Unfortunately yes. The bolts gets stripped like molten cheese. The quality of the parts bin on the Duke series leaves a lot to be desired, though it's still a lovely package. The bolts, nuts have an aluminum finish and aren't tempered enough to withstand high torque and are easily prone to deformation with a slip. One has to be careful on the bolt part, a slip is all it takes to flat out the heads and can be a bother in the posterior when you least expect it to happen.

Unfortunately, it's still the case with all the Dukes, it still doesn't get to quality it deserves.

Cheers!
VJ

Hi All,

logged into to the forum after a long gap. registered in the forum almost 3years back but never posted anything if my memory serves me right.

i owned a RE TB350(2014) model for almost 2 years and toured on it close to 30K. due to the frequent visits to mechanics and service centre's not being capable enough to serve the bike better , got rid of that bike. later booked a himalayan and cancelled after bad reviews from my friends using it. all this time i had a second spare bike fz-s and after himalayan test ride started liking my fz more. short wheel base, quick line changes, superb brakes, cornering capabity etc, i couldnt find anything close to it. it was a really fill it, shut it and forget type of bike. fz is almost 6years and 50K+ kms on the odo and the itch started for an upgrade. here starts the dilemma on which bike to choose next. my requirement was having ABS is a must and only 2 bikes struck the right cord, D400 and d390.
went thru all the pages of both the bikes on forum and decided its the d390 for me.

i went the preused route and found a good example bike at a mouth watering price and got it last saturday.
all is well with the bike except that the tft version in v39 which i will get updated at the svc in this week.

need your help with the best svc in Hyderabad.

needless to say, i was prepared for mindblowing acceleration from the bike and my preparation was not enough. the bike has exceeded the kind of power i imagined it from it. loving every moment of it.

can anyone also tag ajay viswanath (forum member) in this post.
hi ajay, i dont know how to tag you here, would like to meet you since i am also from sainikpuri area and learn more about the bike from you.

thanks,
J689

Hello there, the 390 will be a very good upgrade from the FZ, just won't be as refined. I usually give mine at Sainikpuri. Trust that guy more than others, tip him & you're good to go. but keep an eye, he isn't 100% reliable. the Begumpet is worse. but if you're staying and ensuring the bike is done & getting it, I'm sure it'll be fine.
there's nothing as the "Best" svc around, just the mechanics & your rapport with them.

the Begumpet is one place where you get your "monsoon" camp done. go right away, don't delay. they will update the software, change some bushes & add ECU bracket and headlight all to arrest vibrations & all. clean any jams and small maintenance & give you, hardly 1-2 hours job. get it done asap, it's a free service.

Please use the [MENTION=70615]Ajay Vishwanath[/MENTION] to tag any user to your post. Firstly congratulations on your acquisition. Perhaps even [MENTION=16602]s1d[/MENTION] can chime in here, Banjara Hills KTM is a decent service after which Kukatpally KTM which also caters decently. The software upgrade can be done at any KTM service center, but preferably at the SVC where the first owner purchased the motorcycle.



Unfortunately yes. The bolts gets stripped like molten cheese. The quality of the parts bin on the Duke series leaves a lot to be desired, though it's still a lovely package. The bolts, nuts have an aluminum finish and aren't tempered enough to withstand high torque and are easily prone to deformation with a slip. One has to be careful on the bolt part, a slip is all it takes to flat out the heads and can be a bother in the posterior when you least expect it to happen.

Unfortunately, it's still the case with all the Dukes, it still doesn't get to quality it deserves.

Cheers!
VJ

Guys, I rode a friend’s 390 duke I observed following things. Can existing owners clarify on the following?

1. The bike felt that it can’t be cruised on at slower speeds.
2. The bike felt vibey on the handle on as low as 4K rpm
3. The rear brake felt non existent and front brake are also not there yet in terms of stopping power

drive_angry

Hey,

Here's what I've observed:

1. Agree. Doesn't like taking it easy. Jittery much.
2. Not really. But that's subjective to what "vibey" is. If you're used to expensive cruisers then yes I'd say it's "vibey". I felt so on the test ride bike, and my bike has done only 2500, so could be that as well.
3. Yes and no. Rear brake is definitely as effective as two laminated pieces of wood rubbing against each other. The front one has decent bite. Maybe the bike you rode had it on the worn out side of life?

Thanks @B7ACKTHORN for your input. Will definitely look at the svc's you've mentioned for the service. Will update here after the service and the work carried out.

Guys,

I am on 2500 odd Kms, and noticed this morning that am running low both on engine oil and coolant. Have ordered Motul 4T 7100 & Motul Motocool Expert for topping up.

Two questions:

1. Are these products fine for intended use (as the owner's e-manual mentions Motorex products as recommended supplier)? Motorex stuff costs a bomb, and I am wondering if even the original stuff in the bike is that. Have a made a N00b error here?
2. Are the engine oil and coolant supposed to dry up THIS fast? I am assuming that the SC team would have topped up the fluids in the first service if it were required.

I've scoured through forums but couldn't figure a clear answer. Help here will be super appreciated.

Thanks much!

Engine oil, stick to the motul 7100 FS (10w50 or 20w50) which is what the SVC will use. Excellent oil. Check
The other alternative is the shell advance ultra 15w50.. costs more and you have to buy it yourself outside. Bought the Motul on Amazon anyway, but why shell out extra (pun intended)
motorex is for export markets like the EU. (Thank you for clearing this up. The Manual writers are idiots then.)

The coolant level will drop to min, on new bikes.. one top up to close to the max should be sufficient.. and thereafter you shouldn't see it drop much.
continuous coolant level drop, indicates a leak or worse a blown water pump seal/head gasket.
Top up for now and keep an eye. (Cool. Will check weekly.)

Same with engine oil, there might be a wee bit of drop after a drain/refill (oil filter soaks up some) but that's about it.
The correct way to check the oil level is with the bike UPRIGHT, WITHOUT any paddock/side stand (ask someone to hold it)
- let the bike run for a minute or so (or after you come back from a ride).
- shut off the engine.
- wait for 30 - 45 seconds
- check level -- it should be between the min-max markings.
(EXACTLY how I did it. Could only see specs of the stuff. Definitely needs a top up.)

if you put it on the side stand, you will hardly see any oil in the sight glass.

Thanks for your response! Further to clarify!


1. Will the engine overheat if you drive within rpm limit at lower gear?
2. So you mean to say.. it gets better with service.. my friend has a pretty old bike 2017 and condition was not that great

drive_angry

Same with engine oil, there might be a wee bit of drop after a drain/refill (oil filter soaks up some) but that's about it.
The correct way to check the oil level is with the bike UPRIGHT, WITHOUT any paddock/side stand (ask someone to hold it)
- let the bike run for a minute or so (or after you come back from a ride).
- shut off the engine.
- wait for 30 - 45 seconds
- check level -- it should be between the min-max markings.

if you put it on the side stand, you will hardly see any oil in the sight glass.

whatever svc you visit irrespective of the brand, stay and get the bike serviced in your presence.
go to smaller svc, like the banjara hills or sainikpuri.. easier to hang around there and get it serviced. the svc at banjara has come down, you have to sit on their heads and also have a bit of knowledge/common sense to get the work done to your satisfaction (at least that's what i do).
these days some work i do myself.. just any major stuff like fork oil seals etc.. i visit them. A good rapport always helps.

Anyone using G-roller? Need inputs if its a worthy investment?

Using the G-Roller. Absolutely worth the investment. In fact I carry it when planning on riding more than 500kms. That, 3M Chain Cleaner and Motul Chain lube.