Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Hi Guys, After a gap of 12 years I am once again ready to take a plunge into motorcycling. I am leaning towards the 390 Duke, but still have some reservations.

The use will be
a. Daily commute of 20 KM - Combination of City & Highway
b. Occasional weekend rides and 2-4 days tours with pillion

After a lot of deliberation - test rides, forums, talking to bikers - I have shortlisted 2017 KTM Duke 390 and TB 500 - two very very different bikes. Also tried Classic 500, Himalayan and Dominar but eliminated them for various reasons. Currently concern with Duke is pillion seat and with TB 500 is mechanical failures - oil leaks, non existent rear brakes etc.

I have read in may places how the new seats are much better, but would the pillion seat be good enough for 300-400km ride in a day ? Would really appreciate honest views on the pillion seat for touring.

I am also considering the ERGO seat, has anyone used these ? I asked the showroom guys here in Gurgaon and they had no clue what I was talking about. Are they available in India?

Thanks for the help.

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

I have ridden 400kms a day approx with my wife on 390, she didn't feel too much of discomfort barring little tiredness. So it is suffice to say from my end that it's ok, only concern is the wind blast which is obvious for naked bike, no good solution as of now.

The seats are much better than the older version both rider and pillion. But its not as good as gel seats which is kind of similar to the ERGO seats you mentioned.
Not sure ERGO seats are available here.

Happy riding.

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Thanks, can you tell me where I can find the gel seats and how much do they cost ? Did you try them ?

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Nope, I don't yet have it on my 390, but I am planning to. It has to be made exactly as per the size and shape. I am trying get hold of somebody who can do it for my bike, will keep posted.

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

You guys can also try this : https://rideonair.in/

The gel seat is also a good option, you need a good seat maker who can have the gel inserted into the seat. The gel itself should be available in shops, i think i saw it in biking spirit, near the Triumph showroom

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Thanks buddy for the info will check it

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Are you hearing this sound from the left or right side of the engine? Sometimes a hard gear shift can cause the gears to grind causing that krrr krr sound, which means more pressure is required on upshift. Also listen if this cracking sound is emanating from the inside of the engine, if there is abnormal noise emanating from the head of the engine, we might have issues related to camshaft and related components (worse case) but for now, observe.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

I was not understanding which side since it was coming while i was riding and that to when i used to rev it up till 6k rpm...i understand that ita coming from the front...and the worst part was even my pillion was able to hear it...after i stopped the vehicle the engine was smoking up and then when i started thw engine again that time the fan started and then the smoke went off...but still post that noise was there...but after a normal wash now today i didn't face the problem of any such noise...but still to be on a safer side i will take it to the SVC tomorrow and get it diagnosed...i will ask him the issues which you have mentioned and he might probably guide me better in person..
Thanks for your reply👍

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Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

There are some screws below the engine cowl, which could have gone loose. The sound could also come if there are any stones lodged between the engine and the cowl. This explains why the the sound stopped after washing.
The service mechanics would know better.

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

I am finding it tough to locate a decent tail and rear luggage stays for 2017 Duke 390 so that i can go on a two up expedition across the country.Are there any options in the market for the same?

2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Guys there are some quality issues with the newer bikes, one of my best friend who got himself d390 recently almost 4 days back, since we work in Coimbatore we decided to ride this weekend from Mangaluru to Coimbatore, we started early morning around 6; around 120 kms later his bike started showing high temperature warning so we decided to stop and take a break I said to him it might be software bug, but when I looked at the coolant level, it was nill! absolutely nothing I was shocked it was a new bike and I was there in person when PDI happened I started checking for leakage there was no sign, we went on around petrol bunks for coolant since it was sunday there were no shops around, he was getting warnings regularly we stopped again, this time I looked at the engine oil level to our surprise it was greenish in colour which was supposed to be transparent; it had mixed with the engine oil and there was no coolant left I had know about this issue in older bikes.
We choose to leave the bike behind, had to put it in a tempo and take it back home it was difficult getting things done in other state but people were helpful, transportation itself took 6K, my friend was heartbroken about his new bike and we reached Coimbatore in mine.
We sent mail to KTM soon after we reached home, they called us and conversation is going on regarding it, Guys can u all suggest me what can be done in this case, can we ask for replacement of engine or just take the bike after they fix it, though my friend is dead serious about getting a replace or refund.

Thanks to @hackergaurav for helping us out regarding coolant!

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

That's a blown head gasket. How many KM's has it done? This is pretty unheard of on a brand new bike. They'll sadly, open up the engine and replace the head gasket.

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

It again happened today and due to work i couldn't take it to the SVC...now lets see this week how i am scheduled... i will update what the service center guys reply

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Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Disheartening indeed to see a four day old bike with blown up head gasket or an oil pump seal to allow for a coolant leak. On the positive, it's great that you guys have sent a mail to KTM and set the things running. Now, if you can get a new engine that would be well and good, but usually they repair the engine with a new head gasket and an engine flush. It' was mindful of you guys that you didn't ride the motorcycle post the inspection of the coolant leak, as it would have definitely lead to seizure along the way and would have made things even more bitter.

I'd suggest, you guys leave the bike there at the SVC, and follow up with the KTM chaps for an engine replacement, which is considered a safer option. Do keep us posted on the updates, if any from their side regarding the status quo.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

I have taken the bike on two long rides with pillion, the bike is very comfortable to ride and the pillion (in this case my wife) felt it is much more comfortable than riding the P220 (btw P220 is also considered a good bike to ride with a pillion), the grab rail in this bike below the pillion seat is very well positioned and makes it very comfortable to hold, the seat is slightly bigger and the foot pegs are positioned at the right place, the rear shock is more forgiving than the shock of my P220, I bought it primarily to ride long distances and with pillion and like you say was considering it along side the T500, but felt the overall light feel of the bike, the so much extra power that allows one to ride at +-100 comfortably with pillion and not to say the fit finish and NVH levels along as compared to t500 made it go for the the Duke, not to say the T500 is a very good tourer

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