5 Common Myths - KTM Duke 390 and 125, 200, 250

[@trevormcconnell8739]

After growing up riding my old man's 70's era Honda's I finally bought my own bike - a KTM 390! David, your videos are not only educational, but enjoyable as well. These have been excellent supplemental knowledge to the owner's manual for maintenance and I've even found myself even watching little videos like this. You put together great content!

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks Trevor. I hope you have fun.

[@EternalInfinity8]

Excellent videos on 390 Duke, I am yet to find anything better on KZbin which talks about 390 Duke in such details!

[@MotoMirius]

Glad you like them! Thanks, much appreciated

[@theaustralianconundrum]

@@MotoMirius 4:09 The fan will come on after literally no time at all with an ambient of 20 C even though you are going 20 mph. The laughably cheap n nasty TFT dash that cost KTM around US$25.00 from China is also erroneous as well. The temp gauge "bar graph" in fact does only register to a preset temp and then stops. I have 3 of the litre sportbikes from Japan and they have a fan as well, however unlike the fake TFT on these KTM's the digital temps are actually wired up and will read from nil to 40C or 60C or 80C or fans on at 100C and even to 115C if the fans can't even cope.

[@adithya7]

Even i thought supermoto mode just turns off the rear abs.. Thanks for the info 😃

[@MotoMirius]

If you check the spec of the 390 Adventure, the off-road ABS sounds just like the ABS in Supermoto moto mode

[@jonomasonILoveU]

Having just purchased the 2022 Duke390 (30days ago) I sofar have no issues with this corner rocket and totally love KTM, already looking forward to getting the Duke890.

[@MotoMirius]

890 is a great bike

[@tinks43]

All good info, As you know I don’t have this bike but love learning about any bike. Cheers

[@MotoMirius]

Always good fun that. Does that make us nerds?

[@ribenawrath]

I have the first gen and none of these issues really affect me. The only two complaints are, the fan blowing hot air on me, the tank range,.

[@MotoMirius]

It's certainly not set up to be a touring bike. I'm not sure if there is any difference in tank range between the early and later bikes. I guess the adventure should have better range.

[@officialhavre]

I got a 2021 2 years ago in Sweden and it has exhaust routed underneath so it's not just India.

[@ricardoalbertosanchezjaime3310]

I love your comment on the filosofy of KTM that is ready to race, not ready to go to the shops HAHAHAHAA it crack me up... Truly love your videos. hope you're good. In my mind you're like the cool uncle that teaches you useful stuff, thank you. Best regards from México.

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks, much appreciated!

[@cavitecheckpoint]

Nice vid once again, the new bs6 have quick shifter but does it also have auto blip feature? And can you diy install a quickshifter and auto blip system.

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks. Most piggyback ECU have an option for the quickshifter and for example the RapidBike EVO and Racing units have auto blip with that, so I could install by buying the add on module and shifter www.raceandtrackdayparts.co.uk/products/rapid-bike-up-down-shifter-auto-blipper

[@andrewwiltse8882]

Thank you so much! I have a 2019 and I haven’t used Supermoto mode but I will now. My front caliper wasn’t aligned to the disc, realigning that seem to help. Interesting stuff, Thx again!

[@MotoMirius]

Glad you got that fixed, sometimes it's only small things, so well done!

[@andrewwiltse8882]

@@MotoMirius Thanks David, if it’s been misaligned for 1300miles should I change the pads?✌️

[@MotoMirius]

@@andrewwiltse8882 If the pads are OK and the braking is OK then no, they will wear to a new shape if need be!

[@andrewwiltse8882]

@@MotoMirius Thanks again between you and Dave Moss I stay informed!🍻

[@redfootballer]

I love my duke 125 . It’s great so far . I Got it in September 2020 and haven’t had any problems with it so far . Only thing I will say is places need to stop listing parts that fit all when the bar ends are solid with m6 threads not open ended like company’s will tell you so their parts fit all bikes lie sells parts .

[@MotoMirius]

Great to hear. Yeah, the bars can be an issue - although stuff with M6 fittings will still fit, otherwise you end up cutting the welded section out.

[@yahoodlums]

The Gen 2 is a cracking bike. So punchy for its size. Although I'm really hoping they bring out a 490 twin in the near future.... Another 10-15 bhp would make it more motorway friendly.

[@MotoMirius]

I hear you. I really don't think KTM intended this bike to be used on the motorway - the engine tuning is just not right for it. I've ridden it on the motorway but it's got to be one of the worst bikes I've ever used for that purpose!

[@miketran4289]

The new 2022 490 twin Duke's have been announced months ago.. can't wait.

[@paullondon7728]

Just subscribed loving the channel I have a 2017 390 only thing I am confused about is the slipper clutch how to use it and how it works Thanks Paul

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks Paul. The slipper clutch in this bike is a simple ramp inside the clutch. The clutch engages and slips according to how much pressure is put on the clutch plates. The ramp simply allows the clutch to slip a little if too much torque is placed on it - like changing down without pulling the clutch lever in. But as with all things race oriented, the pursuit of losing a micro second off each lap comes with a price, and racing is very expensive, so whilst it's a great feature, using the clutch lever will place less stress on the clutch for those times when you aren't competing in a race. But when you want to hammer into a corner Supermoto style, well....

[@callumboothroyd3766]

Good video david, one thing I'd love to see as I'm a novice electrician at best is a video of how to turn the ABS off via a switch. Ive done all the upgrades I could have possibly done to my duke, but I can't turn off the abs without removing the fuse. Thanks again for the informative vid!

[@MotoMirius]

It's not something I'm going to do on mine as I don't need it, and I don't mind the ABS running for general running about, but as I understand it you just need to isolate the power supply to the ABS unit. I'm sure you'll get a dash warning - but if you turn the ABS off with mine you get a 'Not Legal' flag on the dash to remind you.

[@callumboothroyd3766]

@@MotoMirius mine is a 125 2019 so no option for me unfortunately. I'd need to wire it to the fuse itself as I have been told. Maybe I'll get my mechanic to do it instead as I don't wanna mess around with that, cheers though anyway!

[@MotoMirius]

@@callumboothroyd3766 Either remove the ABS fuse or put a switch on the power wire from the ABS fuse to the ABS unit. All you are doing is removing power from the ABS unit.

[@callumboothroyd3766]

@@MotoMirius how could I determine which cable goes to where? I've taken the abs fuse out before so I know it's location I just don't know how I'd wire it in

[@MotoMirius]

@@callumboothroyd3766 If you aren't sure then best to get someone to do it for you, because not only do you need to get the right wire but you need to have the ability to properly splice in a switch. Even mechanics refuse to work on electrics so no foul in getting someone to do this for you.

[@dynai1]

Just wanted to say thanks for the info on #3 and its radiator and hot left leg explanation, I had the same experience on its cousin the husky 401, and as you mentioned they changed the routing on the 2020 models of the husky and on the 2021 390dukes.

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks. Not really an issue here - most times we are glad for the extra heat!

[@ezioauditore2376]

How do you do a stoppie if you can't turn the front abs off? Great info btw, I will have to start using the supermoto mode

[@MotoMirius]

Abs only fully kicks in when it senses the front wheel locking. Stoppies rely on the front wheel still rolling so not locked when the rear wheel is coming up off the ground. If you lock the front wheel while the back wheel is in the air then you are probably going to crash! Generally turn abs off for stunts because you want to be 100% in control and not have a computer changing stuff. Thanks and have fun.

[@ezioauditore2376]

@@MotoMirius aah right! Seems obvious now that you told me, thanks very much again! Keep it up

[@adamstyles823]

Fan comes on at 4 bars for me on Duke 125 but at times only comes on for about 10 mins then goes off when temp goes down

[@MotoMirius]

Sounds about right to me

[@theaustralianconundrum]

@@MotoMirius Their temp bars are locked at 4 bars. You haven't worked out what KTM/BAJAJ are trying to do here?

[@springy-2112]

Great info David I agree with Cotti, always good to learn new things.. Also a life lesson in doing research for yourself .. Peace and love brother 👍🏻☮❤

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks Springy, always fun to do something less serious from time to time!

[@benjiiswaycool]

Hi David thanks for the videos mate been really helpful, just adding a comment to help a little in return. Cheers mate much appreciated!

[@MotoMirius]

Much appreciated, thanks!

[@Jameslife365]

I just bought a ktm 390 an the rear breaks are really bad. I saw you lock yours up! I'm going to bleed them see if it helps.

[@MotoMirius]

Yeah, I have no issue with locking up - easier in Supermoto mode because of course the ABS is going to mess with you in normal mode - but even that is possible

[@theaustralianconundrum]

@@MotoMirius The 390 Duke is SO heavy for a tiny 40bhp engine it is ridiculous. KTM claim 149kg dry weight (less fuel, oil and coolant). Add these fluids and you now have a 165kg (wet) short wheelbase bike of small proportions yet which clearly needs to be in the 145kg (wet range to be competitive. Apparently Bajaj think differently. A 1987 Suzuki Gamma 500cc road bike had a wet weight of 175kg yet made 84bhp at the rear wheel. In 2023 it is NOT a masterful claim to produce a small bike of 373cc with today's technology that is 10kg lighter than a "fossil" yet produces a pathetic 40bhp. This is NOT progress. It's a joke.

[@saipratheek5499]

Recently I've encountered an article in internet that the Life span of 390 Duke's engine is 50,000kms.... Is that true or a Myth ....????

[@tusharkantihansdah]

Yes, and some times even shorter...it needs a rebuild at 50k and some times the engine also gets seized..

[@MotoMirius]

Some engines need a rebuild, some don't. This is true of all bikes, but especially smaller bikes that get ridden hard and with younger owners.

[@tusharkantihansdah]

@@MotoMirius 390 is a high compression engine and is under a lot of load and when ridden hard as they are ment to be ..80% of the 390s require some minor or major rebuild before 50k km..but that's not a problem bcoz 50k km is a long life for a sporty engine and this can happen to some other bikes as well ..but there is no doubt that Japanese 300 are more reliable

[@MotoMirius]

@@tusharkantihansdah Most of the ones that need rebuilding are not properly serviced - the harder you ride, the more you need to service. This applies to all engines from all manufacturers.

[@tusharkantihansdah]

@@MotoMirius let's see what happens to my 390.. riding it hard and doing service at 2.8-3k km..

[@chriss--333]

This is so helpful! I dont have this bike but i whana buy it in like 5 - 6 months....It is good for a begginer?...i have 5 feet 8. Anyway i just love your videos! You are Awsome!

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks, much appreciated. Yes, it's a great bike for beginners, but you should be a little careful as it is fast enough to get you into situations that as a beginner you don't have the experience to safely deal with. Height should not be a problem - depending on the length of your legs you may not get both feet down at the same time, but this is normal with many bikes.

[@chriss--333]

@@MotoMirius thank you so much! This is so helpful for ME!

[@fcukoffkiddo]

Superb sir ❤️❤️loved it👍👍

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks, much appreciated! Skäl David

[@bahharyouness7335]

I just buy for my very first bike a ktm duke 250cc 2019 it is a reliable bike ? Please am so afraid that I didnt make a good choice and if someone own or owned one can please share his exeperience with us

[@MotoMirius]

The vast majority of owners are very happy. Bear in mind happy owners don't spend time posting to forums about how well their bikes are running. Those who have the smallest issue will post to every facebook group and every forum. This is especially true when their dealer is refusing to solve the issue for free - normally because the warranty conditions were not met or the bike has been poorly looked after. But of course this is never mentioned when people are complaining. Bear this in mind before making any assumptions about issues. There are some well known issues with certain KTM models - but no major or common issues with the small Dukes. A lot of the small Dukes have been made - if you make 10 million bikes and ten thousand have issues, it is still a small issue and well within what would be considered normal for mechanical failure.

[@africatwinman]

Yep like cutting out for unknown reasons I found side stand switch touches so adjust it . Problem solved

[@MotoMirius]

Yeah, side stand switch is a very common cause of cutting out.

[@impreza99rs]

Great video. A quick question... the gen 3 BS6 model has a rerouted header pipe, but the section were the muffler connects looks exactly the same. Do you think a slip on exhaust for the gen 2 390, would fit on the gen 3? (If I was to only change the muffler) Thanks in advance.

[@MotoMirius]

I think there is a good chance it will - but I've only seen one in real life briefly. It would make sense for them to keep it the same.

[@impreza99rs]

@@MotoMirius thank you for the response, I will probably end up doing the resonator removal mod of the stock muffler. (Which was a another fantastic video!) Thank you for all the great info. The Dukes aren’t very popular in the states yet... but the KTM dirt bikes are. The 390 is a fantastic bike. 😎👍

[@norirfanismail483]

Are there any written facts or sources which one can understand the power delivery when in supermoto mode? Im on the 390, often switching between road and SM mode. But other than it allowing me to powerslide, i dont feel any difference in the response. Correct me if im wrong, but im really interested to know more. Cheers mate!

[@MotoMirius]

Changing the throttle response profile won't give you more power, it just alters how much the throttle opens at different positions of the hand grip. I've not yet found anyone who has actually run one of these for this purpose on a dyno - most people are just looking to build or modify maps, so they aren't spending the extra money to test it on the different settings.

[@norirfanismail483]

@@MotoMirius ive been racing the previous generation of the 390. Trying the new second gen later this year, but just curious on the two modes. Can't find anything online either, other than most guys talking about the rear being switched off and that's about it.

[@MotoMirius]

@@norirfanismail483 there isn't a lot out there - the rear switch off is mentioned in the manual but the piggyback ECUs have added functionality such as blip and ignition cut, which go hand in hand with the ride by wire and I've seen reference to the stock ECU also using ignition cut. I just suspect people aren't paying attention to the possibilities that ride by wire offers. RB Racing piggyback even has launch control as well as a pit lane limiter. KTM are not ignorant of the possibilities.

[@norirfanismail483]

@@MotoMirius awesome. I hope you can come up with a detailed video regarding this. Keep up with the great job mate, cheers!

[@m.rsteengrei3569]

Hi.Thank you for all the useful information.May I ask a technical question? Is it possible to install ECU and injector assembly of a duke 250 onto a duke 200 (or any larger duke to smaller for that matter) and get good results? in terms of power and torque increase? thanks.

[@MotoMirius]

I'm unconvinced that the ECU will help over much, but the larger injector can help. But it will only held if you have also increased the airflow sufficiently otherwise the ECU will simply reduce the fuel flow. Some argue that a larger injector can help anyway, others argue you need to mod the airbox otherwise there isn't enough air flow. Remember also that your fuel pump will need to be sufficient for the increased fuel flow.

[@christianlundesnsterud2310]

Does the duke 125 2018 have the super moto option? I can’t seem to find it

[@MotoMirius]

Yes, it should have - 2021 125 has it - but it depends where you are. Europe, USA etc got the top spec models, some parts of the world got downgraded models to compete with cheaper bikes - but from your name, yes, you should. You need to be stationary, Set, Motorcycle, Set, Down, Hold Set.

[@christianlundesnsterud2310]

@@MotoMirius thanks. I might be running a old firmware. I will ask the mechanic on my next service.

[@rrvillareal2011]

is there a mods for cruise control since this has ride by wire

[@MotoMirius]

I’ve not come across one. No reason there shouldn’t be one but the bike isn’t designed for cruising so I guess demand is too low.

[@rrvillareal2011]

@@MotoMirius Thanks, I have a question, on your video where you added the rapidbike evo, they also provide quickshifter option but does the quickshifter works both up and down?

[@dsj66u]

Question for you mate should the back light alwaus be on as mine is

[@MotoMirius]

Yes, lights are always on - front and back.

[@Thehustler87]

Hey I’m planning to service my bike myself. Any headers on that? I’m gonna change the engine oil and I’m gonna flush engine change oil the oil filter and also planning to change the fuel filter since it hasn’t been changed since I’ve bought the bike i have a 2017 model is it gonna be too difficult?

[@MotoMirius]

I have a video on the base service kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWiZhYGOba5krsk and in my 2017 KTM Duke 390 playlist you'll find some other videos which I'm adding on things like brakes. You shouldn't have any issues so good luck!

[@vasriz9788]

Hi David I have a duke 125 2020 only has 3000 miles has a problem since I have it and ktm can’t fixed they had the bike 4 times now and no results Bike cutting out when is moving and is on any gear but clutch in before you pull away Please help Thanks

[@MotoMirius]

The most common cause is the side stand switch. Not sure what you mean about the clutch in before pulling away.

[@vasriz9788]

Hi Thanks for your reply “Clutch in “ when bike is on gear and clutch lever is apply So if bike rolls forward at lower speed (5miles) and still in first gear as soon as you accelerate it cut off no warning sign or anything on display I have had the bike at ktm few times as still in warranty last time was there for 2weeks and all sensors and switches have been verified also they charge the spark plugs coil and in 4 miles after they done all that bike cut off again I will video record this problem and if you like i can send it to you I don’t know what to do! Thanks

[@MotoMirius]

Why are you revving the bike when it is rolling but you have the clutch pulled in? Does it cut out if you rev it the same but with the clutch out? You need to identify exactly when it happens

[@cmcravo]

How you doing, I Have a Husqy 401, as you probably know the engine is the exact same, I'm trying to get to my gear Position sensor (its dead and needs replacement not sure if im the only one) The sensor sits behind the flywheel... (engineers being engineers i guess) Any idea how to remove it without the special tool? The puller treads are reversed so the typical methods dont work.

[@cmcravo]

Ive been following your videos for a bit and i think you could be of help in this

[@MotoMirius]

Thanks. KTM part is pretty pricey for what it is. It's only the nut that is reverse threaded. I'm sure you could make a locking tool easily enough from a couple of bars bolted together or there are a lot of generic clutch basket tools out there which are cheap enough that making something is more trouble than it's worth.

[@cmcravo]

@@MotoMirius If you ever do a video on that I would watch it as there are not any quality videos on the subject, was annoying AF to fix, ended up borrowing the special tool from a dealership... I really think it's a bad design, on an otherwise friendly motorcycle to work on. Also the Sensor was completely busted idk what happened.

[@MotoMirius]

@@cmcravo It's on my list of things to do - one day I want to try the shifter upgrade which also means taking out the clutch basket. I suspect most dealers actually just hit it with an impact.

[@cmcravo]

@@MotoMirius Oh, no you got me wrong. Im talking about the flywheel sits on the other side of the motor.

[@jamiehowarth8108]

Well I got a uk bs6 today in the uk and the pipe is also running under the bike

[@MotoMirius]

Ah interesting, thanks. They haven't sold the BS6 in the UK before. How is the ground clearance on speed bumps - there were complaints in India last year.

[@jamiehowarth8108]

@@MotoMirius it’s seems good I hear they routed it the old way as they we’re going to make it a adventure bike but then they made the actual 390 adventure so rerouted the exhaust under the bike it’s also flat rather than round so it gives more clearance but seems to of made bike very quiet

[@MotoMirius]

@@jamiehowarth8108 If you have a bit of spare cash Bagoros Performance have released a decat pipe for the BS6 which will make it less quiet - the BS6 has two cats.

[@sondrings8612]

Do you have a video or the knowledge of hoe to trim/get more horsepowers on a ktm duke 125 2017 mod? Or at least know a website where i can find this information

[@MotoMirius]

All of the basics will work the same on the 125 as the 390 - de cat, debaffle, airbox lid, piggyback ECU etc and you'll find some videos talking about these on my channel. Be sure not to follow the advice for the pre 2017 bikes as these were different. Of course, I have to point out that unless you are locked into the 125 because of licence etc then the most cost effective way to get more horsepower is to change to a 390 - cheaper to sell the 125 and buy the 390, the price difference is less than the cost of the upgrades and a stock 390 will outperform the most highly modded 125 because it is a 125 with a 390 (three times the engine size) engine bolted in. For this reason not many people talk about upgrades to the 125.

[@sondrings8612]

@@MotoMirius i understand. Thank you for the help. Yes i am locked to 125 because of my license :/

[@MotoMirius]

Yeah I guessed as much. Hopefully you’ll be able to move past that soon. I’d like to get the 125 but they are so overpriced.

[@sondrings8612]

@@MotoMirius yeah thats true. But a guy i know did something with his 125 2017 mod that made his bike a littlebit faster, and it were something that needed some deassemblying, do you know what that is?

[@MotoMirius]

@@sondrings8612 Not without a little bit more technical description of what you are talking about. There is nothing special about the 125 - its the same bike with the same parts but smaller cylinder etc

[@ManojKumar-oc2ku]

I have a Question sir I have duke 390 Bs6 india model When I ride its front callipers gives some annoying sound!! The Bike is New about 992km only It is normal or I am over taking care of my bike 🙄?

[@SuperImbadude]

It is normal, and you are not over caring for your bike. As if you would you will clean the brake caliper to eliminate the problem.

[@MotoMirius]

That description doesn't really help very much. You shouldn't be getting any sound - have you cleaned the caliper recently? Anything that is making noise should be easy to spot.

[@ManojKumar-oc2ku]

@@MotoMirius I didn’t cleaned it myself I told a mechanic during my 1st service but i think they didn’t took seriously 😑

[@MotoMirius]

@@ManojKumar-oc2ku This is why I do all my own servicing. Most of the videos on my channel, are showing how to do the basic services. Of course if you have a warranty to maintain then dealer service has to be done. But it doesn't mean that you can't learn how to identify what is going wrong - it will help when you talk the mechanics as it can be hard for them to diagnose a problem from a vague description. Good luck!

[@APtS_Gh0stHunt3R]

KTM "ready to take a bath" :P

[@MotoMirius]

Bath? You mean you clean your bike?

[@shonith91]

The supermoto mode changing throttle response doesn't seem accurate. I have read the owners manual for the 2019 390 and no where is it mentioned about the change in throttle response. I have riden bikes with riding modes, read their owners manual and change in throttle response is something that is clearly mentioned in the owners manual as it can lead to accidents. Try to make accurate videos and also include facts rather than speak about what you "feel", "think" etc etc.

[@MotoMirius]

Try reading the KTM description for the 390 Adventure Off Road ABS which uses the same ABS unit. Always best to do your research before.

[@shonith91]

@@MotoMirius 390 adv is a different bike with loads of additional features. How does the 390 adv having a feature, imply that even the duke should have it when the owners manual itself doesn't state it. ABS unit may be the same on both but that doesn't mean the rest of the things are also the same. Search for 390 duke in specific and share your results if you find them. Don't mix up features from one bike to the other.

[@gekolizzard]

No bullshit only the facts…👍

[@MotoMirius]

Indeed!

[@theaustralianconundrum]

Here's NO myth about these pieces of junk. They are all poorly made, suffer from dreadful QC, use very low quality components, are made to a price point of preposterous lowness in order to shift these things out the door. End of story. They are in fact "having a laugh".

[@MotoMirius]

Just like the small bikes from the Japanese manufacturers who also subcontract out the manufactur to other parts of Asia.

[@PetSounds38]

Lol. 36000km on my unreliable rc390, still waiting for issues.