KTM 890 Duke R Problems: Why Will You Hate It?

The new KTM 890 Duke R may look a lot like the 790 Duke, but it is touted as quicker, more maneuverable, and smoother than its predecessor. Many new owners of the bike were quick to confirm the hype but others who experienced it already were left quite disappointed with the troubles that came with it.

When it comes to performance, the 890 definitely puts the 790 in the backseat, but it's the problems that we are more concerned about and the resulting headache as well as the costs associated with their repairs. With that, here's a quick look at the common complaints raised by owners of the bike since it was rolled into the market.

Sprocket Output Shaft Oil Leak

The output shaft of the sprocket is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the rear wheel. It is located at the back of the motorcycle and is connected to the engine via a chain. The output shaft is made up of two parts, namely the inner shaft and the outer shaft. The inner shaft is connected to the engine via a spline connection, while the outer shaft is threaded into the hub of the rear wheel.

The output shaft oil leak is a common problem in motorcycles but the KTM 890 Duke R is more prone to this. The symptoms of this problem include oil leaks from around the output shaft area, noise from the output shaft, reduced power transfer from the engine to the rear wheel, and a combination of these things. If not addressed immediately, this problem can lead to further damage to the output shaft or the engine.

The possible causes of output shaft oil leaks include worn or damaged seals around the output shaft, a hole in the output shaft itself, and damage to the output shaft bearings. Meanwhile, the likely solutions to this problem include replacing the seals around the output shaft, repairing or replacing the output shaft itself, and replacing the bearings in the output shaft.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is important to take your motorcycle to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage.

Valve Cover Gasket Weep

This tends to happen if the bike is stationary or moving slowly in traffic under hot weather conditions. The gasket starts to seep oil slowly and gradually, which then starts to drip on the ground. This can happen due to many reasons such as extreme heat, over-tightening of the bolts, and using the wrong type of sealant, among others.

If this problem is not addressed immediately, it can lead to engine failure as the oil will start to leak out faster and in larger quantities. This will cause the engine to overheat and eventually seize up.

One of the most common causes of a valve cover gasket weep is constant exposure to extreme heat. When the bike is used frequently in hot weather conditions, the gasket starts to soften and expand, which leads to seepage.

Over-tightened bolts can also be the culprit. If the bolts that hold the valve cover in place are over-tightened, it can cause the gasket to fail.

Then, using the wrong type of sealant can also cause the gasket to fail. Make sure to use a high-quality sealant that is designed for use on motorcycle engines.

Next, the incorrect installation of the gasket can lead to failure. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully when installing the gasket to avoid this.

Lastly, a worn gasket that's no longer capable of providing a tight seal will surely cause oil leaks.

Applying a high-quality sealant can temporarily stop the leak, but it is not a permanent solution. So, the most effective solution that will usually solve the problem permanently is to replace the gasket.

On the other hand, if the bolts are simply loose, tightening them may stop the leak. Just make sure that they are not over-tightened so they will not cause additional problems later on. Likewise, some adjustments may only be required for an improperly installed gasket.

In some cases where the issue has caused irreparable damage to the internal components of the engine, rebuilding or replacing the power unit may be the only solution, which should only be done by a qualified mechanic.

Noisy Chain

The chain of the KTM 890 Duke R is tasked with transferring power from the engine to the rear wheel. Over time, the chain can become stretched or damaged, which can produce noises. If the problem is not addressed immediately, it can damage the engine or transmission.

One of the possible causes of the noisy chain includes worn-out sprockets. The sprockets are the teeth that engage with the chain. Over time, they can become worn down, which can cause the chain to slip or make noise. Replacing the sprockets is the best solution to this problem.

A damaged chain can also cause strange sounds. Inspect the chain for any damage such as stretching, kinking, or broken links. If the damage is severe, the best solution is to replace the chain.

In addition, a dirty chain can trigger the noises. Inspect the chain for any dirt or debris that may be causing friction. Clean the chain with a suitable cleaner and lubricate it if necessary to resolve the issue.

Furthermore, the tension of the chain should be checked regularly. If the chain is too loose, it can cause noise. Adjust the tension according to the manufacturer's specifications.

If you find that your motorcycle's chain is making noise, it is important to address the problem immediately. Doing so will prevent further damage to your bike, ensure that it continues to run smoothly, and keep you free from accidents.

ABS Failure

When the ABS in the KTM 890 Duke R fails, it can trigger various symptoms. The most common symptom is a loss of braking power. This can be due to a loss of hydraulic pressure, which prevents the brakes from working properly. Other symptoms include the ABS light coming on, the brake pedal feeling softer than usual, and the brakes making unusual noises. If the problem is not addressed immediately, it can lead to serious accidents or injuries.

Oftentimes, the exact cause of an ABS failure is hard to pinpoint because these can range from electrical or mechanical problems. In the case of the KTM 890 Duke R though, the most common is a leak in the hydraulic system. Another is an electrical problem with the ABS sensors or control unit. A problem with the ABS software itself should not be dismissed as well.

Some of these problems can be fixed with a new seal for the leaking parts, repair for the faulty wiring and connectors, replacement for the damaged components like the sensors, or flashing for software issues. Others may require a more comprehensive repair if the problem has spread out to many parts of the bike. Regardless of the cause, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and addressed as soon as possible to avoid future complications and serious accidents.

ABS failure can be a tough problem to diagnose, so it is important to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible by an expert. If you notice any of the symptoms described above, be sure to take your bike to a qualified mechanic for further diagnosis and repair. With proper care and maintenance, your KTM 890 Duke R should provide years of trouble-free riding enjoyment.

Brake Light Not Turning Off

There are several possible causes for the brake light not turning off in the KTM 890 Duke R. One possible cause is that the brake light switch is not adjusted correctly. Another is a problem with the brake light bulbs. Yet another possibility is that there is a problem with the brake light circuit itself, particularly the fuse.

One way to solve the problem of the brake light not turning off is to adjust the brake light switch. This can be done by loosening the switch and moving it up or down until the brake light goes off. If this does not solve the problem, then the next step is to check the bulbs. Make sure that they are all screwed in tight and that they are not burned out. If they appear to be burned out, then replace them with new bulbs.

If the brake light still does not turn off after checking the bulbs and adjusting the switch, then there may be a problem with the brake light circuit. This can be checked by using a multimeter to test for continuity in the circuit. If there is no continuity, then the circuit may need to be replaced. In this case, pay special attention to the fuses as they are mostly the culprits in most electrical issues experienced by KTM bikes.

Brake Stutter

There have been complaints about the brake stuttering in the KTM 890 Duke R after riding non-stop for around 15 minutes. One reason for this is that the brake may be slipping due to the oil getting in the brakes. This can be prevented by regularly checking for leaks and having them repaired accordingly.

Another possible reason is that the pads may be glazed. In this case, you will need to sand the pads down to remove the glaze.

Finally, the rotors may be warped which can make the brakes stutter. To fix this, you will need to replace the rotors.

If you are experiencing a brake stutter on your KTM 890 Duke R, it is important to figure out what is causing it. Only then can you take the necessary steps to fix the problem. Checking and changing the oil regularly is one way to prevent it from happening.

If the pads are glazed, you will need to sand them down. Finally, if the rotors are warped, you will need to replace them. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your brakes will work properly and stutter-free.

Conclusion

Judging the facts we uncovered here, the KTM 890 Duke R surely suffers from plenty of issues. These can range from mechanical and electrical problems, but it is most notorious for its oil leaks which can be quite problematic if it starts spreading out to the other components of the bike.

If you are thinking of buying the bike, be sure to assess your options carefully and consider whether the maintenance costs far outweigh the enjoyment you can derive from your ride. On the other hand, if you already own the product, be sure to watch out for the symptoms of its common problems so you can fix them on the get-go and greatly reduce your risk of getting them out of your control.