be replaced.
bad news: it isn't sold as a spare, you have to take it off another console.. maybe one that isn't working from scrap at a svc.

take the entire console unit out
unscrew the screws from the bottom of the console and split the console i.e. carefully remove the top part (so you will end up with the bottom part i.e. the electronics+lcd and the top part i.e. plastic screen + rubber top), and put it back with the replacement and maybe use a very thin bead of silicone sealant to seal it and put the screws back in at the rear.

sorry no pictures since it wasn't me who did this, but a friend who had it done and he told me that it's an easy repair.. the hard part being getting a scrap console.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

The bezelle as it's called, comes as unit with the speedo, Fayad and as I've stated before. Though they can be serviced individually i.e. removed, unfortunately they won't be available as a separate spare since the entire console is a unit. If you can source a conked off speedo at your nearest junkyard, I'd suggest you start a search on that and salvage the upper bezelle and get it installed at a nearby shop who deals specifically with speedo reconditioning work.

For ABS light not going off. Take it your nearest SVC, check for error codes if any, and then observe if the ABS light stays on. If it does, check your wheel sensors. Do keep your observations posted.

49 as you've suggested iterates to faulty idle stepper motor. This part is available as a spare and can be replaced for a faulty one, costs approx 1500 ~. How much has your motorcycle clocked? A high mileage bike can use a thorough throttle body cleaning, which clears the clutter in the throttle body for a smooth operation and brings back the old crisp acceleration.

Check your idle stepper motor at your nearest SVC. This motor controls the idle, a faulty one would mean, intermittent unwarranted stalls, sometimes it even stalls during high speed riding, when the throttle is cut. A classic example is when you coast downhill or uphill and pull in the clutch, the motorcycle engine shuts off.

Get it replaced and your throttle body cleaned while changing the stepper motor.

Keep your observations posted.

Cheers!
VJ