My observations on KTM Duke 390’s new suspension setup

Wheel Bearings replaced at 33,397 km with some other small yet significant work done.

BHPian Dhruv Shetty recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Small Update ODO Reading 33397

Observations on the refreshed suspension setup

1. While attacking corners, there’s more confidence in entering and exiting the corners this makes it more enjoyable in the twisties with long sweeping and tight curves while carrying more speed and little with more lean.
2. On Hard braking there is more stability in a straight line. Even while braking in a corner there is more confidence.
3. With the front forks height set to the first line which is for agility, change in direction is quicker with a little tap of the leg and slight nudge from the hand, at whatever speed be it as low as 20 and as high as 100+ it inspires confidence.
4. The downside of this, the ride has become harsher compared to the previous set up on city roads except for a few good stretches, there are a lot of shocks and bumps transferred throughout the body, basically while riding in the city I go through countless emotions which a lot of curses towards the roads.
5. All in all the front and rear suspension is well balanced now, which in turn has made it more comfy, and enjoyable and provides confidence.

Wheel Bearings Replaced with some other small yet significant work done

Up with another update, this time a bit smaller one. Start of the year when it was living at Zenngine after the accident, I was given a heads-up that the front wheel bearings were on their way out and replaced the next service. Fast-forward to September end, I was casually practicing sliding around in society ground and stopped in a safe place to admire the beauty, I noticed an unusual movement in the tyre. At this moment brain went “Oh well time to check the remaining funds and book an appointment, a few weeks later landed at my trusty FNG Zenngine. Did some time pass, hung the helmet in a safe spot, admired a CB1000F idling, and bike wheeled in and set up on paddocks.
Went with SKF bearings as they weren’t available In KTM, including the stator motor cable and rear shock protector, we literally put an order for these two parts 3 weeks back, so irritating this is. During this time, I was riding the bike around and took it for a ride to Tahmini ghat with bad wheel bearings along with BHPian @TheDarkKnight}

790 and Daytona chilling

Wheels removed and inspected and seeing the condition and was asked “How were you riding the bike with this”

Up on Paddocks and wheels off

Old bearings

Rusty spacer which was cleaned later

The leaky bolt

Later on, my favourite big ADV appeared, the mighty Tiger 1200 it came in for a general brake service. As my memory serves me right, this particular specimen was one of the first 1200s to be delivered in Mumbai and have its first service done, where the SVC guys did not expect it to come in this soon. It is a huge bugger when seen in person, the owner takes it to work almost every day to the office.

New bearings in

While the bearings were getting changed, decided to not take the chance and get the rear brake pads changed. The rear calliper got a basic service by cleaning, greasing and changing some worn out rubber boots. The one thing which irritates me the most on the bike is the left side engine casing plastic bolt which ends ups leaking after few months of changing the plastic bolt and gasket, decided to seal it with some rtv gasket sealant. In next year service I will get the left side engine casing replaced, as the engine will be getting its second valve clearance done along with other stuff.

Once all the work got done, got the billing done and this the first time I left the shop before 2pm and with a bill under 3k (smiley). whenever the Duke visits Zenngine, I spend the entire day and bills close to 10k or more, but worth it as I enjoy the company (smiley), sometimes interesting bikes and people come.

Some points on the Inty from a Duke owner

As there is an Interceptor 650 in my household which belongs to my elder brother and lucky enough to ride it for a good 5000 kilometers, I am sharing some thoughts on it.

The Inty and CGT 650 are capable machines, keeping the limits in mind this bike can be a very fun and relaxing bike to ride, if it is pushed beyond its limits there will be unease between the rider and bike, which is not a good feeling to have.

On the stock setup, it is enjoyable to ride in the range of 80 -100 kmph, beyond this point the stability and braking efficiency drops.

Ergonomics has been discussed widely on forums and videos, so no point saying much about it. In my observations being a guy who is 5’10 or 5’11(I think), thin, and weighs under 61 kilos, the seat starts getting uncomfortable beyond a point, say like 100 kms after this around every 30 kms I tend to shift myself around, stand for awhile ease the discomfort. But with all the faults it possesses, I love and enjoy it with all my heart, especially that gorgeous engine note and that timeless design in Silver with spoked wheels.

Some pics of the beauty

Contd..

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

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