2017 KTM RC390 Review and Initial Impressions

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[@RishabhSharma-lq1id]

Yammie : *GETS CLOSE TO DOUBLE YELLOW LINES* Whole fan base: *Sweats like crazy*

[@StanStubbz]

LOL too funny i was thinking the same thing

[@ahmadthepoet5192]

Picked up my RC390 2 weeks ago, here in Australia it’s a learner-approved bike. Such a beautiful bike with genuine character. Eventually I hope to keep it as my commuter and once I have my unrestricted license, step up into an MV Agusta Brutale Dragster or KTM Duke 790. For now though, the 390 is perfect.

[@guimblon]

It hurts a Little everytime he calls a 390 a "small bike" and you watch your 150cc in the garaje. I still love her

[@MotoSjaak]

Bruh. I got a 125cc in mine. The struggles are real

[@JaranDalsbo]

@@MotoSjaak I got a 50cc. I think i beat all your sorry asses :P

[@bountyhunter6722]

Dude R15 is one my dream bike dude .It's a 150cc motorcycle

[@rileyhoward3471]

Me with my electric razor motorcycle ;-;

[@canuck81]

Hey man two wheels are two wheels. As long as you have fun it doesn't matter!

[@Chalky.]

After owning bikes like the RGV250, VFR400 and CBR400 I'm rarely impressed with the small capacity "Sports" bikes of today, but I rode one of these and actually quite enjoyed it.

[@Adam-ce2fe]

The old school 400s will always be the best small sportsbikes

[@devinmccarthy9308]

This is a beautiful bike the more you look at it the better it looks I love those headlights

[@apoorvupadhyay5116]

I have a RE continental gt 650 and i usually gets smoked by one of these. What an amazing bike, i love it♥️

[@jgeoc1055]

Started my riding career on the RC125, taught me a lot about riding with it. The red light which comes on is just your standard shift light, 8k rpm is about the sweet spot for economical yet sporty riding but the shift light function can be adjusted to an RPM you like.

[@siddhantpanchmukh6099]

I know it is a small displacement bike, I'm still pretty proud of owning one.

[@harrysingh199]

not at all small for our roads. I have always wanted one. Will get it soon

[@TuristHar]

Lacking power. Im sittning here in Europe with my lovely Yamaha r125😂

[@jerkkuboy5234]

Damn im also a eurobro but 50cc😂

[@deathrow8809]

U should ride a bs3 first gen RC 390

[@kevinhekers2380]

I feel your pain i owned a r125 luckely i have a a full license now 😉

[@TuristHar]

kevin hekers i like it and i have a license but next year ill get my A2 with just a test :)

[@kevinhekers2380]

@@TuristHar what kind of bike are you looking for if i may ask i had a hard time choosing a a2 bike in the end it came down to pure luck the bike was like 400 meters from where i live so i did a test ride and loved it and i still own it its a aprilia shiver 750 vtwin naked bike with originaly 95 hp

[@bobvegana4752]

On a 2017 KTM Duke 390 after the break-in period, you can manually choose when the shift light indicator engages. And a shit ton more (eg.Bluetooth), cuz it has a TFT display

[@ashishkm50]

Following from India 🇮🇳, this bike is very popular here

[@MrNuri236]

I owned new rc390 model 2018 last year. After 5 months i sold it. The maintanance was killing me, it broke non stop and was overheating fast. Not a recommandation

[@12yrtti]

😂 lacking power. Yamsterino you need to try out a 125cc. I recommend the yzf r125 and rc125. Where's the love for the Euro squidlets.

[@StatusSymbol]

They don't have them out here in the U.S

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

@@StatusSymbol You need to. They're absolutely fantastic. 🤣

[@deformemvita]

Or an old Cagiva Mito. It's such a lovely little ankle-biter.

[@AE86FTS]

All we have is the Kawasaki Z125 and Hondas (Grom, Monkey, and Super Cub). And they are tiny

[@Dylzhaar]

Teh_D3th_St4r cagiva mito isn’t A1 compliant anymore because it’s 2t and has like a billion horsepower but I agree they’re one of my favourite bikes. They look gorgeous as well because they’re just a copy of the Ducati 916. Incredible little thing.

[@Boardinfourlife]

I’m grabbing one of these tomorrow to finish off the last 3 track days of 2022 👍🏻 your review has me stoked 🥰

[@VarunKumarJ]

This is not a definitely a beginner bike in india lol. I got R15 v3 as my first bike this week :D

[@leckcel8322]

You should've got an underbone for your beginner bike😂

[@herambbarve]

The road and traffic conditions are very different than the States. I ride a 500 here which is considered a beginner bike here... Been riding for almost 2 years now....I'm looking to go at least 600 maybe even liter bike in a year or so....

[@lemon5501]

@@herambbarve 500 by no means is a beginner bike lol! It's just a smaller displacement sport tourer. I suppose u have a cbr500?

[@herambbarve]

@@lemon5501 yeah I have the cbr500r. It's a middleweight beginner. Yeah lower displacement touring. It's my first bike. I went for the 500 over the 300 because I was afraid I would be bored of the 300 too quickly. I have had my bike for less than two years and I'm seriously considering upgrading... If you ride the 500 you'll know immediately that's it is designed for a newer rider. I almost wish I had started on a 600.

[@lemon5501]

The Radioactive Squid yeah man you should upgrade! I got R6 as my 2nd bike and it's pretty dammn lit. My next bike is prolly gonna be a z900, fz-09 or mt-10 or an Indian Scout bobber. Prolly gonna upgrade in 2-3 years xD

[@huubscholten4897]

The first red light is the best shift moment. I have been riding the rc 125 for over a year now and the bike is an real good bike for an beginner.

[@nikc1313]

Just bought an rc125 as my first bike after passing my CBT. Be faster walking to work tbh but love the styling and riding experience. Excellent entry point for us euro bros and our pathetic 15hp starter bikes. Great choice for the giveaway bike 👍

[@MinePlays07]

I literally just clicked on the last video about the bike yammie stop checking my history

[@7985andsposa]

Ohh yeah, that sweet hummig sound at 2:09. The infamous cooling fan coming at you like a freaking STUKA DIVE BOMBER✌✌

[@jacobmielke211]

went back to hear it, lmfao it does

[@555piso]

I bought a Ducati Monster 400cc few months ago (european squid with A2 licence) and it is really awesome even tho it has only 42hp. The sound (with Qd ExBox exhaust) is pure melody

[@kevinsalada5688]

I just built a 390 for a track bike and the first thing you need to do to this thing is get rid of the stock garbage suspension. Andreani cartridge kit up front and a good rear shock and its a track ready beast.

[@SenorGato237]

You should do the non-RC baby Duke for a review buddy. Find one, oh great Yam master. For great squid justice!

[@scab9811]

When's the silky smooth voice going to be back?

[@unnamedexplorer1489]

Scab never

[@amberbaines4839]

Papa yam my lord after watching your videos I’m hooked I’m picking up my new z900 next week ❤️

[@Nougification]

Have you ridden a Speed Triple yet? Do that first. Then decide on the bike.

[@amberbaines4839]

@@Nougification ive tested the triple and an mt09 and i fell for the z900

[@thomasdixon7152]

Its funny how You mentioned the progression of motorcycle ownership. I got into dirtbikes at a young age and when I purchased my first motorcycle I got a gsxr 750. Fantastic bike, I still love that machine. I rode that bike for 3 years. Then I jumped on a 1000, WOW what a world of difference. I kept that bike for several years , but never felt that comfortable with exploiting its power, let's face it they are animals wrapped in metal cages. After I sold that bile I went back to a gsxr 750, tracked that bike for 3 seasons, my next bike was a Ducati 959, simular power amazing handling. I tracked that bike for two more seasons. Its only now that I have moved up to a big bore again. This time I'm onboard a PanigaleR which to be honest with you will take this entire season 20 or so track days to feel like I can exploit like I was on the 959 and the 750. Who knows I may go back to a smaller displacement again . cheers my 2 cents

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

Perfect beginner if it was reliable.

[@cadenaikins6390]

I have been watching some of your older videos and beginner tips and all that because I am looking to get a motorcycle, I just wanted to say that your vids and just seeing you ride is making me want to speed the process but I’m working on getting my license still

[@monzosa1016]

rc390 rider and using it at the track..love how it handles!👍🏼👍🏼

[@lauren8922]

Review review! I have the 2018 model and am super stoked to watch these.

[@Pete-qf6fo]

I bought this bike. Super nice. Swapping r6 rear shock and respring front forks. In a week or so. Should be a beast even though I'm a noobie

[@bigbonede6201]

Just bought one of these for my commute to work. Getting it in 2 days. It's my first motorcycle and I'm beyond excited. Mine only has 95 miles on the odometer too 😅

[@Z2Z9]

How much did you pay. I got $4600 for one with 1300 miles

[@bigbonede6201]

@@Z2Z9 $4100 out the door but I financed

[@MrCmdrkyle]

Thanks for all you do Yam! This bike would be a dream come true, keep up the great work! Yammilite for life haha

[@TLYRIDER]

Congratulations!! on your new ride

[@andriodmanitee]

Hey yammie been watching your videos for about a year now. Anyways, I just passed my MTS and will be buying my first motorcycle this weekend. Pretty sure I will be grabbing a mt 07 or a sv650. Thanks papa.

[@baronbristow8764]

My partner was just given one of these by her dad. It is a good looking little bike - sharp!

[@mattstewart2737]

They sound awesome with certain exhausts too. I have a 2015 with a werkes slip on and akra map and its amazing. crackles on decel and has a deep thumping sound on acceleration.

[@Grandobzen]

First non-listicle clip of your's I've watched, great vid Yamms!

[@MC-Racing]

The small bike big bike small bike is totally a thing. i started on a Aprillia RS50- Honda CB750 Bol D'Or- Kawasaki GPX 1000RX- Suzuki GSXR750 Kawasaki ER-6N Yamaha XS400 Seca- currently i own the GSXR750- MT-09 and a Yamaha XJ6 Diversion. and i am contemplating selling the GSXR750 and getting a track bike 600 and a small displacement sportbike for the road in stead :-) i have been riding for about 15 years.

[@AronBuilds]

Not totally sure I would go out and buy this one for my first bike, would’ve much preferred the FZ07, but if I’m blessed with the title to her, I’d give her a try and go from there. I’m just not totally sure of sport bikes as a starter choice, BUT I haven’t ridden anything other than a TW200 (which I loved btw), so that’s my total experience right there. Anyhow, thanks for another one Chummy Pube!

[@ssbbmoto]

Small bikes are just fun plain and simple. I could ride anything I want but I love my modded FZ-07. With proper adjustable suspension and sticky tires I can flog the shit out of that bike and have no problem keeping up with most sportbikes on track. It feels good to pass and gap riders that are on bikes with well over twice the power that I have. I watch less experienced riders all the time who ride s1000's, R1's, RSV4's etc and they never ever progress because they spend all their energy just trying to manage the throttle instead of being able to just pin it and focus on their lines like they should be doing. Sure they can pass me down the straight but that fun is short lived as turn one approaches very quickly and I say "see ya".

[@roboticboredom]

Valve for sure going out of spec were an issue even if not racing. Cracked air boxes, oil leaks from sensors and head gaskets also. 2015 were the worst offenders. I wouldn’t buy that year again - but I would for sure buy a newer RC390 again. So fun!

[@JD-275]

So excited, I have wanted this bike for so long

[@roytelling6540]

I would like this bike (ANY BIKE!!!!!!!!!) but I don't think you could send it to Finland. congratulations in advance to the winner

[@edman79]

Thank you. I'm going to love this bike.

[@ajderuyter2293]

Eddie G did they forget to tell you I actually won? You were pranked for a new KZbin vid. Sorry man!

[@edman79]

@@ajderuyter2293 Dammit, you got me.

[@sdaly415]

I bought this bike a year ago today. I wanted more power from the start and still need to make a bit of adjustments to the suspension and breaks, but it is fun in the turns. As to having to flip the peg to lower the kickstand, with the stock pegs this wasn’t an issue, so not sure why that would be.

[@rossdavidson0810]

Yo yammie. I've got an A2 here in the UK and am looking between the rc 390 or duke 390. Which would you buy? Guessing you haven't ridden the duke but wanted to ask just in case. I've been watching for a while and enjoy your content . Keep it up and ride safe!

[@mgonzalezperna]

Oh god. I was in love with this bike. I saved for near a year to have it. Now is just rusting in my garage. Reliability is horrible: in near 1200 miles, i have to take it 3 times to the dealership because leaks water to oil and now it just doesnt turn on at all, but still KTM importer in Argentina refuses to change it for a new bike, just offers me keep trying to repair it. I feel like in hell since August of past year and im still without a ride and or an answer. KTM really let me down.

[@azagedon]

Finally some real video!

[@davidschneir8218]

Beautiful day for a ride as well, loved the video!

[@lorenzodenavas5794]

Next week i’m buying a rc125 hope that the lack of power is the only important change... greetings from Spain!

[@keithsmith9889]

Been riding over twenty years. Currently own a Vmax. But there is something about those ktm's actually think I'm going to buy one of those duke 670 it's a supercharged single that makes 77 hoarse and 72 foit pounds and only weighed in at 370# those are amazing specs just something about them isso incredibly cool. From what i have heard they are pretty reliable and easy to mantain

[@darvelbidenisapuppet7275]

Hammering on My DRZ400 around town is more fun than the GSXR 750 I sold. Yes, it has all the add-on's I could throw at it minus the displacement upgrade which I will not do.

[@stepheniewheeldon6440]

Im a beginner and have a cruiser but looking into this bike!

[@Nougification]

Get a Triumph!

[@ftw420]

For beginers, cruisers are the way to go in my opinion They are a lot forgiving

[@Nougification]

@@ftw420 that's a good point. And you are correct, they are easy to ride for the most part. But with patience and a gentle twist a person can learn on anything. The clammy dude is correct... There just doesn't seem to be anything greater than a Triumph lol

[@phicuriousrex2974]

Glad you're back in the saddle again Clammy Bewbs. Ride safe.

[@evansalmonsen]

I have a 2018 and LOVE it

[@basithph8958]

Wow never knew KTM had a sportbike That’s pretty cool already one of my dream bikes

[@StatusSymbol]

They have a ktm superduke too it's like a 900cc

[@FreeAgentDaBest]

They use to make a KTM 1190 RC8, a real size super sport bike.

[@Sam-vu5pp]

This bike mean so much for us in india🇮🇳

[@RishabhSharma-lq1id]

It's the only option if you want a quick bike under 3 lakhs.

[@Sam-vu5pp]

@@RishabhSharma-lq1id yeah that's true mate

[@003_kusarigama5]

@Steini India is not all about tseries..i subbed to both tseries and pewds and now unsubbed from both..both are suppper annoying..pewds is milking the situation as much as he could and no one from the west is noticing it..lol white people don't have brain or what? Or actually they are 9 years old

[@MG-yc6jr]

@Steini stop hating an entire country because of a stupid youtube channel and grow up.

[@noobintraining4973]

@@003_kusarigama5 he stopped talking about t series and that guy was just memimg we don't hate Indians bro

[@Zapablast05]

I've ripped on my RC390 at Streets of Willow CCW. It's right at home on that track.

[@alexduey7868]

So excited for my new bike!

[@H31MU7]

wow yam, really stepped up that giveaway bike game!

[@nimapakzad3628]

Thats a really neat bike; excited for whoever wins it!

[@nimapakzad3628]

#K.T. Mube?

[@hunterstewart1398]

I had 390 duke and the g2 ergonomics throttle tube really upgraded the feel for me

[@instantrulz]

Hey yams ;) love the content keep it up ma man! What do you think about cb 650r neo sports cafe? And do you think that kt is an apropriate begginer bike? Cheers :D

[@unrealsdream6563]

Well, I would recommend starting on a CB300R, but if you'll keep it cool and don't try to race on streets you should be alright... CBs are pretty tame

[@instantrulz]

@@unrealsdream6563 thanks man :) im 30 and i think i can control myself to not push it behond what i can handle but still i dont want a very agressive bike, but i want a good torque also :p hmm and that cb650r is gorgeous :D

[@unrealsdream6563]

@@instantrulz I absolutely agree, Honda struck a nerve with the new CB styling ;) I rode the CB300R and the position feels really nice, the ride is pretty smooth and as I said, the bike is sexy :D

[@djwille88]

I have 2016 model..love the bike.

[@edude03]

Hey Yammie! I bought this bike because of your video on it awhile back. The shift light isn't flashing because it's new btw, it's actually settable - you can adjust when it tells you to shift.

[@reup4023]

I still haven’t changed that light setting after getting its first service, maybe someday lol

[@newbkillz7989]

I was gonna buy a ninja 300 or an r3 for my first bike but now.....gotta get an rc390. 100%

[@sb-ant6457]

It's lovable like the RD350 was.

[@Man0fSteell]

RC 390 may be a beginner bike for Yammie ,but in India it's a Superbike

[@ohnePixelVids]

That bike looks insaneeee

[@sebastianmartinez7173]

Yam I started riding a month and a half ago and I live in the Dallas area too, hopefully I see you around sometime

[@jamesblonde20]

Yammi can you please start citing your video clip sources? You post so many funny clips that I want to check out for myself, especially the one of the black zx carving it up that you've used in your last few videos. Thanks granny boob

[@rhysweston9426]

It’s cool looking but that displacement... I took my buddies Kwai 250 for a spin once and it was a little scary on the freeway getting passed by big rigs and the elderly 😝

[@post-punkrider]

Hey Yams, for my new 17' I added a PowerCmd and Yoshi with midpipe Cat delete, on dyno run at MonkeyMoto in Arglye getting 44HP now. It makes a big difference i felt in accel and big diff in sound.

[@hellohun7331]

We will be looking forward to the test of the big single from KTM.

[@JBLMotovlogs]

My channel is all about the DUKE390! The RC’s little brother 👍🏼👍🏼✅

[@882jason]

you make great content 💪✌

[@Underdoge_]

I owned the RC 2017, not long enough to judge if the issues you mentioned got fixed, but it got pretty damn hot all the time even if the fan was kicking in all the time, specially when driving in traffic, it would even leak boiling coolant when you turned it off because of how hot it got, even if you let the fan run until it turned off automatically. IMO Not a city bike, only for true racing. Unless you want to get used to filling up the coolant every ride you do in the city. Edit: the serious heating problem started once I passed the engine break in period, meaning, when I started to go over 5000rpms, and I never took it up to 12000rpm, mostly 8000rpm. Which is like, really nothing, should not get that hot, period.

[@CertifiedRiderMV]

@yammie i know this is 390's first impression but can you look into benelli 300 (you wont regret)

[@garage86n97]

In my country we get led indicators on every ktm bikes

[@tapman3435]

I miss this type of video from Papa Yam

[@khazzzzzz]

Which one should I get? KTM 390 or Ninja 400? It will be my first bike, and here in my country, you need 400cc to enter the express way.

[@sh9683]

I sat on the ktm390. I found it highly uncomfortable seat was too wide and pushed against my legs. Sat on the ninja 400. Was very comfortable I purchased the ninja and have about 400km in it. Rides great and is quite comfortable. I do not regret buying the ninja. Did a round trip 250km and was comfortable enough to ride If I where you sit on both and see what’s better for you if you can test drive then do that too

[@ahasanurrahman7588]

@Yammie Noob .... This is a awesome looking bike .... I wish ktm sales their bike in our country :( ........... love from Bagladesh

[@sydharthnath1792]

Below the mode and set button there is a their mystery button if pressed and held for a couple of seconds would disengage the abs

[@travisdupreez6216]

Yeah it's in the owners manual

[@H31MU7]

hahah holy crap i just went and checked this on my KTM... thanks!

[@sydharthnath1792]

We are all baby yams helping each other out here

[@travisdupreez6216]

Did ya'll know that you can change when your shift light comes on?

[@H31MU7]

@@travisdupreez6216 nope! I noticed the shift light is 'geared' for fuel economy. I'll look into it :) thanks

[@matthewdh123]

Got the same bike, just put 900 miles on it. The shift pedal fell off while i was driving. The engine dies randomly every trip. It's killing the joy of riding for me. Also, be careful with that kick stand. It has a tendancy to flick back up if you dont do it 100%. I dropped it on my toe because of that. Other than all of that. It's fun.

[@patrickteto]

I hate having to hit pause to calculate K.P.H to M.P.H. to fully get into the posting when I'd rather look at the spedo and see if you had to do anything special to pull through or stay on the road man... ;(

[@patrickteto]

Oh man.You just mentioned that you have been riding for 4 yrs now and I'm watching this crap for some insight on if I should purchase this toy because one came available this week... Guess I need to look at something else since I've been riding for over 45 yrs on hundreds of bikes and in another 30 or so years you will realize what was meant by my comment brudda.Ride hard safe and have fun with it but when posting something use the specifications of the vehicle along with your comments to provide worthwhile information

[@IceRhino44]

Howdy papa Yam, you will always be my favourite gummy cube.

[@LstuffSuebs]

Day 3 of watching yammie noob non stop

[@WifiBread_]

Rc gang 🤙🏽 Race it, stunt it and it never lets me down ❤️ Until I get the need for speed and jump on the 636 😌

[@sivaharry]

Yes this is beginners’ bike I learned bike riding with this bike

[@hdinthephilippines3610]

I moved from Ohio to the philippines I was used to a 883 in the US but here in the philippines I have a Yamaha sz r16 150cc it a fun little bike but it not built for someone my size but it take me back to when I was 12yrs old and made a mini bike with a lawmotor engine

[@sokihin]

reading the description made me sub XD

[@JB-ru2zb]

KTM RC390, a high strung Thumper. This is not a beginner bike, single cylinder or otherwise. But looks like a total hoot.

[@LeeGHThomas]

I started on a crf250r that has more hp and weights less. This bike should be more than manageable for new riders.

[@dickflinghammer7643]

Dude, you sound very clear in the helmet with little wind noise. Is that an Arai ?

[@003_kusarigama5]

Arai are super expensive though

[@dickflinghammer7643]

@@003_kusarigama5 I know right? The funny thing is I used to have a new one a long time ago and I can't remember how I got it.

[@abhishekrathore2586]

Well thats a top class indian made global product!!! Proud owners hit like👋👋

[@devilsj8292]

Man the rc so coool man

[@dasbrot8532]

Cant wait to see what you have planned. Call her "KT".

[@Renardmorocco]

Kool bike the Orange is killer

[@hunterplayz2174]

Beautiful machine ❤❤🥵

[@kaushikdevil1]

This bike is now very common in India , most of them are squids riders.

[@SrinidhinK]

Oh really Lord Rossi ??

[@trevn__]

Those are RC200s

[@SrinidhinK]

@@trevn__ Indians being Indian.. not so uncanny ig

[@tanwar621]

Most of them are 200s Those idiots only want ktm badge and do their squid stuff

[@steng.karlsen2662]

Imagine living in a place with so boring roads😰 us euro-bros feel for you Yam

[@nictennick1650]

I live in Tasmania, I feel blessed! It's amazing for all types of riding