Hi Bob, a great review. Thank you. This little KTM has needed an update for a few years now and in my humble opinion they have made some really sensible and affordable upgrades that are otherwise reserved for more expensive bikes. It will make for an awesome bike for those who want to explore and learn the art of racing or at least track riding. Nothing is more rewarding than going around a higher capacity Sport bike on something that doesn’t make even a quarter of the power. 👍😎🇦🇺
As someone who has ridden the 2022 890 Adventure quite a bit, I don't see anything that bike has that the 390 series is missing now. They have the exact same hardware when it comes to tech. The only actual difference between the 390 series and the 890 lineup is engine size, seat height, and clearance. It actually convinced me to just buy a 390 adventure instead, I don't need the 890 for twice as much. Same experience on a 390 minus a little bit of horsepower but nbd unless you are a speed demon wanting to ride your bike above 150km/hr.
@ It absolutely is. I’d add the CFMOTO 450 SR into the mix for you as they are both beginner friendly with the Chinese one being a little bit better in each area and cheaper.
Even though I have an unrestricted license and I have had bigger bikes in the past, I now have the earlier version of the RC390 and it is probably my favourite of all of them. If the new one is improved over mine then even better.
@@revmatchproductions well it needs a license plate holder and some turn signals. I’m sure it is a weapon but it would not be the most absurd bike on the road, at least not in the USA.
At highway speeds in top gear the R3 is actually faster on roll-on. In every other stat, this is "better" though. Except comfort, smoothness, and fuel economy. The RC390 sure does look special though.
Thanks Bob, in MX we are still waiting for it but someone mentioned that it will come. The expected cost also is below the R3 and Ninja 400. The adjustable suspension and EMU with the leaning sound great so I can't really wait to see it here and take a spin.
Brilliant bike, crazy level of equipment and the updated version looks much better than the old one to me. The only drawback it this category is the single cylinder engine sound.
Took delivery of that model yesterday. Fantastic bike with a rich RC Cup heritage. Already have about 10 kg off of it. We have a specialist here in the states called Formula390 who will help turn it into the RC8C or as close as we can get it. Ride safe. OR ..go fast don't die!
@DjordjeDjole-b3p Good bike to start on and to grow into. Thousands of people, world wide, raced this bike in the International RC CUP SERIES! This is a great bike! Have fun!
This is a fun little bike that used to have some fading problems on the front break. I hope they’ve fixed that because if offers a better value proposition than the R3 or Ninja 400
Great review, but its a bit strange to have an ad for Beeline when the 390 has navigation built-in to the TFT display. And its a lot better than the navigation that Beeline gives you. For other bikes without navigation, beeline is great.
Great review. Just bought this bike. I took off factory exhaust and straight pyped it. Sounds so much better and definitely can tell the difference. Bike feels and handles amazingly
If you’re not gonna take it to the track, i agree with him^^^ but even the duke you can take to a track, its just a little heavier than the RC and has handlebars
Had any issues with it? I’m looking at getting one aswell. It was fun on my test ride but I never got to get it above 80km/h. Does it handle 110km/h alright?
Love the blue and orange on this bike. Had my order in for this years 890 Duke R since February (it was due into the dealer in feb) and I'm still waiting.
I rode this same bike for the first time all day today. From having a CBR 1000 I might get me one of these. They are fun to ride. Tops out at like 100mph but still, until you hit 5th it's not too bad for how small it is.
I'm thinking about getting one, and I've been riding for 25+ years. I've got a heavy powerful bike already, what I want is something small, light, flickable and fun as an option :D
My dilemma was an r3 or this and while I live the r3 I didn’t like it’s buzziness and the suspention on the rc is far superior in my own opinion. Can’t really go wrong with eight one but something about the KTM just draws me to it more.
This bike will cost about $8k in my country. It's always been my dream. Maybe I have to save money for my whole life to purchase (20 months). LOL Yamaha R3 currently in my country cost $5600, twin cylinders, but I don't really like the design (not so sporty, but the head looks good), technology and suspensions are much behind KTM RC390.
I own a 2017 and it would appear KTM listened to things first gen owners did not like. They seem to have addressed just about everything on the list. Not sure where the added weight came from though. Can’t wait for a better look.
Other testers complained about the quickshifter not being prime time ready (not enough time to iron out the software wrinkles on real world riding ?). Truth be told I would rather deal with the TRASH level suspension of the other brands and their almost excellent engine reputation and lower admission fee than rolling the dice with KTM.
To be honest now I am into ktm for those some good updates I don't know what others think but first I was yamaha r series fan and I have owned 2 beginners bike of r series but now I am really looking to get my hand on 390rc hope ktm becomes my new found love with better price
Wonder if they've addressed the overheating problems? Anyone buying one should read Cycle World's take on it. They would not recommend that you buy the older version because of reliability issues. This thing has so much great stuff built-in though , that I think it's a steal! One thing they don't mention is that you have to be a certain size to fit. If you're over 200lbs then you'll look like a bear on a bicycle. It's a small bike. Don't kid yourself.
I'm getting my first bike in the lead up to the financial year. I'm tourn between the R3, 390 and the ninja 400. All close enough to the same price not to matter. I'm a quite tall, and the bike will be used for some computing, but mostly twisty hills. Which would you recommend?
I used to own the original RC390, I keep saying modern bikes keep getting heavier, and here's another example, where did the extra 5kg come from? hard to believe that this bike weighs 8kg more than a 1996 DR650.
Is it a metal fuel tank or plastic.??? My 2014 RC 390s metal fuel tank was getting rusted inside and falling apart, and was blocking the fuel pump all the time, it was a major headache..
@@catfunt5583 the duke doesn't have adjustable front suspension. It does not have the new lighter chassis. It doesn't have the new engine mapping and tune ups. It doesn't have the new lighter wheels. It doesn't have MTC or cornering ABS. It doesn't have the new TFT dash or the KTM my ride feature. Unless KTM released a new Duke in the past 5 months, I think you're wrong
@@waiwong7996 2022 has the new dash and my ride, with ability to Disable ABS, and option for up/down quickshifter, i was literally in the dealer looking at one for a friend on the weekend
@@catfunt5583 abs disable has been a feature for a long time. Optional quickshifter was added a few years ago. I didn't know about the new dash Funny, how you mention features I never talked about. What about the other features I listed?
@@waiwong7996 those are hardware features not very useful on a duke, dukes are also cheaper than the RC, and also designed for city riding, around town etc, not the track. RC makes use of the additional hardware at additional cost
Looks great in orange and blue. Have had a Ninja 650 for commute but often considered this for more giggles.. This new model has given me a little stiffy again.
The bike has a lot of nice features, but I still don't think it's a match for the Ninja 400. Second best in the lightweight sport category maybe, but it needs a few more horses to be a real contender.
I got a really bad sample of the brakes. Very inconsistent and lack of power. I had to have the whole front system replaced. And the result was night and day. The other short point I really hate about this bike is the engine powerband. It has no power at 6th gear below 6k RPM. So on the highway, if you just close the throttle for a sec, you have to remember to downshift, or the power won't come back anytime soon. So most of the time 6h gear is not usable even on highway with traffic. On the other side, very good MPG, consistently in the 60s which makes the small tank slightly more tolerable.
Bajaj Builds it as per specs given by KTM so i dont think there is any challenge with build quality as its manufactured by Bajaj. i love your reviews and watch each one of them , but the doubt created that its manufacture in India hence a question is what made me wonder
Thank God due to the design change no chapris/squids in India will buy this awesome bike. Im so freaking happy can't wait to get my hands on this baby 🥰
Hi Bob, a great review. Thank you. This little KTM has needed an update for a few years now and in my humble opinion they have made some really sensible and affordable upgrades that are otherwise reserved for more expensive bikes. It will make for an awesome bike for those who want to explore and learn the art of racing or at least track riding. Nothing is more rewarding than going around a higher capacity Sport bike on something that doesn’t make even a quarter of the power. 👍😎🇦🇺
As someone who has ridden the 2022 890 Adventure quite a bit, I don't see anything that bike has that the 390 series is missing now. They have the exact same hardware when it comes to tech. The only actual difference between the 390 series and the 890 lineup is engine size, seat height, and clearance.
It actually convinced me to just buy a 390 adventure instead, I don't need the 890 for twice as much. Same experience on a 390 minus a little bit of horsepower but nbd unless you are a speed demon wanting to ride your bike above 150km/hr.
Is this small bike or is okk?
@ It’s a great bike. Even at 6’2” I still have a blast on them.
@marcusgeorge1825 thank you...I m bigginer in sport bike...I hope so this bike is okk for that
@ It absolutely is. I’d add the CFMOTO 450 SR into the mix for you as they are both beginner friendly with the Chinese one being a little bit better in each area and cheaper.
The orange and blue scheme is a big improvement for KTM. The front end looks better too.
The is so so ugly
I disagree, I think that clear plastic front end is going to turn into yellow-plastic in about 3 years time. Poor choice on their end.
@@tbb740you can get another one by that time and problem solved
@@tbb740 Every sport bike has a clear windscreen my guy
Is this small bike or is okk?
Even though I have an unrestricted license and I have had bigger bikes in the past, I now have the earlier version of the RC390 and it is probably my favourite of all of them. If the new one is improved over mine then even better.
I’m glad this bike exists even if I can’t ride it.
Hopefully KTM will come back to bigger sport bikes again.
these are indian made bigger bikes are there
They make the 8C which is a weapon of a bike, which is why its for track use only
@@todd_vincy4710 these are not the bigger bikes here in india 😌
@@revmatchproductions well it needs a license plate holder and some turn signals.
I’m sure it is a weapon but it would not be the most absurd bike on the road, at least not in the USA.
Is this small bike or is okk?
At highway speeds in top gear the R3 is actually faster on roll-on. In every other stat, this is "better" though. Except comfort, smoothness, and fuel economy. The RC390 sure does look special though.
@@commonmanv.5652 only for us indians bro, mileage venumna performance bikes vangatheenga
@@commonmanv.5652 a middle class person could easily afford a car+fuel.
@@commonmanv.5652 obviously
@@commonmanv.5652 middle class don't buy rc390 😂
Is this small bike or is okk?
Thanks Bob, in MX we are still waiting for it but someone mentioned that it will come. The expected cost also is below the R3 and Ninja 400. The adjustable suspension and EMU with the leaning sound great so I can't really wait to see it here and take a spin.
Front end design could have been better considering the previous gen sharp design..
Brilliant bike, crazy level of equipment and the updated version looks much better than the old one to me. The only drawback it this category is the single cylinder engine sound.
I own a 23' RC390 and I found a full exhaust kit from a polish company called DominatoR and it genuinely has a nice sound to it.
Is this small bike or is okk?
Took delivery of that model yesterday. Fantastic bike with a rich RC Cup heritage. Already have about 10 kg off of it. We have a specialist here in the states called Formula390 who will help turn it into the RC8C or as close as we can get it. Ride safe. OR ..go fast don't die!
Is this small bike or is okk?
@DjordjeDjole-b3p full size bike! I'm 6' ,and feels as large as my GSX-R 750 W/O the weight!
@hatchetjack1031 thank you...I m bigginer in sport bike...I hope so this bike is okk for that
@DjordjeDjole-b3p Good bike to start on and to grow into. Thousands of people, world wide, raced this bike in the International RC CUP SERIES! This is a great bike! Have fun!
Didn't realise that with all the weight saving the bike still gained weight over the previous model - thanks for pointing that out!
This is a fun little bike that used to have some fading problems on the front break. I hope they’ve fixed that because if offers a better value proposition than the R3 or Ninja 400
Nice! I like how they painted the exhaust black so it doesn't look all tarnished like most bikes, I wonder why some others don't do that as well.
Great review, but its a bit strange to have an ad for Beeline when the 390 has navigation built-in to the TFT display. And its a lot better than the navigation that Beeline gives you.
For other bikes without navigation, beeline is great.
Great review. Just bought this bike. I took off factory exhaust and straight pyped it. Sounds so much better and definitely can tell the difference. Bike feels and handles amazingly
Any overheating issues?
This might just be my first bike, great video, appreciate the detail in information
OLD IS GOLD LOOKS ❤️❤️
Definitely orange & blue works more for me
I’m looking at getting my first bike.. this looks ideal! Thanks for the review!
Get the Duke instead
If you’re not gonna take it to the track, i agree with him^^^ but even the duke you can take to a track, its just a little heavier than the RC and has handlebars
I’m a little late but I got this one as my first bike and I’m loving it
Had any issues with it? I’m looking at getting one aswell.
It was fun on my test ride but I never got to get it above 80km/h. Does it handle 110km/h alright?
Love the blue and orange on this bike.
Had my order in for this years 890 Duke R since February (it was due into the dealer in feb) and I'm still waiting.
Bob, you are a true professional and like the cleaner bead.
I rode this same bike for the first time all day today. From having a CBR 1000 I might get me one of these. They are fun to ride. Tops out at like 100mph but still, until you hit 5th it's not too bad for how small it is.
Definitely the blue and orange, man I hope this releases here in Indonesia
I'm thinking about getting one, and I've been riding for 25+ years. I've got a heavy powerful bike already, what I want is something small, light, flickable and fun as an option :D
wow this is a premium motorcycle. I love all the big bike features on the little bike.
The old gen of RC also had a bolt on sub frame. Great vedio btw♥️
My bad - thanks for the heads up!
@@motobob It didn't. The Duke had a bolt on subframe not the rc.
"unsprung weight", now there's a phrase I haven't heard in a decade or two ;-)
My dilemma was an r3 or this and while I live the r3 I didn’t like it’s buzziness and the suspention on the rc is far superior in my own opinion. Can’t really go wrong with eight one but something about the KTM just draws me to it more.
This bike will cost about $8k in my country. It's always been my dream. Maybe I have to save money for my whole life to purchase (20 months). LOL
Yamaha R3 currently in my country cost $5600, twin cylinders, but I don't really like the design (not so sporty, but the head looks good), technology and suspensions are much behind KTM RC390.
I own a 2017 and it would appear KTM listened to things first gen owners did not like. They seem to have addressed just about everything on the list. Not sure where the added weight came from though. Can’t wait for a better look.
Other testers complained about the quickshifter not being prime time ready (not enough time to iron out the software wrinkles on real world riding ?).
Truth be told I would rather deal with the TRASH level suspension of the other brands and their almost excellent engine reputation and lower admission fee than rolling the dice with KTM.
Nice one Bob !
That's one sweet looking bike 🤔
Great review as always 👏
Use 46t rear sprocket instead of stock 45t in all ktm 390s for real fun... Both acceleration and top end increases.
Only acceleration increases not the top end
Looks great, but still waiting for the 390 SM.
Bob, when are you going to take it for a ride. It would be nice to see you ride it.
I NEED THAT BIKE DUDE..
Looks great but would have liked to hear what it sounds like with the new exhaust system.
Hi Bob, Great video. Just wanted to ask if you could add a sound test of the bike you review as many people would appreciate that. :)
Thank God I will buy one for myself
To be honest now I am into ktm for those some good updates I don't know what others think but first I was yamaha r series fan and I have owned 2 beginners bike of r series but now I am really looking to get my hand on 390rc hope ktm becomes my new found love with better price
Kinda relatable bro 🙌
But we don't get those adjustable forks 😷
Wonder if they've addressed the overheating problems? Anyone buying one should read Cycle World's take on it. They would not recommend that you buy the older version because of reliability issues. This thing has so much great stuff built-in though , that I think it's a steal! One thing they don't mention is that you have to be a certain size to fit. If you're over 200lbs then you'll look like a bear on a bicycle. It's a small bike. Don't kid yourself.
I'm getting my first bike in the lead up to the financial year. I'm tourn between the R3, 390 and the ninja 400. All close enough to the same price not to matter.
I'm a quite tall, and the bike will be used for some computing, but mostly twisty hills. Which would you recommend?
You can never go wrong with R3. Love the KTM but R3 is just too refine
@@gigachad8872 R3🌟
I used to own the original RC390, I keep saying modern bikes keep getting heavier, and here's another example, where did the extra 5kg come from? hard to believe that this bike weighs 8kg more than a 1996 DR650.
Will you have a more in depth review? Im waiting to take delivery of my RC in South Africa.
Is it a metal fuel tank or plastic.???
My 2014 RC 390s metal fuel tank was getting rusted inside and falling apart, and was blocking the fuel pump all the time, it was a major headache..
I have a 2022 R3 but god damn, this bike looks so pretty.
Power not good as r3 and ninja 400 ,you have to change the gear constantly ,short gearing issue and the quick shifter not good
R3 better
The weird thing is it's made in india and is available internationally but not in india yet
I just wish they update the Duke 390 as well so riders who aren't comfortable with sport bike ergos can still enjoy the upgrades
These upgrades are already on the duke
@@catfunt5583 the duke doesn't have adjustable front suspension. It does not have the new lighter chassis. It doesn't have the new engine mapping and tune ups. It doesn't have the new lighter wheels. It doesn't have MTC or cornering ABS. It doesn't have the new TFT dash or the KTM my ride feature.
Unless KTM released a new Duke in the past 5 months, I think you're wrong
@@waiwong7996 2022 has the new dash and my ride, with ability to Disable ABS, and option for up/down quickshifter, i was literally in the dealer looking at one for a friend on the weekend
@@catfunt5583 abs disable has been a feature for a long time. Optional quickshifter was added a few years ago. I didn't know about the new dash
Funny, how you mention features I never talked about. What about the other features I listed?
@@waiwong7996 those are hardware features not very useful on a duke, dukes are also cheaper than the RC, and also designed for city riding, around town etc, not the track. RC makes use of the additional hardware at additional cost
I want old vs new comparison
The previous model of rc was very sharp 💖💖 It was my favorite, I don't like the new gen of this rc series
Well keep enjoying the worse bike, this bike is better.
Def seems like a lot of bike for the money! There are many middleweight class bikes that dont have the tech and features like this one
Sure, can't believe how good the cockpit is for a bike this size!
Hi Bob, nice review but i was wondering what would you choose this one or the cbr500r?
Go the Honda mate. In my personal experience KTM will NEVER get another dollar from me.
@@andrewf1326 Why?
Still dont know when its coming to dealership here in the states ktm dealership have the listing but no bikes
Excellent review. But the old model design was class apart. Black White original design.
The only thing I hate about the new Ktm rcs is the looks, this bike looks older and weirder compared to the previous model.
I like it. Great price for a bit of lightweight fun around the lanes.
Looks great in orange and blue. Have had a Ninja 650 for commute but often considered this for more giggles.. This new model has given me a little stiffy again.
Did they ruined the seat angle? It looks now, like other bikes.
Old is gold
Small Capacity Bike...
That's one of the biggest capacity bikes in my area🥲
Love this bike! 😍
The bike has a lot of nice features, but I still don't think it's a match for the Ninja 400. Second best in the lightweight sport category maybe, but it needs a few more horses to be a real contender.
Ninja 400 is literally a bag of concrete heavier than this though
Great review. Kindly advise, Which will be the better choice if compared with the Ninja300
Any update about the KTM Duke 490 launch timeline?
Why don't we get adjustable suspension in India?
Wow the bike looks 🔥🔥🔥
the blinkers blink slow like that?
So motobob great video but now ninja 400 2022 or this tech beast 2022 ? (Does ninja 400 have these features?)
Good bike to start on?
I got a really bad sample of the brakes. Very inconsistent and lack of power. I had to have the whole front system replaced. And the result was night and day. The other short point I really hate about this bike is the engine powerband. It has no power at 6th gear below 6k RPM. So on the highway, if you just close the throttle for a sec, you have to remember to downshift, or the power won't come back anytime soon. So most of the time 6h gear is not usable even on highway with traffic. On the other side, very good MPG, consistently in the 60s which makes the small tank slightly more tolerable.
Are the head gaskets fixed?
Hi , great review. Thank you. would you do a BMW G 310 GS review? thanks
Even if it is produced here in India still we don't get the adjustable cartridges not even as an option.
nice video beautiful bike Rc 390 👍👌🙂
My dream bike 🥺
Everyone of these bikes I see parked i'll go twist the clickers for the forks until they are maxed out. Bahahahahahaha
Hi, From where did you get the 3d view of engine?
Will the UK get the new CFMoto SR450?
Im so damn excited for mine to arrive.
I personally prefer the old RC💖
Bro I think u haven't ride the new one its better than the old one .
This is more agile!!!
New model is better than old one
I personally prefer the new rc ❤️
You are not the only one! I recon the old model is a better looking bike
Can we still get old rc 390
Another good-looking KTM. What's going on over there?
What a beautiful bike
Where's it's big brother ??
Does it still have the blown head gaskets problem?
Not anymore, They've fixed that years ago
Damn , you are fast bro. 👍
Technical term: “thumb twiddlers” 🤣👍
If anyone figures puting the MY2022 Front head and intergrated indicators on a MY2021 with a DIY plz post too
Bajaj Builds it as per specs given by KTM so i dont think there is any challenge with build quality as its manufactured by Bajaj. i love your reviews and watch each one of them , but the doubt created that its manufacture in India hence a question is what made me wonder
He meant that since Bajaj manufactures them in India, KTM is able to price it cheaper than the competition.
Gps is available ??
If anyone figures out how to put the 14l MY2022 tank on a MY2021 frame plz post a VID
fucking design
old design was so good
does ktm have 600cc?
love it
Look like superb tech
How much price?
we want Brad Binders bike!!!! V-4 sport bike with 235-hp
bro when will old rc back in stock?
Never
Waiting to launch in India
Thank God due to the design change no chapris/squids in India will buy this awesome bike. Im so freaking happy can't wait to get my hands on this baby 🥰
My 2024 fuel pump went out already