I ended up getting the same puncture repaired at least 10 times every 50-100kms before I had discovered mushroom puncture.

Just get the puncher fixed from any local shop and be with it..

Will keep checking the tire pressure in the coming days and will do the mushroom patch as u suggested if the current fix doesn't hold up

I've had 2 normal punctures which was fixed with just plain strip 1 year back, the tyre was fine and ran till now for 7k+ kms.
But now the air leaking from the exact spot from the puncture strip, it has lost all it's sickness and gotten hard and air is leaking from sides on both the previous fixed spot.

Within 3-4 days tyre loses all air with a slow leak, I am being paranoid for pushing the bike above city speeds or taking it to highway fearing the puncture strip might giveway.
Still searching a mushroom puncture or plug-in puncture place near my place, not able to find one, will replace it ASAP. Mushroom puncture or umbrella plugs is the only permanent fix.

Yes, the strip one's are just for fine for short period until the stickiness of the strip is good, once it loses it's stickiness and gets hard it's doubtful that it'll do it's job.

ktm had specifically advised the service centers to avoid the 300v since it was notorious in causing leaks from the sealing surfaces in some cases.
stick to the 7100 (10w50 or 20w50 either is fine), it is a good choice for the ktm's. and you are right, the price vs benefit is just not there.. and the 300v was actually formulated for track use where the oil is more frequently changed. Don't fall for the marketing and youtube bs on 300v.
another reason why i prefer the 7100 is that it also meets harley davidsons spec iirc, which is on air cooled big engines that run hot.. and our ktm's run hot as well.. and so far in my experience, the 7100 seems to be the best in terms on performance,protection,longevity and price(you could save even more if you pickup the 7100 from amazon.)
i've also once used the shell advance ultra 15w50, no issues with it either.. but switched back to motul.
and remember the more important think is to change oil at regular intervals (5k - 7k km should be fine on the 7100) under normal use.


based on what you say your riding style is, the 390 should be just fine.

1. Even after running-in the vibes will be present, but drastically reduced. After all it's a high strung single, there will be vibes felt across certain RPM range, but they are far better than the older Dukes. Current gens are very smooth for the most part. Your riding shouldn't take a back burn for a single aspect, i.e. vibrations.

2. You can use keep the RPMs below the redline RPM during the running-in period, and post which you can rev the bike freely. Running-in shouldn't be kept at extremely low speeds and low RPMs. An engine beds in well when the engine is given the best of both the highs and lows albeit in a controlled manner. Check the Running-In thread.


3. Not only price point, but the very nature as to how the oil works with the bike well. Though KTM recommends 300V, the oil is purely an overkill for what it offers. The 7100 is a blend and best of both worlds and works very well.


For what it has to offer, the newer Duke has a good seating position, and the pillion will be more comfortable compared to the older versions. The R3 is a fantastic bike, and a very pillion friendly motorcycle. It suits both a laid back style riding and fly on the go, whereas the Duke for the most part stays true to its Ready to Race gene, the latter. Why not consider the RE Himalayan, very comfortable motorcycle, pilot as well as pillion, works well for those excellently crappy Bangalore roads, has good juice and torque to enjoy the laid back style and touring runs.

Hope it helps!

Cheers!
VJ

the one with no option to turn off the ABS (his words!).

Your dealer is right, KTM has disabled the option to completely switch-off ABS on 2019 bikes, but super-moto mode is still there where only rear can turned off.

I believe its just a software thing where the option has been removed(or grayed out) from the UI of the speedo, but underlying hardware still supports turning off ABS completely.

Oh completely, you don't have to sell the 7100 to me. have been using it for 3 years on my (now sold) Apache. Amazon is indeed the best. have gotten it for as low as 500.


To be honest, I did consider the Himalayan but that was a year back. It is definitely bulkier and I prefer a nimbler machine for city driving. Hence the R3 and Duke.
I test drove the TNT300, the Benelli showroom actually gave me a near 5km Test ride, and I experienced traffic and potholes. Seems rather planted and I didnt feel the considerable bulk of it (Its nearly 50 kgs more than the Duke after all).
Once I get a good test run of the Duke, I believe I will be able to make a proper decision.

Good luck. In case you intend to get the Duke or R3, the first thing I'd recommend you is to get yourself 1 inch seat foam installed, keeping in mind the height of oneself in mind. It's easy to tippy toe on the Dukes. But, the foam helps in comforting the ride much, much better and butt sores.

Cheers!
VJ

Today when I was fueling my bike I found that water was getting stuck on top of the fuel tank.

P.S. This is for 2019 model not sure if older models have similar issue.

HI All,
Today when I was fueling my bike I found that water was getting stuck on top of the fuel tank.
So went to KTM showroom to get it checked, the issue comes especially if you live in a very dusty area because the water drain hose is kept in very weird position.
In the picture the green line represents drain hose from factory , and blue line represents how it was fixed by showroom.
The drain hose ends up in the hole near the radiator.
I'm not 100% sure if this is the solution, will go to bigger showroom to get it checked tomorrow. I was afraid water might have gone into tank but it seems its properly sealed with rubber and was confirmed by the mechanic that water can't go inside. We will re-check the tank tomorrow just to be safe.

P.S. This is for 2019 model not sure if older models have similar issue.

Regards,
Mohan

Hi Guys,

Today while coming back from work, my engine started over heating and the fan was not kicking in. Upon checking the fuse box the radiator fuse is blown. I called my mechanic and he asked me to put a spare 15 fuse. Even that got blown, so he asked me to bring it to the svc tomorrow as it could be a issue with the fan itself. I am taking the bike to the svc first thing in the morning, Just curious if anyone has faced this issue? Mine is a 2018 model, 12k on the odo btw.

Cheers,
Aswin

Hi Guys,

Today while coming back from work, my engine started over heating and the fan was not kicking in. Upon checking the fuse box the radiator fuse is blown. I called my mechanic and he asked me to put a spare 15 fuse. Even that got blown, so he asked me to bring it to the svc tomorrow as it could be a issue with the fan itself. I am taking the bike to the svc first thing in the morning, Just curious if anyone has faced this issue? Mine is a 2018 model, 12k on the odo btw.

Cheers,
Aswin

Update: My 390 has run for 8K kms, procured in Sep'18 (not much of mileage I know ), checked the coolant a month back and it wasn't in the greatest shape. Planned on removing and flushing the coolant, looked for alternatives to the Inugel supplied at the SVC. Opted for the coolant from Honda (premix used for the CBR twins) and 30+ heat cycles and a month later, the temp gauge does not go above the half way point and the fan doesn't kick in that often. Bike seems to be running a bit cooler. Riding conditions are peak traffic, typical Chennai office commute via T. Nagar (9kms one way), and I generally do not get the chance to slot it above 3rd gear during the entirety of my commute.

Trying to lower the temp further in hopes of extending seals and engine life.