Powertronics Fuel X lite Duke 390

[steve hughes]

I know there are a few 390 owners on here , so I thought I would post my first impressions

This is my first mod on my new bike so I thought I would share my thoughts and experience after 70 miles.

My 390 Duke is a 2022 registered 2021 model. It’s completely stock, no exhaust or air filter mods ( yet ).

I discovered I could buy a Fuel X lite within the UK and avoid any overseas shipping and duty. Hitchcocks of Halesowen specialise in allthings Enfield but also stock Fuel X‘s for KTM.

I wanted a Fuel X lite as I was aware of the lumpy running below 5500 rpm and the chugging that can occur if too high a gear is selected. I dont labour the bike ( my background is highly strung two strokes, so I like rev) . Also I was amazed how hot the engine ran judging by the speed the fan comes on.

Spurred on by u tube videos including I successfully installed the unit without removing the tank or left hand side tank cover. Apart from a moment of pure panic, when on ignition switch on all the LED’s flashed red. On YouTube many of the installs are Fuel x pro’s which all flash green to show which map is selected.

So failing all else I re read the quickstart guide again to find reference to red led’s at initialisation phew……..

So after 70 miles , what Is my impression? Firstly its not a night and day feeling like many on u tube regale us with. The bike ticks over smoother, still at appx 1750 rpm. The pick up is certainly cleaner with no hesitation and chugging. It’s difficult to say if torque is improved ( as claimed by Powertronics) but the bike makes speed quicker and so much smoother.

I also believe the engine is running cooler, however N. wales air temp today was 5 deg C and the number of blocks stayed at 4. The fan came on once when I arrived home and was manoeuvring.

Fuel consumption looks similar at 73/78 miles per UK gallon.

In summary is it £150 well spent on a stock bike. I would say yes, the bike feels like my F700gs now with no hesitation or stutter, its smoother and Im sure its running the way the KTM engineers wanted it to run before the “ dead hand” of emissions stuck their oar in.

 

[earthmover]

I was aware of the lumpy running below 5500 rpm and the chugging that can occur if too high a gear is selected. I dont labour the bike ( my background is highly strung two strokes, so I like rev) . Also I was amazed how hot the engine ran judging by the speed the fan comes on.

Denise has a 390 Adventure, and that was my impression of the engine, it has to be worked hard to be smooth. Only done 250 miles in total, so was wondering if it would get better after it was run in. Not noticed it running hot though.
Mark

 

[steve hughes]

Denise has a 390 Adventure, and that was my impression of the engine, it has to be worked hard to be smooth. Only done 250 miles in total, so was wondering if it would get better after it was run in. Not noticed it running hot though.
Mark

After the 600 mile service she can explore the upper rpms 6-9K where it is smooth but very frantic!

The running hot isn’t hard to miss Mark, on any ride when the ambient temp is over 10 deg C the fan will come on after about 20 mins. Mainly riding into town or slow speed wok . Its noisy so you dont have to guess its on.

 

[Greenman14]

Steve, I’m looking to downsize from my Tiger 800 and been thinking about the 390, and also the 700gs. How do the two compare? Most of my rides are around the Cotswolds and mid-Wales, with one week long tour.

 

[steve hughes]

Steve, I’m looking to downsize from my Tiger 800 and been thinking about the 390, and also the 700gs. How do the two compare? Most of my rides are around the Cotswolds and mid-Wales, with one week long tour.

Two very different bikes. The 390 is my go to bike as its so much fun, accelerates like poo off a stick and is so light. Howver if I was doing any motorways or > 70 miles Ill use the F700. Im sold on the Rotax 800 engine. It’s torquey frugal on fuel and the fuelling is spot on.

I have over 12 years of riding these twins ( F650 then F700) the power delivery and pick up really suits my riding. On both bikes the only maintenance I have done over and above servicing is to upgrade the chains to a Did X ring. Then its fit and forget for 15,000 miles. If I had a criticism it would be they get a bit buzzy at 75/80 on the motorway, and it will not have your Tiger smoothness and top end power.

When in Andalucia I hired a F700gs lowered, it had done 125,000kms. Apart from feeling slightly rattlier than mine and apparently needing a new stator at 100k it ran like a dream.

Micky did over 130,000 on his F800 and really liked it. If you can accept the power limitation you will be fine.

Back to the 390, you may feel the step from the Tiger to the KTM is too far. As a second bike I think its brilliant. It will be a hoot around the Cotswolds and mid Wales, but you will have to work at it. Its the sort of bike that goes off like a scalded cat and you are quickly upto 4/5 th only to find you are doing 55/60 mph. The F700 would have wafted you over 70.

Its more involving in terms of handling, you only have to think about leaning and its canted over. KTM call it the “ corner rocket” I cant argue.

You really need to test ride both, I think you will either love or hate the F700 straight away. I think the 390 will leave you smiling.

Let me know how you get on.

 

[Greenman14]

Thanks Steve, that’s very useful. I’m mostly a lazy sod and am thinking the 390, great bike as it appears to be, isn’t for me as I’ll only have one bike.

 

[jojitsu]

Just ordered a fuel x lite for my 390adv, cheers for the info.