2017 KTM RC390 | Favorites & Fails

The KTM RC390’s highs and lows, as told by a guy that’s logged thousands of miles and hundreds of laps on one.
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When you ride as many different motorcycles as we do it gives you good perspective on a given bike’s strengths and weaknesses. And whether you’re shopping for your next bike or just want to be in the know, it’s helpful to get an experienced rider’s opinion. So as a quick way to convey the highs and lows of the bikes we’ve been riding we came up with this new video series. Favorites & Fails is exactly what the name suggests, a concise list of the good and bad for the bikes we’re riding.
This isn’t meant to be a comprehensive evaluation or road test, but rather a candid snapshot, delivered with the same sincerity and honesty we’d show to a friend that wanted our opinion on a given bike. Hopefully you find it helpful or at least informative. Don’t agree with us, or have a motorcycle you want us to put through the F&F wringer? Feel free to chime in below in the comments section.
Full story here: www.cycleworld...
This bike by the numbers:
Price as Tested: $5,499
Displacement: 373cc
Measured wet Weight: 371 lb. (168kg)
Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gal. (9.8L)
Measured power: 42.5 hp @ 10250 rpm
Measured torque: 24.4 lb.-ft. @ 8300 rpm
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[@oso1165]

glad u guys have the balls to call out bike manufacturers for reliability so tired of seeing every reviewer never even mention it on even the worst bikes that have severe known issues

[@shAdOwstAlkEr945]

I had one of the first 2017 rc390s here and was extremely hyped about owning one. Sold my rebel 500 for it. And to all other would-be owners planning on buying one: PLEASE DON'T 😂 Lets start off with reliability. 2 recalls over the span of 7 months. Engine overheats on bumper to bumper traffic and on long distances. Electronics tend to go haywire on you as you put more miles. Valve clearance is still a damn issue. Engine seizure tends to happen at random. The fuel tank is also ridiculously small. Vibrates a lot *which is normal for a thumper but this one just really vibrates alot more* and the brakes also tend to fade after an hour of semi-hooligan riding on the mountains. It is the worst bike when it comes to reliability. Performancewise, there is no doubt it stumps the rest of the competition, hands down. But as bike to live with? A greek accountant would be more reliable than it. The perfomance that it provides just isn't enough to offset the issues that comes with owning one. That's why I sold it and replaced it with an R3. Not as torquey up the mountains but at least I can sleep a lot better at night knowing my bike is gonna start the next morning.

[@kurtasplico9137]

FPSPhilippines looks like you bought a lemon. I don't experience all the trouble you've had. Not even a bit. And I use it daily for a year now.

[@csud9540]

Yawns, any dick that sits in traffic and boils an engine isn’t worth listening too, my ktm is 2015, 21500miles, no issues whatsoever.

[@varad4444]

I bet this was one of the most requested ones on your channel by all the Indians with their on point advanced english skills. It's one of the most cherished bikes here due to its dirt cheap price as compared to other bikes in its segment. Just to give you an idea it's about $3500 ex-showroom when converted from inr to usd. It's not viewed as a beginner's bike here by most of the masses, instead most of the people hope to upgrade to this bike from their commuter class bikes one day. Hope you guys continue with the awesome and great quality content. Lots of love and support from India!!!

[@ktmpranthan900]

Paul Bubnash aaa nope. It's not equivalent to a ducati as there are many KTM s over here. And there indeed are many Ducati s . Heck there's even a superbike showroom just 5min away from my home and yesterday I happen to see a ducati 858😍!!! And compared to an enfield this bike is not just a Ducati it's an S1000RR!!!!Enfield are not proper bikes they are simply just something you buy if you want a full body massage cus of their sluggy motor and unbearably vibey engine that cannot even do 52mph.....You reach 60mph you can pick up ur bike in pieces!!!

[@uttamjeetsingh7451]

There is no Ducati that has an 858 engine.

[@yashamin5848]

@@uttamjeetsingh7451 must be the 848

[@motoholota]

390 is lovely, but I've got to admit - I'm really worried about that head gasket and clearance issues...

[@wolfgangrembeck2171]

MotoHolota My 2017 model has no problems what so ever after 7000miles. I have to say it vibrates a lot, fuel capacity is a problem and the standard seat is unconfortable as hell. But i'm starting to love it more and more

[@fabianrudzewski9027]

Well I originally had a 2015 model and after 2 replaced gearboxes got a 2017 model engine as a replacement, which after 6000 km seized near top speed on the autobahn. The huge bang followed by sudden silence is scary AF, trust me. So from my perspective, the 2017 engine hasn't goten any more reliable.

[@mechashiva8328]

MotoHolota Which do you have? the RC or the Duke? Do you spend a lot of time on the highway?

[@motoholota]

I've got 2015 Duke 390. And I spend more time on track than on highway. ;)

[@shAdOwstAlkEr945]

MotoHolota honestly KTMs are utter shite when it comes to reliability. Can't trust something designed in austria and then built by the damn indians (cheaper labor force, cheaper quality) and that is a fact that even the Indians consider true.

[@gbo4518]

Be aware: KTM did NOT fix the gasket problems for the newer 2017+ models. The new models are still blowing up all the time. There's a reason the top ultralight class racers are now switched to the Ninja 400's. Way more reliable.

[@BrainDesmo]

ty for the info

[@gbo4518]

@Deplorable uh I race with guys who have these and I've seen them blow up on the track. Nothing false about it

[@greenblue980]

Thanks for this

[@greenblue980]

So 2016 models are safe?

[@PetSounds38]

Bullshits

[@doxasnob8137]

Thank you so much! Love the quick in and out. Nothing dragged out to the Nth degree, that is what other web postings are for. Looking forward to more. Best!

[@drake71000]

That's what I like about you always making videos Short and precise. In short amount of time you deliver a lot.

[@kieranJo70]

These "Favourite and Fails" are excellent. Short and sweet ....

[@camrenelia6878]

This series sounds amazing please keep this new “favorites and fails”

[@JayanandSupali]

It's nice to see a Made in India bike get so much love. The switch gear back light concept started when the collaborating Company Bajaj, introduced it on its 150cc bike called Pulsar. It also had self cancelling indicators. Dont know why they didn't catch on.

[@lelouchvibritannia1788]

Jayanand Supali lol what? Maybe the units sold in india are made in India.

[@sauro003]

TANKI Casual bajaj holds 48% stake at KTM we produce all the single cylinders bikes of KTM for the rest of the world and are going to produce parallel twins too . Beleive it or not we bring the world's most value for performance motorcycle and yes led indicators on bikes made in india are the sexiest thing you'll be missing on ktm's even our ktm 200 series comes with rhe sexy led indicators .

[@lelouchvibritannia1788]

SaurOyale Bhai mujhe pata hai....

[@amalkallarackal9293]

TANKI Casual they're exported from India

[@SINIS0RSA]

SaurOyale 690 bikes are still built in Austria.

[@axs7689]

Scary reliability issues. I love watching videos about Ducati and KTM but I religiously stick to the Japanese 4.

[@brent07]

Yup, prefer the Big 4. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawi

[@barryblack5562]

My duke 390 has done its first hard 12k without issue. Ive not ridden the RC. Mine is 2018 and its incredible

[@axs7689]

@@barryblack5562 that's pretty cool man I really want to get for my fiance.

[@jamesbanksco]

Have a 2017 and I have ridden it hard for over 5,000kms and not a single problem with it. Love this bike! You can reduce brake fade by running Motul RBF fluid and HH sintered pads.

[@VincentManjuran]

I think you missed out on "Ride by wire" and "slipper clutch"

[@kylejordan7126]

Vincent Manjuran pretty basic stuff

[@08twistedfork]

Kyle Jordan Syiem really??? Basic stuff... For a sub 500 class bike??

[@unbeatable009]

front inverted forks no other bike in this class offers that

[@gizeright]

They have to offer something that looks good while its sitting in your garage with electrical problems??

[@rajatsharma5892]

Sports Tourer agree with you friend 🤗

[@mariobondanza5149]

Thank you so much Hari, it doesn't happen everyday to listen to such a honest review of pros and cons. This is one of the factors that make me love your channel.

[@ohwell2790]

In love with a channel, you need to get out more.

[@mariobondanza5149]

Darrell Grisham thanks for taking care of my health, I will consider your advice.

[@aderahmadan8405]

those backlit switches are actually from bajaj pulsar 135, waaay back on 2010, and still most favorite motorcycle switches in my country, cause it still had switches for headlamp and it's light up

[@thehouseofestes]

So good to hear the honest review by this channel. It’s helped me decide my next purchase.

[@ferenckarap2750]

that painting is stunning

[@ricardomasterchief]

Great video Hari! I own an rc also, but mine is a 125cc and for me, the biggest fail of that bike has to be the drivers seat... Man, you got to have a iron butt to ride this thing for more than an hour! But apart from that, its just a joy to ride, puts a smile on my face every time!

[@FAMUxTINxREx]

Thank you so much Ari and gang at MM! I just got my A2 license (Europe) and very close to buying a 2015KTMRC390 (or2016, not sure yet! ) I saw this bike first, with u riding it around, and then u did a walkaround! awesome stuff guys! Respect from Cyprus

[@dirtriding3333]

I love mine, never had any issues or complaints. Peppy and has great attitude for the streets

[@marlonm.2820]

I can never unsee the backseat now. Before you mention it, I never noticed it wtf!

[@lennintorresmontenegro8036]

Thank you so much , I got my ktm 390 couple moths ago , it’s my first motorcycle...this video was very informative... thanks once again Greetings from Peru.

[@einnoka]

Just purchased yesterday, can't wait for it to get here😆.

[@AmazingUniverse1214]

Have the same 2k17 model, almost 32000 kms, a lot of long riding hours, covering about 250 kms at single stretch, had the gasket problem but was fixed under warranty for free and was never to be seen again, moreover never ever had any issues with the electronics, i ride really hard, hitting the rev limiter almost all the time in the first 3 gears, with timely maintenance and service the engine feels as strong as it was when rolled it off the showroom, for the people who are talking about the heating issues, yes it does heat up in bumper to bumper traffic, but i never reached to the point where engine cuts off, also what do you expect from a high compression high displacement single cylinder engine giving out loads of torque and hp to just blast about, it is bound to heat up and the cooling system does a decent job, as for the practicality, ill be blunt and say that if you are looking for a comfortable everyday driver, look somewhere else, but if a hooligans blood is in your veins, this the the best package, i own a S1000rr and a 14 r, you can just never use their full potential on indian roads without keeping your foot in the grave, as per rc 390, the best mixture of performance and looks, at a very affordable price ( compared to the segment ).

[@simonwiltshire]

Allways very fair comments, great videos love em and keep em rolling.

[@jasinnerx1]

That bit about valve adjustment is a deal breaker. I used to wring the neck of my ninja 250 and would have to adjust the valves once a month, never again!

[@ThePolandball]

Owned this bike (2018 model) for a year. Bought new. Ridden 2500 kms. Disagree with the footpeg comment. I find it super easy to lever down with the left foot. I concede a center stand would be better though. Agree with the gauge cluster comment: it sucks. Looks very KTM, but that's about it. Fuel tank is indeed small, but not much of a problem IMO: this is not a long distance sort of bike. It has ZERO storage. Like, I mean, ZERO. Unless you dump the toolkit. Adjustable clutch and front brake is neat, but I set and forget. Preferred it on the most sensitive setting, and that was that. Anything else feels like the bike is being neutered. While the rear seat is clever, the rear passenger will slide A LOT. Not ergonomic. Grab handles under the seat are less than useful. It is cool that this size of bike has a rear seat though. In terms of reliability: I have had issues with 2nd gear pop-out (yes it's being shifted properly). Was in the shop for 3 weeks just after I got it due to ABS system wiring faults (covered under warranty). Pinched wiring led to diagnostics on the bike going crazy. And it's devoured a battery after 1 season (no I couldn't tender it, so that may not be the bike's fault). Would I recommend this over Japanese? Ehhh nah. BUT: It looks rad, and all that tight packaging with the small engine and frame makes sense the moment you put in down in a corner. Really, really good handling. Much better than a Ninja. Automatic starter (no need to hold it when it stalls), good rider ergonomics, inexpensive service All in all, as someone who purchased it as their first bike, it's been an acceptably reliable, fun and engaging ride.

[@KpopNiDontStop]

Insane it looks like some crazy 1000cc bike.

[@mugu007]

I love how you call this the small bike in KTMs lineup wherein the RC200 exists in the same lineup. It sells only in the Indian market. Same quirks as the RC390, but an even smaller 25bhp 200cc engine.

[@jonathanrosengren6653]

Love this series! Hope you guys keep it up

[@mechashiva8328]

Hey Ari, would your list of F&F cover the Duke as well? Also thanks for putting the basic specs of the bike in the description bar. This series is great.

[@GrtSatan]

The break-in service on my 790 Duke cost 363.00 dollars CDN, I was informed by the service tech that first service on the 390 costs 800.00 dollars and includes a valve clearance check, which is not required on the 790. I suspect these highly strung little screamers may still have unresolved reliability issues.

[@bobz1736]

I like these segments ... short snappy and straight forward !!!

[@QuadroNVS]

I love the way the Duke and RC 390 style. it stands out from the competition and the factory engine turning squeezes the most out of that single cylinder engine. But, when it comes to reliably, all of the alarm bells go off. These bikes are recommended as great beginners bikes but how? It is no use having a motorbike when it's going to spend half of its life in the garage for repairs. I really wanted purchase a Duke 390 this year but I think i will stick with Yamaha or Honda.

[@Raj_Mishra17]

Reliability depends upon how much uh care ur bike my bike had rc390 and done 54000 kms on it still fkn fast and performing like new

[@josephmon7187]

PLEASE do the frj 1300! Great concept of this show! I was looking for this style show to entertain some questions. I'd love to see you guys answer some common questions one might have when looking into buying second hand certain bikes much like you did at the very end of this show like-"certain years between _ and _ suffer from this and this". As always thanks for the knowledgeable entertainment!

[@sunilkumarmallik4857]

Love you're content keep it up !!

[@somdusazerate]

it's "your" not "you're", unless you mean to say "love you are content keep it up !!". Also, you don't put a space before exclamation marks.

[@mechashiva8328]

@somdusazerate You didn't begin your first sentence with a capital letter.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

It is you're, you semi-literate idiot, somdusazerate.

[@sunilkumarmallik4857]

somdusazerate did I come there for learning English?

[@siddhantbaranwal5339]

1990 dude he is just lazy I think its the problem of autocorrect and as long as you understood it's just fine

[@TheMaximumFromMunich]

just pulled the trigger on a brand new '19 rc390. cant. fucking. wait.

[@ajwadt701]

Sir, your good looking presentation and simplicity in your body language impressed me as well ,hats off you sir for your experience in this young age ...

[@JaspreetSingh-ry3nz]

hey sir big fan, check out this new indian bike "tvs apache 310rr "and if possible you can make a video on where it stand in these baby sports bikes.

[@ramdina7377]

We get the front idicator light attached near the side glass, not on the sides

[@HighGras]

I had the bike so many problems.. Air box cracked oil dripping from engine back brake snapped plastic vibration radiator toast.. My friend engine toast... Got a Suzuki 0 problems not joking.. I ride all year long.. By the way I love you guys!

[@glenjamin2703]

I was really close to picking up a 2017 390 duke but the reliability (or lack of) was a deal breaker. Too bad because the 390 in my opinion is the sweetest looking light weight naked bike out there.

[@SahilPatel-iu1ce]

Backlit buttons, switchable abs, adjustable front brake lever and clutch lever, that clever pillion seat. I can sense a pinch of #Bajaj there. This alliance is helping both the ends. If only it had a saree guard as well. :D

[@TheINDIAN]

Ari you missed some fails like Slow responding rear suspension. Rear brakes that lock a bit too easily Air box cracking An engine that always runs very hot Oil spilling out of your sprocket cover if not bolted on correctly. Hard seat .

[@kantutana13]

i think a yuuuge factor is reliability. as confirmed so many horror stories and its more deadlier in 2 wheels than in four, and whats the fun on waiting on your bike, can get long on the tooth pretty quick? perpetual motion is what triggers that dopamine in our brains. so you could be riding a souless but reliable cbr300 and going places or having an additional $5K rack in your garage. a grom can be fun too! and its a honda. maybe in the not so distant future, somebody will start transplanting a japanese thumper engine like from an xr650r on the chasis like some people do with the aprilia sxv550 with a ninja 650

[@Smightification]

A sweet looking little bike for sure!

[@LutherGaming]

Some features, tips, detailed reviews and others about KTM Duke 250. Waiting 🙌

[@Death666wish]

Where I live this bike is (or maybe was, if they changed the prices) more expensive than a Hyosung GT650R. The Hyosung isn't the most reliable bike, but it's been working almost fine and definitely no engine issues, their electricals are their weak points.

[@isdx9980]

I burnt out the Nikasil off the cylinder on my 2014 Duke 390 with 30000 kms of mixed riding conditions; some touring, some enthused commuting. Had to buy a fresh piston/cylinder kit :/. I still love the bike, because these were not mundane kilometres, you trade reliability off for mad performance, all day long.

[@vivekpatel7348]

Is it just me or U look like Captain America.....

[@thumperjdm]

Captain America can't ride a motorcycle like Ari. ;-)

[@GETUPANDGO]

There ya go

[@ramboog2654]

vivek patel lol bro. Ari has got bigger balls of titanium than, C.A.

[@hendraholmes9958]

Captain America loves the scrambler bike. While Ari loves the sportbike. ;)

[@andy42x]

He looks like Roger Daughtry

[@abymathew295]

Good one Ari.......Iam an RC 390 owner myself...great fun,great handling,good mid range torque.. Loving it...... Please do the Duke 790 review..

[@ShortAss00]

F and F on the Aprilia RS125 - the two stroke one!

[@SushantMathurSM]

The reason KTM went into this category could probably be because Bajaj now own around 47% of the company. The RC390 in India is really really cheap and cost around 2.35 lakh ex showroom which is around $3600. Insane value for money.

[@WindFair]

Cover mv agusta F3 675

[@Rithius3485]

Do the 2017 R3!!!!

[@edkinj888]

Here I was hoping for outtakes from all of your previous videos....

[@snoopdeckin]

instrument console is tiny because its a track focused bike, check out naked version see why its big ?

[@exe16]

I wish they sold those bikes here in Brazil. I hate riding in such straight up position like in the Duke 390. At least we have the Ninja 300, the R3 and the CBR 500R, but the RC390 would be my easy favorite in this category.

[@Csikter]

You could this to all other KTM nakeds. Duke 390, 690, 790. All would be much appreciated.

[@scooter313]

Informative, too the point, nuff said. Thanks for a great review😊👍

[@caf0011]

LOVE YOUR CONTENT AND PASSION . . . Keep it up

[@danlzlz8405]

I bought a 2019 RC390 recently (brand new ). Have about 2000K on it now. The gas tank capacity is definitely a big fail though Im ok with it really. But the worst fail is how it will randomly shut down engine when slowing down and shifting from 3->2nd a lot. Mostly when Im in a left hand turn where I have to slow down for traffic... it just shuts engine off!! Happened about thirty times since I've owned it. I need to catch it happen on gopro when it does it if I want them to look at under warranty. Other than that an awesome bike to ride when it is running!

[@GFClocked]

This series is great!

[@Aint1S]

Your views are much appreciated, but the guy who did the Africa Twin F&F have us a load... Literally, a heavy load! It's too darn heavy with all of that consumer grade crap with the premium pricing for the bike. Better suited buying something like a KAWI 650 or two for the price, then modify it.

[@movingforward6099]

Nice looking bike but i'm thinking green,kawasaki ninja 400. Keep them videos coming! Always glad to see your vids in my notification ! Cheers !

[@normanhughedicko4076]

If it’s a V Twin i would definitely buy it

[@JpOcDenver]

Black Ducati monster 821 has the same cowl-looking rear seat

[@jayseb]

Nice bike... for once in a while rides (instead of my GS) perfect for me

[@iPritamHD]

I am not sure,but would love to see 2017 KTM Duke 390

[@Marwixvlogs]

Would it be possible to do a full review on the Yamaha R3? Thanks ❤

[@ameykarade9432]

The backlit switches come from Bajaj pulsar (Indian manufacturer). Now that Ktm is manufactured by Bajaj in India they put the illuminated switches on the Ktm as well.

[@DaxeshRadadiya]

In India, we have the front side lights with the rear view mirrors. You have the side lights near the handle bars. Strange!

[@ohwell2790]

If there is strange it is India, mothers sell their daughters into sex slavery to get enough money to give them away to you pieces of Brahma bull dung.

[@gizeright]

KTM knows they have a problem with the 390's ...they don't offer any warranty for anything but the engine!!

[@avi4francis]

Do Ninja 400 next plz!!

[@straightpipe4753]

will you guys be doing review on the new KTM 790 duke anytime soon ? :)

[@KumarMayank1]

Well Ari, you missed out ridebywire system and slipper clutch.

[@uhudieeule1558]

I have one by my own its a gread bike kepp making videos i loved all of them so far Keep going Fan out of germany ;D

[@MumblesOnTheMove]

Hi guys I’m one if your overseas subscribers (UK) I love your reviews and MC garage , keep up your good work. If you haven’t already done so , how about a Favourite and fail on the Superduke R and the 1299 Panigale

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

My harley has a 2.2 gal ! 80 miles per tank tops at mild riding! Hahaha! This is a luxury! Hahaha

[@abhiinair]

The engine heats up a lot I've heard from owners.

[@abhiinair]

Pavan Gangal Not really. Apache RR310 manages engine heat so well. KTM can learn a thing or two from TVS.

[@gizeright]

Yes it does..I have a 17 duke and the fan runs constantly at every stop light ..no matter what the temperature is outside(60-70 degrees Fahrenheit)

[@ktmpranthan900]

Don't you guys know what a high compression ratio does to a single. It heats and there is nothing for KTM to learn from TVS as when KTM went to R&D the new 390 single they were looking for performance. That's why they put a compression ratio higher that that of a CBR 650r or even the hayabusa. That much CR on a small cc tends to generate a lot of heat. But who cares about heat when you intend to buy a small track day bike anyway!

[@abhiinair]

Pavi Sajjaya That's the point and you've kinda answered this too. If someone is buying this bike then they should make sure NOT to kill the bike in traffic. Enjoy it on open roads. This is not a commuter bike to be honest even though Indians use it as such. 🙂

[@Alexander5R]

It's a pain in the ass, that and the reliability is the main reasons that make me wish I've got an R3. But the KTM looks way better and has more power.

[@mattreviere632]

You guys should do a favorites and fails episode on the R1200GS!

[@Liham151]

You guys should get out on the Yamaha FZ-03, the baby brother of the FZ series, and compare it to the other small bikes

[@alphafarmer]

Bajaj added those backlit switches from pulsars!

[@shadw008]

Loved the video. Would love to hear your 'favorites and fails' opinion on the 2017 or 2018 KTM Duke 390.

[@nocturnalwolf7559]

Man it's a curse being short I'm only around 5'5 and 5'6. I really want to start riding sportsbikes specifically but I doubt I will be able to do it

[@Shmeegsify]

wish they'd bring back the rc8 or something new like that

[@streethawk_1617]

please cover yamaha fazer 1000 gen 2 and ducati 959 panigale

[@boshengcao]

very nice selections!

[@ransomlewis3884]

Love the vids keep it up you should do more keep it on two wheels

[@ktmpranthan900]

Hey MC plzz do a video on the 2017 390 Duke.....! Or at least a comparison of 300 cc naked sports .

[@anoopsharma3940]

Those are some great aspects. Thanks Ari. Can you please create a favorites and fails for Yamaha YZF-R3 and Yamaha YZF-R1M? Really Appreciate it.

[@MeBallerman]

It's made in India... There you have the explanation to it's reliability problem

[@auwingkin]

Please make one for 2017/18 Honda fireblade sp

[@Aaditya8802224126]

Can you please do how to break in and what is break in for the new small sports bikes under 500cc or lower? Thank you 🙏🏼

[@ohwell2790]

Just beat the living crap out of it at red line , after all it is just a number by some stupid engineer anyway.

[@rohitunaik]

Plz do a video of favourite and fail on the TVS Apache RR 310

[@nikolager23]

can you do one on the Yamaha YZF R1 09-14" models HAHA love this series!

[@gooondie]

I would love to see an episode on the cbr300r

[@_GrumpyBear_]

Please make Favorites & Fails for Duke 390 2018 model

[@AKS-wn2qz]

One more fail is that it's a single cyclinder , unlike the r3 which offers a parallel twin ,so u can expect way to much vibes on the rc 390