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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-409.html)

I am assuming the bike has been bought more than 6 months ago. In that case registration of bike will entail some paperwork and penalty. Add about 1000 rupees for that (may change depending on agent commission).

Is the owner a kid who got bike from parents, had an accident due to rash driving and now has been grounded so wants to sell the bike? Just thinking out aloud.

With tyres gone in 4k, punctures and broken crash guard, there isn't much confidence in the general maintenance of bike. For eg., the chain might not have been lubed periodically and with rash driving, chain and sprocket might be in bad shape. Has the first service and oil/filters change carried out in time?

My suggestion would be to avoid. A lemon KTM is a nightmare and no matter what the owner tries, the issues just never stop cropping up.

The moment You have doubts, its time to look away; given the condition of the Duke. And its not like a rare motorcycle, You wanna lay hands on!

Also, nothing's more worth than the feel of a New Ride.

If you are not able to connect with the bike, leave it no matter asking price/specs/performance.
Others have already dissected/inspected bike parts, agree with most opinions.

Firstly, avoid that shady 390.

Secondly, that ON feeling is what makes the duke 390 scary :uncontrol

If you want to be inside, one with the bike, nothing comes close to rc390. But it is a bit extreme for a lot of people. That is why suggested Apache RR310. It is similar to R3 ergonomics. Pretty comfortable, yet you sit in the bike.

IIRC, test ride bikes need to be registered too. This particular one could be a case of local villagers buying a bike and not registering (happens a lot in north India at least.) Such vehicles are abused by owners and their friends alike. Best to avoid.

Cheers.

I would suggest, avoid to the core. The whole deal seems to be very shady since the bike hasn't been registered. Can you confirm if the bike has a genuine 4k on the odo? We cant even confirm if the bike has been used for any wrong purpose. I have stopped buying preowned bikes, especially after buying a second hand Zma which I ended up getting the engine work done multiple times because the previous owner abused it like crazy.

How much should I pay for a 2015 -2016 pre own Duke 390 done around 5000 kms in pristine condition?

1-1.2 lakhs depending upon the bike, if it is just a single owner bike.

Hi..I realized after my 2nd service that the oil level on my 2016 Duke 390 cannot be checked as there is no oil visible in the sight glass. Cool, warmed up, 1 min cool down etc.

I brought this up with KTM dealer, and Area Service Manager and after discussions at their highest level KTM has now informed that they have decided to reduce replacement quantity of engine oil from 1.6L to 1.5L. And, as a result oil will not be visible in the sight glass since the level is now lower.

Which means that the instructions in the Owners Manual on how to check oil level are incorrect. They are now working on revised instructions.

Can people here please be kind enough to check their oil level (Dealer serviced) and report what they find?

I find it hard to believe that KTM has made it such that oil level cannot even be checked by Customers anymore. :Frustrati

I own a 2017 Rc 390. They fill 1.5 liters only and I dont see oil level on the window. Even after tilting to right, oil level doesnt show up. Asked the SVC, they say it is normal.

This is the case with the Dominar as well, which shares the crankcase bottom. I spoke to the service advisor and they're adamant there is no flaw in the design, they claim that the oil is visible only when fresh filled as there is a separate pocket for it, after the engine is started, the oil is pumped out and never returns into this pocket where it can be visible. To me it seems like a very convoluted explanation and 99.99% sure it is just that.

I did fill an extra 150-200ml oil before my Goa trip and then the oil was visible in the oil window, even after several runs (contrasting against the claimed engine start pumping oil out of the pocket never to be seen again). That said, the engine runs fine even with the lesser prescribed oil quantity where it's not visible in the oil window.

KTM and Bajaj surely goofed on updating the manual, and on training their service crew on this.

It is correct that these bikes can run with lesser oil an older ones, mainly because of lower clearances within the motor and more much much better oil circulation inside. Plus having too much oil affects performance as there is too much resistance between moving parts. That being said, 100ml oil is hardly anything and wont make any noticeable difference.

Hi guys,

I recently got almost 2 dozen of NGK Laser Iridium spark plugs compatible for KTM Duke/RC 200/390 from UK through a colleague. I have 8pcs left with me which I thought I could offer to BHPians here if at all they are interested.

Had got these plugs for my friends and for me as well. They costed me INR 700/plug. I wish to give it away to anyone interested here at a cost of INR 750/plug (Includes shipping via Speedpost). Will be sending them across on pre-payment only.

Im not a dealer nor this is a distress sale. I thought someone would benefit from these. A local dealer is asking me for these but dont wanna give away as I already know he will be selling them for 1-1.2K upward each.

Interested people DM me :)

What is the point of the sight glass if it cannot be used to check the oil level? I think it is fool hardy to ride around without being able to check the oil level. Moreover, the claims made by the dealership is in direct conflict with the owners manual, which says that the oil level "MUST" be between min and max levels indicated on the sight glass.

I am trying to see if I can escalate this matter to KTM HQ and get a response from them.

Not sure, but I can see neither the oil level nor the coolant level from the window they've provided. Bike runs fine though.