[Dodge_Viper]

Are the gear shifts clunky on Dukes? Like sometimes they do make a clunking noise while shifting. Also hearing slight squeaking noise from front brakes.

[ArizonaJim]

Almost all motorcycle transmissions will occasionally make a clunking noise when they are shifted from one gear to the next or more often, when they are shifted from neutral into first gear.

The reason is because of the way they transmit power from the clutch to the output sprocket.

The gears have several projections or lugs sticking out of the side of each gear. When that gear is not being used, the lugs on the output gear are not engaged with the lugs on the adjacent driven gear.
When you shift gears to engage that gear ratio, one of the gears slides sideways and its lugs mate with the lugs on the gear right next to it essentially temporally locking them together.
Because the gears are rotating at different speeds, a clunk sound may be heard as the lugs first engage.

Usually, if the engine speed is right for the next gear ratio to be engaged, the gears and their lugs will be rotating at close to the same speed so they will engage without a noise.

The clunk you may hear when you first shift the newly started motorcycle into first gear from neutral is due to the fact that the input shaft is rotating but the output shaft is stationary.
If the clutch plates are sticking together as is often the case with a wet clutch, that can increase the noise.
If your motorcycle has a kick starter, these sticking clutch disks can be loosened by pulling in the clutch and kicking the kick starter thru a stroke.
For you riders without a kick starter, you could shift the motorcycle into 1st or 2nd gear before starting the engine and then pull in the clutch. Holding the clutch in, move the motorcycle forward or backward a little. That will break the sticking clutch disks apart to allow them to freely slip when the clutch lever is pulled in.
For most of us, doing this is too much bother so we start the engine, pull in the clutch lever and shift the transmission into first gear with a loud clunk.
Not to worry. The transmission lugs are designed to withstand this sort of abuse so ride on and enjoy the ride.

Squeaking front brakes can be caused from the brake pads becoming worn out so it is a good idea to have them checked or to check them yourself.

On some disk brakes, you can see the pads if you use a flashlight (torch) to illuminate the area between the disk and the brake pads and peek into that area.
Some calipers also have the rear area open so the brake pads can be seen thru that open area.

You will be looking for the distance between the brake pads steel backing plate and the disk. If the gap looks like it is less than 2 mm, the pads should be replaced.

Another cause of squeaking disk brakes is an accumulation of dust between the pads and the disk. Using compressed air, most of this dust can be blown away.

[abhijeet080808]

In addition to the above post, specifically on the Duke 390 -

1. The correct clutch play, chain play and chain lubrication has a huge role in the quality of shifts. Especially around Neutral, First and Second gears. If the above factors are correct, the shifts are smooth as butter.

2. The newer D390 has a tendency to squeal from the front when prolonged mild braking is performed (say from 80 kmph to 20 kmph) using moderate pull on the lever. However the same braking performed under hard braking will NOT squeal. Don't know why this happens. Maybe it has something to do with the newer Duke having sintered pads. Not something I am especially bothered about since I naturally do not have a tendency to go mild and long on the brakes.

[sharatravan]

Originally Posted by abhijeet080808

In addition to the above post, specifically on the Duke 390 -

1. The correct clutch play, chain play and chain lubrication has a huge role in the quality of shifts. Especially around Neutral, First and Second gears. If the above factors are correct, the shifts are smooth as butter.

2. The newer D390 has a tendency to squeal from the front when prolonged mild braking is performed (say from 80 kmph to 20 kmph) using moderate pull on the lever. However the same braking performed under hard braking will NOT squeal. Don't know why this happens. Maybe it has something to do with the newer Duke having sintered pads. Not something I am especially bothered about since I naturally do not have a tendency to go mild and long on the brakes.

So the squealing issue is indeed a common one! The one you described is one of the 2 or 3 different scenarios in which the squealing happens - I have observed this as well.

[sharatravan]

390 owners from Mumbai, need some information. Which KTM service center is the best from a servicing perspective? I stay in Kandivali and the bike was bought from KTM Andheri East. I'm going to get the first service done soon.

Distance is no bar and I'm ok with traveling long distance to get the servicing done, since I aim to build a long term relationship with the SAs. Pointers will be helpful.

[mkpiyengar]

Originally Posted by sharatravan

390 owners from Mumbai, need some information. Which KTM service center is the best from a servicing perspective? I stay in Kandivali and the bike was bought from KTM Andheri East. I'm going to get the first service done soon.

Distance is no bar and I'm ok with traveling long distance to get the servicing done, since I aim to build a long term relationship with the SAs. Pointers will be helpful.

You might want to try out KTM Chembur. They are good from what i've seen and heard from others. Can ask for Neeraj/Sachin there.
Try avoiding on Saturdays since there will be quite some rush best to go early if unavoidable.

Cheers

[Kashi053]

I own 2013 D390 and facing fork seal leakage after multiple replacements also. The new fork seal not holding more than 1000km. Tried multiple mechanic and no help till now.
Anyone knows a good FNG for ktm in Bangalore?

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by Kashi053

I own 2013 D390 and facing fork seal leakage after multiple replacements also. The new fork seal not holding more than 1000km. Tried multiple mechanic and no help till now.
Anyone knows a good FNG for ktm in Bangalore?

You can try highlander if you stay near the HSR area.

Or try Lakshmi Bike Service in Hebbal, if you stay in North BANGALORE.

[Kashi053]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

You can try highlander if you stay near the HSR area.

Or try Lakshmi Bike Service in Hebbal, if you stay in North BANGALORE.

Thanks. I stay in HSR and never knew about this place. Will check with them soon.

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by Kashi053

I own 2013 D390 and facing fork seal leakage after multiple replacements also. The new fork seal not holding more than 1000km. Tried multiple mechanic and no help till now.
Anyone knows a good FNG for ktm in Bangalore?

Highlander has very good reviews from many bikers I know. You can also try Raymond's Garage in Koramangala, I have taken my bikes to him several times and always been very happy with the work done there.

Google maps location is here.

[Kashi053]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

You can try highlander if you stay near the HSR area.

Thank you so much for suggesting Highlander. Karthik is gem of a person and very professional guy.
I also upgraded entire clutch assembly to slipper clutch and used EBC brake pad for front. Also replaced rear tyre with Appolo alpha h1 series which is W rated tyre.
Slipper clutch - ~5k
EBC brake pad - 3k
Rear tyre - 6k

Did the radiator flush and am currently using engine ice coolant.