Here are some common benefits of having a motorcycle other than looking “cool”. You pay for less petrol. The average fuel consumption rate for motorcycles is at 30-40km/litre, whereas cars average 10-15km/litre. With a lighter load, motorcycles can go further with a lot less fuel. Insurance premiums Motorcycle insurance premiums also cost a lot less in comparison to car insurance premiums. Based on the lowest possible price based on premium calculation, motorcycle owners can pay as low as 68% on motorbike premiums as compared to car premiums. More affordable to maintain. With fewer engine parts to think about, having your motorcycle serviced is more affordable than a car. Performance factor Better power to weight ratio makes motorcycles more efficient and faster. Motorcycle maintenance is simple and affordable task. Other than these benefits there are some actual physical and mental advantages of riding a motorcycle (some benefits are obvious but others are not so much): Pure joy: It is said that every twist of the wrist releases adrenaline which, in turn, releases the "feel good" hormone endorphins which improve mood and increases pleasure. Improves cognitive function Riding a motorcycle requires a high level of alertness and rapid problem-solving skills hence scientific studies found that riding a motorcycle improves your cognitive function, by as much as 50%. Physical advantages Riding a motorcycle requires you to constantly move around on the bike, gripping with your thighs and knees. These movements strengthen your thighs and in turn, strengthen your knees.
Iv dailyed r1 4xv, 750 srad, r1 5jj and tracked them.since iv lost my licence on a 929 blade and had a wake up call. Iv got a 650 interceptor as daily and test rode a 390rc for a back road scratcher and wow i was really impressed being 17 stone 33yo it was really good flickible and enjoyable bike. Im very well considering one for a fun bike..cheap insurance, cheap tyres and cheap running cost and still fun. Dont need a modern 600 now. Can run the 390 hard and feel good.
My first full licence bike was an RGV250 back in 91, now that was an awesome bike to learn your craft on. Shame that bullshit emissions legislation killed two strokes off. They were the most fun you could have for not much money.
At 50+ Im a proud owner of a 2014 Duke 390, i bought it as a Stepping stone to greater things, but after a while i realised i did not need anything bigger for my needs. And the big bonus is i still get all thrills i need in the twisties whilst keeping my licence and health. Add a end-can and get a gizmo to get full control of the fuelling they become a pocket rocket for the back roads with a quickshifter..
Brilliant little bikes, I got rid of the big bikes, got one and it’s one of the best things I’ve done. Learnt so much about riding fast, with the mods on it it is so much better. I’ve fitted different exhaust, Rapid Bike Evo, Translogic Quickshifter, Aliant battery, rearsets and Tyga bodywork. Similar stuff you do to the GSXR etc! You can get K-Tech internals for the forks and change rear shock. I’m regularly at Cadwell with it and surprisingly able to hang with the big bikes although not on the straights!
Test rode the RC and Duke back to back.... Totally agree, this is way more comfortable. The only reason you might get a bit of hand discomfort is that the grips bulge in the middle. A set of grip puppies will sort that! I'm madding the choice this week after I've tested a Trumpet Sprint just for fun. But at my age I'm looking at smaller more fun bikes. I no longer want to spend hours on the motorway... Instead I want to explore the little quite back roads and have a bit of fun in the twisties! And you can always trailer a small bike like this to somewhere you want to tour! Awesome review! You're one of the best channels! Ride safe buddy!
Love this review. I’ve been out of the 2 wheel game for a few year. I commute 30 miles each way on mid Wales twisty roads and I’d absolutely love one of these
Good to see a small displacement bike that's not a toy. Looks like fun. It's hard to get full enjoyment out of a liter bike since you can't often really challenge it on public roads. Small motors are fun to flog if the rest of the hardware is up to the challenge.
Sometimes less is more. Over time I've learnt the race for big power in both bikes and cars has had a negative effect on their overall enjoyment if road use is their main purpose.
I have to agree. I've got a tuned 335d now and it's a bit much for the road. You can still enjoy the car of course but at the constant risk of losing your license :)
@@CRLAMB I find around 300 hp to be about right for a road car. Fast enough to be thrilling and accessible. Bikes though are usually so fast it's hard to judge a suitable power level. It's more about if they can go slowly with ease and still engaging. Bikes like the RC390 remain thrilling because you have to work them for it.
My previous bike was a tuned 2002 aprilia rsv mille i now have a 2020 ktm rc 125 (as i have to be grown up and legal now) and as much fun as the rsv was in wales racing, this little rc (albeit in 125 form) has phenomenal handling, very tempted to chuck in a 390 engine it looks a right laugh with another 30hp.
I have a White KTM RC 390 which I bought in 2016 !!!! I like the Bike !!!! If you open the throttle wide it does accellerate !!!! It has a Slipper clutch so you don't need to use the clutch and you can fit a Quickshifter !!!! To accellerate fast you need to lean over the front wheel and pull away about 6,000 rpm. It will pull away with the front wheel about a foot off the ground and is really fast !!! Nobody gives the bike enough revs so they say it isn't very quick !!!! It revs to about 13,500 rpm so if you pull away at 500 rpm you won't go very. fast !!!! 6000 rpm at 70 mph is nothing !!!! It will go much faster than that !!!! People ride it like it's a 350 cc British Bike, but you need to ride it like a 2 stroke and thrash it if you want to know how fast it is !!!! You didn't give it even half the amount of throttle it needed in the 0 to 60 mph test !!!! The power to weight ratio is right on the edge of being legal, but if you ride it like a Honda C90 then it won't perform ar all !!!! It's a Racing Bike, not a Moped !!!!
Nice places to seee around infact i have bs3 390 one cant lift more than 3 gears and heavy maintenance i mean the cost of living around here despite a engineering graduate, planning to move to Europe
well, I bet it handles better than many naked bikes, that's the dofference, the cbr650 is a naked bike to which honda stuck a faering and some clip ons, tis is a real miniature supersport.
I bought a brand new '18, great little bike but I found it to be a little too under powered. I have a '02 Hayabusa that is just too big for city riding so I thought the RC would be great for a daily driver and while it is an awesome bike it's just not powerful enough for me so I'll buy a ZX6 R of daily driving, use the Hayabusa for highway trips and the RC for track days (I'm a beginner on the track).
Find it baffling that KTM still haven't updated the screen like they did on the Duke. It's the same old screen so surely they can put the same new one on 🤷🏼♂️
skorpinok rover I’m not telling you to wait but one of two things is going to happen for next year. There’s either going to be a new 390 or there will be a 490 for 2021.
Always looked like a fun little bike! I'd love a larger engined comfortable sportbike, though. All we have now is supernakeds or sportsbikes that break your back.
Crashed my 600cc 90s bike the other day need a replacement and got over the top speed rush. I am looking for a fun slow bike that i can ride to its absolute limit without going too fast. Definitely considering one of these
Get one, I've been thrashing one for about 4 years, I've been riding since 1985 and I haven't had this much fun on a bike for years. The newer ones with the adjustable suspension and larger fuel tank might be nice, but I think the 2018 I have looks better (with all the stickers removed). The suspension does work pretty well for me at 155 pounds, it is great in the city or at 70 to 80mph.
@@jfu5222 yes i love the older look but as you mentioned the full adjustable suspension i do like the sound of. I was on a mt07 didn’t like it in corners. Had a fzr600 until Sunday 😅. Im only 22 but ive got to the point where i realise it really isn’t worth dying on a weekend so im after something with all the trick bits like the suspension,quick shifter,abs cornering and whatever else it has on new shape. I will ride it mainly on weekends as i have my dads chopper for work now
I have a ninja 250 and to be honest it's also great. I will probably never go over 700cc for a road bike (unless its a cruiser or something) just don't need 200hp for road riding
The RC390 must be due an update. The Duke 390 got a TFT 3 years ago. I had a 2017 Duke from new as my 2nd bike and I ended up getting rid of it as it was lumpy as hell below 5k and kept stalling on downshift. Dealer wasn't interested. Maybe I had a lemon. Still like the idea of a smaller bike and the RC did look fun. Have you taken the Husky Vitpilen 401 out yet (I know you did a review of the 701)? Same engine but £4000 new.
I’m obviously not sure of the temp of the day or how much Town riding you did...but did the RC run hot? I’ve seen in the past that they’re notorious for overheating 🥵 and in some cases blowing head gaskets. Looked like a lot of fun regardless 👍
Now, this may not sound phenomenal to non ktm fans, but in the next year or so, there's going to be a twin cylinder 490 RC. It's been confirmed. Remember, this is the RC, nothing of this caliber has happened in the history of RC since the rc8 was discontinued. A V TWIN RC. A NEW RC.
Great review LC👍🙂 It sort of brings back memories of my Japanese 400 imports from back in the day. The Kawasaki ZXR 400 and the Suzuki GSXR 400 were just like their bigger 750 models but with smaller displacement and fun to ride but the only real let down was that the clocks were in KPH instead of MPH but could be easily converted if you wanted to.
Dean Harris I have a 1988 cbr400rr it is an absolute rocket for the power it has, no bother keeping up with big bikes as long as there isn’t a long straight haha!
@@rossbinnie2838 That was one of my favourite bikes back in the day but just couldn't get one at the time. My Friend had the Honda VFR 400 in red, white and blue colours which was also nice.
@@bakedbeanzontoast9078 Loved my ZXR...I bet they're a collectable machine now as I haven't seen any about. I'm like you in that the hoover tubes coming out near the tank looked the dog's Bollocks! Lol
I own a Duke 390 and it is definitely a hoot in the bends. Coming from a 600rr I do at times want for more power but then I consider my insurance payment which is a 1/3 of the Honda's and decide I'm happy ringing the neck of the KTM. Thx for the review 👍
@@denzilthurton7807 I was paying 1800 a year but that was a few years ago with a new license. I am in my 40s too so I can only imagine what it would be as a younger rider.
Honstly I love these bikes I have an ktm rc125 2017 and it's a great bike and I will be getting the 390,i jsut wish they made a 690 or 790 like the dukes
Motosquirrel is back....watch out TMF and Lambchops!! - Great vid! I am encouraged to hear more owners of these KTM 390 powerplants commenting on having good reliability etc. Could more of you step up and let us know if you found that these little monsters have been good to you etc.? We feel that they have gotten a bad rap in their initial first year release etc. We also think that there were too many riders expecting NOT to run a cooling fan in 105 degree heat- Geesh! We love small to mid-size bikes at Motosquirrel! We have fat furry arses!!
I kinda wish I'd gotten the RC390 rather than the Duke390... especially as mine was a bit of a lemon. The RC is a cracking little bike! :-) Looked like you gave it a few beans, it tears through the corners don't it! :D
Nice little bike, I'm a big fan of KTM, looking forward to your off road vids this winter, and the carbon mods for the H2, I have something coming from Motocomposites myself , if you use them then they cant be half bad, so I gave them a punt for my 1290 Super Duke R SE, great review as always,👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
Awsome Vid. Can you review some 125s Chops. My Mrs has just done her CBT so we need a 125 for me to play on...... sorry I mean for her to learn on 🤣🤣🤣🤣
this, or vitpilnen 701 for small tracks, what you reckon? weight wise, almost the same, vit way stronger..you tested both, I am curious of your opinion.
Lamb Chop Rides, thanks, thought that too. I’m 6’2 and Ktm is smallish for me. I also like the fact I can put supercorsas sp on vit 701 and actually ride to my local track rather than use a trailer. Extra power with almost no weight gain isn’t going to be an issue either:)
I`m 48, own a 2018 duke 390. Bought it to ride with my son on his 125 duke but it quickly turned into my go to bike when commuting or back road scratching. So much fun showing up the bigger bikes, and handles brilliantly on our roads, done 16000km`s on it and no problems... th-cam.com/video/eCsdeN2itqk/w-d-xo.html
Not nearly as fun to ride though..... RC390 is raw, and that what is appealing to some of us. I bought a leftover 18 last year and am enjoying it. I have three street bikes, and I seem to always choose the RC for the quick ride.
I have the RC, and I see it for my daily commute, and unreliable is one thing this bike is not. Ive had just over 2 years now and I've had no issues with it whatsoever. Im in the uk and this bike starts every time without fail. I ride it in all weather's and this bike has not let me down yet.
If you weigh 18st and are only 6ft 2 then i'm sorry if you just went on a diet you wouldn't need to be so addicted to litre bikes. I bet i go just as fast on my 600 because i'm not obese.
A lot of people will say these are very slow, but just think of the type of car you'd need for similar 0-60 times lol, great fun bikes.
Yes that's very true!
Cars are also much heavier. I don't disagree this bike is fast tho.
Here are some common benefits of having a motorcycle other than looking “cool”.
You pay for less petrol.
The average fuel consumption rate for motorcycles is at 30-40km/litre, whereas cars average 10-15km/litre. With a lighter load, motorcycles can go further with a lot less fuel.
Insurance premiums
Motorcycle insurance premiums also cost a lot less in comparison to car insurance premiums. Based on the lowest possible price based on premium calculation, motorcycle owners can pay as low as 68% on motorbike premiums as compared to car premiums.
More affordable to maintain.
With fewer engine parts to think about, having your motorcycle serviced is more affordable than a car.
Performance factor
Better power to weight ratio makes motorcycles more efficient and faster. Motorcycle maintenance is simple and affordable task.
Other than these benefits there are some actual physical and mental advantages of riding a motorcycle (some benefits are obvious but others are not so much):
Pure joy:
It is said that every twist of the wrist releases adrenaline which, in turn, releases the "feel good" hormone endorphins which improve mood and increases pleasure.
Improves cognitive function
Riding a motorcycle requires a high level of alertness and rapid problem-solving skills hence scientific studies found that riding a motorcycle improves your cognitive function, by as much as 50%.
Physical advantages
Riding a motorcycle requires you to constantly move around on the bike, gripping with your thighs and knees. These movements strengthen your thighs and in turn, strengthen your knees.
Exactly the point i make to everyone who says its slow. Only an ecoboost mustang/bmw m330i can match that accleration
After riding 20 odd years my Rc is one of the best bikes I have ever had. It's such a naughty wee thing, I love it!
Nice work Mr Chops. 😁
What do you do for a living?
The RC390 looks like SUCH a fun bike. I hope the newer ones are more reliable than the pre-2018 one.
You put a top rider on that . It could run rings round most road rides on a track day.
Yes probably right!
Iv dailyed r1 4xv, 750 srad, r1 5jj and tracked them.since iv lost my licence on a 929 blade and had a wake up call. Iv got a 650 interceptor as daily and test rode a 390rc for a back road scratcher and wow i was really impressed being 17 stone 33yo it was really good flickible and enjoyable bike. Im very well considering one for a fun bike..cheap insurance, cheap tyres and cheap running cost and still fun. Dont need a modern 600 now. Can run the 390 hard and feel good.
My first full licence bike was an RGV250 back in 91, now that was an awesome bike to learn your craft on.
Shame that bullshit emissions legislation killed two strokes off.
They were the most fun you could have for not much money.
Do you own Suzuki RGV250 1991?
At 50+ Im a proud owner of a 2014 Duke 390, i bought it as a Stepping stone to greater things, but after a while i realised i did not need anything bigger for my needs. And the big bonus is i still get all thrills i need in the twisties whilst keeping my licence and health. Add a end-can and get a gizmo to get full control of the fuelling they become a pocket rocket for the back roads with a quickshifter..
Awesome👍👏 when life is not curtailed in a cube
Just swapped a VFR for one of these. Big drop in power, large increase in FUN!
Brilliant little bikes, I got rid of the big bikes, got one and it’s one of the best things I’ve done. Learnt so much about riding fast, with the mods on it it is so much better.
I’ve fitted different exhaust, Rapid Bike Evo, Translogic Quickshifter, Aliant battery, rearsets and Tyga bodywork. Similar stuff you do to the GSXR etc!
You can get K-Tech internals for the forks and change rear shock. I’m regularly at Cadwell with it and surprisingly able to hang with the big bikes although not on the straights!
Test rode the RC and Duke back to back.... Totally agree, this is way more comfortable. The only reason you might get a bit of hand discomfort is that the grips bulge in the middle. A set of grip puppies will sort that!
I'm madding the choice this week after I've tested a Trumpet Sprint just for fun. But at my age I'm looking at smaller more fun bikes. I no longer want to spend hours on the motorway... Instead I want to explore the little quite back roads and have a bit of fun in the twisties! And you can always trailer a small bike like this to somewhere you want to tour!
Awesome review! You're one of the best channels!
Ride safe buddy!
oh well, I got pass by this on few corners on track and I'm riding a 2015 R1..hahahaha
Do you own Yamaha YZF-R1 2015?
@@ss-qu8tw yes..still do..been 6 years
@@mdfaruq5800 What do you do for a living?
Get your arse down chops. 😂
I really like that you test ride a decent variety of bikes. Keep up the good work. 👍
Thanks Gavin
Yesssss!!!! I just picked up one of these (2016) to turn it into a little track bike and it's a bloody joy to ride.
Yes agreed Pat 👍👍
I have a 2016 RC 390, I have done 30,000+ Kms with mods.
Check out greyareaktm for RC 390 performance parts.
I just love this Motorcycle.
Good luck
I’m looking to do the same thing. I know a dealership with one brand new 2018 for $4299 not bad
Love this review. I’ve been out of the 2 wheel game for a few year. I commute 30 miles each way on mid Wales twisty roads and I’d absolutely love one of these
Very nice little bike chops! Been meaning to have a go on it for a while. Can't wait.
Yes well worth a try for sure mate 👍👍
Good to see a small displacement bike that's not a toy. Looks like fun. It's hard to get full enjoyment out of a liter bike since you can't often really challenge it on public roads. Small motors are fun to flog if the rest of the hardware is up to the challenge.
Yes agree completely Bill 👍👍
It has slipper clutch. The 390 Duke is what I plan on buying. I currently have the 200 Duke. 25bhp, still very fun. Its raw as hell the 200
Great review and proof(not that I needed convincing) that small displacement bikes can be top fun, you just need to use them in the right places.
For some reason, you look way way faster on this one than the other bikes. This is a proper small, mental and bike..
Great video chops, something different and a review that I think a lot of riders will appreciate
Thanks matey 👍👍
Chops you've got back wheelitis. Great review and a super little bike.
Sometimes less is more. Over time I've learnt the race for big power in both bikes and cars has had a negative effect on their overall enjoyment if road use is their main purpose.
I have to agree. I've got a tuned 335d now and it's a bit much for the road. You can still enjoy the car of course but at the constant risk of losing your license :)
@@CRLAMB I find around 300 hp to be about right for a road car. Fast enough to be thrilling and accessible. Bikes though are usually so fast it's hard to judge a suitable power level. It's more about if they can go slowly with ease and still engaging. Bikes like the RC390 remain thrilling because you have to work them for it.
@@stevecade857 agreed. Where the Duke is lacking is passing traffic but on an open backroad it is beautiful.
I completely agree, it's much more fun
Love my RC390, different kind of fun to my Street Triple 675 but all bikes give a different experience and I think its fab.
It's a 125 with a factory fitted big bore kit. Looking forward to getting one. I must be getting old because I think the lcd screen is modern lol
Another good review Lamp Chop
My previous bike was a tuned 2002 aprilia rsv mille i now have a 2020 ktm rc 125 (as i have to be grown up and legal now) and as much fun as the rsv was in wales racing, this little rc (albeit in 125 form) has phenomenal handling, very tempted to chuck in a 390 engine it looks a right laugh with another 30hp.
I have a White KTM RC 390 which I bought in 2016 !!!! I like the Bike !!!! If you open the throttle wide it does accellerate !!!! It has a Slipper clutch so you don't need to use the clutch and you can fit a Quickshifter !!!! To accellerate fast you need to lean over the front wheel and pull away about 6,000 rpm. It will pull away with the front wheel about a foot off the ground and is really fast !!! Nobody gives the bike enough revs so they say it isn't very quick !!!! It revs to about 13,500 rpm so if you pull away at 500 rpm you won't go very. fast !!!! 6000 rpm at 70 mph is nothing !!!! It will go much faster than that !!!! People ride it like it's a 350 cc British Bike, but you need to ride it like a 2 stroke and thrash it if you want to know how fast it is !!!! You didn't give it even half the amount of throttle it needed in the 0 to 60 mph test !!!! The power to weight ratio is right on the edge of being legal, but if you ride it like a Honda C90 then it won't perform ar all !!!! It's a Racing Bike, not a Moped !!!!
I wonder if they'll bring out an RC 790 or 890.
Oooh an RC890R sounds insanely fun
Wish they would! But 701 vitpilen is very similar to this but with more power
Nice places to seee around infact i have bs3 390 one cant lift more than 3 gears and heavy maintenance i mean the cost of living around here despite a engineering graduate, planning to move to Europe
well, I bet it handles better than many naked bikes, that's the dofference, the cbr650 is a naked bike to which honda stuck a faering and some clip ons, tis is a real miniature supersport.
Yes absolutely my point 👍👍
Nice to see a bike review for the A2 crowd 👍👍
I bought a brand new '18, great little bike but I found it to be a little too under powered. I have a '02 Hayabusa that is just too big for city riding so I thought the RC would be great for a daily driver and while it is an awesome bike it's just not powerful enough for me so I'll buy a ZX6 R of daily driving, use the Hayabusa for highway trips and the RC for track days (I'm a beginner on the track).
I learn to ride on this bike, I love it, sold it last year and now looking to move to a bigger bike, maybe the Street Triple RS or the Duke 890R.
Street is great and I'm sure 890 will be too!
Find it baffling that KTM still haven't updated the screen like they did on the Duke. It's the same old screen so surely they can put the same new one on 🤷🏼♂️
2021
@@Pmason718 really coz i have planned to get rc 390 by dec, should wait until april 2020 ?
skorpinok rover I’m not telling you to wait but one of two things is going to happen for next year. There’s either going to be a new 390 or there will be a 490 for 2021.
Always looked like a fun little bike! I'd love a larger engined comfortable sportbike, though. All we have now is supernakeds or sportsbikes that break your back.
Very late comment but did you ever get a new motorcycle? Ducati Supersport or the new 660s from Aprilia look very amenable
Liked this vid mate, had the duke 125 before I passed my test, now ride a MT07 but wouldn't mind a shot of a 390.
I've never rode such a bike but it does make me think maybe it's worth a try or to think about a smaller bike for daily use?👌
Apart from the tank capacity, it's a fair bike
Crashed my 600cc 90s bike the other day need a replacement and got over the top speed rush. I am looking for a fun slow bike that i can ride to its absolute limit without going too fast. Definitely considering one of these
Get one, I've been thrashing one for about 4 years, I've been riding since 1985 and I haven't had this much fun on a bike for years. The newer ones with the adjustable suspension and larger fuel tank might be nice, but I think the 2018 I have looks better (with all the stickers removed). The suspension does work pretty well for me at 155 pounds, it is great in the city or at 70 to 80mph.
@@jfu5222 yes i love the older look but as you mentioned the full adjustable suspension i do like the sound of. I was on a mt07 didn’t like it in corners. Had a fzr600 until Sunday 😅. Im only 22 but ive got to the point where i realise it really isn’t worth dying on a weekend so im after something with all the trick bits like the suspension,quick shifter,abs cornering and whatever else it has on new shape. I will ride it mainly on weekends as i have my dads chopper for work now
Great review Chops! Lookng to get one of this myself too, and leave it in Gran Canaria. Will be perfect for the twities.
Yes will be incredible 👍👍
I have a ninja 250 and to be honest it's also great. I will probably never go over 700cc for a road bike (unless its a cruiser or something) just don't need 200hp for road riding
The RC390 must be due an update. The Duke 390 got a TFT 3 years ago. I had a 2017 Duke from new as my 2nd bike and I ended up getting rid of it as it was lumpy as hell below 5k and kept stalling on downshift. Dealer wasn't interested. Maybe I had a lemon.
Still like the idea of a smaller bike and the RC did look fun. Have you taken the Husky Vitpilen 401 out yet (I know you did a review of the 701)? Same engine but £4000 new.
Loves this bike more than a litter bike that you cant even use all of the power
I’ve rode one of these in Ride 2 and omg it was terrible but they are still fast and nimble
They are apparently the same bike, but have you ridden the 390 duke?
And could you give an honest opinion on their differences if at all?
Just put mine in the garage rode it yesterday in surprisingly good weather yesterday for the month of November
i have to ask how reliable is the bike?
Get a 2017 or newer. I haven’t had an issue since I bought it.
@@CharlesCoaston yes im planning to get a brand new 2019/2020
I’m obviously not sure of the temp of the day or how much Town riding you did...but did the RC run hot?
I’ve seen in the past that they’re notorious for overheating 🥵 and in some cases blowing head gaskets.
Looked like a lot of fun regardless 👍
Why do you need to keep removing your left hand from the bars?
Caramela Mcphee To aggravate you.
Now, this may not sound phenomenal to non ktm fans, but in the next year or so, there's going to be a twin cylinder 490 RC. It's been confirmed. Remember, this is the RC, nothing of this caliber has happened in the history of RC since the rc8 was discontinued. A V TWIN RC. A NEW RC.
Ok so they say it'll be a parallel, not v twin.
Love the RC 390
Lamb I think I told you before I have a RC8R and the new SDGT and now I’m looking for a RC390 for the track 🤦🏽♂️
Great review LC👍🙂
It sort of brings back memories of my Japanese 400 imports from back in the day.
The Kawasaki ZXR 400 and the Suzuki GSXR 400 were just like their bigger 750 models but with smaller displacement and fun to ride but the only real let down was that the clocks were in KPH instead of MPH but could be easily converted if you wanted to.
Dean Harris I have a 1988 cbr400rr it is an absolute rocket for the power it has, no bother keeping up with big bikes as long as there isn’t a long straight haha!
I had a mint condition ZXR 400, many many years ago, it was great fun and looked great with the "Hoover tubes" on it, wish I never sold it sometimes.
@@rossbinnie2838 That was one of my favourite bikes back in the day but just couldn't get one at the time. My Friend had the Honda VFR 400 in red, white and blue colours which was also nice.
@@bakedbeanzontoast9078 Loved my ZXR...I bet they're a collectable machine now as I haven't seen any about. I'm like you in that the hoover tubes coming out near the tank looked the dog's Bollocks! Lol
I used to enjoy riding around and away from the super sport 400 on my RGV250. That bike didn't do slow very well.
I own a Duke 390 and it is definitely a hoot in the bends. Coming from a 600rr I do at times want for more power but then I consider my insurance payment which is a 1/3 of the Honda's and decide I'm happy ringing the neck of the KTM. Thx for the review 👍
@@denzilthurton7807 I was paying 1800 a year but that was a few years ago with a new license. I am in my 40s too so I can only imagine what it would be as a younger rider.
Have you ridden a duke 390? If you have what are you’re thoughts on it? I’m looking to get one as a first bike.
street triple A2 does 0-60 5.4 seconds in first gear alone ;)
Honstly I love these bikes I have an ktm rc125 2017 and it's a great bike and I will be getting the 390,i jsut wish they made a 690 or 790 like the dukes
I’m 5’8 so would this bike be perfect for me?
Motosquirrel is back....watch out TMF and Lambchops!! - Great vid! I am encouraged to hear more owners of these KTM 390 powerplants commenting on having good reliability etc. Could more of you step up and let us know if you found that these little monsters have been good to you etc.? We feel that they have gotten a bad rap in their initial first year release etc. We also think that there were too many riders expecting NOT to run a cooling fan in 105 degree heat- Geesh! We love small to mid-size bikes at Motosquirrel! We have fat furry arses!!
Can I ask what jacket you are wearing. Ta.
Cute 👍.
Great beginners bike for sure.
If you get another chance to choose a ktm bike to ride, choose the 890 duke r when it’s available
Of course cant wait to test that one! 👍
I kinda wish I'd gotten the RC390 rather than the Duke390... especially as mine was a bit of a lemon. The RC is a cracking little bike! :-)
Looked like you gave it a few beans, it tears through the corners don't it! :D
try looking at the cbr500r!!!
Nice little bike, I'm a big fan of KTM, looking forward to your off road vids this winter, and the carbon mods for the H2, I have something coming from Motocomposites myself , if you use them then they cant be half bad, so I gave them a punt for my 1290 Super Duke R SE, great review as always,👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thanks matey, been out today on the 250 exc great fun 👍👍
48 !!! Yeh right 😂🤣 go on say it you had two paper rounds as a child !
Just a wee man child me 😁
Lamb Chop Rides we are all in mind ! It’s the body won’t comply !
In India this is known as "The God of single cylinders"
Video coming on the new 390 Duke at the weekend 👍👍
So reminds me of a yammy 350rd...nice
Go on chops build one with the 300 two-stroke engine......
Great idea that!
The RC needs the EXC500 engine option.
Oh now there's a project!
Awsome Vid. Can you review some 125s Chops. My Mrs has just done her CBT so we need a 125 for me to play on...... sorry I mean for her to learn on 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Will see what I can do 👍
£3999 if you search around, £3599 maybe if you wait a few more weeks. Brand new with 2 yrs warranty. Good bike for that money.
Agreed 👍
They should make a rc 790
What's the red light on the dash keep popping up for?
Probably the rev limiter?
It’s the Rev limiter, but on the new bikes it’s set to come on earlier for the breaking in period
Correct, this one hadn't had it first service yet.... whoops
Nice vid. I like the small bikes a lot as I've said many times. Although I do think it's a bit ugly. I would definitely chose the Duke 390 over this.
Thks.
this, or vitpilnen 701 for small tracks, what you reckon? weight wise, almost the same, vit way stronger..you tested both, I am curious of your opinion.
The Vitpilen is like a faster version of this! Both amazing, the 701 would be my choice as the RC is too small for me
Lamb Chop Rides, thanks, thought that too. I’m 6’2 and Ktm is smallish for me. I also like the fact I can put supercorsas sp on vit 701 and actually ride to my local track rather than use a trailer. Extra power with almost no weight gain isn’t going to be an issue either:)
I`m 48, own a 2018 duke 390. Bought it to ride with my son on his 125 duke but it quickly turned into my go to bike when commuting or back road scratching. So much fun showing up the bigger bikes, and handles brilliantly on our roads, done 16000km`s on it and no problems... th-cam.com/video/eCsdeN2itqk/w-d-xo.html
Ktm rc125 any good
Exactly the same but with less power
I own the 125 version it's a good little bike 75mph on a good day
Do Not get the KTM RC 390 if you wan't a small sport bike. The Yamaha R3 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 are both much better.
Not nearly as fun to ride though..... RC390 is raw, and that what is appealing to some of us. I bought a leftover 18 last year and am enjoying it. I have three street bikes, and I seem to always choose the RC for the quick ride.
42 whp.
I can assure you that RC 390 in the propper hands can easily outtake a lot of liter bikes posers...
I reckon you'd get that into the high 5's to 60...Ha !!
Agreed! That was with me on too!
I mean I can get 60mph with my 113cc scooter so I'd guess a bike with a 390cc engine to go faster than that lol!
I todays world you are not fat you are thicc
How old?......Your havin a laugh!!!!!🤭🤭🤭🤭😆😆😆
Yes just a wee man child me 😂
As Always a great vid. Thanks.
But would I ever consider owning a ktm again mmmm nope. Unreliable
I have the RC, and I see it for my daily commute, and unreliable is one thing this bike is not. Ive had just over 2 years now and I've had no issues with it whatsoever. Im in the uk and this bike starts every time without fail. I ride it in all weather's and this bike has not let me down yet.
390
Only dislike is the clip ons
If you weigh 18st and are only 6ft 2 then i'm sorry if you just went on a diet you wouldn't need to be so addicted to litre bikes. I bet i go just as fast on my 600 because i'm not obese.
First
Wish Honda would bring back the VFR400 and CBR400's Beautiful chassis, big grin factor.
Yes me too! These modern 400's just to compromised more like this please Japan!