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-   -   The KTM Duke 390 Ownership Experience Thread (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorbikes/138082-ktm-duke-390-ownership-experience-thread-150.html)

More updates on braking issue:

Just got off the phone with the "Bajaj engineer" (apparently someone more knowledgable in the ways of the motorcycling world than the "vanilla" service technicians @ KTM). Described my situation and he immediately recommended that the front brake master cylinder assembly needs to be replaced. He checked with the Gurgaon service center for parts availability and thankfully; it is very much in stock.

Will be going to the Gurgaon center tomorrow to have the job carried out. Lets see how it goes. Will keep the updates flowing till the issue is resolved.

The braking lever play issue exists in most of the bikes that I have seen till now. My bike did not have this issue when it was new but now (at 5500Kms) it has play and does not inspire confidence.

The mechanic at Gurgaon service center has tried replacing the Bybre master cylinder with Endurance one and that seems to have reduced the lever play. I though am still trying to find better pads / larger brake rotor online.

Sorry, yes it is. I forgot to quote your post.

It seems that you are not entirely happy with the brake feel yet. Is it better than what it was at the time you bought the bike (0 ish kms)?

Steel braided lines, disks, ABS and we still have to think of upgrades? Something is wrong here somewhere. This is a case of service center killing an awesome product.

I am particularly worried as everyone (magazine reviewers / owners) collectively praised the 390's brakes a lot. The moment these service guys lay their hands on the bike; things go to hell.

Not cool.

PS - how long did it take for the service center to replace the master cylinder? Is it an all day job or takes a couple or so hours? I will be going to the Gurgaon center as well.

I like the way this front number plate is fixed in the middle, instead of forehead!

Question is, is it safe suspension wise ?

PC: KTM Facebook.

I'm at the service center as I type this. Why was the bybre cylinder replaced with an endurance one? Was bybre not in stock or did you specifically ask for the endurance one?

FYI, the replacement cylinder on my bike again is bybre

I did not get it replaced in my bike, the mechanic there told that he fitted Endurance one on a bike as an experiment and it worked.

How does your bike feel after master cylinder replacement?

Ok. It sounded from your post that you did get it replaced.

Anyhow; the brake feel, feedback and stopping abaility has improved a lot. I would still like some more "bite" though. One of their senior service technicians was mumbling something about the R&D they conducted previously and found the piston size to be a tad smaller than it should be. He was quick to add that Bajaj does not want to listen to them.

I have a sneaky feeling that there was nothing wrong with the cylinder to begin with. Maybe it was just a poorly executed brake bleed by the Kirti Nagar center.

PS - Sold your 200? If yes; mind sharing how much you eventually let it go for?

The main issue is that they have used the same master cylinder and brake caliper with a 20mm larger disc. They should have upgraded the master cylinder at least.

The only way out is to get sintered pads and if possible a 320mm rotor which will cost atleast 300$...

Great catch, even I love this set up and am interested in doing the same with my bike. Don't like the stock placement of number plate. Any idea about the mods involved?

Don't think so unless you are always going to be riding the bike on good roads.

The suspension travel of the Duke in front is 15 cm. The gap between the top of the mudguard curve and the number plate lower edge in the photo looks like its on that limit.

This is one place where it would most definitely be function over form. Unless you're ok with a cracked or sheared off front mudguard midway through a long ride/tour. One hard knock is all it would take.

Was wondering whether duke 390 owners here are using any security options other than disc locks? I don't want to tamper with the wiring, hence not interested in remote locking systems, and I don't feel disc locks as very assuring. The place where I live is prone to bike lifting, so any suggestions will be valuable. :)

Why is that an issue?

Regards
Sutripta

Picked this up for exactly the same reason.

http://www.ebay.in/itm/12v-Non-Intru...item35d434f499

Installation video of the installation and function of a similar kit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHBA3N02Eeo

Havent installed it yet. Will do so shortly. Has anyone else installed anything similar on the D200 or D390?

That is an issue because the brakes on the bike are not confidence inspiring, bigger master cylinder was needed on 390. Floating brake setup would have been any day better.

Classic 500 which has floating setup stops with 1 finger.