KTM RC390 In Depth Review - Who is this Bike For? 

I’m a 2015 RC390 owner and I’ve been riding it for two years along with other bikes. As someone who has put over 7000 miles on mine, here’s my 2 cents. Keep in mind as you read this that I use it for commuting multiple times a week and go out almost every weekend for longer trips on it. I take care of my bike, but by no means do I go easy on it. This isn’t the best commuter bike in the world, but it’s NOT a bad one either. The pillion seat is more comfortable than a CBR600RR for two up and it also offers ample space to strap down a backpack. On average, I get around 55mpg (US). Some of the reasons why this would work well as a commuter: 1. Don’t listen to people complain about power: it has ample power. Roughly the same as a ninja 400. Plenty to get you to work and also get you in trouble with the law if you aren’t careful. 2. This bike is EXTREMELY narrow. The high seat height is virtually lowered by this because your legs are straight down, and it also helps the bike get through some narrow spaces like gaps in fences. 3. The headlights are BY FAR the best headlights I’ve ever seen on a bike, and are better than my truck. They all have the same beam pattern and although some (like mine) came with halogens installed, swap in some LED bulbs and those projector beam housings really do shine. Excellent for commuting and riding at night. 4. The clip-ons are lower than say the ninja 400, but not by much and they are wider. Comfort is on par with most sport bikes in this class and if you are commuting an hour or so a day, it’s not bad at all. On a side note, while reliability and quality are related, they are not always linked. The reliability of my bike has been stellar. Not once has it not started, run fine, and gotten me where I needed to go. I’ve never experienced any stalling or overheating issues (although the bike does run hot). But I’ve run this bike all day down here where I live in Florida in the middle of the summer and never had an issue. This bike has never failed me. Quality wise, as mine was an older model, I had minor issues with the bolts on the kickstand coming a little loose over time, they supposedly fixed this issue with loctite and I did too. In conclusion, if I was in the market to buy a bike in the class again, I’d opt for the ninja 400, but by no means is the rc390 a bad bike or a bad commuter. What’s important is that you just ride whatever you got and whatever you like the look of. This bike will turn heads everywhere. I’ve started a channel about this bike and will be uploading more videos about it and my experiences in the future, so if you have any questions about it I will do my best to answer.

Proud owner of this motorcycle. She just turned 1 today :)

so accurate, I've owned several bikes at past 600cc and 1000cc and recently just purchased RC390 and I love it. The RC390 ideal is for experienced rider who don't want a bike that is too heavy but can go in corners fast.

Sean at SRK Cycles nailed it when describing the 390 as "The Miata of motorcycles."

Came from school and just woke up, went on yt and look who’s there. Yammie Noob with a new video, can this day become any better?

I love the KTMs dedication to its chosen purpose. It wanted to do one thing, and do it right. Hyper focused and specialized. Even though its not a perfect machine it still deserves respect for that dedication

I have had my RC390 for a year and a half and it always makes me smile. I have decades of riding experience, own 9 bikes at the moment and enjoy the RC each time I throw a leg over it! I have done suspension at both ends (Ohlins 303 rear, Andreani up front) and have a blast at the tracks! it is not my go to travel bike but is my go to quick ride grin bike. No reliability issues but the temp does like to sit at or one bar below "H".

I feel jealous of all the Americans coz of your smooth and silky roads. You guys are blessed to have those. From India!

I don't think reliability is a problem. I've owned this bike for the past 4 years and I have had 0 problems. I have atleast 6-8 others guys who own 390's and they vouch for the same . Ktm's reliability should really stop being penalized . Everything else you said is spot on haha .

Whoop whoop! Early crew! Don't know why I haven't been getting your notifications lately. Glad I'm getting them again.

I totally got hooked on the song on the intro and was pleasantly surprised by who was behind it. Turns out the dulcet sounds are not limited to your video essays; you are one multi-talented squid.

Cool review! I currently own the 2017 model (updated model) and I love it. Yeah the fan is a little loud. But it is just a weapon of a little bike. So nimble, agile and surprisingly quick 👌

sashimi is raw fish no rice.

I'd say the KTM RC390 would be a great bike for people who already have unfixable back problems and like sit on a bike with STIFF suspension

I know I’m a little behind on commenting on this, but I love my RC390 and it’s my first bike. I commuted to work on it for about three months during the summer and on the rare off day I had, I was riding everywhere. I even did a day ride on Route 66/I-40 in Arizona on it and it was great. Yes, the tank is small. Yes, the seating position isn’t great and YES! the factory seats SUCKS, but it’s a fantastic bike, IMO. A throttle lock helped out a lot with the seating position, too, it let me relax my hand a bit more.

Yes proud owner ❤️love my KTM RC 390 ❤️❤️

Been using my rc 390 (2017) model for a year now. Running at 11k kilometers now and still has no problem. Using it daily going to work along with heavy traffic, by heavy I mean REALLY HEAVY TRAFFIC. (I live in the Philippines so you can check out traffic in edsa for reference).. It is hot on the crotch, yes. I am leaned over so much because of my new clip ons and rear sets. And my wrists and back hurts crazy after an hour and a half of riding with speeds of just 30-50kph (due to HEAVY FILIPINO TRAFFIC).. BUT WHEN I RIDE AT THE MOUNTAINS ON WEEKENDS, hell this baby rc 390 is rocking solid. it's definitely a race bike meant for track days and quick rides. The "KTM READY TO RACE" is correct the whole time.

Owned a Duke390 and this is probably the most significant discussions in the small displacement bike community. Here in the Philippines, people with no KTMs usually make fun of it due to its shortcomings but they're really missing the point of why this bike was built in the first place. This is some great discussion there Papa Yam! Btw your videos are quite responsible for leading me into MotoVlogging, here's to say that this comment is just another indirect way of saying Thank you!

I LOVE my 2017 RC390. Can't seem to keep my butt out of the seat. Mine has been really reliable and loves the turns. I would easily recommend this little gem,

I love that you give alternative bike ideas to the rc 390 because I am looking to buy my first A2 bike and I liked the look of the rc but I will definitely check out those other ideas. Also much love from Germany

Videos are so useful and fun. Love them all keep it up

Just bought one, can't wait to take it somewhere it deserves to be.

welcome to the neighborhood! looking forward to seeing local content

good vid yammie cant wait to start riding my bike!

Motorcycle mechanic 12 years, always owned 600cc race bikes. This is a FUN bike. You can do many upgrades cheaply, you can ring the hell out of the throttle. It is very forgiving to someone learning to carve canyons or tracks. It is great for an experienced rider who wants to fine tune their track skills. I suggest upgrading the suspensions if you're a big guy though. I haven't had any issues really with stalling or gaskets like many others. I also have the 2018. Upgrades I've done: Tyga Carbon Fiber front fender, PCV5 & Autotuner, Yoshimura RS9 Carbon Fiber dual exhaust, Yoshi Fender Eliminator & Turn Signals, Tyga Header pipe to adapt 2016 exhaust pipes to 2017+models, and more to come. Fun to work on, fun to ride, sucks for commuting. I'm 6'0" & 175lbs & this bike does lack in top speed on the freeway. In the canyons though it is the right tool for the job. Ride safe guys. Rubber down, plastic up. Edit: Oh, & the ABS is AWESOME!

A RC 2017 mod was my starter bike and thought it was such an easy bike to ride. It feels just like the duke, but a bit slower on low revs and much faster at high revs

Amazing unbiased summary YN 👍

Yammie Noob always loves your videos ✌I wanted to ask you if you could do a good video about how riding a motorbike helps you a lot with depression please. I saw a lot of new news saying it really helps depression.

From doing research: the seat needs to be swapped as it is hard as rock, factory. A new fuel map has to be added so the engine doesn’t run as hot, make sure you service with KTM and not by yourself.

This bikes fiits me well surprisingly. Feels good and I'm 6'2 240lbs . It was ready felt good

This is my first motorcycle and I bought it without a test drive. I absolutely love this machine and it was a great decision.

2:41 in India we get indicator light on mirrors for rc200 and rc390

Yammie just install powertronic piggyback ECU, open lid k&n, free flow exhaust. You will get more power and torque. Piggyback ECU will solve your low rpm jerks and it will run your engine cooler. For your fan issue, you can install 2015 KTM RC 390 fan. It's basically open back fan unlike close back fan which makes that high pitch sound. I have(2016 RC 390) done 30,000kms and no issues. I have powertronic piggyback ECU (running my own map), free flow exhaust, open lid k&n, racing rearsets, RC 200 rear sprocket, DIY tail tidy, 320mm rear racing shock. With powertronic piggyback ECU I am revving up to 12,000rpm, now 190kmph is a easy thing and low speed jerks or drivability is very smooth. Check out powertronic piggyback ECU. You will love it.

These are very cheap here in india ...still .. Cant afford one :-/

I own a 2017 rc390, I’ve owned litre bikes and so on, I love this thing, it corners like a dream, and has enough speed to get you in trouble, but I don’t ride huge distances on it, I seem to stay in 4th gear unless really on it, never had 6th gear on it I would recommend this bike, but like you say a duke may be better for beginner, and has colour screen

I own a 2015 and personally I find it very comfortable for longer rides. Obviously it's not perfect but I have been pleasantly surprised with this little bike and continue to be surprised everyday. Also never had a problem with fuel or low revs. All around she's just a ripper and that's all there is to it.

Thanks for letting us know about the garage! 1:00 in and I'm already satisfied. No need to even watch the rest of the video! What was I trying to watch again? Lol

I am late catching this video!!! I would have loved a chance to own this bike, ugh. I am a new rider and have watched a crazy amount of videos on it cause I research stuff and want this bike badly. Thanks for a great review.

I've recently purchased my 17 RC 390 from my friend who owns an R1. This is my first bike & I am super happy with it. Insurance is not bad, Mid size, light in weight with good power for California roads 👍🏼

YAM I love your content ...... but I also love my duke 390.... I know a lot of the complaints you have is the seating position but I have owned a few bikes but still love jumping on the duke especially around town or short mountain runs.... keep up the good work man

I am proud owner of a Duke 390 and I totally love that bike on the road. I am thinking of upgrading to the Duke 890R just because the 390 is so awesome. Now the RC390 would be my dream target for track days !!

Will have owned mine a year in July. This was my first bike at 33. I never test drove it, or even sat on the bike before purchasing it brand new at the shop. I watched many videos on it, as well as other starter bikes. I chose this one because it's more unique in every way compared to it's Japanese counterparts. I'm so glad I made the purchase. I'm a speed demon and constantly have this bike over 80mph on back roads. I've got 3,000 miles on it. It's never gave me one problem. I'm a KTM fan for life. My next bike will be the RC8.

I'm waiting for my unit this or next week I hope I can't wait..

wow, this is indeed an in depth review.. thanks

I bought my rc390 brand new back in 2017 and can happily say that i love it. Very nimble, quick (enough) and smooth linear power delivery. If someone buys this and intends to use it as it should (as a track bike) get an exhaust system, power commander and some aftermarket rearsets (i went with Tyga). This bike has helped mold me into the rider i am today, an amateur motorcycle racer, its taught me priceless things and for anyone who’s looking to really get into motorcycling as a sport id suggest this bike over any other (except maybe the new r3). The only complaint i have with it is i cant seem to figure out how to turn off the abs, really wish it didnt even come with it, and the dealership i bought it from practically robbed me blind but they knew i had to have it so the price gouged the fuck outta me. Still tho a great bike and as of yet no real mechanical issues even with about 3k on the clock and 2k of those being track miles.

Beautiful bike, love the orange

Very honest review

Shushi. Good one bro, great going.

Can't wait for track vlogs.

I loved this bike when I had it. It was perfect for my every day use and even going a couple hour rides. No this is not for long trips but if you're commuting kn the city its perfect. I miss it and the only reason I got rid of it because the wife wanted to ride. I would still have it if not for that

Don’t own the RC but have the Duke 390. I love my Duke. It is my first bike and first bike ridden. In first gear it wants to be shifted up, also a bit in 2nd. But it has never stalled for no reason. I’ve stalled it a few times accidentally, but that’s my fault. It’s fun and good looking and isn’t cheap feeling. It’s a solid low displacement bike. I just took it in today, for it’s first service. Have had 0 issues with it and would recommend it to any new rider

I think RC390 is perfect for riders who had previous experiences with other more powerful sportbikes as you mentioned (so you can appreciate it more!). I owned a Ducati 748 which is a very nice powerful bike but it's too heavy. With the lightweight of the RC390, it's just so much easy and fun to enjoy the ride in any situation. Like the Duc, RC390 will make you feel to give it more gas. The more you give, the better the bike feels fun and stable imo. And yes, I had a back problem in the past and this bike is a dream for people like me!

Owned one for 3 years now, it’s raw, it’s light pops and snorts with an arrow gp2, and I honestly love it so much I don’t want to upgrade.

Ah yes. I will finally meet my Papa Yams on the street. Welcome to Austin, brother

I own a 2017 RC390 and it's the only bike I've ridden (minus a z125). I use it as a commuter to school here in the US and it's a blast! I love the bike and I haven't had any issues with it so far (3800 miles).I rip corners super confidently. The bike is a little aggressive in terms of body position but nothing compared to the r6 or r1 I've sat on in the dealership. Overall it's a good bike for a beginner if you plan on upgrading in the future.

I'm more comfortable with its different looking sibling the Duke 390 , 2016 model to be specific . Though they share the same engine , the rc is way more track oriented . but still I don't regret a single day , buying the d390 , it's a blast always and every time you get on it , specially when ur down under the weather .

Love the way u reviewed the bike I own a RC 390 myself it's a beast ❤from India....🤙

Beginner here and happy owner of the 2018 version for 6 mo. I love this bike. It’s quirky like me and as a female I’m already an anomaly. Like this bike.

I have a 2015 model, I use it for commute, I had to change the fan for a high performance one and add engine Ice coolant, it works great

Excellent and honest review. Very helpful. Small point though: you actually mean nigiri... ain’t no rice in sashimi, even in Texas.

After using this bike for more then 4 years, i can vouch for this review.

damn my dream bike😍 how i wish i could afford buying one. greetings from the philippines!!

Good to know for me, who is considering the rc390, I started with a 125cc then got a CB300R. Then really liked the duke 390 but found out that there is a track near enough me and got really interested on a change of airs from the naked style to a more sport style bike and got really interested in the RC390.

Thaaanks this video has given my day meaning after studying for my exams all day

Had a 2016. Sold it after 3 years. And you’re absolutely right. You said, it appeals to the niche market experienced rider who has had many faster bikes and that’s me. I got it because I wanted to start track days and the ktm’s pedigree sounded perfect as a beginner track bike. So I sold my ninja 636 with 10 years road experience and after having 4 super sports which includes a zx10 for this ktm.

On 2nd RC390. 16,000 miles and 2 gritty, salty winters. Never let me down and totally reliable. No comfort issues either despite having RC Cup clip ons and being 50 years old!

I owned one and drove from London to Edinburgh on it in the rain. It wasn't fun, but it made the trip just fine! I did do a lot of mechanics maintenance on it. When I did the valves they were so far out I was surprised that it was running at all.

1st time rider& I’m going to luv this KTM 390

As you mentioned in the video, in 2017 KTM made some engine tweaks to address the reliability issues. For the 2020 model year, there is supposed to me several fit/finish/functionality/rider position tweaks, so it'll be interesting to see how that changes the bike versus the 'feel' of the earlier models, and how it fares against the 2020 Yamaha YZF-R3.

The 2018 390 Duke is my first bike I’m a about 2 months in and so far I love it

I have the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401... same bike different body work. Love it. And yer right about keeping the regs up. Twist and carve

Omg, you are so blunt and straight forward about what is it real purpose. Its a canyon carver. Not meant for city commuting.

What a pleasure to hear some Bach under this review

Thanks a lot for a great video been torn between this and a Duke 390 as my first bike as I thought they where more simillar. Will now go for the Duke 390 as I want a good everyday bike but maby the RC390 can be a good second :D

I own the 2017 390 Duke and totally love it! Granted it's my first and only bike... so no point of reference here.

I'm 18.5 years old and I own and ride one and I love it. The 2014 version is especially awesome because of the underfloor exhaust (which I like very much). I live in Austria and have to say that the rc 390 is a rocket for a small bike because of all the twisties we have. What I also have to mention is that it looks awesome. The only thing that really annoys me sometimes is the fuel capacity, on the other hand it's pretty lightweight so that's something. Back when I got my A2 license I rode a cb500F, a great bike if you ask me. However it felt very heavy in the curves compared to the rc. I didn't think that 30 kg feel so different.

Have a Duke 390 2016, and for me it's a love hate relationship with that bike 😅 I love it's on your face power, it flicks like a toy bike, it's predictable and is definitely good for entry level riders. But hate the lean running engine, it heats up real quick, it's jerky at times, it's a crotch vibrator but don't know why I still love to ride it.. 😁

Ruh-roh... new stomping grounds for Yammie. Look up some of us Austin riders when you get down here.

I currently own a duke 125 and am probably gonna get the rc 390 when i can get a a2 license because it just seems like so much fun.

K-eep T-hrowing M-oney ... and they also said its a paper bike... but its still pretty sportsbike. l love it 💕

great bike great ktm service team in Canada i have a 2017 rc 390

Love it ❤️‍🔥

Hey man, congratulations on hitting 600k subs. I've always watching your videos. Are we getting the new "Fireblade"? Lol.

Necro I know but I had an RC125 years ago absolutely brilliant as 125’s go, should have an RC8R delivered by early next month can’t wait

I've owned two RC390s. I bought my first one after some hit me and my Ducati with their car, and I needed a smaller bike to accommodate my broken body. After I healed up I sold the KTM and bought another Ducati (as well as 5 other sport bikes) but I regretted letting go of that RC. So, back in February, I bought another RC390. After some suspension modifications, clipons, triple clamp, rearsets, bubble windshield, and a solo seat; I've essentially built a street legal cup bike. I commute on this beastie almost every day (which is over a twisty mountain road) and I can hammer on it hard on the street, and never come anywhere near the limit. Slow Bike Fast, my dudes. It is 100% the go kart of superbikes.

I love the styling of them and they are loud as I have sat next to a few in traffic. Debating if I want to buy.

RC 390 my love now and forever ❤️

Had one loved it and probably gonna buy another one. Its like a go-cart for the streets. Only question I have for current owners is did you guys do that recommended valve check at like 500 miles ? That's crazy early and expensive. My KTM dealer charged like 550 dollars and I swear they did not do it lol.

I prefer riding fast a small bike rather than riding slow a big bike.

Receiving my 2019 390 Duke next week...beginner rider as I am I really hope I made the right choice. It will be used mostly commuting and for sure small trips around mountains. Currently living in Austria. Thoughts people? Thank you

I started on an r1 then after a year moved to a gsxr600. I put 30k miles on the gixxer, but had to sell it when I had a kid. Fast forward a few years I picked up one of these bad boys and I'm having more fun than ever. This bike has it all for the casual rider.

As a 2018 Rc390 owner for a first bike... The points are accurate. It's a tough little bike. It likes revs. The seat sucks. The windscreen sucks. But it's a very capable machine and a really fun bike. If you have an eclectic taste and are sold on the looks, a little wrenching (coolant swap to EI + fan upgrade) and a PCV go a long way. I bought mine for cheap while still in warranty and am having a blast.

I currently own an RC 390. Had it since august 2018. It's my first bike. I actually love it. I rode my friends ninja 400, and wasn't happy with the seating position. I guess i just like being more aggressive. Although, her bike is way faster than mine, I'm doing some things to catch up. I've not been able to get to any track days as of yet, but I'm trying. Because I'm too heavy for the bike (240 lbs/ 264 lbs in full race gear), I overworked the shock pretty much immediately. A cheap and easy upgrade is an R6 or R1 shock (i don't remember the years. Let me check the forums, and get back to you on it). I've done the R6 shock, but need to upgrade the spring. It's a vast improvement on the joke of a shock KTM decided to put on the bike. And QC is terrible. I've found loose bolts all over the bike. When i went to install my Tyga header, I loosened the exhaust manifold nuts by hand, had to torque all the casing bolts, and most of the fairing bolts were entirely too tight or not connected to anything because the retainers were bent way out of shape. lol. Of course, I fixed all this myself, and didn't gripe to the company.

As a new rider with a 2018 Duke 390, I agree with everything you said (except the sashimi bit). My Duke is super fun to whip around and it's quick but not scary. That being said, I'm already feeling like it doesn't have enough hp, since I can ride it full throttle and am left wanting more power but it's just not there. Still a fun bike though, especially in the canyons.

I'm 1.2k miles in so far so good. Waiting on new tires and new jacket and pants b4 I go tracking. I love it through and through. HOWEVER the stock tires feel like frozen chunky peanut butter.

I OWN THIS BIKE AND I LOVE IT!!!!!

Its my first bike and i use it for commuting as well and i love it, i dont have any comfortproblems, it runs smooth, never stalls except i dont give gas at all when rolling on, the fan is loud though, but it works I installed a quickshifter and put good tires on it and i wonder if i really need to upgrade some day

Thanks for the video!! Proud owner of one and I NEED to know where you get the sliders??? I want to keep safe my RC ^_^

I am just about to hit 500 miles on my 390 after roughly two months...I love it, I want a bigger duke

I have 2017 model, at 1,200 miles. Since I got it, it had a tendency to stall. But not every trip. Now it stalls 6 times or more a trip, every trip. Also it will lose power, drop a few thousand rpm randomly when accelerating then go back to normal. At 500 miles or so, the clutch pedal bolt vibrated loose and the pedal fell off the bike, I had to turn the bike off and push it into a gas station. I went back in the road. Found the bolt and screwed it in by hand. The dealer I bought the bike from close its doors, it was the last dealer in the state, so I would have to leave my state to collect on the warranty. If I wasnt having these problems, i would still love the bike. It's fun as hell to ride around town. But i would never take it on a highway so it's very much a in town back road type bike. Also the aggressive riding position is hell on my neck, all of my weight seems to be on my wrist. I can only ride for 20 to 30 min before I need a break. The power to be expect is a bit weak. But enough to have fun and get you in trouble. If it wasnt for all my troubles, I would be keeping it. But as its having problem s and I'm having trouble finding a shop that will even work on the bike, I'll be trading mine in today.