Made some small changes to my Gen 2 KTM 390 Duke that has resulted in improved handling and ride
Bhpian shonith recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Seat Modifications:
I took the stock seat and trimmed the back half by about 5mm. Same was done to the portion of seat that comes in contact with the side panel on the tank. The seat is now a bit flatter and more comfortable i no longer struggle against being pushed to the tank. Narrower at the tank has resulted in being able to grip the tank well. Overall a good experience with the seat.
Narrower at the tank
Handlebar Modifications:
I had a spare MT15 handle bar that i had used for a different mod. This particular one is made as straight as a scale (not pulled back towards the rider). I swapped it just to see if it can make the bike feel less cramped. Turns out that it not only made the bike feel roomy but also made significant improvements to the handling. Front end feedback has also gone up. I get good leverage from it. Left right transition around the curves became a bit effortless. This isn’t a tapered one like the stock so i used plastic hose as packing at the handle clamps, it has resulted in better vibration damping so i no longer use bar end weights. To avoid excessive lean forward, i decided to use risers, i still lean but the riders triangle and for the way i ride, its perfect, no discomfort no complains there. I never thought a small change to the handle bar can make such big changes to the handling, feedback and comfort. The bike now feels like an extension of myself, all i have to do is think and it does it.
Straight as a ruler
Just a finger’s gap between the indicator and lever
Plastic hose used as packing and the risers
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