My KTM Duke 390: 5 years of trouble-free ownership without any tantrums

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.

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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.

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