{"id":178,"date":"2022-07-17T06:43:50","date_gmt":"2022-07-17T06:43:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikemod.co\/?p=178"},"modified":"2023-04-19T06:57:05","modified_gmt":"2023-04-19T06:57:05","slug":"2017-ktm-rc-390-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bikemod.co\/motorcycle-reviews\/ktm-motorcycles\/2017-ktm-rc-390-review\/","title":{"rendered":"2017 KTM RC 390 Long Term Owner’s Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Welcome to my long-term KTM RC 390 review. It has been six months since I purchased my used 2017 KTM RC 390. Over that time, I’ve clocked just over 2,000kms \u2014 most of which has been spirited street riding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this review, I’ll answer your questions about reliability, performance and what it is like to live with. So, if you are considering purchasing a new or used RC 390, this is the review for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is it a good motorcycle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prior to owning my RC 390, I spent a considerable amount of time riding a Honda CBR600RR, CBR300R & CRF250. Throughout my provision licence, I rode the CBR300R. When I got my open licence, I upgraded to the 600RR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"2017<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The reality soon dawned on me that I upgraded to the 600RR too soon. I spent most of my time on the 300R commuting with the odd-highway pull. When it came to cornering, I had no idea how to position my body properly, let alone how to get a knee down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What put me onto the RC 390 is I wanted a forgiving bike that I could use to learn how to corner fast on. Since pulling the trigger and buying one, I have to say, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made so far on my motorcycling journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"2017<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I’m blessed to be living close to some of the best riding roads in Australia. Almost every weekend, I’m out on my RC 390 practising the craft of cornering a motorcycle on my local mountain road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is here where my motorcycle riding skills truly transformed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I had the 600RR, I was scared that I was going to send it straight off the side of the mountain. With the RC 390, I don’t have that fear anymore as the power is much more manageable for my level of skill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"2017<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you already own a supersport or a superbike then yes, the RC 390 will feel slow. However, if you are like me, and want a bike that will teach you how to ride fast then I don’t think there’s a better sportbike on the market other than the RC 390.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is it reliable?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The biggest thing that turns people away from buying RC 390s is their reliability record. A quick Google search will uncover horror stories of low-kilometre motorcycles blowing their head gaskets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you spent a bit more time digging, you’ll realise this issue mostly affects the first generation of RC 390 produced from 2014 – 2016. For the 2017 model year, KTM revised the engine design in an effort to fix the head gaskets from going kaboom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"2017
Replacing the stock Metzeler Sportec M5<\/span>s with Bridgestone Battlax S22s transformed the bike’s handling. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So far, my engine has not skipped a single beat. With now over 10,000kms on the clock, it isn’t exactly a new engine either. And whenever I ride the bike, I certainly do not go gentle on the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want a reliable KTM RC 390, stick to the 2017 model year bikes and up. So far, I haven’t had a single reliability issue with my motorbike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is it uncomfortable?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let’s make one thing clear – do not buy the RC 390 if comfort is high on your pecking order. Out of all of the modern sub-600cc sports bikes, it has by far the most aggressive riding position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"2014
Although you are not as leant over as you would be on an R6, you are not too far off. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The clip ons are low and the footpegs are high. I can last for about an hour on the bike before I start to lose feeling in my back and quads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"2013<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

However, the committed riding position makes this motorcycle unbelievably fun to throw around twisty roads. I’ve yet to take it to the track, but I know these characteristics will even be further amplified in that kind of environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is it a good beginner or entry-level bike?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before purchasing my 2017 RC 390, I had a couple of years of riding experience under my belt. Safe to say that I wasn’t exactly a beginner when it came to motorcycle riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are wanting to purchase your very first bike, I personally would not recommend the RC 390. The bike’s application is too narrow for beginner riders who need a versatile do-it-all kind of bike. If you are not riding the bike flat out through the mountains or at your local track, it’s pretty horrible to live with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buying an RC 390 makes sense if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n