Top reliability issues of the KTM 390 Duke / RC390.

[@Mr450pro]

I searched this after looking at a used Duke 390, I can only say hell no, i won’t go through that. But really nice video 👌🏻

[@SamiB91]

These same problems apply for Svartpilen and Vitpilen as well. My Vitpilen had oil sensor leaking after 20k km during a trip. Not the most pleasant surprise when you're far away from home...

[@steven-vn9ui]

Good advice, you really do know your stuff! I have a Gen 2 and first thing I did was put on a rapid bike easy to help with lower rev range fuelling. Ride safe brother

[@RhoadsChristopher]

That was the first unit I started with as well. Good for those wanting to add some reliability when it comes to fueling. I have a some informative post on yhe RBE on the 390dukeforum.

[@steven-vn9ui]

@@RhoadsChristopher Thanks, I am a member over there, I'll be sure to check it out. Thank you, Sir

[@nnlniclb]

couldnt find it what is your username?

[@larsthorwald3338]

Thanks for the video. I was looking at this bike, but I prefer riding to wrenching, so I guess I'll shop for a Honda.

[@planetphatness]

I always figured the issues are people riding the bike hard or abusing it (wheelies, off road, track, jumping it), not your normal commute bike and the occasional "flying through the twistes"

[@rivercitymetaldetecting9854]

A lot of it is. Many times it is people wringing the bike out from day one ignoring the break in period and thinking oil changes & maintenance is a suggestion. ...but it is always the bike not the owner.

[@haziqkazeek]

@@rivercitymetaldetecting9854 make senses

[@pauln6803]

​@@rivercitymetaldetecting9854 It's almost a given that learners and new riders tend to neglect maintenance, but that doesn't excuse all the electrical issues and things like airbox not sealing and allowing crap to bypass the filter, dicky camchain tensioners, paint bubbling and flaking, rocker arm bearings prematurely wearing, rocker cover gaskets leaking, heads warping and the hydraulic clutch slave cylinders leaking that has been an issue for decades now. My RC8R hasn't been bad (the original RC8 gained an appalling reputation) over the past decade of ownership, but I had to get rid of a 690 due to being plagued with electrical issues. The paint started flaking off the tail unit as well. I don't want to hate KTM, I think they have some great designs, but they haven't fixed issues that date back to models 15-20 years ago and they're notorious for refusing warranty claims.

[@timothymoore7988]

I appreciate the video. I was considering a Svartpilen but will stay away from KTM/Husqvarna.

[@Jonathan-yd8ud]

KTM....."Ready to repair"

[@cccoinz]

trueee

[@interstellarguy]

Really informative. There are also these water pump seals which fails easily which results in coolant mixing with oil.

[@RhoadsChristopher]

Ah shoot, did I not talk about those? I meant to bring that one up. I've replaced those on my own bike.

[@khmerghost]

I think he did mention about the oil seal

[@kankit230]

Mostly in 1st gen ones, later that problem was sorted

[@embracethesuck1041]

He mentioned at about 8:45

[@finophile]

excellent video and great presentation. Very helpful

[@RhoadsChristopher]

Cheers mate.

[@hometownguy7184]

holy nightmare!was looking at these for the wife...honda here we come

[@Snotroggel453]

Honda, yamaha, kawasaki, suzuki.. they’re all incredibly reliable.

[@stug77]

oh no we've driven another to the cult of honda

[@stratblacknosugar.5125]

I was wondering why there are so many cheap low mileage ktm 390 on the market, from sunny England.

[@onyx_might72]

Same here in florida. Cant find a mt03 or cb300r on marketplace. But type in duke and there everywhere​@@stratblacknosugar.5125

[@bve7397]

Couldnt suggest anything else lol! I got 2 bikes for a reason.. ktm is always a dangerous thing

[@Colt67676]

Can you link the parts? You'd be great at making the videos showing timing chain changes and stuff

[@4strokehearts]

Excellent vid, much needed

[@khmerghost]

Yes same reliability issue with the Duke 200. Definitely have some lean issue which caused multiple major problems with the bike. It gets hot pretty fast unlike other bikes. But I havent got a clue to a cheaper way to fix that other than a remap.

[@pandagmail3505]

How about Spal fan with a manual switch

[@khmerghost]

@@pandagmail3505 Its not about the fan brand . Its about how much vacuum you can create to dissipate the heat off the radiator. So with that being said. A high rpm fan with dual fan setup would have bigger effect on cooling capability then a single fan. A friend of mine removed the black paint using paint remove on the radiator it also dramatically lowered the temperature. So in reality the black coating is helping the radiator to heat up faster and not able to dissipate heat faster , it's like comparing a polar bear with and without the thick fur the body gets cold faster same analogy goes to the radiator. 1. Dual fan setup 2. Remove black paint 3. Probably change your radiator coolant fan and seals because the fan on that coolant gets broken pretty easily and cause no coolant flow.

[@nnlniclb]

comeon Duke 200 runs much cooler than the 390. A Spal fan and Engine Ice for the coolant will be more than enough. And the Duke 200 is not as lean as the 390. The 390 is too lean from the factory and its painful to ride in traffic not just because of the heat but due to the jerking.

[@MrJmac509]

Great video. I appreciate the detailed explanations.

[@michaelcrouch5708]

Just replaced my oil pressure sensor on my 2017 gen 2, it would randomly throw up an oil pressure warning on dash, mileage at 6000, otherwise all ok and great fun.

[@RhoadsChristopher]

It's still a great bike. This list is just the typical issues I've seen. Honestly, some people might be put off by it, but a majority of the issues presented here are rather easy to fix.

[@prajwalms9221]

man you are the saviour

[@RhoadsChristopher]

Thanks, feel free to subscribe for future videos

[@TheRolfano]

@@RhoadsChristopher what year is the Duke?

[@RhoadsChristopher]

@@TheRolfano 2016

[@teddysurf]

So first, you answered a question of mine on another video, and I really appreciate it. Thank you for taking the time to do that. Second, are you sure you had a head gasket issue with the coolant? Another KZbinr with a Svartpilen 401 went to change his head gasket and discovered it was a design flaw, (which he called a casting issue) with the coolant channels being too close to where the edge of where the gasket seals. Here’s the video if you’re interested, and again, thanks for answering my question on the other video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/raTToWR6p9qWeZIsi=He9OJR40YtoH6TIq

[@RhoadsChristopher]

It is for sure a casting issue. The coolant port ends up having a low spot right where the hea gasket sits. I used dychem layout fluid to find it. I then used a thick piece of glass and various levels of sand paper to flatten both surfaces.

[@thomaskaniewski8882]

if you’re able to can you please attach a link for all the parts you mentioned that might need replacing like the oil preside sensor and the other things. maybe with a comparable part that’ll do the trick with the repair or the exact one KTM uses.

[@RhoadsChristopher]

You best bet is to look at the ktmworld website.

[@francoisg9154]

It's not the cylinder head gasket but the Gasket Cylinder Block, apparently. Confirm me please.

[@RhoadsChristopher]

That is correct. I explain that in one of my other videos there is a block spot in the casting near the water jacket. A flat piece of glass and sand paper should fix it up easy

[@philiponsolent7232]

I am looking at buying a new 390 here in the UK. More informative than the normal review of a new bike, really useful to see what I might be in for. I bought one, only time will tell how reliable it is. The main thing that takes getting used to, is the jerkiness at low revs.

[@donderstorm1845]

hey, any issues so far?

[@lostpockets2227]

update please?

[@pjaysvensson6274]

Buy a booster plug

[@justinsmith623]

Good God. Now I see why it’s called the Repair Constantly 390.

[@jasonlawrence8302]

Built in india, need I say more! Fun bikes but not to be kept for any length of time! Only buy used for 50cts on the dollar and you "Might" be safe LMAO

[@RhoadsChristopher]

They most certainly need a lot of love

[@lukanissila3914]

Planning on getting a 2019 this coming saturday. 4200€ @13000 km and good condition. I'll make a checklist of this video and go through all these. I did get a startup/idle video and it seemed to run well. Can these coolant leaks be found by just checking the oil? Could I ask to see a sample oil drain when buying?

[@RhoadsChristopher]

@lukanissila3914 yes they can, but on a 2nd gen it's usually not an issue. They fixed the head casting flaw on 2017+ heads

[@fuyoh94]

Thanks for the vid, was planning to pick a used one for cheap to do some track days. Guess I'll look for something else..

[@freddiebozwell7049]

Screen misting, screen going blank , stalling, battery removal a nightmare, my thoughts only.

[@gpsarena9627]

Battery removal on a duke 390 is a nightmare for you? 😨

[@carbq5280]

Holy shit I already knew to stay away from KTM but this is absolutely insane lol

[@WillfulThinker]

Any chance you would give me your thoughts on a surging issue I started having on my 2015 390 Duke? Bike has about 9k miles. About 500-1000 miles ago I noticed a herky jerk pulling/surging while cruising with the throttle held open at constant speed. It's getting worse and is very annoying. Feels like someone has me on a leash and keeps tugging on it. The bike is all stock* and has no other issues; no startup problems, no stalling. (* One mod: swapped the rear shock for a used R6 shock, thanks to your video on that.) Thank you in advance if you can offer your advice.

[@RhoadsChristopher]

@WillfulThinker hey. Send me an email and we can text. This might need more troubleshooting then going back and forth on KZbin. [e-mail]

[@wfodavid]

What pipe is on your bike and where did you get it?

[@solorider0078]

My ktm Rc200 has 48,780km 3 yrs old only faced a broken Shift return spring...

[@nnlniclb]

Yeah my friend rode his RC 200 for around 50k kms before selling. And he never faced a single issue other than the shifter getting loose. But he took care of it exceptionally well oil and filter changes before the interval and all. But he also redlined it all day long lol. So he knew he had to change the oil and all early. But was a good reliable bike overall.

[@QuangHaiinh]

Thanh you very much

[@AG87DDF]

The airbox cracks because cheap plastic it's used not from the seat.i have the 2012 200 Duke and i have the same problem.

[@RhoadsChristopher]

We'll you aren't wrong lol

[@tomg6284]

Thanks, have a 2022 advent. Hope ktm has addressed some of this 🙏.

[@iguanarapido2552]

KTM got issue after issue Some bikes are reliable some others in the same production line are constantly in the workshop They are cool looking bikes but poor engineering behind and virtually zero quality control Mostly single cylinder very basic engines and still manage to brake even following the maintenance meticulously

[@Lovenishsharma57]

i have a rc 200 faced all of these issues in last year and half with the quality of bolts, coolant mixing with oil, shifter seal broke oil leaking and making it impossible to shift into 1st, also now i have problems with the low end of the bike just somehow feels laggy when you try and pull it on a lower gear

[@RhoadsChristopher]

That sucks!

[@nnlniclb]

low end should be higher gear. Do you mean low rpm or low gears?

[@khmerghost]

Does the duke 390 also uses 8.7mm diameter shims?

[@RhoadsChristopher]

10mm

[@trickmustang1994]

Is there issues with the 2024 ktm duke 390? They say it's 90% new. I like the bike but if there are issues like this with it I'll pass.

[@RhoadsChristopher]

Only time will tell. New engine as well so we will have to wait and see on that onr.

[@trickmustang1994]

@RhoadsChristopher and it's cc's got bumped up to 399 as well. More cc = more power and we all like that. Thanks for the video.

[@dwaynelewis7003]

Just bought the 2022 rc390 does it still have these issues?

[@RhoadsChristopher]

Yup, but keep in mind. This video provides information on ALL of the problems I've seen. 75% of them are all minor easy to fix stuff. This doesn't mean you'll have these issues.

[@xPolloFritoOG]

They actually updated a lot of the problems on the 22+ models

[@trido1986]

My mechanic told me to stay away from from KTM and chinese bikes

[@almog1998002]

hi bro i got the rc390 2023 and i have an error that says ecu failure and the number of the gear not show up.. when i find the neutral and pull down side stant the bike turn off cause he "dont know" im in neutral.. have you got that problem?

[@pauln6803]

Sounds like the gear position sensor.

[@polok890]

Too bad, bikes look great and the small motors get good gas mileage and keep speeds down

[@Kompressor2007]

Hey man... at what mileage this type of failure start to happen?? This is a disaster for a brand like KTM. Wouldn't buy because of these things!

[@RhoadsChristopher]

The headgasket and the tensioner are the only ones experienced. This video is made up to capture ALL issues that are deemed as common problems with the bike. A basic rider will likely experience just a handful of these issues, certainly not all of them.

[@Kompressor2007]

​@@RhoadsChristopher certainly the possibility of having some of this issules (like experienced by yourself) really keep me at bay from buying it... I mean, I'd like to make a long trip (not the best bike for that, I know) so don't wanna get stranded somewhere remote. Thx for the review!!

[@VernonjRehel]

Better to buy a Honda. Reliability is the #1 thing I look for.

[@RhoadsChristopher]

Can't go wrong there.

[@pauln6803]

To be honest, most of the mechanics I've spoken to have always said "Anything Japanese multi cylinder". Yamaha currently top the reliability and build quality charts, with the big H coming second. Honda's are nice, but their build quality - especially the paint and plastics - isn't what it used to be.

[@jimevans9550]

Crank box?

[@orangerecords_studio]

what year modell is this ? I heard modells 2017 and before, is quite bad quality. But I really dont believe everythign you sey in thes video , of this is the newer modell .

[@RhoadsChristopher]

2016, 1st gen

[@daymonwhitfield290]

Hey yooo

[@RhoadsChristopher]

Yo yooo

[@daymonwhitfield290]

@@RhoadsChristopher what fan did you switch out too?and would that fix my running on the hotter side

[@daymonwhitfield290]

@@RhoadsChristopher....👀

[@Rossco139]

My buddy is having n issue with his 2017. Seems to start and run well but then starts missfiring and running like garbage after it warms up. We've checked our changed the: Plugs Fuel filter Air filter O2 sensor Cleaned the MAF Checked and set Valve clearance (which was slightly under spec) Nothing has worked. Does anyone have any ideas?

[@RhoadsChristopher]

What kind of fuel Is he running? Does he have a piggy back to add more fuel? How does his spark plug look? Can you describe the coloring?

[@Rossco139]

@RhoadsChristopher Premium in Canada (91 octane) No piggy back. The plug has been replaced. Brand new. He has changed the air filter, but hasn't checked the air box. I'm not sure how that would change after warming up? You would think if it is leaking, it's leaking.

[@Rossco139]

@@RhoadsChristopher thank you for responding!

[@RhoadsChristopher]

@@Rossco139 can you upload a video of it running on your KZbin? How did the old spark plug look? Was it what and ashy looking?

[@Rossco139]

@@RhoadsChristopher He is a 6.5hr drive from me and is on shift currently. I'll see if I can get him to send a video when he is back on days off! You're thinking maybe head gasket?

[@ctxrider7585]

Damn… quite a few annoying little issues… wow.

[@RhoadsChristopher]

It is, but keep in mind I made the video to explain the issues I have seen over tike within the community. That doesn't mean I have had these issues personally.

[@elithegreat6463]

What year is this Bike again ??

[@RhoadsChristopher]

2016

[@elithegreat6463]

@@RhoadsChristopher Do you think the newer models 21-22 have taken care of these problems ??. These early engine did over heat, and blew gaskets , But I think they fixed that ??. I'm on the fence about getting a 2022 390 Adventure ???

[@rogosteve]

@@elithegreat6463 Run like hell.

[@elithegreat6463]

@@rogosteve 😂👍, I bought a Triumph 900 GT Pro

[@Corey-pd3mi]

What model year is this bike?

[@RhoadsChristopher]

2016

[@emporergrimes]

Not mentioning the year is dumb.

[@RhoadsChristopher]

It's a 1st gen..... 2016 and earlier. They made a huge design change between both generations. The issue with the engines are basically the same since they did really didnt change them.

[@usr-coffee]

@@RhoadsChristopher i am considering one of these bikes would u say 2014 model is worth or bets tonlook else where?

[@RhoadsChristopher]

@/usr if you like the like and the price of the first gen, then yes. The 2nd Gen had a lot of nice features. EVERYTHING mentioned in this video can be fixed for cheap as parts are cheap. The thing to note is that this video covers all of the issues ice seen people have in the past. I've only personally experienced a few of them.

[@xavierpacheco2708]

Bro ur making me regret getting this bike

[@RhoadsChristopher]

Well the good news is they Re all easy and cheap fixes. I haven't experienced all of what I've listed. It's a compilation of all of the issues I've seen over the past 5 years

[@xavierpacheco2708]

@@RhoadsChristopher I got mine 2 weeks ago and losing power in the gears and only hits 65 mph when it was doing 100 like nothing don’t show my gears or nothing could be position sensor and is it internal ?????

[@RhoadsChristopher]

@@xavierpacheco2708 any modifications?

[@xavierpacheco2708]

Bone stock that I know of brother

[@dmcasson]

...how you getting on with it? I'm on my second 390 now, no issues at all. One of the earlier commenters on this article had clocked up nearly 50k km without probs. I've had bikes from all the Jap big 4, and my ktm's have not given me any more grief than these. Hope yours is the same.

[@daz2305]

Not very reliable then.

[@jamesclark4]

Made in India

[@pauln6803]

KTM is now part owned by Bajaj. Don't go thinking the current Austrian bikes are much better. I think Pierer Mobility has been pushing cost cutting and maximising expansion, rather than letting the engineers "fix" all the issues that their bikes seem to suffer. In fact, they seem to be reintroducing problems that previous models were supposed to have addressed.

[@theaustralianconundrum]

These are total junk. You should look at the wiring looms and connectors. Put together by a 10 year old with the nastiest Chinese components.

[@RT-tn4ry]

Bikes are crap , don't buy !

[@turbolenza35]

Worst bike ever.

[@Limhuangdi.3436]

Build in india🤷‍♂️🤷🤷‍♂️

[@dmcasson]

...and pretty well made too. I had a 2017 back in 2017, no issues at all. Sold it to get various bigger bikes ...and have now just bought a 2019 model...they are great bikes.

[@Limhuangdi.3436]

@@dmcasson lol the video was made because of the reliability issue's 🤣🤣🤣