There is a lot of misunderstandings of what ABS is and what it does and more importantly, what it doesn't do. Let us discuss it with a listing of what I think are 3 facts and myths surrounding ABS and why it could save your life someday . ABS is Anti Brake-Locking System As the name implies, it prevents brake locks - the heart-stopping panicking moments of wheel locking up if we apply brake too suddenly. Brakes? Kinda are more important than the engine themselves. This can cause awesome skids which could be attractive if you are a stunt rider and are stunnting. Whereas, if you are trying to stop because you are riding head-on onto oncoming traffic; I have no clue why you would be; but that wouldn't spell good for you, so stopping the biking when you want it to stop is critical for riding. ABS is any system that prevents the wheel lock, by releasing the pressure on the brake disc, if it senses a wheel lock. This is done using motion sensors, which in turn
Do you know what is most painful experiences that a bike lover can have?
Imagining your bike lying in the parking because it needs repair work being done. If you are a college going youngster, you would probably curse your parents for not giving you enough pocket money; which is very natural -probably I did as well, back then.
But if you are employed waiting for the next paycheck. The auspicious date will come by and pass, but some new expenses will always creep up.
Making the bike lie in repair state even longer!
This is it.
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| Walking Past This Everyday without Repairing it. That is the Worst Thing Ever! |
There are a lot of people who confuse Cost of Purchase (CoP) vs Cost of Ownership (CoO) of a Bike.
There are a lot of wise wisdom filled quotes that ask you not to bite more than what you can chew. It applies very well to the principle of CoP vs CoO. Being able to afford the bike, its initial payment, the document, and all the rest simply mean that you can afford the CostofPurchase.
But the real story of comes after the climax of any movie: Happily married ever after is an illusion. Congrats you have purchased the bike, now you have own up to its expenses by taking care of it. And that my dear friends, Cost of Ownership are Deceptively High for Larger Bikes - like Duke or RC390
Let us discuss the cost involved in regular maintenance, starting with a table of approximate costs of spare parts for the D390.
| Regular Consumables | Regular Consumables | |||
| Spare Parts Name | Price (₹) | Spare Parts Name | Price (₹) | |
| Service Charge | 800-1000 | Leg Guard (each) | 130 | |
| Oil Filter | 100 | Spark Plug (Stock) | 180 | |
| Fuel Filter | 100 | Single Indicator | 600 | |
| Accelerator Cable | 120 | Tail Lamp Assembly | 900 | |
| Spark Plug (3rdParty) | 250 | Handle Bar | 1000 | |
| Brake Pad – Rear | 200 | Disc Rotor Rear | 1000 | |
| Mirror- Each | 225 | Stock Exhaust Entire Kit | 1200 | |
| Clutch Cable | 240 | Headlight | 1412 | |
| Brake Pad – Front | 250 | Disc Rotor Front | 1500 | |
| Air Filter | 350 | Amaron Battery 12V-9AH | 1900 | |
| Fork Oil Seal | 900 | Set of 4 indicators | 2000 | |
| Motul Engine Cool | 900 | Front Alloy | 4000 | |
| Radiator Fan Unit | 1500 | Complete Fuel Tank Assembly | 4000 | |
| Clutch plate | 1500 | Rear Alloy | 5000 | |
| Sprocket Set | 1500 | Radiator Kit | 5000 | |
| Insurance | 4000 | Speedometer Assembly | 6000 | |
| Rear Tyres (Michelin) | 6000 | Swingarm Assembly | 7000 | |
| Rear Tyres (Metz) | 8000 | Fork Set Assembly | 23000 | |
What you need to really look at is the table to the left, which will clearly give us an estimate of the cost of service each cycle 15000kms/year:
- Every service is going to cost you at least a little more than 3000₹, thanks to the 1.5L oil capacity, now multiply that by 2/year.
- Every Tire Change will cost you minimum 10-18000₹ per pair.
- Oil Seal Replacement and Sprocket Replacement will cost 4-5000₹.
- Insurance will cost you 3-5000₹ depending on how you set it up.
- Add up Clutch Assembly/3years which I am not considering in this estimation.
- I have added mirrors as they break sometimes while parking as well, and Radiator Fan will get repaired. It is a question of when, and not if it will or not.
God forbid that you do not get into an accident, but if you do and you do not own a ZeroDep insurance, prepare to be bankrupt no much what your bank balance is. I really do not understand what courage or idiocracy the kids who ride a KTM rashly possesses? It simply isn't logically possible for a college-going kid to convince his dad to repair a bike if he crashes it!
All the above adds up to a minimum of 25000₹/year in my books.
And I chose the 15k kms because no matter what motorcycle I ride, I usually rake up that amount in minimum. And it is a modest amount anyone can do over a year, and it should roughly be around the same for you as well.
Is Cost Cutting Possible? If So How?
Tyres? Nope. Do not cheap out on tires. I have a set of Ceat Vertigo Tyres (expect a detailed review very soon!), especially for Offroading and it is great at that. On Road, it barely has 30% of grip as compared to Metz.
Engine Oil? Nope. Anything less than the Motul 7100 will feel like it is thrashing the bike, the 300v is an overkill and has a much shorter life compared to 7100, and more about that later.
Ride it less than 15k kms? Yes, that is an option. But why even buy the bike if you aren't going to ride it?
Point is.....
Not to scare you; that is for the unsuspecting pillion who sits behind you. All those aunties who try to get you married :P *story of my life* and uncles who question why you purchased a bike almost the cost of a car.
Point is to get it across that the KTM 200/390 Sisters are Deceptively a High Upkeep Machines - Make an Educated Purchase and do not let emotions rule over.
All that aside, I currently own a D390 and am completely satisfied in spending every bit of money that I do. How do I cut corners? I work on her myself as much as I can. I use it selectively for touring or when I expect to have a pillion. Do jump onto 5-Myths Around Duke/RC to understand why these bikes are worth it all
it was very great blog . to know more information click> No more maintenance fees .
ReplyDeletethank you! sure, I will check it out as well.
DeleteMost valuable and fantastic blog. I really appreciate your work which you have done about KTM 200 DUKE, many thanks and keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot brother :) Glad to know that you appreciate it! Ride Safe!
DeleteGood 2 c a honest review of ktm bikes. I thought i was going to buy it, but after consulting with many ppl (especially my friends) and also reading ur blog, looks like i have changed my mind. Interestingly it's rare 2 see a ktm owner give a honest review. I think most of them, after suffering actually want others 2 suffer as well lol.
ReplyDeleteIt pains me to see people purchase bikes and not ride it because it is pending maintenance. Have seen too many parked bikes like that. I still ride the 390 to this day, and still rake up similar maintenance. If you can truly afford it, go for it after making an calculated decision. It's the best in its bracket.
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