[saikishor]

I have a query to make:
Will the removal of db killer have any adverse effects on the engine in the long run?
I hope this is completely safe.

[VijayAnand1]

Originally Posted by 100Kmphormore

To be honest, I didnt understand the statement fully, but let me clarify - the stress is in the knee and lower thigh area due to the 15 degree bend in the knee that the rear set footpegs causes. i am almost always cramping in the knee area after a continuous 100 km stint in the saddle, something I didnt experience with the Himalayan even after 300 km continuously.

I want the footpegs to be a little more front set so the knee bend is around 45 degrees. Nothing to do with foot region as I ride with balls of the feet on the footpegs unless shifting gears/applying the rear brake, so any width increase in the footpeg is not a gain atleast for me.

That's alright! If I've understood it right, you'd require a completely altered rear-set. At most, what I've suggested you is a "foot-rest" replacement which is the de facto from factory, one-size "should fit all" type. Now, if you'd like to play with the actual rear-set placement itself per your requirement, would recommend these.

https://lrlmotors.com/products/66bhp..._2otRv-HGgAdvF

https://www.nicecnc.com/products/ktm...rvptPzYKDr1hFG

Kick it off from here, do your homework well, and make an informed decision. I'd recommend what Doc (ebonho) mentioned, get it touch with a fabricator, as it can be cheaper and even tailor made. Good luck.

Originally Posted by saikishor

I have a query to make:
Will the removal of db killer have any adverse effects on the engine in the long run?
I hope this is completely safe.

Removing the decibel killer won't affect the engine performance negatively, though an untuned free-flow exhaust/air filter mod would have some drawbacks. A DB killer is as the name suggest just a DB killer to arrest the loud resonances popping out. Check with your local laws so that you don't get fined for being vocal.


Cheers!
VJ

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by 100Kmphormore

I want the footpegs to be a little more front set so the knee bend is around 45 degrees. Nothing to do with foot region as I ride with balls of the feet on the footpegs unless shifting gears/applying the rear brake, so any width increase in the footpeg is not a gain atleast for me.

Such a huge change is simply not possible. Remember your bum (hip) is fixed. So is the length of knee to foot. The peg would either have to go really low (scraping the road ...) or your knee would come up, like a grown man sitting on a kiddie stool. You cannot modify a bike so drastically. Definitely not 2 of the 3 touch points of the rider triangle.

Cheers, Doc

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by 100Kmphormore

To be honest, I didnt understand the statement fully, but let me clarify - the stress is in the knee and lower thigh area due to the 15 degree bend in the knee that the rear set footpegs causes. i am almost always cramping in the knee area after a continuous 100 km stint in the saddle, something I didnt experience with the Himalayan even after 300 km continuously.

I want the footpegs to be a little more front set so the knee bend is around 45 degrees. Nothing to do with foot region as I ride with balls of the feet on the footpegs unless shifting gears/applying the rear brake, so any width increase in the footpeg is not a gain atleast for me.

Unless you can fabricate a custom footpeg holder, it's going to be a tough ask. You can do two things though. Increase the height of the seat and lower the footpegs with something like adjustable height footpegs you can find for ADVs. You should be able to use the adjustable height footpegs made for the adv 390 on the Duke. These should effectively decrease the angle in your knee bend. But you are never going to make it substantially comfortable like a standard or adv. Duke is a streetfighter and it has a committed lower riding posture.

[100Kmphormore]

That's alright! If I've understood it right, you'd require a completely altered rear-set. At most, what I've suggested you is a "foot-rest" replacement which is the de facto from factory, one-size "should fit all" type. Now, if you'd like to play with the actual rear-set placement itself per your requirement, would recommend these.

https://lrlmotors.com/products/66bhp..._2otRv-HGgAdvF

https://www.nicecnc.com/products/ktm...rvptPzYKDr1hFG

Kick it off from here, do your homework well, and make an informed decision. I'd recommend what Doc (ebonho) mentioned, get it touch with a fabricator, as it can be cheaper and even tailor made. Good luck.

Vijay, I owe you a thanks for reminding me of that damn term I was fumbling on - rearsets! It was like that Sherlock Holmes moment in The Adventure of the Lions Mane - I had seen it somewhere, that exact same mod, but unable to pinpoint - and voila, our own Ducati SSG patron no_fear had that done on his V4S in 2021. I had read and forgotten about it. I shall research more on those and take a call as they are quite expensive.

Such a huge change is simply not possible. Remember your bum (hip) is fixed. So is the length of knee to foot. The peg would either have to go really low (scraping the road ...) or your knee would come up, like a grown man sitting on a kiddie stool. You cannot modify a bike so drastically. Definitely not 2 of the 3 touch points of the rider triangle.

Thanks Doc for your video links and direction to Urban_Nomad, and Vijay again for explaining what to ask him . Dont you feel uncomfortable due to the footpeg position being a long time Bullet rider before your 390 came into the picture?

Unless you can fabricate a custom footpeg holder, it's going to be a tough ask. You can do two things though. Increase the height of the seat and lower the footpegs with something like adjustable height footpegs you can find for ADVs. You should be able to use the adjustable height footpegs made for the adv 390 on the Duke. These should effectively decrease the angle in your knee bend. But you are never going to make it substantially comfortable like a standard or adv. Duke is a streetfighter and it has a committed lower riding posture.

b16h22, as I stated in the above posts its just to make it a weeny bit easier on the knees thats all, as its my do-it-all bike now atleast until 2026. The bike is exactly what it is for a reason - the legend of the corners, and comfort is not part of the equation then. I will be buying a twin cylinder ADV for my touring next as this was supposed to be my city and weekend fun bike, but had to sell my Himalayan due to circumstances.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by 100Kmphormore

Thanks Doc for your video links and direction to Urban_Nomad, and Vijay again for explaining what to ask him . Dont you feel uncomfortable due to the footpeg position being a long time Bullet rider before your 390 came into the picture?

No I am not at all uncomfortable. I took to the Duke as if I was born to ride it. The body position and balance on the bike, and riding stance for my kind of riding style (I don't hang off like racer puppies) is simply perfect and instinctual. Once a group of puppies I used to race with (full one piece leather crowd) said that if I was so fast on the Duke, I would be even faster on the RC. So for one lap of the Lavasa TT circuit I swapped my Duke with the fastest RC rider. It was not a nice experience. I was totally uncomfortable on that bike. I remember I was a lot more comfortable on the Ninja 250 and the R1 that I have ridden. The only other two sports bike setups I've ridden hard.

Cheers, Doc

[ebonho]

UPDATE:

Both small stalk as well as long stalk mirrors are available!



Now that small stalk OG mirrors are set, I'm getting greedy and trying to get my grubby paws on a pair of the international 2024 Duke 390 mirrors, that we see in all the firang review videos.

Cheers, Doc

[VijayAnand1]

Originally Posted by ebonho

UPDATE:

Both small stalk as well as long stalk mirrors are available!
Now that small stalk OG mirrors are set, I'm getting greedy and trying to get my grubby paws on a pair of the international 2024 Duke 390 mirrors, that we see in all the firang review videos.

Cheers, Doc

When I went to to test ride the NS400Z, OCD kicked in and wanted an el cheapo-mod for my 390. Them Domi mirror stalks, they have a sophisticated charm. Hence, I stomp towards the spare section, only to know the Domi mirror set would set me be back by 4500. With an unbated yet wince-ful thank you that's sure not to be noticed, I reel quickly reel back to reality check. Sense prevailed during the return ride. Was my old one broken? No. Was it vibrating no? Then why the heck would I spend 4.5k on a mirror set when I already have the Apache's installed that do a great job of throwing what's back.

Thrifty nature apart, the Domi mirror does give a mid-life update to the old Duke's front end. Plus, the Domi's mirror diameter and angle is ditto to that of international model's mirror with only the stalks being different, at least as far as my foggy eye-sight can fathom.

Go for it Doc!

Cheers!
VJ

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by VijayAnand1

When I went to to test ride the NS400Z, OCD kicked in and wanted an el cheapo-mod for my 390. Them Domi mirror stalks, they have a sophisticated charm. Hence, I stomp towards the spare section, only to know the Domi mirror set would set me be back by 4500

Cheers!
VJ

They used to be like only 750 for a piece when the Domi update came out But Bajaj decided to price them so high later. Honestly, no idea why.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by VijayAnand1

Go for it Doc!

Cheers!
VJ

My reason for not going for it is precisely what you like Vijay. Which is, the overdone stalk with the hole in it. So no buddy. Will try for the international one. Or get the stock ones again (reserved).

Cheers, Doc

[sole_rider]

Originally Posted by ebonho

My reason for not going for it is precisely what you like Vijay. Which is, the overdone stalk with the hole in it. So no buddy. Will try for the international one. Or get the stock ones again (reserved).

Cheers, Doc

A few more reasons to not go for these mirrors would be

• The combined weight of thise mirrors of about 1.2kg.
• Then these mirrors are very rigid. You need to try hard to adjust the angle or worse when someone comes and bumps it from the opposite side the mirror will transfer the jolt to the handlebar instead of getting folded.

[Shonith]

My 390 duke is almost 5 years old now with about 15,400 km on the odometer. I would like to share the mods, breakdowns and major service done on it so far.

Mods:
1. Ergo seats this is the official powerparts product, comfort wise its a wee bit more comfortable than the stock seat (i wouldnt buy it again for the comfort) but grip wise its a night and day difference. Grip makes it effortless to ride you dont have to cling on to the handle bar like a child that clings on to his parents on the first day of school.



2. R15 footrest these arent a direct fit you need to grind the inner portion of the footrest to install it. I use these since they are round and getting my feet quickly under the gear lever, these do help. As for the vibration i couldn’t feel any noticeable change. These are smaller in length so you will feel a little cramped.



3. Tank pad this was from the official ktm accessory that was available at the dealership back in 2019.



4. Tank grips these are from amazon its an anti skid tape almost like emery paper it provides a lot of grip and on the contrary does not damage the pant. I am using this for more than a year now.



5. The side panel with the duke sticker and the alloy wheels has been clear coated.







6. Mirrors are from the bs3 model these don’t extend beyond the handle bar. Makes life easier in congested places. They offer good visibility when you ride without riding gear. But with riding gear they are useless.



Breakdowns:
1. The O2 sensor failed after 2 years at 6743 kms.

2. Battery died last year, replaced it with amaron.


Major service work done:
1. Front forks and cone set overhauled at 13887kms during the 3rd year of the bike as a preventative measure. Work was done by the ktm service center.

2. Valve clearance check and cooling water pump seals both inside and out (without opening the engine) done at 15,000kms this year. Work was done by myself at home. During this time the bike was thoroughly cleaned.



Significant mention:
Due to the nature of my work the bike sits idle at home for more than 6 months in a year, the highest being 7 months in 2021. During this period the battery is removed. Air intake and exhaust openings are covered with plastic so as to make it air tight. All the exposed metal parts, forks, fasteners, disc rotor, exhaust are coated with a mixture of grease and gear oil to prevent them from rusting. Tank is filled with petrol to the brim and both wheels are off the ground using paddock stand. What has impressed me about ktm is in all the 5 years never has the bike failed to start or throw tantrum after the hibernation period. The same holds true for the husqvarna. With all the electronics and living near the coastline i didn’t expect the bike to be this trouble free for its usage pattern. These bikes are very well made and it only gives assurance for a long term ownership.

[VijayAnand1]

Originally Posted by Shonith

My 390 duke is almost 5 years old now with about 15,400 km on the odometer. I would like to share the mods, breakdowns and major service done on it so far.


Breakdowns:
1. The O2 sensor failed after 2 years at 6743 kms.

2. Battery died last year, replaced it with amaron.


Major service work done:
1. Front forks and cone set overhauled at 13887kms during the 3rd year of the bike as a preventative measure. Work was done by the ktm service center.

2. Valve clearance check and cooling water pump seals both inside and out (without opening the engine) done at 15,000kms this year. Work was done by myself at home. During this time the bike was thoroughly cleaned.

Attachment 2643133

Significant mention:
Due to the nature of my work the bike sits idle at home for more than 6 months in a year, the highest being 7 months in 2021. During this period the battery is removed. Air intake and exhaust openings are covered with plastic so as to make it air tight. All the exposed metal parts, forks, fasteners, disc rotor, exhaust are coated with a mixture of grease and gear oil to prevent them from rusting. Tank is filled with petrol to the brim and both wheels are off the ground using paddock stand. What has impressed me about ktm is in all the 5 years never has the bike failed to start or throw tantrum after the hibernation period. The same holds true for the husqvarna. With all the electronics and living near the coastline i didn’t expect the bike to be this trouble free for its usage pattern. These bikes are very well made and it only gives assurance for a long term ownership.

Brilliant one Shonith. And yes, one more simple tip if you don't have gear oil/grease is to use coconut oil on the exposed parts. They natural fatty acids form a sacrificial layer and solidify and hence no drips, no stain marks. They form a really good protection layer and easy to wipe off.

Secondly, did you carry out both the valve clearance and water pump replacement or just the water pump? I'm asking this is because, wanted to know how the shim availability turned out to be, would like to know more on that.

Cheers!
VJ

[BullettuPaandi]

Originally Posted by Shonith

All the exposed metal parts, forks, fasteners, disc rotor, exhaust are coated with a mixture of grease and gear oil to prevent them from rusting.

Using grease and oil on disc rotors is less than ideal. Wiping off is a bit trickier in ventilated discs. No matter how much time we spend, there will be enough oil/grease left to attract dust and dirt. Since you live near the coastline, you might find coating the rotors to be a better option- zinc, phosphate or ceramic depending on your budget. At the very least, it'd be one less thing to worry about, before you hop on your bike after long. If you haven't tried it, check if dielectric silicon spray provides enough protection on other parts, as well. Also, you can use this on electrical connections, other than for polishing, lubrication, de-moulding, etc. I've been using one from Aerol, which has been quite versatile and enough to prevent rust- albeit, I don't live near coastline.

[Shonith]

Thanks VJ,
I did the valve clearance 6 months ago before going sailing. Did the pump seal after coming back recently. Well all 4 valves were a little tight (tight by about 0.01 to 0.03) if memory serves.

After calculating the required shims I visited my ktm dealer and managed to get just 1 shim out of 4. I spoke to them and they said they just grind the shims as its much easier to just grind them than to order vast different sizes and its different diameter for 200 and 390.

Then i visited the nearest bajaj dealer to find if they have the shims for dominar. But unfortunately they didnt have the sizes either. More over the bajaj guys were like we dont do valve clearance for dominar and the stock they had looked very old. I believed them when they said they dont do valve clearance as when asked them for shims they gave me a very surprised look. They knew i wasn't asking for dominar.


I finally decided to talk to a FNG who works on ktm engines and even he said its much easier to just grind the shims. Since mine were slightly tight he suggested to just grind it.

At the end i did grind my shims using emery paper to get them to spec. I am not sure about the surface hardness and the treatment these shims undergo.
Mysparemarket provides shims of required size and have fast delivery option. You could try it i didnt go for it as i had time constraints.