Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

I use a cable lock, which I loop through the footrest rods. Then I put the helmet on the seat, far back enough to ensure that its weight offsets the pull of the cable lock trying to return to its coiled state. Easy to lock, easy to remove, no scratches anywhere, helmet also safe.


Bonus, this tactic often dissuades obnoxious people from sitting on the bike and messing with it. (Not guaranteed to work though.)

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences


For me, I changed it around 8k mark during my 3rd service. Same for me, I travel about 30km daily in Bangalore traffic + around 50km to 80km on weekends for my matches and have done 4 rides (each around 600+ km up n down) so far.

Yes Sintered pads cost much and heat less I suppose. Rear pads seems OK as of now and has progressive bite.

- leaf

Vibrations

My bike has ran some 1.4k odd kms. I have noticed buzzing vibration in 3.5-4k rpm band recently. I never noticed it before. It is prominent in first 3 gears. vibration seem to be coming from front half of bike but cant locate where. did anyone had same problem yet?
PS: Does this bike even has a rear break?

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Hi guys, I just got my 2018 white Duke 390 two days ago.
As I was reading the articles on internet I believed that the 2018 Duke was coming with v41 software update but mine shows 5v39.
Is something wrong here?

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Hi Varun ,

I got my beast a week back . It's a 2018 orange version and I just checked the wheels after reading your post. Even I have the same issue. Paint is just coming off when wiping with a plain tissue.

Checked in person with the dealer. They had a few 2018 390's for delivery. All the bikes had the same problem. The manager raised it to KTM. No updates till now.


By the way, is the coolant vanishing issue fixed with the 2018 models ?

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Hi ksuresh , SVC guys at patparganj,delhi were not aware of this issue and after checking (by rubbing every orange rim) that all the bikes in the svc were having this issue, they told me that this is normal and they will further inform it to ktm. I have also emailed KTM india for the same and waiting for them to reply.
I am planning to silicone polish my rims along my bike from now on which can reduce the extent of this problem.
For the coolant vanishing issue - never faced it(bought on 24 september 2017).


Nothing is wrong, just get it update whenever you pass nearby svc(it will hardly take 15mins) or else get it at the time of service.
Although no major update is there in v41 which i can feel (breathing effect or say flickering of screen is resolved, apart from this no other change felt).

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Hi kittu,
You can use 3m or any chain cleaner for cleaning the chain lube but do it carefully. Use a cloth with cleaner sprayed(very less amount) on it and then try to take the spots of the chain lube using your finger, do remember to wash it with water and wax it. Thats all(no nimbu shakti bartan wali safai😅)

Yes, Custom exhausts do avoid the warranty but you have bought a bike with slip on exhaust(smart swap will be safe i.e get a slip on bend pipe for new exhaust), Slip on your stock while servicing or visits to your svc if they are not allowing for custom exhaust on the grounds of warranty.
Please be in noise limits as this can create problem for people and nature in vicinity.
RIDE SAFE.

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Hi all,

I could find Akrapovic exhaust replicas all over aliexpress for approx 3k. I have seen a few reviews of the same and it sounds almost like the original akra. And in most of these videos these exhausts are being used on 600+CC bikes, which is leading me to think that it might not have such a bad effect on engine. It looks and sounds awesome but all I'm worried is how it'll effect the engine.

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

If you are looking for honest feedback, then its a resonating 'No' for custom exhausts, especially lookalikes from Aliexpress or Chorbazaar.

Since Manufacturers design exhaust after considering things like exhaust valve back-pressure, emissions, fuel efficiency, etc. The stock exhaust is a critical component to keep all these parameters in check. Meddling with it will undoubtedly have detrimental (negative) effect on the longevity of your bike and voids the warranty on engine.

Also, from a technical point of view, the factory fitted exhaust on most present day sport bikes are much more advanced than a hollow aluminium can with an 'Akrapovic' sticker on it. So think about your priorities, do you want to look/sound cool? or do you want peace of mind of owning a bike that performs flawlessly for years to come?

Suggest you keep the modifications limited to cosmetic parts, don't change any functional components. Especially on a brand new bike.

Cheers!
Ride Safe.

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Hi Varun, I got this bike from KTM Muzaffarpur, Bihar.
Called up the guy regarding the update, and the funny thing is, he has no idea about software updates which basically means that all the 2017 duke 390's that he has sold yet hasn't been updated once yet. And the owners still must be facing the headlight flickering issue and the ecu failure messages.
I explained him the process and the importance of software updates on the 390 and he told me that he will talk to his engineer and what not, but I don't trust the guy.
Should I write to KTM about this directly or should I wait?

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences


Intially i was hoping to keep it limited to cosmetic changes, tail tidy tank pads etc exhaust is one thing i just can't live without


I work in the automotive industry as an R&D engineer and i do agree with all the your points though its not gonna effect emissions, being a slip on. All i know is free flow reduces back pressure thus reducing the power loss in exhaust stroke and increasing the output power. I have heard of the negative effect it has on engine longivity etc so i merely wanted to know if anyone here has tried and lived with a custom exhaust for a long period of time.


I can't pay 50k for an akra exhaust no matter how good they are. I've always thought them to be heavily overpriced. These replica sound exactly the same as those original akra from which i assumed they're not that far different.

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

I have been using SC Project exhaust muffler bought from aliexpress for 3 months now and no issues faced till now. For back pressure- I think it is well maintained by the catalytic converter itself as it will not allow more than its design flow. If you have opened the exhaust muffler you will notice it is all hollow and no mechanism is there for providing anything other than sound suppression(to meet the sound norms). No odd behaviour in response of my bike is seen(used without db killer for first month then added it).

2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

What if one is willing to pay 50k for original Akra exhaust muffler? Where should one get? My friend asked KTM- Delhi and GGN and they said they don’t have it. I am really not sure how to spot difference between original and fake one

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Yes, 1. Write it to KTM for quick and effective response. 2.Find another Svc if there is any, so that your bike can recieve a better service from engineers who are well informed.

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Hi Drive angry. Thats tough to tell i a market which is flushed from China. You can go to akrapovics customer suppport to know how to spot original one(they have their trademarks and use special kind of construction for titanium exhausts) and how you can get it in india. I am pretty sure you will not find the original one in Indian markets or shops. If you are importing it, make sure its from akrapovic and not the third party. KTM SVC and stores dont even have KTM powerparts , exhausts are next level.

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences


Hey, Can you share some pics of it and how you installed it. It'd be great if you could ping me on whatsapp

Re: 2017 Duke 390 Owners Reviews and Experiences

Hello Everyone,

I'm back to give a small update regarding the modifications on my bike. I've added AUX lights as the stock lights are just not enough for night riding as my priority is to Tour on this bike. Low beam spread is good but the brightness isn't sufficient. High beam feels scattered and at the same time is bright but not exactly where you need it. Some amount of relief after installing these. Wanted to go for branded ones but they're quite expensive. But these do the job i feel.

Secondly, i installed a windshield which was a long pending one and have been longing to have one. I have ridden the bike with and without the windshield and have noticed some differences. Firstly, even while cruising at 80-100 kmph it feels like you're doing below 60 kmph, somehow feels a lot more aerodynamic and a better feel in someway. however, beyond 100 kmph I felt the wind is somewhat disturbing and also i got a severe neck ache after riding just 50kms as i was constantly doing speeds above 110 as it felt very smooth so just couldn't resist myself from pushing more . But before i installed the windshield i usually used to get this pain after 200 kms at least. Is there anything I've done wrong in terms of installation or the angle of it. Also i feel i need to install some support rods to make it more stable as it flutters a bit even at idle as there no solid support like the older dukes. Need some experts advice here. Suggestions welcome. Attaching a few photographs with AUX lights and Windshield.


AUX LIGHTS FROM THE FRONT


Only AUX lights on


AUX lights with High-Beam, also as can be seen both the lights kind of merge together so you cant really differentiate between the beams from different LED's, but the brightness levels are better than just the stock lights.


Windshield from the front, Number plate needs a bit of work.


Windshield from the riders view, also have installed the phone mount with charger. Works really well.