[ebonho]

Well my Duke has already gone through a summer without incident.

My coolant levels have never dropped.

Once the coolant boiled over when the fan conked off, and temperature went into danger zone er the display.

But other than that, once the bike is up to operating temperatures, the temperature display is always at around 6-7 bars on highway running and 8-9 bars in the city.

In bad Pune traffic, for example Kothrud SVC back to my place in Camp in peak traffic in the evening (I generally pop over straight from offic in the latter half of the day), you can feel the fan coming on very often, and stays on for some time, and you can feel the heat waves on your legs.

Parth my bike is rarely parked out of sight (only when I am on tour). Greasing the axle is not a good idea. These bikes have coated axles that are inserted clean.

The brake sound is not a squeak or a squeal. It is a bubbling/crackling sound of air in fluid.

[n_aditya]

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

Also, my bike is getting hot these days very easily. Almost at every signal the fan is always on. The coolant level is still 1-2cm from the MIN mark. And the temp indicator is just one bar less in the first box. Although after running for sometime, the temp level drops to midline. Is my bike normal or is something wrong, doc? What levels does your temp usually stay at?

Partha, please check the radiator fins and clean them if need be. If the fins are coated with muck, air flow will be restricted into the radiator and combined with slow speeds due to city traffic, the bike will be running hotter with fans ON most of the time.

Use a garden hose to wash off any sediments from the radiator. Never direct water on the radiator from a pressure pump as it can damage the fins.

You can also use a soft bristled tooth brush (baby toothbrush is the best) over the fins gently to remove any muck from the fins.

I first run water over the fins to soften the mud on the radiator, then use my hands to dislodge the mud gently and finally use the brush to clean the fins.

You can also consider switching to MotoCool. I have not tried it personally as the coolant used by the Auto Service folks are good enough, but have heard motocool is very good and the bike runs a lot cooler.

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

Also, what intervals are you lubing the chain doc?

I would say clean and lube the chain every 500 kms.... or more often if required. If you're riding in dusty conditions, inspect the chain more frequently and clean and lube as required. Never ride with a dry and/or dirty chain.

Before you start the chain maintenance procedure, take the bike out for a short spin (3-4 kms) so the chain heats up. When you return, spray the chain clean solution generously over the top and bottom part of the chain ensuring all the links are coated well. A short ride is suggested as it will expand the links a bit due to the heat built up due to friction and will allow better seepage of the cleaning solution. Wait for at least 20 mins as the cleaning agent is highly volatile and will evaporate on its own. Then wipe the chain with a lint free clean cloth (ensure no loose threads as well).

Finally spray the chain lube over the top and bottom part of the chain ensuring all the links are lubed well.

Leave the bike aside for a few hours (I ensure my chain clean and lube is done at least a day before my ride out) so the lube can seep into the links and dry on it's own, else it will get flung off onto your wheel due to centrifugal forces at play.

[Shubz]

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

Doc, Ive noticed the bite of the front brake reduce but it can be cause Ive completed 3k kms on them although I see the pads are ok.

Havent noticed a sound yet. Will try listening today.

Also, i notice that my front brake disc gets heated a lot after evry journey whereas the rear stays warm( and I can place my hand on it without getting burnt) although I use rear brakes most of the time. Is this normal? [Ive had my front tyre changed at 900kms, so maybe the pads werent placed back right??]

Partha - Honestly I feel you are only guessing things. In 3K - brakes don't lose their bite.

Secondly - you just said you use only rear braking.

1) The braking that you are is absolutely wrong. If you are using rear brake most of the time, why are your front discs burning hot?

2) if you are using just the rear brake (which is close to useless) - you are bound to feel "lack of bite"

Gosh - I never knew you used only the rear brakes! You need to be put in a braking PIP!

You need to plan a day in advance to brake and make it stop at the intended spot if you are relying on rear brakes alone.

[airfoil]

Is there any word from Bajaj about the Paddock stand they promised to market? Are the newer bikes being sold with a better horn?

Thanks in advance.

[ebonho]

The paddock stand was displayed a long time ago. Its a fixed construction stand (no rounded pivot, no wheels/castors) and it actually needs two guys (one on each side) to lift the bike and place the swingarm on to the stand. Some 1000-1500 bucks.

No idea about the horn. I have learned to live with tweety bird.

[airfoil]

Thanks Doc.

I looked at the paddock stand today at the KTM service center here. Priced at Rs. 1400, it is small (reduced leverage) and will require two people to hoist the bike onto it. Even this will be a struggle.

Unless some wheels are welded on, it is probably avoidable, except for the price it is disappointing to say the least.

There's a simple solution available, but it is steeply priced at Rs. 2000 and offers limited functionality, still requires the use of the side stand:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=WBuD5gs-sxA

There's also the RJays Universal Rear Race Stand offered by Bachoo Motors at Rs. 5499, which I'm now considering:

http://www.bachoomotors.com/rjaysracestands.htm

If there are other decent options out there, please chip in.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by airfoil

will require two people to hoist the bike onto it.

Yeah, I have to keep these two young helpers around specifically for this duty while on tour.

Sigh, the trials and tribulations of a solo tourer ....... !

[Parthasarathig]

Originally Posted by voodoochild

Partha, this will be her first summer
This will be the first summer for a lot of Dukes. The way the weather's already turning stuffy in Pune, it isn't a good sign at all!

Cheers,
Rahul

City riding, the fan gets switched on at every signal if there's a jam. Mostly I try to avoid staying near the exhausts of cars and bikes in front and that tends to keep the bike cooler. But Bangalore traffic keeps increasing everyday, so the best bet is to always stay in front and leave others in your smoke

Originally Posted by n_aditya

Partha, please check the radiator fins and clean them if need be. If the fins are coated with muck, air flow will be restricted into the radiator and combined with slow speeds due to city traffic, the bike will be running hotter with fans ON most of the time.

Use a garden hose to wash off any sediments from the radiator. Never direct water on the radiator from a pressure pump as it can damage the fins.

You can also use a soft bristled tooth brush (baby toothbrush is the best) over the fins gently to remove any muck from the fins.

I first run water over the fins to soften the mud on the radiator, then use my hands to dislodge the mud gently and finally use the brush to clean the fins.

You can also consider switching to MotoCool. I have not tried it personally as the coolant used by the Auto Service folks are good enough, but have heard motocool is very good and the bike runs a lot cooler.

Looks like the Duke comes with the MotoCool by default. So the only other option would be engineICE. If the heat goes on for long, will switch to EngineICE at next service and see if it lives up to its name.

Which coolant do the Autoservice folks use? I thought even that was Motocool.

I would say clean and lube the chain every 500 kms.... or more often if required. If you're riding in dusty conditions, inspect the chain more frequently and clean and lube as required. Never ride with a dry and/or dirty chain.

Did a clean and lube yesterday. Bike feels so smooth. Im noticing the duty cycle of my chain lube to be around 500 to 600kms after which it tends to get rough.
Been trying out various chain lubes btw.
-Yamalube never stuck and would end up on my rear disc, alloys and tyres.
- 3M no bharosa as Shubz chain went kaput in 6000kms (iirc)
- Tried OKS chain lube from Bajaj yesterday. No overspray onto the alloys or discs hence no braking problems
- Bought TriboCor also. Will try it next.

n_aditya, which chain cleaner and lube do you use?

Before you start the chain maintenance procedure...

I think you had mentioned it on your thread once and Ive been following it to the T.

Originally Posted by Shubz

Partha -

You need to plan a day in advance to brake and make it stop at the intended spot if you are relying on rear brakes alone.

Not guessing sir. The front brake has indeed lost some bite 20% is my guess. And my friend's one at 5k kms has lost about 50% of its bite - both front and rear.

I do use the front brakes, but not always. The reason why people don't use the rear brakes is for fear of wheel lockup leading to a skid and other consequences. Wheel lockup at speeds of 90-100 will happen only if -
a. Your rear brakes are new and you are pressing damn hard on the brakes
b. If your tyre loses contact with the ground as in case of bumps and undulations, where the tyre will be in air for a few seconds.

In the above two cases, I always tend to use the front brakes. But in situations where Im travelling on arrow straight roads, where I can see clearly the situation of the road ahead, and need to decrease my speed gradually, I tend to use the rear brake with light pressure after which I use the front brake to chop more speed. Also when I feel like doing a skid, I use the rear brake.

Plus, i never use the rear brake on turns.

Originally Posted by airfoil

Thanks Doc.

I looked at the paddock stand today at the KTM service center here. Priced at Rs. 1400, it is small (reduced leverage) and will require two people to hoist the bike onto it. Even this will be a struggle.

If there are other decent options out there, please chip in.

Why don't you get the CBR250r paddock stand that rk_sans has. I've got the same stand and it works fine solo. It has made all regular bike maintenance a breeze and costs only 1200 bucks and comes with wheels too.

Originally Posted by ebonho

Yeah, I have to keep these two young helpers around specifically for this duty while on tour.

Looking good Doc

[n_aditya]

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

Looks like the Duke comes with the MotoCool by default. So the only other option would be engineICE. If the heat goes on for long, will switch to EngineICE at next service and see if it lives up to its name. Which coolant do the Autoservice folks use? I thought even that was Motocool.

I'm not sure which coolant auto service uses for the Ninja but it is definitely not motocool. It is an Indian product, the brand name i cannot recollect right now.

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

n_aditya, which chain cleaner and lube do you use?

I use the 3M cleaner and Motul chain lube. Motul chain clean is also pretty good and i use this as well.

[ebonho]

I use the OKS recommended by Bajaj-KTM too. But ideally you need to soak the warm chain and not run it for some time so that it soaks well into each link and roller. But since 9 times out of 10 I get it done at the SVC, I ride the bike home within half and hour of cleaning and lubing the chain. At least that way I do not have to do the acrobatic maneuvers required to lube the chain myself at home ......

[Parthasarathig]

Originally Posted by ebonho

I use the OKS recommended by Bajaj-KTM too. But ideally you need to soak the warm chain and not run it for some time so that it soaks well into each link and roller. But since 9 times out of 10I get it done at the SVC, I ride the bike home within half and hour of cleaning and lubing the chain. At least that way I do not have to do the acrobatic maneuvers required to lube the chain myself at home ......

This chain lube doesn't fly off and mess up with the finish of the alloys and also the brakes. Im gonna keep one can of this always as a backup. Really surprised with the good quality. Bike felt smooth.

BTW, I had let this lube dry for a day before I rode the bike.

And doc, you should get yourself a paddock stand made. Really simplifies all the hassle unless you have the svc close by.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

This chain lube doesn't fly off and mess up with the finish of the alloys and also the brakes. Im gonna keep one can of this always as a backup. Really surprised with the good quality. Bike felt smooth.

BTW, I had let this lube dry for a day before I rode the bike.

And doc, you should get yourself a paddock stand made. Really simplifies all the hassle.

Yeah, and its the cheapest spray in the market as well.

I agree on the need for a paddock stand (I kind of gave up the idea when I saw the Bajaj designed one .....).

Can some kind soul please post the photo and the contact details for the 1200 buck CBR250 stand.

[Parthasarathig]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Can some kind soul please post the photo and the contact details for the 1200 buck CBR250 stand.

Doc, please get in touch with BHPian rk_sans. He is the one who gave me the stand. Actually its his friend that does the Stands.

[Shubz]

Too many posts to quote - which I am avoiding - so putting in my thoughts in a single post.

@airfoil - you should check out the innovative stands that one Mr. Dhaval Mahidhuria is coming up with. He is on India KTM Owners page on FB. It still needs the sidestand but effectively raises the rear wheel.

@Doc - Can I borrow those two helpers for sometime? ;-)

@ Partha - This is going to be a long counter gyaan session!

the fan gets switched on at every signal if there's a jam - That is natural, it is working as per design. In bumper-bumper traffic - the engine does get heated - No solution for that unless you are taking the aerial route.

best bet is to always stay in front and leave others in your smoke - How do you manage this? Please let me know as well.

Looks like the Duke comes with the MotoCool by default - No, it does NOT come with MotoCool by default - It comes with Castrol Radicool.

Which coolant do the Autoservice folks use - They were using Castrol till about recently. Now they use the Motul one.

3M no bharosa as Shubz chain went kaput in 6000kms - It isn't 3M to be blamed. Its the design of the bike to be blamed. I can know a Duke from a distance with the chain slapping noise on uneven roads (besides the distinctive exhaust note)

front brake has indeed lost some bite 20% is my guess/5k kms has lost about 50% of its bite - I am on 8000 kms and I don't see any loss in bite - may be i am doing something wrong here.

people don't use the rear brakes is for fear of wheel lockup leading to a skid - Rear brakes are NOT that effective so people tend to slam it harder so the lock up/skid (unless there is gravel/wet road) - You can avoid this by effective use of brakes/ throttle control (er.. Kari factor).

points a and b are gyaans which everyone knows about. <lol>

when I feel like doing a skid, I use the rear brake - I want a demo of this from you. Please please!

Motul chain clean is also pretty good - So is the 3M 4 way cleaning spray.

[ebonho]

@ Shubz - in these days of recession, good labor is not difficult to find bro. And with India the center of attraction, we seem to be attracting good overseas talent off late.

P.S. Could you please for the benefit of Facebook-ly challenged dinosaurs (T-rex) like me, please post fotos and details of said innovative stands here on this thread please? Would be greatly appreciated.

P.P.S. Through the method of chain adjustment (and the modified chain guide) detailed by me here long ago, the chain slap sound never comes from my Duke.

Yes the rear fender/hugger tak tak is omnipresent. I am getting the huger removed, and going to fashion a rubber guard for my monoshock spring (copying what I saw on Ashish Maudgil's Raid WR250).