PowerPig! KTM Duke 390 - October 2014

[Sam Dinkar]

Parts seem cheap. I hate the fact that modern engines drink synthetic. Adds up that much more to the running costs. You should have asked them details of the consumables.

Anyways, 1000 km over . I'm going to steal it tonight heh heh.

 

[deville_56]

Parts seem cheap. I hate the fact that modern engines drink synthetic. Adds up that much more to the running costs. You should have asked them details of the consumables.

FS and the longer drain interval gives peace of mind and extended service interval. 5k km or 6 months is what they say. Using same oil in FZ. Crossed 4.5k km. Just needed 100 ml topup. Still no drop in smoothness. No hard gearshifts like any other oils used to far. Now prefering FS only

Brother took the bike after service. He did not ask about the consumable.

Anyways, 1000 km over. I'm going to steal it tonight heh heh.

High security parking with Decepticon in charge

 

[deville_56]

Took it to the highways. Took it to 100, not more, tachophobic . Happily cruised at 85. The catapaulting acceleration is unmatched. Drop a gear and disappear. But torque delivery is unpredictable and uneven. Feels like too much engine breaking when throttle is let off. Braking is razor sharp. Don't feel as confident as in FZ when leaning because of the increased height and my short stature, but it takes corners pretty well. Returned mileage of 28 kmpl.

BTW forgot to mention, removed the stickers around headlight.

 

[Sam Dinkar]

Torque delivery is unpredictable and uneven? Maybe its just a matter of getting used to the way this engine revs so fast.

You are bang on correct about the engine braking - it almost feels as if the brakes are binding as soon as the throttle is released. But why release the throttle ?

 

[deville_56]

In the meantime:

Bought a paddock




and PowerPig gets a power twin

torque delivery is unpredictable and uneven? Maybe its just a matter of getting used to the way this engine revs so fast.

You are bang on correct about the engine braking - it almost feels as if the brakes are binding as soon as the throttle is released. But why release the throttle ?

Power delivery kinda like turbo kick in ;)

There are instances where we can't open throttle and expect it to roll freely sustaining rpm and dropping slowly like every other bike, but Duke slows all of a sudden.

 

[Sam Dinkar]

Headlamp looks cool sans stickers. Job well done. How did you remove the stickers?

Whats the rpm at 80 and 100 kmph in top gear?

 

[deville_56]

Headlamp looks cool sans stickers. Job well done. How did you remove the stickers?

Scratched with finger nail and pulled out, came off without even glue mark 200 looked cool in black and brother did not like the Zebra'ish graphics, so he removed it.

Whats the rpm at 80 and 100 kmph in top gear?

Never checked that. I don't concentrate much on the gauge unless it's a straight and the rpm is too hard to read in Duke. I was doing 70 when it hit 4k rpm in 6th. Will check and get back when I hit some open straight highway someday

 

[deville_56]

Bajaj OKS Chain lube. Reluctant to use gear oil because of orange rims though KTM recommends 90 grade gear oil.




Costs 164 bucks, good for 2 time use.

 

[vm2011]

KTM 390 Duke gets slipper clutch
The 2015 KTM 390 Duke bikes in showrooms have already been fitted with the slipper clutch. The new clutch will help keep the 390 Duke in control, never allowing engine retardation to get the better of and lock the rear wheel; this can send it into a slide or cause tyre chatter if downshifting through the gearbox aggressively, while hard braking from high speed.

The new slipper clutch system is in place on the 2015 model 390 Duke naked streetbikes, already available to customers in showrooms across India.

SCOOP! KTM 390 Duke gets slipper clutch | Bike News | Bikes 350cc-500cc | Autocar India

 

[nikhn]

Bajaj OKS Chain lube. Reluctant to use gear oil because of orange rims though KTM recommends 90 grade gear oil.

View attachment 153375


Costs 164 bucks, good for 2 time use.

View attachment 153376

Hi

How's the chain spray from bajaj? I'm planning to buy it. Don't know whether this will suffice or should I go for the Motul chain spray. How many sprays do you get? How are you using it on your duke without the center stand?

 

[deville_56]

Hi

How's the chain spray from bajaj? I'm planning to buy it. Don't know whether this will suffice or should I go for the Motul chain spray. How many sprays do you get? How are you using it on your duke without the center stand?

One can is good for 2 sprays. Lasted more than 500 km. Never used motul to comment on. Gotta buy something. Running dry.

Bought paddock stand to lube and slack adjustments. You can vet replicas for 2-3k or KTM accessory or Rjays for 5.5-7k.

 

[Sam Dinkar]

I think 90 grade gear oil is the best for our conditions, but 164 Rs for a two timer job ain't that bad either. How good is it and what do you do to clean the chain before lubing it? Also, how soon does the chain develop slack? Is the tightening mechanism a simple DIY or does one have to take the Duke to the service centre? How much do they charge for tightening the chain?

Ridden as it's designed to, I think one would be lucky if the chain remains tight for anything above 300-500 kms.

C'mon man, where are more snaps?

 

[deville_56]

Closing 6k km and going in for 2nd service today.

i think 90 grade gear oil is the best for our conditions, but 164 rs for a two timer job ain't that bad either. How good is it and what do you do to clean the chain before lubing it?

I am also a gear oil/cc oil loyalist, but cleaning the orange rim is a mess, is what is stopping me. We bought this bike as a weekender, but km clocked is similar to FZ.

Investing on chain spray not much an issue considering the price of the bike.

164 chain spray is good, can last some good km.

I use pressure washer to clean the chain . Easy and fast.

Also, how soon does the chain develop slack? Is the tightening mechanism a simple diy or does one have to take the duke to the service centre? How much do they charge for tightening the chain?

Ridden as it's designed to, i think one would be lucky if the chain remains tight for anything above 300-500 kms.

Chain slack is not affected much. I last adjusted it before last ride and it has been near 2k km without needing another adjustment.

Slack adjustment is simple and of course DIY, provided you have paddock stand. One main reason why I got one

C'mon man, where are more snaps?

Snaps snaps. From Dhanuskodi ride.

 

[deville_56]

Bike in service center since Saturday 3/4 bays engaged with accident jobs, only 1 bay left.

 

[deville_56]

2nd Service - 5k km

Got bike after service. Done at Deedi Probiking Service, Trivandrum. Apart from delay, work was neatly executed. Butter smooth now, clutch is also lighter compared to previous.

Made him bill for 2 liters and took back 500 ml for topups.

Parts cost:
Motul 7100 10W50 x2 liters - 1,650
Spark Plug (Bosch M12) - 195
KTM Periodic Service Kit (Air Filter+Oil Filter+Fuel Filter) + O-rings - 465

Labor cost:
Consumables - 105
Free Service Charges - 125
Chain Lube - 112

Total Bill - 2526