KTM RC 390 Motorcycle Road and Track Review 2022-2023

Рет қаралды 11,310

Күн бұрын

The KTM RC390 motorcycle is a very popular track bike, but is it road worthy? Let's discuss the ups and downs, including a warranty issue with this KTM motorcycle, and find out if it is worth buying this relatively inexpensive motorcycle.
Welcome to our motorcycle channel! Here, you'll find a variety of videos covering all things motorcycle-related. From how-to guides to in-depth reviews, we've got you covered. Our focus is on Ducati, Triumph, and KTM motorcycles, but we also cover other popular brands. Tune in for valuable information on maintenance, repairs, and all things two-wheeled. Thanks for stopping by!
Products found on Amazon & used by Rembo USMC (yes these are affiliate links)
Joe Rocket SuperMoto Gloves amzn.to/3MXJJqZ
Smith & Wesson Tactical Zip Boots Waterproof (not motorcycle boot but comfortable and easy on and off). amzn.to/3N5e0UP
Motorcycle Chain Alignment Tool amzn.to/3tObVpl
Motorcycle Chain Cleaning Brushes. amzn.to/3bb36j3
Motul Chain Care KIT. amzn.to/3zJj3Y1
Motorcycle Battery Charger & Cable Kit. amzn.to/3mXdaic
RAM Mount QuickGrip XL Phone Holder. amzn.to/3Qpfigh

Пікірлер: 108

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Is the KTM RC390 a better track bike than the competing Kawasaki Ninja 400?

@NuvolariF1 Жыл бұрын

Kawi is the bike to beat right now.

@kevinhtlee Жыл бұрын

The RC is by far the most track oriented bike in it's class.

@Akiopai 2 ай бұрын

Ninja400 is a better bike. But the KTM is more fun in my opinion

@Maxibsa 3 ай бұрын

I just bought this bike today for my A2 driving license in Germany. Currently the 2023 model only costs around 4790€, which is great. It's much cheaper than the competition but has better components. For me it's not the prettiest bike on the market, but it's still the best in this segment

@RemboUSMC 3 ай бұрын

I love the bike, just not the warranty issues with KTM.

@GlynOC Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this and let us know how it really is, hoping to get one soon

@modernadmiral 10 ай бұрын

I just purchased a 2023 KTM RC 390 a month ago (I think one year newer than yours?) and am having the EXACT same quickshifter issue you are having with it skipping 1st and dropping into neutral. I appreciate all the effort you went into trying to resolve it. Am dissapointed that KTM doesnt seem like they want to take care of it without a lot of financial risk on your part. This is an issue that plagues so many bikes. And surprised its still an issue. Really frustrating when it happens. But I feel a bit deflated with the idea of trying to get them to do something about it now

@OlivierZide Жыл бұрын

I’ve had the bike for almost a year now and really love it. I’m not experienced on track at all but have been riding for 12 years. I also have a Brutale 1090R and end up using the little KTM more often. Perfect commuter in my mind, as it’s so tiny and agile. Im 6ft tall and 180pounds, and I find I fit perfectly on it. Like you said, great on fuel, cheap (by today’s standards), could do with a bit more power (probably achievable with a sport cat and air filter). Suspension is great. I find it’s also making me a better rider, being a bit underpowered, forces you to be in the correct gear. I absolutely love the lightness and chassis ! In my eyes, worth keeping and slight improvement will make it an absolute track weapon! I find amazing to easily keep up with more experienced people on bigger bikes as soon as it’s a bit twisty !! Out of curiosity, did you keep the 150 rear for your track tyre ?

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Yes stock tire for track. I might be going smaller

@OlivierZide Жыл бұрын

@@RemboUSMC sorry, missed your message! Smaller… interesting ! Better agility?

@adowdell Жыл бұрын

Great review!

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@LanceLumbanPHI 7 ай бұрын

That was just a bad dealer. In our country KTM service is great as well as the third party repair shops. The parts are easy to find. I rode this from 1st generation to the launch of the new one in Sepang track Malaysia. It is all smiles in the helmet. It is such a great machine.

@X11CHASE 3 ай бұрын

They sell high quality block off plates for the mirror delete, which is necessary to keep the windshield fastened as you mentioned. Look a hell of a lot better than that tape job. Great review, love when people make in depth videos instead of standard 3rd rate crap. 🔥

@RemboUSMC 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info!

@viktorpantazis4441 2 ай бұрын

Fantastic review, good production and your personality shines through, it feels like I am listening to a friend I can trust.

@RemboUSMC 2 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you!

@pkpk5276 Жыл бұрын

Glad you are love your bike. I’m thrilled with mine being a 150 lb rider. So easy to handle. Incredible 341 full wet weight. Question for you: what is the details of the air filter cover you replace the solid cover with? Cheers.

@carlharris6486 11 ай бұрын

Look at the mirror block off billet replacement bolts from Gray Area KTM from Eugene,Oregon. I did this with bar end mirrors and the KTM handlebars riser kit on the medium spacer. Then replace the windscreen with a PowerBronze double bubble windscreen. I’m 6’1” and 200 pounds works well for my size. Also used the KTM PowerParts front wave disc with Galfer front and rear brake pads.

@RemboUSMC 11 ай бұрын

I bought a lot of parts from Gray Area KTM, including the mirror blanks.

@sunny7L Жыл бұрын

great review (: i agree with all your points. can't wait for the 2023 season because up here in the NE, track days are on shut down until late April (generally). i don't like this bike for the street, but i love it for the track. as you mentioned, false neutrals going from 3rd to 2nd are a big issue (only when using the QS, doing it manually no issues) and the stock rear sets are no good for track riding if you're going beyond 50 degree lean angle.

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to watch and post on the video. Hopefully April will come quickly.

@richardbranton190 Жыл бұрын

Every manufacturer does the same thing with warranty service. Suzuki did it to me with my transmission on my 1000. If they tear into it and can't find anything wrong they charge you.

@nurzrachit7133 Жыл бұрын

I have become a big fan of continental tires too. I replaced my Goodyear eagle F1 tires for Conti DW6 on my Camaro and they are so much better than the OEM tires and cost less too. I've been a Michelin fan for many years but I think Conti is my new favorite. I've never used Conti's on my bikes but I will definitely be looking for them now.

@tx51210 Жыл бұрын

I had considered adding a KTM this year but their reliability and service reputation seems to be similar to your experiences.

@aesthetik24 Жыл бұрын

Great review! Can you make a video on raising/lowering the clip-ons?

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Good idea!

@fawelementssupplies8519 Жыл бұрын

This bike is beautiful on the track.. Just a tip, if you purchase ktm bar ends, you can remove the mirrors completely and use the bar end caps with a longer bolt and lock nut. Fits perfectly 👊

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

I already removed them with a kit. Wait until you see it.

@Ryuk.390 Жыл бұрын

It’s surprising that the Indian units of the RC390 are getting quick shifter as standard and non of them including me are not facing any problem with it . But the export models are facing problems with the quick shifter and the export models are getting adjustable front suspension but we are left with non adjustable front suspension

@MarcoZanini-cn8cx Жыл бұрын

Hi Rembo, great review! You know what? I’ve found a 2022 Rc just like yours for sale with 400 miles. Last Sunday I went for a test (very brief, as I was freezing) and I fell in love. Now I’m just waiting as the guy is on his pickup bringing me the bike in half an hour or so.

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Sounds great! You will love it.

@MarcoZanini-cn8cx Жыл бұрын

Hi Rembo there 😊 My 390 is here and I am finishing the 600 mile break in. Then in May I will be back on track after 20 years. I’ve seen you were happy with the Contiroad and I think that for this first track day I’ll be fine with them. Any advise for tire pressure and warm up? Thanks

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

@@MarcoZanini-cn8cx I weigh about 190 pounds and with tire warmers on I set my front tire pressure to 33psi and the rear to 30 when they are already warmed up

@KennyWagner Жыл бұрын

Great review! Thank you. I'm shopping right now for my first track bike. This was my first choice, and I love the price, but considering I want to save $ long-term, the 4RR is now on the table because I can "grow into it," which justifies the price difference IMO.

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Let us know what you end up doing.

@davidearl8942 Жыл бұрын

I'm picking mine up tomorrow. And yes it's going to be my track day bike.

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Excellent.

@davidearl8942 Жыл бұрын

@@RemboUSMC The first 70 miles in the books. I did the quick shifter update and had no issues with it on the ride home.

@KidRuthless01 Жыл бұрын

Personally, I give this bike a 7.5/10 I use this one as my daily, but there is a gear problem. On the quick shift up the gear will miss and you will overrev. Usually shifting up from 3rd to 4th but every now and again on 5th to 6th as well. Just a word of caution. Other than that, the bike is great as a daily. (PS if you're in FL it's not for i-4 or the 95. It doesn't have that get up and go that you need on those highways.)

@franciscobarajas6155 Жыл бұрын

Great video Rembo! I’m looking to get into riding, would you recommend this for a first time ever bike? The comparisons are crazy between this, a crb300r, the r3 the ninja 400. I’m drowned in research that recommend one bike over the other.

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

It’s gonna come down to personal choice on how the bike feels to you. What I can tell you is that the ninja 400 will have a ton of available aftermarket parts for you.

@mikeglick3886 Жыл бұрын

I had a duke 690 and had problems with false neutrals. I was told by the dealer that after the first oil change and it had some miles on it would go away. I rode the piss out of that bike and the only cure was to shift hard and once I did the problem went away. But it takes hard positive shifting. I think this is one of the flaws "the only one" in KTM bikes.

@leanit5756 Жыл бұрын

My first 690 supermoto was bad about false neutrals too. It also leaked at the shift shaft seal from new. Seals replaced under warranty and it still leaked. My second one 2 model years later (same / current generation bike) did not have either problem. I think it is smart to wait until at least the 3rd year of production before buying a KTM.

@AdrianBryan-ps5lw Жыл бұрын

I love this little Bike I have a Triumph Speed Triple, and a Benelli 752s, both great bikes and I am thinking of getting an RC390 as a light fun bike is this bike capable of running at 80mph cruzing speeds please and by the way you have done a great in depth review of this little bike thank you.

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

You are welcome Adrian. Thanks for taking the time to watch my videos and post your thoughts.

@cv7900 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great review. I ride a litre bike at tracks only and looking at buying this bike to start my track season and mornings/rain days. One question, is the 2022 and the 2023 the “same” model ? From what ive read so far, ifs about the aesthetics and the colour of the windscreen.

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

There is a lot that is different so I had a hard time finding accessories and replacement parts initially.

@theodorechiu6875 Жыл бұрын

can you make a video showing what you did with the airbox/filter mod you mentioned?

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

I will

@tinymotogarage Жыл бұрын

Currently riding 2-T Supermoto on track. Next year, entering the 400 series. Main competition is Ninja 400's. Open track 3.5km, 2 long straights. Thoughts on a 2023? Would 4HP more make a big difference? No street for this. Great video - thanks.

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

4 hp on a 40 hp motorcycle is a 10% increase so yes that’s significant.

@timothyrutledge1021 11 ай бұрын

Great video! What rear spools did you go with? You were saying they are a special pitch thread. Thanks!

@RemboUSMC 11 ай бұрын

I can't remember where I got them but I gave up at the dealer and got them myself. Maybe from Gray Area KTM in the Pacific Northwest.

@timothyrutledge1021 11 ай бұрын

@@RemboUSMC cool thanks I’ll look them up

@devilsden3326 Жыл бұрын

I have to get rid of my 07 r1 I realy hate to do so but i have the opportunity to trade it in for the rc 390 would it have similar power to weight and handling to the r1?

@randomuser4534 Жыл бұрын

Would consider a slightly wider 160 rear tire? You mentioned using 100 %of the rear tire. Maybe a 160 could give you some wiggle room. I would like to see your experience on the track. Thank you!

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Not a bad idea

@NakulSaxena Жыл бұрын

Very nice video and very well put together. I was interested in this bike myself. I wanted to know if any of you has experience with this as a highway bike - not really for track but highways and usual roadways. Also, I am almost 187cm (6ft 2in.) in height - So how would this bike be for taller bikers?

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Small for tall riders. Not a great highway bike because it is so light. Can sustain good speed

@NakulSaxena Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your quick reply. Would you say that either Ninja 400 or CBR500R would be better options if highway riding would be a preference? :)

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

@@NakulSaxena That is a personal choice. I would think the heavier Honda may feel more stable but the sleekness of the Ninja make compensate for it.

@holdenc2636 Жыл бұрын

@@NakulSaxena I don’t know how your body is proportioned but I am 6’5 with shorter legs and this bike is still comfortable. The dealership I sat on it at raised the “clip ons” to the highest option stock which is like 10mm up and it was amazing. I think it would only start to get uncomfortable when you have a 34+ inch inseam but other than that i personally thought it was pretty comfortable

@NICOLABANDEIRA 6 ай бұрын

hi you doing? great description. what pressure are you using on tires for track days? thx, greetings

@RemboUSMC 5 ай бұрын

With tire warmers, 30 rear and 33 front (PSI)

@NICOLABANDEIRA 5 ай бұрын

@@RemboUSMC off the warmers right?

@danny100d Жыл бұрын

Hi Rembo, I’m going to start tracking my Ninja 650 and have a tire-related question. What air pressure do you start with at the track with your 390?

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

With warmers at temp, 33psi front and 29-30psi rear

@robinhart5731 7 ай бұрын

You mentioned the airbox and the mod you made. Have you any pics of it? Cheers

@RemboUSMC 7 ай бұрын

I did not take any unfortunately.

@PushANDFall Жыл бұрын

Have you considered running 150/60 rear tyre? It will give you more side meat but you will lose in rear height.

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

The rear is a 150/60

@leanit5756 Жыл бұрын

How's the rev limiter? Does it go in softly or does it run hard right in to it? Does bike tend to want to run right into it, or has power already petered out a bit before hitting it? On my last 690 SM that thing would just hammer right into the rev limiter, which then was rather disruptive.

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

That is a hard question to answer. It kicks right in and lets you know you have hit the rev limiter. It does not shut it down but you certainly know when you've hit it.

@mellowflip Жыл бұрын

Hi Rembo, I want to start my track life. What do you think of the new ZX4RR? Which one do you recommend I should start with?

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

I would definitely start in the 400 range depending on the type of track. If it has a lot of straights and few turns then a bigger bike. I am liking what I see with the new Kawasaki ZX4RR and would love to test ride one for sure.

@mellowflip Жыл бұрын

@@RemboUSMC Thanks for the reply 🙏

@daxflowers2255 Жыл бұрын

When are you going to do the exhaust and tune I’m really looking to get this bike in black

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Working on that now. Saving money.

@daxflowers2255 Жыл бұрын

Will be waiting thanks

@peripheral1258 3 ай бұрын

I've a 2018. Once in a while I miss a shift. I checked the aftermarket stronger spring and roller selector ...and didn't buy. I emailed KTM Canada to ask if this was a Known Item and if they now used a stronger spring on the '22-24 bikes. Got Totally Stone-walled. And my local dealer was even Worse as they wouldn't even let me talk to a mechanic. Wankers... But it sure is fun bike -and my first one at 67 years old. I still can't imagine what the extra 100+Hp is for. RapidBike ECU/bigger injector, Delcovich cat delete, R-6 re-done shock, S-22's. What a Gas!! ps: Learned Valve-shims and so far so good for My 16,000Km. and 22,000 on the clock... but I am not banging off the limiter much at all.

@RemboUSMC 3 ай бұрын

That’s why this is my first and last KTM

@drunkpolack7612 8 ай бұрын

I found a used 22 with 1k miles for 4500 in my area

@RemboUSMC 8 ай бұрын

Sounds like a good deal if it’s never been wrecked.

@ricky.mansyur Жыл бұрын

What kind of orange tape did you use for track day?

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

I just ordered orange painters, masking tape from Amazon

@lindsaydakota Жыл бұрын

What is the aftermarket exhaust that goes on?

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

There are many but I did not pick on yet.

@juniorz9245 2 ай бұрын

Jeff question how do I access the software for the 390 boss .

@RemboUSMC 2 ай бұрын

That’s not something I know

@NCISBharathG 5 ай бұрын

Hello sir i am from india i have quick shifter problem on my KTM RC 390 i bought this bike for a couple of months ago diven 5000kms please sugesst me a solution. The quick shifter was not working

@RemboUSMC 5 ай бұрын

I don’t have a solution because I have a quick shifter problem and KTM is not very good with their warranty in North America.

@SP-xd8gs Жыл бұрын

Nice warranty.

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Sure is

@johnmichael9354 Жыл бұрын

Does it show what gear you in on the dash?

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Yes it does.

@johnmichael9354 Жыл бұрын

You should definitely make more videos about this bike. I just got one last week and it’s hard for me to get to know where the parts is at lol for example I don’t even know where you can hook up a battery tender during the winter.

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

@@johnmichael9354 I will. I just installed a battery tender connector. Very easy.

@johnmichael9354 Жыл бұрын

I would love to see that. Please and thank you!

@johnmichael9354 Жыл бұрын

Is it normal for this bike to smell like coolant after riding it for Atleast 30 minutes? I rode mine to work yesterday and I could smell it. No signs of coolant leak anywhere but I did checked the overflow coolant hose and there some coolant dripping a lil bit.

@TRexHeliPilot 5 ай бұрын

Looks like there will not be a KTM in my future.

@RemboUSMC 5 ай бұрын

I will be looking for another option when it is time to replace this bike

@stevesanelli90 Жыл бұрын

I’ve never trusted KTM. Same happened here. $20 bearing cost me $800 dollars to replace in the engine 2 days out of warranty. No customer representation. Will never buy one again.

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

That’s not right. The Bering was probably going bad way before whatever happened happened.

@stevesanelli90 Жыл бұрын

@@RemboUSMC it was a caged ball bearing they eventually replaced with a roller bearing in a later design 🤦‍♂️ The cage rivets gave up & damaged the gearbox. Even had the head office importer say tough shit. He said we have rally & dirt bikes that break down. I told him that was a ridiculous comparison. He lost a customer. Pure & simple.

@dvenohy1 Жыл бұрын

There is no need for an enthusiastic amateur to have anything bigger than 600cc3.... I know a girl, riding 250cm3 bike and she is faster than majority of 600cc bikers on a race track - including me 🤣

@RemboUSMC Жыл бұрын

Very very true