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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-41.html)

Well based on my discussion yesterday with the dealer here, there were some problems at the Chakkan plant which were resulting in the delays of bike delivery. This has been addressed now and the delivery of bikes will be fast paced in next couple of months. Also there may be an increase in the price of the D390 by Diwali which was suspected from the dealer.

I have yet to do a test ride of this bike. I will do so next week, as I have been getting calls from KTM dealer in Noida.
I have two questions,
Do we have an aftermarket seat available to seat 2 (Rider + Pillion) in relative comfort?
Is there an aftermarket tank available OR possible in future with larger fuel capacity? I am really looking at a 400 Kms range under "normal conditions".

I doubt if anyone would do this. This is mostly a solo rider with the current rear space that will be used for luggage.

And the Tank, probably you can fabricate one with your local fabricator but there are pro's and cons for the same.

These days highways have a Fuel station every 20 odd kms. Just make use of it and avoid the need to ride the bike below reserve.

Thats the latest innovative way to convince a customer. This chakkan plant is operational for all the while This sudden problem this guy is quoting is all a bull. They just didnt predict the time to deliver as effectively and they did not plan to ship any local bookings till mid of september.

You will see that all bookings will be closed prior to october end for they now understand the pressure from local buyers.

Not available off the shelf. Best you can do is add a layer of foam for a softer saddle.
With 400kms range you are talking about a capacity of around 20Ltrs. It is not available as of now, neither aftermarket nor powerparts. Future possibility? Cant expect such a change/addon anywhere in the distant future as KTM has portrayed the Duke duo strictly as street bikes and not a tourer.

Please do not ruin the perfect (and very expensive) saddles by adding cheap quality aftermarket foam. The rider saddle is better than a stock Bullet saddle for long days.

Regardless. The fact is that bikes like these will see more highway miles than in-city. The Dukes (esp the 390) need better tank range. No two ways about it. Even if you have fuel stations available, at the end of the day it is a pain to stop and fill (esp. when fully geared) every 200 kms. And when you hit the hills, you get into a situation of having to carry extra fuel (5-10 liters - depending on vagaries of en route fuel pump availabilty status) and that is always a logistical issue you have to tackle.

Personally, even I feel that stiffer seats are better for touring as it allows a bit more air around your rear end. But There is simply no other suggestion that can be given for people who think otherwise!

True to that too. But still, getting a bigger tank from KTM is just out of question now! We are left with absolutely no other choice as of now! And yes, I see more and more dukes now loaded up with tail bags and saddlebags on the wheekend runs.

It depends on person to person .For me it was pain to ride more than 50 -60 kms . I had to cushion and foam the seat and now its 75 % OK . It can be improved further .

Agreed. Can you show us what your seats look like now post the mods please? Also, did you manage to get the same cover material when you padded your seats, or used different rexine? There is a friend who is 5' 3" and wants to scoop out the foam and reduce the height on the 390, so asking for him.

Got a call from the Mekhri Circle KTM, Bangalore about an hour ago. Deliveries of the second batch starting. Have been called for completing the formalities. On road price is 213XXX odd INR.
The store have indeed kept up their word of delivering the bike within 90 days.

What is your booking number I think for the first few they would be able to meet the 90 day promise

Bike delivered this evening from btm ktm.

First impressions, engine feels too tight got the rear suspension hardened as it was way softer than the 200.

Needs to really free up.

Congratulations Psycho. Where are the pictures? Any mods planned?

Btw, did you arrive from somewhere by air this Sunday late night, wearing a red t shirt?

MaSh

Yes I did, came in from Delhi. I will put up pics in the morning. Night snaps will do no justice

Here is the pic of the bike. Not too clean due to the rains

Congratulations on your D390.

I see that the knuckle guards missing on both yours and sriram's bike.
Weren't those part of standard accessory from Bajaj?

Any bikes delivered from Langford/Marathalli/Indiranagar KTM?