{"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
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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 You are wanting to upgrade from your first bike<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Your first bike isn’t a modern sports bike<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n You’re not looking for a commuter<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Most of your time spent doing short-distance spirited street rides and track days<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n For street use, the KTM RC 390 has almost<\/em> the perfect amount of speed. One of the biggest things that I love about the bike is how it makes it power. The torque delivery is almost instant and remains constant throughout the powerband. This is unlike the R3 and Ninja 400 where torque begins to fall off after 9,000 rpms. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIs it reliable?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is it uncomfortable?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is it a good beginner or entry-level bike?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How fast does it go?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n