[dukeofmurphy]

Originally Posted by kedar3223

The navigation Icon comes on after you pair and connect the phone with bluetooth. Do that first. Next add the bike to the ktm connect app using the vin number. While doing this make sure that you have the settings->connectivity screen open on your dash. A simple set of instructions later you should be paired. If I remember correctly there's a sync button in the ktm connect app that needs to be tapped on.

That's right. And to add to this, the full blown navigation is a paid service. You won't be able to avail TBT navigation with real time traffic updates and GPX imports without paying a premium of around 1200INR.

Without the subscription, KTM asks you to download an offline map which then navigates you to places and POIs stored within the offline map data. Somehow this makes me anxious to rely on it with as much confidence as on G-Maps.

An alternative would be to use your old smartphone as a dedicated navigator. A good mount from SW Motech and you're good to go as KTM does provide a USB-C charging port tucked neatly beside the TFT dash on the left side.

Personally, I find this to be a much more reliable solution.

[kedar3223]

Close to completing 1000kms and going in for my first service. The experience so far has been great. The bike is quite engaging to ride, be it the engine, braking, suspension and the riding position. Had troubles initially using the quick shifter between 4-5-6 on upshifts, as i was facing false neutrals once in a while. But after getting used to slotting in the gears with more conviction, it has been a smooth sailing. The occasional pops while shifting adds to the experience. The adjustable suspension has been a boon over broken roads and sharp corners alike. I think this is the best bit about the gen 3 390. With my 5.7ft frame, this is a great tourer. The heat management too is great. The fan runs for a few seconds and shuts off whenever the coolant temp get low.

I have configured the speed limit to be by quick select. With this I am able to tap the down bottom to set my speeds limit to the current speed. I use this as an anti squid/RTO challan prevention system

Some niggle:

1. A lot of mud splashes, and I mean a lot. This is a fundamental issue with the way the bike is designed. The front shrouds to catch a lot a muck.

2. Im hearing grinding noise from the front brakes. I am guessing it's either the brake dust or my little off road adventure full of wet mud that is to be blamed.

3. My rear light has not been working. Im guessing a loose connection.

4. The tires while being excellent for my level of skills on the road are equally incompetent when off it. The bike slides and squirms at the sight of loose gravel, mud or pebbles. Thinking of exchanging for a set of tramplr XR. Is this recommended. My usage is commute of 50km, weekend rides to off beat places and maybe a highway tour 2-3 times a year.

5. Yet to sustain high speed, but I feel wind blast might be an issue.

[ellusiv]

Hello,

Does anyone have access to the user manual for the Duke as a pdf or some other offline form?

I wasn’t able to download it off the KTM app when I tried.

Thanks

[kedar3223]

Originally Posted by ellusiv

Hello,

Does anyone have access to the user manual for the Duke as a pdf or some other offline form?

I wasn’t able to download it off the KTM app when I tried.

Thanks

Post 471 on this thread

[neil.jericho]

For those wondering about the ownership experience of the current generation Duke 390, the performance per rupee and smiles per rupee metrics are exactly what you expect them to be. For whose wondering about the usual mileage and service costs, read on.

The overall mileage figure, barring a ride to Munnar that I wasnt a part of, is 24.57 kmpl. The charts below are self explanatory.

The service costs are below.

First Service


Second Service

[hikozaru]

Am I the only person who gets no more than 20kmpl on their 390, going as low as 16, no matter where they ride? I get a 23-25kmpl at best if I ride like an uncle. I got a shockingly poor 12kmpl on the RS457 too. Guess I need someone to teach me how to ride.

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by hikozaru

Am I the only person who gets no more than 20kmpl on their 390, going as low as 16, no matter where they ride? I get a 23-25kmpl at best if I ride like an uncle. I got a shockingly poor 12kmpl on the RS457 too. Guess I need someone to teach me how to ride.

It depends on how trigger happy your right hand is. 390, at least the first gen had a very broad spectrum when it came to economy. I've seen as worse as 12kmpl instant consumption inside City and as high as 34kmpl on Highway cruising around 80-90kph. But overall, the economy hovered around 25-28kmpl tank-to-tank when touring. I'm not an aggressive rider but not slow either. Later gens are better on fuel AFAIK.

[hikozaru]

Originally Posted by b16h22

It depends on how trigger happy your right hand is. 390, at least the first gen had a very broad spectrum when it came to economy. I've seen as worse as 12kmpl instant consumption inside City and as high as 34kmpl on Highway cruising around 80-90kph. But overall, the economy hovered around 25-28kmpl tank-to-tank when touring. I'm not an aggressive rider but not slow either. Later gens are better on fuel AFAIK.

Relieved to know it goes as low as 12kmpl and that it is neither the engine or me at fault. To be fair I don't pay much heed to E10, E20, XP95. I assume E20 would fare worse on fuel economy. Anyone know what the ethanol rating of petrol is at various stations?

I am not particularly throttle happy but I ride my bikes like an automatic. I usually just stick to one gear with the widest speed range and good throttle connection. On most bikes it is usually third gear and I ride out the torque at low revs (unless I am slowing down in the city where I prefer downshifting somewhat early) and scream it to redline and use the redline to prevent myself from speeding.

[VijayAnand1]

Originally Posted by hikozaru

Am I the only person who gets no more than 20kmpl on their 390, going as low as 16, no matter where they ride? I get a 23-25kmpl at best if I ride like an uncle. I got a shockingly poor 12kmpl on the RS457 too. Guess I need someone to teach me how to ride.

Originally Posted by b16h22

It depends on how trigger happy your right hand is. 390, at least the first gen had a very broad spectrum when it came to economy. I've seen as worse as 12kmpl instant consumption inside City and as high as 34kmpl on Highway cruising around 80-90kph. But overall, the economy hovered around 25-28kmpl tank-to-tank when touring. I'm not an aggressive rider but not slow either. Later gens are better on fuel AFAIK.

Being both the Duke and RX rider, I'd like to squeeze in my two cents. Nevertheless the art of extracting the mileage figures is a mix of both worlds, the Sensei art of smoothness and the Ninja style shrewdness. On my 2015 Duke the max I've achieved is 32 to 33 "approx"

The reason I say approx is there's never a way to accurately judge/measure mileage on a fuel injected bike. Lest also not forget it's not all about being handicapped with the right wrist to extract decent mileage figures. Correct gear, right RPM and the road surface one's traversing in supremely matters to squeeze the best fuel efficiency.

Cruising at 100 kmph at 6.3k RPM on the Duke 390 gives you maximum bang for the buck, also cruising at 130+ with the wrist being frugal, helps you extend that leverage. I'v been traversing hills most of my life and so have my motorcylces and it teaches you a lot when it comes to how lenient and how aggressive one has to be where it matters if you're mileage oriented.

To this day, I've never specifically mileage oriented my bikes, rather always focus on getting the feel good factor and making the ride a sensible one to get maximum range, per my mood. I always say this, motorcycles are simple. You ride like a puppet, you get puppet mileage, you ride like you wanna ride it, you'll have fun albeit at a slight range disadvantage and that's the case with all motorcycles.

If he/she wants 75 KMPL, then I'd suggest him/her opt for a CT100 or CD110, which shall make him happy no matter how incognizant his right wrist feels to the impulse.

Cheers!
VJ

[amyntor]

Originally Posted by amyntor

Will post more about the trip in detail soon.

Sharing the details of my trip like I promised.

The thoughts of riding from my home to Ladakh have been making rounds in my mind ever since I started riding motorcycles (which wasn't too long ago btw, in 2022). I finally decided to put an end to my imaginations and do it before I turned three decades old (in 2025).

Last week of September is when I would start, I said to myself. I asked a friend of mine, who was equally smitten by the idea, if he'd like to join me. I didn't get a resounding yes from him, which was a bummer.

Solo it is then.

When I'm travelling by myself, I tend not to do a lot of planning, I just go with the flow. If I meet a good companion on the way who's more organized than me, I just follow them. If I don't, I ride till I get bored and find place to crash (not literally) for the night.

This was the outline I had for my trip:
1. I go to Hyderabad first and buy some winter wear, medicines, and other essentials for the trip
2. Leave from Hyderabad and reach Himachal Pradesh as soon as I can
3. Relax in Himachal for a week and get acclimatized to the altitudes
4. Then make my way to Ladakh
5. Return home whenever I want to

And so it begins.

Day 1:
I kicked things off from my sister’s house in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh and rode to Hyderabad.
Distance: 492 km
Total distance: 492 km


Day 2:
Technically, it’s not day 2 of the ride because I stopped in Hyderabad for the reasons I mentioned earlier and I had to wait until weekend to resume my riding. A lot of uneventful things happened here when my phone took a nosedive off the magnetic mobile holder and its camera shattered in thousand pieces. I had to buy a new phone. Sigh. I blame this on the terrible windshield I installed. I thought I was upgrading my ride but ended up with a comedy of errors.

Moving on, I started from Hyderabad at 6 in the morning. I was feeling particularly daring, so I ditched the navigation and went full-on adventurer mode. I managed to reach Sagar, Madhya Pradesh at 10 PM, fully exhausted and my back hurting. NH44 in MP isn’t in the best of conditions with broken roads and bumpy rides.

Distance: 900 km
Total distance: 1392 km


Day 3:
I hopped out of bed at 6 AM and after a refreshing shower, I was ready for the day of riding. My destination was New Delhi. I was going to meet a mutual friend and stop there for a couple of days. My plan was to get the bike checked and serviced before heading to Himachal Pradesh. But when does anything go according to plan? KTM app showed that most service centres are fully booked for the day. I called a few places nearby, and each one gave me the same news—they couldn’t get my bike back to me the same day. The bike wasn’t due for service for another 2500 km, and it was running like a dream, so I decided to roll with it.

Distance: 630 km
Total distance: 2022 km


Day 4: Target Himachal
The next day I was up early at 5:30 in the morning from RK Puram, Delhi and managed to reach Shimla by 4 PM, making plenty of stops to soak in the breathtaking views along the way.

Distance: 370 km
Total distance: 2392 km


Day 5:
Remember how my friend stayed behind while I started my solo journey? Well, I video called him every day, showed him the stunning landscapes and sent pictures of my rides. That magic worked and caused so much FOMO that he caved in and agreed to join me from Manali

So, I took a couple of days in Shimla explore the town and squeeze in some work.

On the day of departure, I was back in the saddle at 7:30 AM. It had been raining since the night before, but I was geared up and ready to take the challenge from the rain gods. I arrived in Manali by 2 PM.

Distance: 227 km
Total distance: 2619 km


After two more days of waiting in Manali, my friend finally joined me and brought along three more friends with him. So, we became a gang of five in Manali, ready to conquer the mountains.

He shipped his bike (Honda CB350 H’ness) from Hyderabad to Delhi and rode it from Delhi to Manali to meet me. The other two guys rented a Classic 350 from Delhi.

We went paragliding in Solang Valley, rode through some backgrounds and mountain roads in Manali to get a good look around town.

Then we started making plans on where to go. We learned that the rental bike wouldn’t be allowed into Ladakh. Feeling a bit defeated, our destination changed to Spiti instead.

Day 6:
We started off at 8 AM in Manali. The adventure started early for our group, when the Classic 350’s throttle went haywire. It started going full throttle just as we left Manali. It felt scary and dangerous. We managed to get the bike back to Manali and parked it outside a mechanic shop, waiting for it to open. Eventually, the mechanic confirmed our suspicions. The throttle wire was busted and needed replacing. While he got to work, I started chatting with him about our plans and how bummed we were about missing out on Ladakh.

And then, just like that, everything changed again.

The mechanic casually mentioned that since the rental bike had a white plate and not a black/yellow one, no one would stop it from entering Ladakh. My eyes lit up. I looked at my friends and they understood that the plan was going to change again despite them not knowing much Hindi.

We jumped back on our original plan — riding to the land of the high passes!

A lot of events transpired in our Ladakh trip. Us getting separated and lost was one, while the highlight was when we were stopped outside of Leh by some protesters and were blocked from leaving the area. Getting stranded in remote villages while I went door to door trying to find accommodation for the night is another one. There’s a lot to write about the trip but they would more appropriate on a travelogue thread.

Some pictures from the ride


It's not everyday you see a view like this in the rear view mirror (unless you are from Ladakh of course)





After weeks of filling myself with rotis, chapatis, and dal, what I found in the middle of nowhere in Ladakh brought life back to my taste buds.


Andhra ginger pickle in Photoksar. It felt unreal.

That's me. Promise I don't have a green face IRL.


Getting back to relevant bits. How did the bike perform? Three words - like a charm. It turned heads everywhere I went.

Coming to the service experience, I reached Chandigarh just in time the service was due. It was 4 PM and I called the service centre closest to where I stayed in Chandigarh. To my surprise, they agreed to service the bike and return it on the same day if I hand it to them in next 30 minutes! So, without further ado, I promptly got out of the hotel and reached the service centre as soon as I could. They attentively listened to whatever I said and opened the job card. The service advisor there remarked that it’s the second gen 3 Duke 390 they were seeing that had so much mileage in less than a year (It was around 23 thousand kilometres then). They finished working on the bike and returned it in under 100 minutes! That must be a record.

Here’s what changed (apart from the usual stuff like oil, filters etc.):
Replaced the front brake pads - sintered. The previous ones lasted from 12400 to 23000 kilometres. Not bad.
Rear break pads - organic.
Spark plug

Overall, it costed 6268 rupees.

The next day I left Chandigarh for Delhi. But as the fate would have it again, my plan was changed because I was invited to a wedding in Chandigarh. So, I returned to Chandigarh again. While the whole wedding shebang was going, my Duke chilled in a parking lot for a couple of days. When it was time for me to say goodbye to Chandigarh one last time, I was welcomed to this in the parking lot.



I immediately jumped on the saddle and made it to same the service centre again. I also noticed that the grinding sound the chain made when I was returning from Himachal Pradesh, had invited itself again. Oil leakage and chain sound do not make a good ride and the folks at the service centre nodded in agreement. This time around they had more bikes to tend to and it was almost lunchtime. So, it took them about 4 hours to finish tending to the bike. The culprit was a busted oil seal. I asked them to change the whole chainset and the sprockets too. They obliged again.

Total damage to the wallet: INR 3607

I rode 3000 kilometres again to get back home. Overall, the whole trip was 7000 kilometres across the country.

Last pic for the post. Who's a handsome devil?

[kedar3223]

What's the power figures in rain mode compared to the street? Is the power even altered or is it just throttle maps, tc and abs intervention?

It feels like the delta between street and rain is quite substantial. Almost feels slower than a 250.

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by amyntor

...I rode 3000 kilometres again to get back home. Overall, the whole trip was 7000 kilometres across the country.

Last pic for the post. Who's a handsome devil?
Attachment 2682241

Kudos! What I enjoyed most was your open arms attitude to the journey I love this attitude towards motorcycling!

Wife & I were fortunate to make a trip to Ladakh this year. She was on the Duke 390 Gen 3 and thoroughly enjoyed it. Will share my experience some time.

Originally Posted by kedar3223

What's the power figures in rain mode compared to the street? Is the power even altered or is it just throttle maps, tc and abs intervention?

It feels like the delta between street and rain is quite substantial. Almost feels slower than a 250.

I believe it's just the throttle response. Very sluggish at the lower revs. And also delayed. As if fool proofing someone who may lack finesse with their right hand. But as the revs climb, the response changes to the Street mode I feel.

I tried it again recently in rain and switched back immediately. Overtaking required more thought, and in general felt like I was more twitchy in this mode.

[kedar3223]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

I believe it's just the throttle response. Very sluggish at the lower revs. And also delayed. As if fool proofing someone who may lack finesse with their right hand. But as the revs climb, the response changes to the Street mode I feel.

I tried it again recently in rain and switched back immediately. Overtaking required more thought, and in general felt like I was more twitchy in this mode.

100%. The throttle gets way too sluggish and lends the bike a cumbersome heavy feel.But hey, it's a rain mode, so I guess that's fine.

On an unrelated note, the stock metzellers for all their on road brilliance, just don't seem to work at the hint of gravel/loose soil. Ive been having a lot of trouble during the weekend rides during the mild trails. Any of the road tyres better at this or do I have to switch to tires like the tramplr xr?

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by kedar3223

100%. The throttle gets way too sluggish and lends the bike a cumbersome heavy feel.But hey, it's a rain mode, so I guess that's fine.

On an unrelated note, the stock metzellers for all their on road brilliance, just don't seem to work at the hint of gravel/loose soil. Ive been having a lot of trouble during the weekend rides during the mild trails. Any of the road tyres better at this or do I have to switch to tires like the tramplr xr?

We have the Tramplr XR on the Dook. Working really well I must say.
That twitchy rear tyre drift on the Metzelers completely disappeared with the Tramplr.

Thinking about it - even the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 comes stock with the Tramplr XR now (it was supposed to have the Scorpion STRs but I guess government regulations have enforced this change).

I recall someone here switching to the Pirelli Scorpion STRs for their Dook. Expensive, but consider them investments

[amyntor]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

Kudos! What I enjoyed most was your open arms attitude to the journey I love this attitude towards motorcycling!

Thanks! I like to keep things spontaneous when I travel, usually only plan a day or two ahead and stay open to switching things up whenever. Honestly, I know I’m lucky to be able to work from anywhere with flexible hours, because without that, I wouldn’t be able to take this laid-back approach to travel.

Originally Posted by shyamg28

Wife & I were fortunate to make a trip to Ladakh this year. She was on the Duke 390 Gen 3 and thoroughly enjoyed it. Will share my experience some time.

One of your videos showed up on my YouTube feed, where you guys made a stop in Sarchu. I stayed at the same place, in the same room too, when I was on my way back from Leh to Manali! What a coincidence haha