Living with the 2017 KTM RC390 - Long Term Review
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Living with the 2017 KTM RC390 - Long Term Review
I've been lucky enough to ride the new for 2017 KTM RC390 for the last couple of weeks and have put a good few hundred miles on the motorbike. It's only when you ride a bike over a period of time that you get to know what they are really like - in this video I pass on what it's like to live with the RC390, not just the initial thoughts you have on a test ride, but what it's like to ride at night, in town, on the motorway - even what it's like to clean! Here's what I found out.....
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The level of attention you share regarding details of *actual* use is entirely practical and what makes reviews you do of this manner so great. I love grown-ups that pay attention to the details. Well done!!
+Scott Peterson Thank you Scott, glad you appreciate my efforts (these types of video take a lot of effort!)...
Agree 100%, these videos are very fair, fun and informative to watch and you deal with the occasional silly comments very diplomatically. The production quality is also pretty professional, must take a lot of time and effort to get right. Thank you TMF 😀
also comes with dual channel ABS, and throttle by wire, absolute delight to ride !! if you like shorter displacement bikes.
Agreed - both points I made in my initial review video ;0) (which I guess you missed....)
TheMissendenFlyer nice review sir :)
Thank you :0)
I own a KTM RC390 and use it everyday to travel to work along with weekend visits to the hills and everything that you've mentioned in the video is spot-on. Altho, here in India, the heat sometimes becomes an issue. Good work there with the vlog!
Thank you Sanmaan, I'm glad we agree!
2017 version?
what's your approximate US mpg?
@@chrismckinley3110 28 km per litre.
@@MaxC_1 how aggressive of riding is that?
Another great video, my wife and I love your reviews as they are incredibly informative without all the effing and Jeffing that others seem to have to include. Keep up the great work
+matt hodges Thanks Matt, glad you find them of interest, all the best - TMF
I do the opposite and join in!
Great review. Aesthetically I think she's a looker!
+timinno Brilliant! I knew someone must like 'em! :0)
;)
I'm thinking of getting one of these for a track bike.
The Muscle Biker same here. wanting to wait till some more reviews come out first though because I know many guys who were running the earlier gens out at the track were having lots of issues including blown head gaskets at very low miles.. heard that KTM supposedly addressed that issue though and that the 17s are suppose to be more reliable.
Yeah that's what I was seeing too but you can find a 2007-2009 600cc bike fully built for the track that is the same price haha
Yeah, I already have an rc8 thats being built as a dedicated track bike though.. I want a 300cc so I can race in the ultralight series and also work on my skills and techniques through the corners in order to get quicker on my bigger bike
It’s an old mans bike.
If the old man is a 73yo ex flattrack racer from back in the 60s and wants some performance(my 73yo father just got one)
Did you buy one?
illuminated switches.....yipeeee!
+Nick Laskaris That's what I thought!
This is a fun bike as you said.. definitely fun even in our conditions.
+Phantom Rides Agreed
Enjoyed the honest review. I noticed a while back you did Holmfirth to Glossop in the Peak District. This is the stomping ground for my RC390 and is definitely where it performs best - on A & B road twisties, flicking between the corners on full power. At a steady 30-40mph it's vibey and the engine feels like it's hunting all the time, encouraging you to wind on the power! Slipper clutch on the new model would be a bonus for me, if I'm ham-fisted with the clutch changing down from 3rd to 2nd it's easy to lock up the rear wheel. Overall I love the bike, but it is quite intense, I ride my old Kawasaki twin sometimes to have a more relaxing ride. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Anthony, it's about time I revisited the peaks!
Nice touch with the light up switch gear, as you said not really needed but looks good.
As usual great review, very handy having long term use
+Paul Davies Yes, its only when you're allowed to borrow a bike for a reasonable period of time you can really get to know its quirks...thanks for watching - TMF
I think the loud fan is the only negative about this bike.
Boodieman72 and it fries your thighs if you ride in the tropics and subtropics
From Mumbai. Have this bike. Its not as hot as people claim it to be.
+Boodieman72 Well I guess you can live with a loud fan so long as it's being effective!
the 2017 isn't. The earlier models both Duke/RC heat up a fair bit.
And 5:25.
I walked around my dads bike and spun the zip ties around so you don’t see the locking part 😂
What a great video!! All you see is reviews done by Indian, and foreign guys. And this review is just what someone would need, when looking at purchasing one of these, I have the 125 version, just as a commuting bike, and I think it's incredible, beats my r6 on many levels. Again, thanks for the review, was great
Thumbs up, keep making good content!
Thank you Jared - much appreciated - TMF
Like the idea of the "Back lit" switch gear.Its the same convenience as is heated grips etc.Needs to be on all bikes eg GS Adv!!!Thks a mil.
+Bruce Kendall Agreed!
The beauty or otherwise is in the detail! Good job, TMF.
Cheers
tony
+AoToGo Cheers Tony...
Another amazing video:)
Thank you Max
Really interesting comments and review, I was thinking of buying this bike but decided to get an R3 instead, which is currently in the shop for an oil leak... lol (it was new)
+Jorge Chávez Oh dear - hope its only a minor issue Jorge....
that's an awesome review bro,
from India 👌👌
+Swaroop Reddy Thank you...
Recently viewed your two reviews of the RC390, enjoy the way you explain all aspects of the bike in a language even newbies like me can understand, started riding bikes this year at 50, started off with a scooter, onto a honda 125. After watching your review, just ordered the RC125, which should ride like 390, will let you know how i get on with it, great channel TMF
+andy smith Thank you Andy and welcome to biking, good fun isn’t it!
Hi, thx ** v much ** for the videos - really like your style, you have a 'lightness of touch' and cheery informative presentations. I am looking at getting an a2 motorcycle although i have a full license and considering duke 30, ninja 300 and yamaha r3 so would love to see reviews of the other motorcycles. Sort of discounted the rc390 after your great review!!
I've done one on the R3 - sadly I don't yet have access to any friendly local Kawasaki dealers :0( ...I am working on it though...
Yep, I watched it and it seems like a lot of fun - you didn't seem to find any dislikes?
From memory Yamaha had the reputation of costing more to run in terms of servicing and parts - does this still hold true?
Wish I lived a bit nearer your friendly Yamaha dealer.
Thx again,
John
Note:Will be in Dunstable,Northall from Fri for this week for a week.Cheers
Great work as usual. Thumbs up.
+JIGA BACHI Cheers!
Great review in detail.. Thank you and GBU
You're welcome....GBU???
Means God Bless You i think
"Indicated 75" - were you working the density altitude out for TAS :D
+Andrew Boundy You got it Andy! I trust police speed traps are properly calibrated wrt QNH :0)
i think your accent just makes the video 10X better
I don't have an accent....??
im from the united states, to me thats an accent lol
Ah well that's because you speak English with an American accent, I'm speaking English in England, so I must have the right version surely....??
Excellent review.
I had one for 2 years the only thing I learnt was that ktm stands for keep taking money
What were the problems?
This is one of them bikes (along with the Duke) that pops up often on forums with issues so I'm not overly keen on them when it comes to long term reliability.
i had a duke 390, it was so bad and no dealer help I gave up and abandoned it.
+nothing to see here Lol. Indigenous Indian bikes are way more reliable than the KTMs manufactured here. Blame KTM. European Bikes aren't known for their reliability.
True, KTM make just as unreliable bikes in Austria haha.
you are on every ktm video talking trash and saying the same thing over and over again that i walked away from KTM just because it was made in india
look we get it you dont have to repeat yourself so much you look very sad and desperate in doing that much like every racist KKK nazi out there get a life.
aj hitman triumph bmw ducati Mv etc are not reliable? then what is
can you do a review of the mt03 plz?
+baba tundae I have! Check out my Yamaha reviews play list....
TheMissendenFlyer it's not in the yamaha review playlist but I have found it ty
Hi great review, would you consider reviewing the 390 Duke in the same way?
Stay tuned Harry - I will be getting one of those on long term loan next week!
TheMissendenFlyer good to hear been looking into one for my a2
Best review
+Misha Zaitsevsky Thank you :0)
Very informative thank you
Thank you for watching!
Hi TMF, I'm a pretty heavy guy, around 91 kilograms. You look like a big guy yourself. I was wondering what sort of top speed can you crack on this bugger? Planning to buy this or the duke 390
+Saptarshi Majumder I don't think 91 kg qualifies you as a "big guy"!! - I'm around 80kg. I don't know the official top speed but the KTM guys said it is a true 100mph bike....and that sounds about right to me. Cheers - TMF
Awesome!
Nice video
cheers
How are the vibrations at high speed/revs? Will they numb the hands and wrists after a while or is it just at low RPM that the vibrations occurr?
I honestly can’t remember!! Was a while ago when I made the video - sorry!
I know this is a old videos but I’m hoping for a response, thinking of getting a 2016 Rc 390 with 25k miles on it, is this a bad idea,it’s from a ktm dealer
Not necessarily- if you like it, go for it!
What about reliability ? ive heard about a lot of problems with KTM.
My RC is 4 years old with 58k millage on it.....but did not face any problems about the engine, except for that loud fan, and the engine don't really like being on a traffic cause it heats up but it doesn't overheat.....
How much does it cost in the UK?
I’m verry confused I been doing my research guys what should I get this or the 400 ninja ?
I'd get the Ninja personally....
I was thinking the same and for gas ⛽️ wise as well 🤘thanks 🍻
so which do you prefer?
ktm duke 390 or RC 390?
+Jithin Joseph I've not ridden the 390 yet so can't really say!
Having a review from a Brit is way better Americans just dog on how it’s not fast enough 😂
Heating issues not fix🤨
how come you didn't review the KTM duke 390 2017?
+Adrian Cobaschi I'm picking one up next week - stay tuned!
sounds good, have fun with it ;)
I own it 😍😍yeahh
Should i buy the RC or the duke?
Easy - Duke!
TheMissendenFlyer test rode and bought the duke mate, handles like its on rails and she is pokey for a small single 😊
RC390 or Duke 390 TMF?
Duke 390 any day!
Martinez Daniel Wilson Elizabeth Gonzalez Helen
????
what is the mileage??
No idea Im afraid....
How is 100 miles a 'long term' review...
I should have said “in depth”
This bike is junk. Long term testing/ownership as shown as much. Grenading motors, poor fit finish..etc.
What about offroad??
Well this plainly is not designed as an off-road bike so it didn't even enter my mind to try it! Thanks for watching - all the best - TMF
This bike was not meant for the street or the highway........it was made to set the track on fire.
You would find that westerners and Indians perceive the sames bikes very very differently
2:01, that car was flashing you, and shortly afterwards u were talking about how to flash your lights, should have done that there and then, missed opportunity ;p.
Here we are in 2023 and I'm considering the purchase of one of these beautiful little machines. Today of course it has had a major overhaul with a myriad of updates and improvements. After your time spent with the bike and subsequent review I'm leaning in hard on the acquisition.
Oh look, literally the person I wanted to see do this review.
I think i just like odd looking bikes because I love this thing, really looking forward to getting one soon
I think it would look good next to my K75S which I absolutely adore the look of 😂😂
I've always had 1000cc bikes but this is probably what I'm after. I had a GPZ500s as a winter hack last year and enjoyed the fact I could still overtake and do legal speeds without feeling like I had to hid in the attic after a "too fast" ride out on my Aprilia.
I bought an RC 390 in 2016. It's a beautiful White one !!!! It's much faster than you think. It revs to 13,500 rpm so bike testers ride it like it's a Honda 90 !!!! But it's like a 2 stroke Racing bike !!!! Once the engine starts Screaming it takes off like a Rocket !!!! It has the maximum power to weight ratio allowed on British Roads. So from a standing start it really moves !!!! Unless you pull away at 500 rpm like all the bike testers do. You need 5,000 rpm to pull away really fast !!!!
Good comprehensive review of the new model. I have one of the first UK models now 3 years old (see my reviews) and I must say I do prefer the exhaust on mine but then I don't race the bike! You are right about town riding being lumpy. Did you mention mirrors and visibility? I wish KTM would dream up a sexy tank bag!
RC690 built in Austria please KTM! Another intelligent, swear-free presentation. Thanks for posting.
+Buzz Shiteyear Cheers Buzz - good to hear from you again!
As far I've understood inidians on quora, it's Indian build because bikes not build in India come with massive taxes, and of course this is interesting for the Indian market, as it's still somewhat reasonable and Indians think of 100-200cc when they hear motorcycle. Commuters. Work. City. Not hobby and fun
Thanks for such a thorough review. It's amazing how much technology has developed since I had my first "real bike" - a Kawasaki Z400J: that thing had a claimed 42 bhp, but it weighed about 50 lbs more than the KTM, and did 45 mpg on a brisk ride. My 2015 RC390 averages 60 mpg plus! Looks like the build quality has improved a lot - the frame welding on mine looks messy.
Why am I the only one that loves the front?
Could've been a really great bike, unfortunately the bike is plagued with all sorts of issues as indicated by any number of forums.
finally, not an indian video about the RC390 :-) thanks .. BUT WHY DID THEY CHANGE THE EXHAUST???
The underseat unit was scraping under hard cornering and since it was hindering this potent machine's handling capabilities, they decided to replace it with a side slung exhaust!
Sir can you please tell me which bike is very enjoyable to ride duke 390 or rc 390..!???
I’d take the duke 390 any day....
Hi. Your long term review's is absolute priceless when researching for a potential buy. I'm looking for a small bike for my wife (her first).
Very detailed and perfect Review . And thank you very much for mentioning that though its built in India quality us supreme , people tend to generalise things when it comes to India , India has the highest KTM sales around the world . Anyways , since I've owned 3 KTMs in the past Before changing into my current italian Superbike , one of them was RC 390 , Since you didn't have the pillion to ride along , i could shed some light over that part as I've ridden this bike for 27,000 kms , And the pillion seat is not that great , its ok to take a pillion for ride in the city for 5-6 kms , but any more than that its going to get really uncomfortable , because when you're breaking , pillion os going to completely push the weight on rider and you'll feel a lot of pressure on your wrists . Otherwise its a great bike to ride , its fun and easy and cheaper to maintain . Fuel gauge is not that accurate , so i would suggest to keep an eye on trip meter and reset it at every refuel , That way you have the right idea of your range and never run out of fuel , especially when out of city limits .
+SPORT TOURER Thanks for the feedback on riding with a pillion and glad we concur overall!
Thank you for doing this. Just about *any* bike is fun on the first ride. We need to know what it's like to *own* it!
just pick'd up a 2019 ktm rc390 great review bud! Cheers from the States
How is it ?
@@LoneliestDog I like it a lot just order my exhaust, fender eliminator kit, and K&N air filter
@@805Dak make sure you install piggy back ECU
@@cranky1812 Thanks brother for the advice
Just got my 2018 RC can you help me out here, idk what kind of fuel it takes. 🤦🏻♂️
They sell a lot of these to enthusiasts that like the quarter-litre size and weight but want more grunt. They're great bikes.
As regards the loud fan, it's probably to mitigate the model's anecdotal reputation for running hot.
...it's not an issue as long as it works!
All good, except for dashboard.😊
How was it a “long-term review” when you borrowed it from somebody for a week? And it’s a 2017 model and you’re reviewing it in 2017.
Had mine since 2014, daily commuter (90km per day) for 3 years. Made my journeys so much fun that's why I haven't got the heart to sell it.
@Bigboypatekand Itisskelly I hear it all the time but I haven't really had any issues!
I neglected it pretty badly because I was riding it so often and still ran no problem. At the moment it is sitting in storage as I haven't started it in a year. Having a new Honda delivered in 2 days so probably will strip the KTM as a winter project.
I would say go for the KTM unless you're doing loads of miles because oil changes and services are quite regular. ;)
@Bigboypatekand Itisskelly 30km days no probs, I averaged 100km per day, 5 days a week. Sounds like a perfect bike for you ;)
KTM as always is messed up on street with comfortness of a rider and it’s pillion the best is probable which I’ve been waiting 2 urs for the perfect bike is 2019 Yamaha r3 wishing it to come with engine update because the company said it may come with 42hp same as earlier so it would hurt a bit
What happened to the Duke 390 you said you were gonna test ride a few weeks ago?
Its coming - in August - patience! :0)
TheMissendenFlyer Top man. Have you ever ridden the Suzuki GSXS1000?
Great review, covers the things I care about without getting needlessly technical. Subscribed
Welcome along!
So glad to see a manufacturer putting back lit switch gear on their machines. I'm on my second BMW was thinking only the other day the amount these things cost (esp. my K1600) they really should be a standard fit or at least an option! Interesting watching you wash the bike, have you ever tried CR Spotless? If not, if your ever in my part of the world pop in and come and try it, best thing I've bought, you'll never need a chamois or dryer ever again! Another great vid! All the best H
+Henry Cooper Cheers Henry, I've not tried that, sounds interesting....I'll check it out! Thanks - TMF
I‘m looking to buy one, but I‘m afraid that the sound of it is to silent.
It‘s a bike after all, I want mine to be a bit loud at least and I feel like the RC390 couldn‘t provide me the sound I want because of the 1 cylinder engine. Is that the case or can you really get some nice sound out of it with like an Akrapovic?
Single cylinder will always sound like a rickshaw even if u install Akra or Sc project. Don't except inline 3 sound from a single cylinder!
Done 50 miles on my new rc390. The engine has cut out when gearing down 2nd to first 12 times. I know other who have had this problem looking at various forums. Did you have any trouble on the test ride?
Nope I didn't...
TheMissendenFlyer thanks for your help/quick reply.
Stumbled across TMF completely by accident searching for reviews for my first road machine.
As a fellow PPL(A) holder and 2 wheel enthusiast, your channel is mint! Lots of footage to work through! Love the content. 👍🏼
Thank you Guy - glad you're enjoying it!
Excellent review.
How's the seat on longer journeys? How's your back and wrists after a long-ish ride?
+Philip Goh Not too bad - it's not the comfiest seat (but is comfy for a KTM!) as for back and wrists, no issue at all, very comfortable for a sports bike...TMF
Lordy - you're churning out quality videos at a furious clip - have they fired you from your day job TMF? 😊
+TH No, I've decided to retire early from the 9-5, I'm only doing stuff I enjoy now (+housework)....
TheMissendenFlyer ......blimey I wish I could afford to retire at 35 😉
Have been riding this version of the bike for the last 3months and done about 5000kms. All i can say is your review is bang on. Everything you said is so true from the practical standpoint.
awesome review.
Thank you Chitrak, glad we concur!
i question your opinion that the seat is comfortable.
I am always curious about how easy the bike is to service, sadly not everyone has the money to take the bike to a workshop so things like changing the oil and filter, changing the spark plug, simple service items that you can do at home can save you a lot over time.
Another good vid sir 👍👍👍
+annie white Thank you Annie - sadly I don't get to keep the bikes quite long enough to carry out a service on them! I agree though...cheers - TMF
Seems the best compromise bro, thanks
I am from India and for me this was quite helpful , gonna subscribe . Cheers
Thank you!
Hi guys I’m thinking of getting a KTM RC 125 2018 as I don’t want anything to go wrong with the bike secondhand
I took my CBT last week I have never been on a bike and found this thrilling and enjoyable
Please let me know what people think of the KTM RC 125
Good point bad points
Quality content.Check
Honest n concise review.Check
Subscribe.Check
+Azhar Hashim Thank you :0)
12.23.18... is the bike still alive?
I definitely didn't become friends with a cbr600rr trying it for 20min, do those widelooking handlebars handle somewhat like with a nakedbike?
Please do a review of the 2017 KTM 390 Duke.
+Shawn Anky it's coming Shawn - stay tuned!
TheMissendenFlyer plz do Duke 390 thorough review, and maintenance tips ... every bits and pieces of it. I got one waiting for your expertise to maintain it now 😎
Hey Andy, it would be great to do a revisted review on the new RC390 2021 as it looks like KTM have addressed some of the issues you have mentioned in this review
If you had to choose between this bike and a 390 Duke. What would you choose. Thanks.
390 Duke no contest!
TheMissendenFlyer Thank man
I really really like TMF. we are a from totally different eras and backgrounds..but for some reason I feel I could have a good ol' chinwag with him if I ever met him. best reviewer on youtube. keep it up sir!
+Yar D Blah Thank you very much! I'm curious as to how you know what/what you think my background is?? :0)
Only just discovered your channel, brilliant reviews and info. Being a Bucks boy too, great to recognise so many of these places.
Curious to see whether you found height an issue? I'm looking at switching from a very heavy sluggish Yamaha thundercat, to something of this nature. I'm 6'2 and think I'll just dwarf the bike, any thoughts?
I think you're probably right Luke! ...and welcome along...what kept you!
Please always like the video after watching. Watching and not liking is cheating.
I wish you could do a review on the GD250R not many around though.great video 👍
some peoples are said to me this bike is quite hot is it really hot?
Yes it is quite warm....
I wish that the HUD on the bike had less electrical stuff. i like the ninja 400 HUD but the price and look of the RC390 :S
HUD???
Great review thanks! I am thinking of getting back into riding after many years... considering this bike and also the 2018 Suzuki GSX250R (beautiful bike, check it out). Have you ridden both, any thoughts? I may need to get a 250 to race in a 250 production category, do you have a favorite 250 class (or 300 as it seems they may be upping the class due to less manufactures in the 250 range). Thanks so much for your efforts and your reviews in the UK are appreciated as we also get lots of rain in Vancouver BC Canada too ;-). Take care & ride safe ~ Graham
Cheers Graham - you too....
Ktm390 is war beast