[mithunvvijayan]

Originally Posted by sharanvenu

Good to know that you have got a solution. Keep us posted.
My two Cents. Can you coax and convince him to drain the oil and replace? We can be sure that no damage was done. Tell him "Chettan vichaarichaal nadakkum" . Translates to "you can get it done if you try"
One thing that came to my notice is that the owner's manual recommends Synth oil of rating 10W-50 and my service bill indicates Motul 7100 20W-50. I doubt whether 10W-50 motul is available here and most of us will have 20W-50 filled in by service centers. Can you double check and let me know about this?

By the time I saw your post I had already left the service outlet. They showed me the Oil was slightly above the low level. So asked him to top it up, so that I can be sure there is no oil leak, in course of time. Anyways I will check the oil rating next time I visit, for the first service.

[basuroy]

And here it is







Sep '14 manufacture date. I noticed a popping sound (bhaaat bhaaat bhaaaat type sound - last a second or two at max) during hard de-accelerating (by hard, I mean harder than normal but nothing extreme either) which was noticeable over traffic sound through helmet. Is that normal? Noticed the same sound once during accelerating, throttle application being fast that time.

Is the bike significantly more jerky/snatchy in the first gear as compared to even 2nd? First is insufferable past 25kmph speed, the RPM is certainly higher than 4k at that speed yet there is significant snatching present.

The average number of bars one normally sees in the temperature gauge? I got 9 bars after a 10km ride at average 20kmph speed, the ambient heat from the engine was certainly warm but nothing severe. Outside temp should be around 27/28C tonight.

ps. Today I found out a black dog is invisible to headlamp, he had good reflex though.

[ashwin1224]

Originally Posted by basuroy

And here it is

I think I hear it too. I think it is from the air filter somehow (I could be catastrophically wrong though ). I don't think you should be worried though, it is a common occurrence.

Also, as long as the temp meter doesn't cross the MAX line it is all good. It usually stays near the top no matter how you ride.

[RiderZone]

Originally Posted by basuroy

And here it is

Don't worry about the sounds, Dukes are weird little machines and can provide a wide variety of aural outputs over time. In the 22000 kms that I've ridden one, I've heard at least 10 different kinds.

Yes, 1st gear is only meant for starting from a dead stop, anything above 10kmph is easier with the 2nd gear and some clutch input.

Yes, the number of bars present on the screen might scare you, but unless they cross over into the "high coolant temperature" range, don't worry. Just like the fuel economy indicator, other guages on the Duke aren't really 100% spot on.

[ashkamath]

Guys what is the life of the chain? I have been getting this rubbing sound since some time and so went to A.S.S and asked him to check it out and also tighten the chain slackness. What I was told was that chain slackness happens only in the initial periods. after a while chain does not slacken as much as it happens initially and that my chain is finishing it's serviceable life. Anyways I got the usual chain tightening / cleaning / lubing done but still I hear that sort of chain sound ( rubbing / chaffing / touching some thing rhythmically) and it is annoying and also a bit of concern.
So what is the life of the chain? when am I suppose to replace it. Mechanic says next service better to change it. Cost. Rs. 2600/- or somewhere in that range.
And then my front brakes screeech everytime I apply the brake and I use the front brakes only all the time below 60-70 Kmph speeds without bothering with the rear brakes. The front brakes also seem a little mushy / soft and appears to have lost it's bite and takes a longer distance to come to a stand still. ( the earlier Khat Khat of ABS kicking in upon hard braking is conspicuously absent now a days with front brake, but hard braking the rear brake kicks in the ABS as normally it used to do earlier)
and then engine stalling at a circle. Was negotiating a circle at a very slow speed and shifted gear with a bit of blip and the engine just died bang. a very embarrassing situation with all horn blaring from behind and amused people around. Got down pushed to the side and after a minute cranked the bike and it started like dream. A matter of concern is that this engine stalling is happening at critical junctures. earlier it was medium speed and now it is slow speed in second -third gear. But guess got to live with it. as they say Shaadi tho kiya hai Nibhaana tho padega
Ashok

[RiderZone]

Originally Posted by ashkamath

Guys what is the life of the chain? I have been getting this rubbing sound since some time and so went to A.S.S and asked him to check it out and also tighten the chain slackness. What I was told was that chain slackness happens only in the initial periods. after a while chain does not slacken as much as it happens initially and that my chain is finishing it's serviceable life. Anyways I got the usual chain tightening / cleaning / lubing done but still I hear that sort of chain sound ( rubbing / chaffing / touching some thing rhythmically) and it is annoying and also a bit of concern.
So what is the life of the chain?

My chain worked for 16000+ kms, although I really pushed it to the limit the last 2000.

Front brake screeching/soft feel seems to be there in most Dukes, even heard it in a brand new one. I tried changing the brake pads, but that didn't help. Will get brake oil changed next week, hopefully that'll fix this problem.

Engine stalling is a major problem with old 390s, I have changed my riding style, and now blip the throttle before downshifts. No other option, as lugging the engine is a rather bad thing to do.

[mithunvvijayan]

Originally Posted by RiderZone

Engine stalling is a major problem with old 390s, I have changed my riding style, and now blip the throttle before downshifts. No other option, as lugging the engine is a rather bad thing to do.

I had recently bought 390, just 3 weeks old. Have not done the first service yet. My bike stalls only before warming up and after cold starting. Once the engine heat builds up it never stalls. Inorder to save my self from embarrassment, in red lights, I blip the throttle continuosly, when coming to a stop, untill the engine is warmed up.

When I reported this unique problem to the service center, the SA pointed the problem towards the decompression valve, which is absent in 200. He also mentioned that none of the 2014 models have reported stalling problems.

This means that, whatever the problem was with 2013 models, it must have been rectified. Normally a recall is warranted in such issues.

My point is, can't Team Bhp, with it's might of so many followers, put up the issue with Bajaj. I have seen that auto mags like Autocar, interfere in such matters and put up a firm stand on behalf of it's subscribers. And according to them, the companies provide special service and treatment to the disgruntled owners.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by ashkamath

Anyways I got the usual chain tightening / cleaning / lubing done but still I hear that sort of chain sound ( rubbing / chaffing / touching some thing rhythmically) and it is annoying and also a bit of concern.

Ashok, a rhythmic sound means either your sprocket is warped/out and/or there is uneven lengthening of segments of your chain (some links more than others). In such a case it becomes impossible to adjust the slack of your chain properly. Do it perfect for one segment may make it too loose or too tight for another. Which is exactly what is happening in your case. The only solution is to adjust it such that it does not become too tight in those tight segments with you sitting on the bike (this is important).

So first figure out which is the tightest segment of the chain, and then adjust it to proper slack with you sitting on the bike. Automatically the other not-so-tight segment will now be looser than what it should be (and slap around like a loose chain). You will have to live with that. Plus the sound of chain slap is less irritating than the sound (and grating feel) of a tight chain rub. And also less destructive to both the roller/pins as well as the sprocket teeth and the wheel bearings and bushes.

Hope this helps.

[RiderZone]

Originally Posted by mithunvvijayan

I had recently bought 390, just 3 weeks old. Have not done the first service yet. My bike stalls only before warming up and after cold starting. Once the engine heat builds up it never stalls. Inorder to save my self from embarrassment, in red lights, I blip the throttle continuosly, when coming to a stop, untill the engine is warmed up.

When I reported this unique problem to the service center, the SA pointed the problem towards the decompression valve, which is absent in 200. He also mentioned that none of the 2014 models have reported stalling problems.

This means that, whatever the problem was with 2013 models, it must have been rectified. Normally a recall is warranted in such issues.

My point is, can't Team Bhp, with it's might of so many followers, put up the issue with Bajaj. I have seen that auto mags like Autocar, interfere in such matters and put up a firm stand on behalf of it's subscribers. And according to them, the companies provide special service and treatment to the disgruntled owners.

Many such attempts have been made, but Bajaj/KTM continue to outright deny the existence of this problem. Take for example the issue with bad quality alloy wheels, Bajaj's own CEO was asked this question during the launch of RC bikes, and he outright denied he had knowledge of any such problem. The least I expected was a recall, but nothing happened. I guess the Indian rules and regulations are also to blame here, everything is very lax and laid back.

Long story short, gotta live with the engine stalling problem. Many different people have suggested many different ways to fix it, but none of them work for everyone.

[mithunvvijayan]

Originally Posted by RiderZone

Many such attempts have been made, but Bajaj/KTM continue to outright deny the existence of this problem. Take for example the issue with bad quality alloy wheels, Bajaj's own CEO was asked this question during the launch of RC bikes, and he outright denied he had knowledge of any such problem. The least I expected was a recall, but nothing happened. I guess the Indian rules and regulations are also to blame here, everything is very lax and laid back.

Long story short, gotta live with the engine stalling problem. Many different people have suggested many different ways to fix it, but none of them work for everyone.

That's very sad. Anyways I am quite happy with the bike, otherwise. But this is what I am going to do.

1. I am going to step on the Ktm service guy untill they fix the initial stalling problem.

2. I am going to keep a detailed log on their process of customer care and how they go along with the process.

3. Meanwhile, I will subscribe to Autocar Mag.

4. If the problem is not solved, I will write to Bajaj boffins, Ktm Austria ( got to find a way ) and Autocar India, atleast they should bring some publicity to the issue. Then I will see what can be done further.

[VW2010]

Unfortunately Bajaj is not responding. The stalling is definitely an issue if you follow even forums across the world. Some have change throttle body and some have replaced the ECU for the issue to only port back

The solution widely suggested is to warm it up before starting. Cleaning the fuel lines has worked for some.

Be patient with the mechanic and befriend to do your checklist of changes. This can be from throttle body, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel pump and even swapping ecu from another bike.

With a proper mechanic and a good relationship, you can do these testing and see if any can fix your issue.

Worst part is the time taken to build this relationship.

Best part is the parts are actually cheap for your testing purpose in case they wont replace cost.

Start from fuel filter and see if that helps.

[mithunvvijayan]

Originally Posted by VW2010

Unfortunately Bajaj is not responding. The stalling is definitely an issue if you follow even forums across the world. Some have change throttle body and some have replaced the ECU for the issue to only port back

The solution widely suggested is to warm it up before starting. Cleaning the fuel lines has worked for some.

Be patient with the mechanic and befriend to do your checklist of changes. This can be from throttle body, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel pump and even swapping ecu from another bike.

With a proper mechanic and a good relationship, you can do these testing and see if any can fix your issue.

Worst part is the time taken to build this relationship.

Best part is the parts are actually cheap for your testing purpose in case they wont replace cost.

Start from fuel filter and see if that helps.

Ktm Kochi service guys have always been quite friendly. Though, I intend to make some noise, just for my peace of mind, I am never going to ruin the relationship with mechanics.

Thanks for the checklist. Will definitely cajole the mechanics to test these parts. In my case the problem crops up only during pre warm up.

I think these niggles are the reason, why Bajaj is peddaling back the launch of pulsar 375. Since the compression ratio of pulsar 375 should be same as the duke, the warming up problem must have definitely needed to be addressed. But I think, triple spark tech should increase the arc reach across the cylinders, which might help.

I will be mightily disappointed if Bajaj 375 fares better than Duke.

[basuroy]

Guys , bike is 80km old now and I am getting a whistling sound from the disc brakes (i am certain they are from the brakes ) , a friend and the SVC chap say it is because the new pad is bedding in right now , they are probably correct but still wanted to check this is nothing to be alarmed about . Front brake after a 10km run with slight use was very warm but nothing severe to indicate proper rubbing . Rear which I didn't use was just slightly warm .


Is it normal for the MIL(engine warning lamp) , ABS and the Hazard sign to glow after switching on the bike (but not cranked) ?

[mithunvvijayan]

Originally Posted by basuroy

Guys , bike is 80km old now and I am getting a whistling sound from the disc brakes (i am certain they are from the brakes ) , a friend and the SVC chap say it is because the new pad is bedding in right now , they are probably correct but still wanted to check this is nothing to be alarmed about . Front brake after a 10km run with slight use was very warm but nothing severe to indicate proper rubbing . Rear which I didn't use was just slightly warm .


Is it normal for the MIL(engine warning lamp) , ABS and the Hazard sign to glow after switching on the bike (but not cranked) ?

Is the whistling noise coming, even without applying brakes? If not, then if the bike is used after keeping idle for somedays, this might occur. But the noise must go after a few kms of run.
And I don't think the rear brake should be warm at all, if not used at all.

Yes, it is normal for all these lamps to glow, when ignition is on. But they will go away after the engine starts. ABS goes off when the bike crosses 5 kmph.

[mithunvvijayan]

Sorry for the error in the earlier post. ABS lamp goes off once the bike crosses 5 kmoh