[V0rtex]

Originally Posted by ebonho

I'm sorry I missed the "Gen 3" in your original post. I thought you were asking about the Dukes in general, bad rep that they unfairly have.

The Gen 3 close up on the workshop floor does look a bit shorter. Even when you mount it. Like you're sitting "in" it.

Me on mine, super neutral, relaxed.

Attachment 2617858

Cheers, Doc

Your bike looks to be in absolutely pristine condition. I’m happy to see the OG 390 in its original glory.

[amyntor]

Originally Posted by amyntor

I'm sensing a change in the top-end after the latest service at 14830 km.

When climbing up the rev band, the engine used to smooth out really well after the 5k RPM mark. But now after the service, it doesn't feel as smooth. It still pulls hard and I don't notice any drop in power but that smooth feeling isn't there anymore. The engine kinda feels tight like how it does in the lower rev band.

An update after 250 km from the service. The smoothness returned! The bike now feels exactly how did it when I took over its reins.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by V0rtex

Your bike looks to be in absolutely pristine condition. I’m happy to see the OG 390 in its original glory.

Thanks buddy. She's 11 years old now, and of course has the marks that come with age and use. Overall.I am very happy with the build quality of the bike in its critical areas. She's definitely a keeper, like my Bullet 500. They compliment each other beautifully.

Cheers, Doc

[V0rtex]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Thanks buddy. She's 11 years old now, and of course has the marks that come with age and use. Overall.I am very happy with the build quality of the bike in its critical areas. She's definitely a keeper, like my Bullet 500. They compliment each other beautifully.

Cheers, Doc

It is one of the best looking 390s I have seen. Has it given you any issues over the years?

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by V0rtex

It is one of the best looking 390s I have seen. Has it given you any issues over the years?

Thank you. I bought her (barely) used from a richie rich jeweller's son in Kolhapur, who dropped her within the first 2000 km and was banned from riding her thereafter, the bike instantly put up for sale on OLX. Nearly brand new. For the same amount I sold my year old 200 for. Went by the early morning bus to Kolhapur, cash in pocket, inspected the bike, got it checked by the KTM outlet pre arranged there, got an oil change and basic checkup service, and in the evening rode back to Poona with Varad (More) on his 390, who was at the same KTM ASC, getting his bike looked at enroute back from Goa. Good days!

Aside from the recent fuel pump failure because of keeping her dormant under covers for 7 years (with, criminally, fuel still in the tank), no issues whatsoever. Yes one by one the rubbers all over are begining to crack and melt and generally give way, but nothing else. 3rd chain kit. 2nd chain slider. 3rd set of rear hub cush rubbers. 2nd set of Metzelers. Fork seals changed once. 2nd spark plug. 2nd headlight bulb. 2nd rear disc rotor. Rear disc pads, lost count (every service nearly, like clockwork). Rear monoshock flap added. Everything else as she came from the Chakan factory in 2013.

Cheers, Doc

[V0rtex]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Thank you. I bought her (barely) used from a richie rich jeweller's son in Kolhapur, who dropped her within the first 2000 km and was banned from riding her thereafter, the bike instantly put up for sale on OLX. Nearly brand new. For the same amount I sold my year old 200 for. Went by the early morning bus to Kolhapur, cash in pocket, inspected the bike, got it checked by the KTM outlet pre arranged there, got an oil change and basic checkup service, and in the evening rode back to Poona with Varad (More) on his 390, who was at the same KTM ASC, getting his bike looked at enroute back from Goa. Good days!

Aside from the recent fuel pump failure because of keeping her dormant under covers for 7 years (with, criminally, fuel still in the tank), no issues whatsoever. Yes one by one the rubbers all over are begining to crack and melt and generally give way, but nothing else. 3rd chain kit. 2nd chain slider. 3rd set of rear hub cush rubbers. 2nd set of Metzelers. Fork seals changed once. 2nd spark plug. 2nd headlight bulb. 2nd rear disc rotor. Rear disc pads, lost count (every service nearly, like clockwork). Rear monoshock flap added. Everything else as she came from the Chakan factory in 2013.

Cheers, Doc

You got yourself an amazing deal. I can only dream of a day where I find myself getting a deal even remotely close to this. Most of the used the 390s I found are abused squid machines with ridiculous asking price ( Kerala tax lol).

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by V0rtex

You got yourself an amazing deal. I can only dream of a day where I find myself getting a deal even remotely close to this. Most of the used the 390s I found are abused squid machines with ridiculous asking price ( Kerala tax lol).

I agree. But bear in mind this was early 2015, when the model itself was just barely 2 years old. The bikes had not been around long enough to be really abused. Though many were crashed pretty quickly!

Cheers, Doc

[amyntor]

Originally Posted by V0rtex

You got yourself an amazing deal. I can only dream of a day where I find myself getting a deal even remotely close to this. Most of the used the 390s I found are abused squid machines with ridiculous asking price ( Kerala tax lol).

As someone who bought a used gen 3 Duke, I suggest you keep looking. Especially in urban areas during the US college admission season. That's when a lot of folks are in a rush to sell off their bikes at a decent enough price.

I got mine, a 6 month old gen 3, with more than 1L off of the OTR price. Including all the accessories I got along with a ceramic coat job, I saved about 1.3-1.4L.

[VijayAnand1]

Originally Posted by V0rtex

You got yourself an amazing deal. I can only dream of a day where I find myself getting a deal even remotely close to this. Most of the used the 390s I found are abused squid machines with ridiculous asking price ( Kerala tax lol).

Let's just say, you haven't seen the best of the 2015 lot. There's one I know but then I'd have my groin hair ripped one by one by a tweezer if I posted it without the owner's consent. Probably the best in the entire country. It'd be a remarkably tall statement, but yes, there I've given you the hint.

Cheers!
VJ

[amyntor]

I installed the 820 mm seat today on my Duke.

There's one spacer that goes below the seat and another that attaches to the end of the seat and goes below the pillion seat.

Initial ride impressions - purely ergonomics wise, I like the seat. It leaves more room to move my butt forward and backward.

However, it's slightly harder than the other seat I have (a foamier black one) and also more prone to getting dirt marks. I also think that the gaps in the panel are too big for my taste.

This is the spacer that fits under the seat:




The one that needs to be screwed to the rider seat and goes under the pillion seat.

[7000plusrpm]

Originally Posted by amyntor

I installed the 820 mm seat today on my Duke.

Did you order the spacer separately? Or did you get it from the previous owner? I am asking since, I couldn't find a single dealership in Kolkata who are confident about sourcing the 820mm seat version/parts.

[amyntor]

Originally Posted by 7000plusrpm

Did you order the spacer separately? Or did you get it from the previous owner? I am asking since, I couldn't find a single dealership in Kolkata who are confident about sourcing the 820mm seat version/parts.

I got it from the previous owner. I listed the part numbers earlier in this thread. You may try asking a dealer for those parts.

As for the seat, it can be ordered from mysparemarket.com. Here's the link for the 820mm seat: https://mysparemarket.com/products/s...ku_id=52681418

[Motard_Blr]

Originally Posted by Motard_Blr

Question on the comfort and ergonomics of the Duke 390.

I have read and watched multiple reviews which say explicitly or hint that the 390 Duke is not suited for taller people.

Can owners of the gen 3 Duke 390 comment on this mentioning their height in the post? This would be very helpful.

I am interested in the Duke but I seriously doubt I would be able to get a long enough test ride that would allow experience the Duke's rider comfor or the lack of it.

Originally Posted by amyntor

I installed the 820 mm seat today on my Duke.

There's one spacer that goes below the seat and another that attaches to the end of the seat and goes below the pillion seat.

Initial ride impressions - purely ergonomics wise, I like the seat. It leaves more room to move my butt forward and backward.

However, it's slightly harder than the other seat I have (a foamier black one) and also more prone to getting dirt marks. I also think that the gaps in the panel are too big for my taste.
...

It's good to see that there is some accommodation for the comfort of taller riders with the taller saddle.

How do you feel about the taller saddle after some more riding?

Could you tell me how tall you are and your inseam?

Thanks

[amyntor]

Originally Posted by Motard_Blr

It's good to see that there is some accommodation for the comfort of taller riders with the taller saddle.

How do you feel about the taller saddle after some more riding?

Could you tell me how tall you are and your inseam?

Thanks

I've ridden only 50 kilometres so far on the new seat. Most of it was in a low to moderate city traffic. Although I liked that my legs felt slightly comfier and my butt had more room, I think the seat might feel pretty stiff during long rides.

I am 5' 10" with 34" inseam.

If you are as tall as me and if your riding is mostly going to be in the city, then I recommend getting the orange 820mm seat provided that you are okay with cleaning it regularly.

[Motard_Blr]

Originally Posted by amyntor

I've ridden only 50 kilometres so far on the new seat. Most of it was in a low to moderate city traffic. Although I liked that my legs felt slightly comfier and my butt had more room, I think the seat might feel pretty stiff during long rides.

I am 5' 10" with 34" inseam.

If you are as tall as me and if your riding is mostly going to be in the city, then I recommend getting the orange 820mm seat provided that you are okay with cleaning it regularly.

I have the same measurements so I think that there is a good chance that the taller saddle will help me too.
Thank you.