KTM RC390 Review & Testride

[@guy3090]

your excitement after those twisties just cemented my decision to get this bike as my first SPORT bike.

[@diegobigelow564]

5 years later and same!!

[@pipnmaz]

When you show the indicators at the beginning it looked like the right indicator was on at the front and the left indicator was on at the rear. I couldn't tell if you switched the indicator switch as you walked from front to rear or the bike is just wired up wrong though. Please tell all :)

[@ylism]

pipnmaz I watched it 2 times because of that, I thought it must be messed up, or something ? lol

[@MauryaSenapati]

CagerOnTwoWheels the tires on your 125 are made by MRF not MRE. stands for madras rubber factory. is in the tire business for near 80 years and makes tires for, among other things, fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force !

[@ylism]

Or -->(Meals Ready-to-Eat) ? Just depend on the context. lol

[@pedrotorres3034]

plz jeifcg

[@jim3005]

will the sticker kits on 390cc fit on the 125cc ?

[@ericlebowski1807]

Just found your page, dont even own a bike but have been looking at the RC390. Your commentary is fantastic, made me pay alot more attention to what you were saying. I've subscribed just to see more of your videos. Keep the rubber down man!

[@SuicideServer]

Hey Cager, just wanted to leave a huge thank you for your work. Because of your videos i now almost have my motorcycle license and boy is it fun already. Big Cheers from Germany my friend :)

[@TheCanyonhopper]

Have a 250cc version of this bike and been riding it for a month now and i have to say that i do agree that the twisty roads are the natural habitat for this bike. The seat and the brakes are the only concern but at he end of the day it's a fun bike. Stock slipper clutch and pirelli tyres are good comparing it against the bike i had before which is a honda nsr with battlax tyres.

[@Tay675]

Omg that integrated rear seat is a thing of beauty. I've never seen that before where you can't tell the seat is there but looks like a regular tail. Is there a technical term for this? I have fallen in love with that concept

[@Tay675]

And btw your riding to review the bike and demonstrating what it can do in those TIGHT twisties was top notch. Good stuff bro

[@marcuswilson3485]

Even my RC 125 is great fun, for blasting round the Scottish mountains. I'd love to see Cager do a tour of Scotland.

[@tuomasheikkinen9251]

Same! I just wish there was a little more power. Yesterday I had to switch to 3rd gear around 60km/h while I was accelerating on an uphill. XD

[@GENCE.01]

Hey Cager, will you be participating on the Sync The Planet motorcycle ride on 1st of August 2015?

[@chrispbacon177]

Fantastic honest review. With the slipper clutch and plushier seat coming next year it looks like this will be my next bike. Looks amazing!

[@michaelwhite579]

Joanna F. Benz, who rides an R6 and an S1000RR, said the RC390 track version is her favorite track bike!! That's how good it is!!

[@holdenc2636]

Was the speed in kilometers during this video

[@HenryTheBoilermaker3rdYear]

0:10 What's that small bike to the left?

[@VictusPrime]

Nice bike. I wonder why they didn't use the same material from the back seat for the front seat? Seems odd. Looks great though, I definitely prefer the look of this one compared to the 390 Duke, and that's coming from a person who prefers the aesthetics of a naked bike. Great review as always mate! Hope you can get your hands on a Triumph ST / STR some day. :)

[@MadnessOfMarmots]

VictusPrime It might be the same material, it's just that the back seat was a lot thicker.

[@Crisheight]

I think the brakes are already steel braided. You'd have to change out the actual brake pads to see an improvement- and It'd be my guess that it'd actually turn out that this would make it stop really well.

[@ManuelMartinez-bx6nd]

Nice review!! Could you do a video of a supermotard like the honda crf 250m, the suzuki drz400 sm or something similar please

[@GoneInTheRockies]

I know the exhaust is tucked away in the side, but can you add any slip-ons to make it louder? I refuse to ride a quiet bike. Loud pipes save lives!

[@dapster]

Be careful when doing that. In some places it's actually illegal to change the exhaust, so check with you local laws first. Wouldn't want to waste money on an exhaust that won't pass inspection.

[@needhelp123]

dont u think the seat height is a little too tall for the short riders,i wanted to buy the rc 200 ,the seat height was a problem so went with the duke 200,

[@Dismal626]

Kinda wish I got this bike instead of my R3. The R3 is fantastic, no complaints, but I just like the aesthetic and the extra power of the RC390 more.

[@Dismal626]

+Thedirtyduck From the moderate amount of research I've done, the R3 seems to be the mechanically superior bike. It's more comfortable, it's more smooth, and the build quality overall is just better than the KTM. That said, the 390 does have more power and a higher top speed; forgoing that though, I honestly just like the KTM better for the aesthetic value alone. I know it's a squid thing to say, but the way a motorcycle looks take slight precedence over the way it performs, in my eyes. You won't be disappointed with the R3. It's still a very sexy bike. Most people I know hate the way the KTM bikes look in general and love the look of the R-Series Yamaha. But I just feel the 390 suits my personality better.

[@melizzz924]

+Dismal626 i agree w u 100%

[@Supernova12034]

+meth0d R3 is better, More comfy, FAR more reliable(KTMs are Notorious for that) and almost the same in terms of power, KTM dealers are known for pretending theres nothing wrong with their bikes even though their fluids are leaking all over the place

[@RealOrbit-Australia]

+meth0d mate I have both sitting in my garage and I can assure you the r3 is not a higher quality bike. so many small details on the r3 are subpar. So many bigger features on the r3 are basic compared to the rc390..reverse forks compared to standard forks? The r3 is smooth and more comfy....you don't get a small cc sport bike for comfyness and a smooth ride you get one for fun and the KTM shits all over the r3 in that dpt

[@RealOrbit-Australia]

+meth0d mate I have both sitting in my garage and I can assure you the r3 is not a higher quality bike. so many small details on the r3 are subpar. So many bigger features on the r3 are basic compared to the rc390..reverse forks compared to standard forks? The r3 is smooth and more comfy....you don't get a small cc sport bike for comfyness and a smooth ride you get one for fun and the KTM shits all over the r3 in that dpt

[@vincent5641]

Which bike do you prefer the duke 390 or the rc 390

[@goldzilla526]

Please don't forget to review the RC200, some said that RC200 has better brakes & its short gearing fit for everyday traffic

[@goldzilla526]

Cager on Two Wheels - V.P.Can't wait for that, i'm pretty sure that You are enjoying Victoria, perhaps i can get the RC 200 next year, at my country, Dukes are a bit pricy, the RC 200 costs almost $5000 T_T

[@ylism]

What bike do you ride now of your own, the KTM 200 or something else ?

[@bjorndekoning6030]

Hey Cager, since you've started I've been a big fan of your video's! I would like to see a review of the Kawasaki Ninja 300. I will buy a new bike when I get my A2 license and would really love to have a good review from you, I think some other guys would love it to! Keep doing this great job Cager, you're awesome!

[@JT-xf9sw]

Nice review. Thinking of getting back to riding and this would be my first real bike as I've always ridden my friends bikes.

[@MrWarhead89]

hi.. cbr500r and KTM RC390 which one better? someone help me..

[@itsTRSTN]

Cbf definitely

[@dapster]

The Honda. Not only more horsepower and displacement but is a 2 cylinder engine while the KTM has only 1. I wonder why since most bikes in this class have 2.

[@Daren_PNW]

My local rental just got this bike. It's very nice! Also surprised how the lower revs under 4k feel too low for her, like she wants to breathe faster.

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

I'm having a tough time deciding between this or the Ninja 300 as a first bike

[@lukajjang12]

I'm definetly going for this one hehe

[@unseen289]

I was looking at a ninja 300 (have an rc 125 at the moment) but on paper the rc is better even against the r3 and cbr300. Abs, best acceleration, better brakes, but I just love the rc handling it's so well built. You do suffer from a much smaller fuel tank compared to it's competitors but it's around a once or twice a week refill for me, and I do 30 miles a day minimum :D

[@jim3005]

+CagerOnTwoWheels will the stickers on 390cc fit on the 125 ?

[@Wabbit1961]

If changing the brake pads doesn't help then I would blame the ABS. //// I've also read on the KTM forums NUMEROUS complaints that the bike runs hot, falls to start hot, and failures of the cooling fan on the 390 models. Any comments Cager? Have you tested the CB300F?

[@blajablaja1]

Apparently the 2016 KTMs will have renewed 200cc and 390cc engines that will no longer have those issues, are slightly lighter, less vibey and more fuel efficient. They also apparently will make a bit more of a deep grunty sound. It's a matter of time to see what are the thoughts on those new engines though...

[@SeanDaWhiteBoy]

I've seen one of these race a GSXR 1000, and it kept up with the 1000 all the way up to 50/60 mph.. Pretty nippy first bike!

[@AJTheUnexceptionalBiker]

Awesome vid cager! Any chance of a review of Yamaha's new R3? Its this bikes main rival, other than the ninja 300, CHEERS :)

[@hermanstokbrood]

The RC390 or the 390 duke?

[@HelloBeast]

Hey Cager, could you do a review of the Kawasaki Ninja 300? I'm thinking of getting it as my first bike.

[@re5onance425]

+Mr .Blues yeah i'm for that too, i'm going to get either a rc390 or ninja 300 but can't decide

[@melizzz924]

+RE5ONANCE me too.. help me

[@BlackeyeLP]

+melizzz924 Decide on which looks better ;)

[@re5onance425]

the ninja looks cool and sound better but it's a lot slower and you sit more upright, if it's a sport bike it should at least have the seating position of one

[@jofr4]

Where is this road? look awesome. It might be a nice idea to show the roads on the google maps, so we, portuguese people (and others) could know the cool places :D

[@Zlyzer]

Does anyone know how many miles you can expect from a bike like this? I really like the look of these over the SV650 (which is similarly priced here) but don't want a bike that will cave in after 20,000 miles.

[@dapster]

It's really hard to tell if any MC will go up to 20K because everything is based on how well you take care of it. Oil changes, coolant changes, those kind of things. Plus if you've dropped it or fell while riding that plays a part in how long your MC will last. Take care of it and don't drop it or fall on it and it should last you. 200K or more.

[@SailorRob1473]

Could you test a Moto Guzzi V7 II? A 750cc A2 licence bike. 😉

[@alek385]

I am 100 kg, and 185 cm tall. Would this bike be small for me (size of the bike)?

[@lukajjang12]

I don't think it would be, i'm about 170 cm and im only tippy toe-ing on this bike, and the seatheight is 820 mm, but it's not about the numbers, just visit the next ktm dealership and just sit on one, that's the only way to find out how the bike actually fits

[@SuizidalSuizid]

1)visit a ktm dealer 2)press your butt on the seat ;)

[@alek385]

Eeqoz there is no dealership near by, I would have to travel 800 km, just to visit the store. It's a no go for me just to get the answer to this question.

[@SuizidalSuizid]

oh well :s

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

Great review and intro to all the features of the bike. It's definitely one sweet looking bike.

[@unseen289]

When you covered the camera with your hand it freaked me out lol

[@diecast_Life]

ALL THE ISSUES ARE FIXED AND THE MINOR UPGRADE ARE DONE TO THE 2017 DUKE AND RC TO MAKE IT A MUCH BETTER MACHINE THAN BEFORE ... EVEN THE 2017 DUKE 390 LOOKS VERY SIMILAR TO THE SUPERDUKE .... THE SEATS ARE MORE COMFIER THAN BEFORE.... IF IT IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL DEALER YOU CAN CHECK IT OUT....

[@kmohan24]

Nice. Which country is this?

[@dapster]

Portugal

[@fablethefox]

question: where did you buy your shin/knee guards?

[@MadM0nkey]

Manic laughter is way more effective than talking about the bike... ;)

[@Renzsu]

I don't get why they don't gave a 690 version of this? Is it because of race engine size categories? It looks great, but 390.. I want more kick.

[@dcg44s]

Renzsu I suspect that part of the answer is that a 390 is more likely to sell better globally than a 690 and they are looking at the bigger picture on this one.

[@Renzsu]

I dunno, not everybody is looking for an inline 4 in that segment and they do like to compete in the naked segment with similar sizes, it's not like there's no competition there. But I'm sure they've done their market research.

[@TheKruxed]

Cager on Two Wheels - V.P. Why though? they sell the RC8R which competes with all the same brands at 1000cc level

[@robertdunn7473]

I would love a 690 version but the best idea for me would be to pit clipons or cafe bars on the 690 that would be so killer

[@romansworkshop]

Cager on Two Wheels - V.P. I think this hypothetical RC690 would be more of Er6f competitor, which is less risky

[@vishalverma_zero19]

hey cager, which country are you from? nice bike review. It's quicker than ninja 300.

[@christokinieriem8796]

Very cool Cager! I want one of these bikes alot. Thank you and thumbs up.

[@valtermedeiros8763]

Boas cager, agora ao rever o teu vídeo reparei que essa é a minha moto,que comprei cá em S.Miguel Açores do concessionário Ktm Sr moto(na altura). É uma grande moto já a tenho à mais de um ano e não estou nada arrependido.Grande Abraço.

[@TheGubey]

I love your videos!!! Especially the MT07 one was great! I want to buy a new ride, but I'm stuck in between the MT and Kawasaki's Ninja 650R. I would love to here your thoughts about this machine, maybe you could test ride it. :) thank you!

[@XxPwnedxX161]

Would u recommend this for a new rider? I am also 6 feet tall and weigh around 190.

[@ryanshannon6963]

+GotPwned I actually just put a deposit on this bike today. I'm also a new rider with similar height/weight dimensions as yourself. I took a motorcycle new rider safety course on a little kawasaki eliminator, which was a 125cc. I doubt it would be useful on the highway, but that 125cc was more than enough for surface streets. I think it makes like, 12 hp. The RC390 produces about 44, which is quite a bit. It'll be more than capable of highway speeds with some room at the top. Other bikes I considered were the new Ninja 300 and the Yamaha YZF-R3. They're both typically cheaper than the RC390 and produce less power.I plan on doing a new ownership review of it maybe within the first month or two of riding it around. I'll also probably end up doing an anniversary entry as well. I highly recommend a MSF course. Relatively cheap and gives a discount on insurance. Also, there may be some local bike shops that will give you discounts on purchases if you show them the completion card. I'm getting 15% off at my local CycleGear. I'm sure some of that was TMI, but the characteristics of the bike suggest you won't get bored of it like maybe the staple of learner bikes, an old model Ninja 250. Hope that helps!

[@XxPwnedxX161]

Ryan Shannon Thanks a lot for the tips I made my mind to get a Yamaha R3 once i get my permit because i want a bike that is comfortable enough as for a daily and has decent power

[@dapster]

The 125 is actually 15 HP, not 12.

[@ryanshannon6963]

3 HP can make a world of difference. Update, I've since purchased and have been riding my motorcycle. I bought a "used" KTM RC390 for 4k with about 780 miles. I've put almost 1k miles on it since mid May. LOVE IT! I will say it is a bit uncomfortable for a 2 hour freeway ride between cities, but definitely comfortable keeping 65 or under for extended periods of time. I don't normally do 2 hour rides on the freeway, but if I were doing more touring riding, I'd have gone for something else. This definitely fits for what I want it to do, daily commuting and running around town. Definitely don't regret the purchase.

[@williamherron9365]

Air cleaner a programmer and exhaust and they make 43 wheel hp instead of 43 bhp. There is good power to be had with simple mods.

[@itsTRSTN]

Hey Cager. Do you prefer this or the MT-03? I can't decide which one to buy!

[@nikka6274]

i had the same issue between the duke 390 and the mt-03, i bought the 390

[@Wanzer84]

+Nik Ka same here...i like duke alot but im 6"6 tall so i dont feel fit in the bike.

[@nikka6274]

damn thats like 1,98m, i dont think this type of bikes are designed for riders this tall. The mt-03 is almost the same height as the duke

[@Wanzer84]

Any sugestion bro? commuting bike for a tall beginer rider like me?

[@nikka6274]

Hendro Kusumo cb 500 f, 2016. its a great begginer bike

[@MrSlowestD16]

It looks like a great bike, but 'eh' - I don't know. the CBR500 looks interesting, I think i'd go with that...or at least the duke 390 for city riding, IMO.

[@kledder2]

When are you going to do a review about the Ninja 300? I can't waaaaaaaaait anymore for that :/.

[@ReggiewithTwoGs]

Nice review...enjoyed the really full review. Got me interested in KTMs now.

[@de_vang]

+cagerontwowheels The tire brand on rc125 are MRF* and not MRE ! And a nice review on that bike bro !!

[@johnathonmorrow7346]

Are these a good learner bike

[@mohdadli1046]

It was build to be one which u can also bring it to the track

[@pf5644]

My friend, i buy this bike last week, drive slow until 1000 km and than fire...waht i say, you have my meaning too, its fantastic, great fun bike, i love it so...and my girlfriend drive s the ninja 300, we are from germany.

[@gustavod2423]

im in love with this bike

[@silvanthony]

Thats Portugal?

[@lynchs2441]

+Anthony Silva Around Sintra, I guess =)

[@TheBeardedMage]

Great video! I'm thinking of getting something like this in 2 years time when I get my license, would you say it's good for a beginner?

[@TechnikFreakDE]

I love your crying "WOW, this is awesome. This is such a greate bike"... Your very happy with it, thats cool. I want it! ♥

[@dankermercury175]

Those tyres are not MRE's. They are from MRF, a $2 billion dollar company headquartered in Chennai, South India.

[@bjalava]

Cager what do you suggest in city like London, Duke 390 or Rc390 ??

[@AJTheUnexceptionalBiker]

bjalava I'm not cager, but I would deffo go with the duke. Far more comfortable for city riding.

[@Soulbreeze]

A.J The Unexceptional Biker Also the more upright position will give you better lines of sight in traffic.

[@bjalava]

and probably less back an wrist strain, especially when ther`s a traffic jam

[@dcg44s]

bjalava I agree with the others,the Duke would probably be a better choice for city riding as the riding position should be more comfortable and in the city you will rarely be able to take advantage of the RC's handling.Plus Cager says the seat is an upholstered board and he never said that in the Duke review.

[@bjalava]

than you everyone who responded. Duke it is :)

[@F4Effort]

I NEED THIS BIKE! IIIII NEEEEEED IIIIIIT! This is a wicked bike. If i had 6 grand to throw down on a toy I would have no second thoughts about buying one. :)

[@chiragsthakur1022]

The 'Indian' tyres you mentioned are MRF's and they are equally good. KTMs are manufactured in India

[@chiragsthakur1022]

CagerOnTwoWheels Equally good to michelins I would say. Metzelers are sticky compounds, whereas the MRFs arent

[@ambar.srivastava]

Thats MRF tyres Madras Rubber Factory

[@Ali-ro2vv117]

Is this in Europe?

[@dapster]

Portugal so yes.

[@Ali-ro2vv117]

Very beautiful city you live in my friend. Cheers from Canada

[@DjVendetta]

CagerOnTwoWheels That is awesome that you know what MRE's are!!

[@azmanntoz]

That road looks awesome!

[@athrvapannnase2062]

could a 5,3 ride this, im not to strong either

[@franzb69]

i don't like the sound but i like the bike. i prefer the duke over the rc, but they're basically the same bike with different configuration

[@adimazga]

been waiting for this review

[@TheTwinPost]

That's MRF ....not Meals Ready to Eat.... lol

[@MrSquirrel]

LOL

[@fastlane1952]

1 year later I sill cant stop laughing at Meals Ready to Eat hahaha

[@dddddddd48]

good Vibes bro. keep riding . awesome video.

[@dannymendez92]

Help this or the ninja 300

[@SuperManDNA]

Hey Cager, I bet your didn't try the brakes without the ABS on.

[@SuperManDNA]

+SuperManDNA never mind looks like I lost already, you did try them without ABS.

[@AbhishekKumar-uz5ky]

It's MRF sir not MRE

[@16aravan]

thanks for the video :D , I want to get this or the Kawasaki 300

[@patrickprassjr1787]

I like those more than the r3 mirrors tho

[@tuomasheikkinen9251]

I have been riding my RC 125 for 4 days now and I already want more power lol.

[@iam_tenko1213]

Top speed???

[@BlockedinsightShorts]

I believe it does 100+

[@iam_tenko1213]

+John Azaltovic Thanks mate

[@BlockedinsightShorts]

iAM_TeNKo no problem bro have a good day

[@iam_tenko1213]

U too my man!

[@iam_tenko1213]

John Azaltovic

[@TheNoobop]

Front looks like one of the robo-bandits from Futurama lol.

[@690ADV]

great video keep them going!

[@nateb4485]

I have the RC390 and I also look under my arm to see behind me, lol. Its a great bike.

[@skillsessions8547]

Nice review. Subscribed!

[@badsbiker]

Rc 390 has Bybre brakes not Brembo

[@markhill8590]

Bybre are made by brembo they are exactly the same but just slightly cheaper calibers, saying that they are still made by brembo

[@badsbiker]

@@markhill8590 not sure , but quality looks very different of both also the price.

[@markhill8590]

@@badsbiker Bybre is the Indian word for brembo but yes the quality isn't as good but the bike is built to a budget

[@badsbiker]

@@markhill8590 yes true

[@TheArrycool]

That's MRF, stands for Madras Rubber factory.

[@kannankichu1997]

Don't look for the full form. that will let the company down. Madras, Chennai, Cheap and LOW QUALITY lOl

[@TheArrycool]

That isn't remotely funny. MRF makes good tyres and Madras is a part of India, what's so funny or low quality about that? Do you even know that the game of thrones costumes were made in India and then exported? You should be ashamed.

[@ChinnuWoW]

If only it had a dual front disc brake, the braking would be perfect.

[@tomasandersson2381]

Really nice bike for twisties. But this seat makes it non-sense for journeys. Btw, I tried to use cyclist pants and it helps.

[@tucker8071]

Just get a comfort seat

[@sabbott5834]

Like the kind put over a toilet bowl?

[@hunkkwoizer6653]

Yeah it's a mini beast BRO!!

[@mrwillbananas]

Jeez ... you were going ham on those twisties xD

[@IXAbravemusic]

nice review

[@drewflanagan4296]

Perfect bike for that road.

[@Palcious]

But the sound....

[@kannankichu1997]

MRE's : Meals Ready to Eat MRF's : Mother Rubbed and Fucked lOl

[@itsTRSTN]

L

[@tomatron64]

Love the enthusiasm :)

[@overseer1234]

Don't really like this bike... test drove it when I had my ninja 300, and the powerband is so narrow compared to the linear power band of the ninja (granted, you need to rev the shit out of the ninja, but then again, the same goes for any 600cc sport bike...) Also, the seat sucks balls (or more like breaks them,) way to hard to use on a daily basis for commuting (especialy combined with the hunched over position the handle bars force you in). And the tank is tiny, So basicly an A2 track bike...

[@tucker8071]

Boo

[@dapster]

Probably the lack of a 2nd cylinder doesn't help.

[@overseer1234]

+dapster After haven driven the bike again (now riding a ninja 1000) I have to say the engine is what gives this bike character... It's the rest I don't like (for the street). The Duke390 for example is a great and fun little hooligan bike 😀

[@dapster]

Maybe but like I said if it was a 2 cylinder bike instead of a single cylinder bike it would have a lot more power. Both the 390's and 690's are single cylinder, something I just don't get.

[@overseer1234]

Well, that's because of KTM's dirt-bike heritage and that's what they're known for :) so that make's it pretty unique for a street/track bike :). Making it a 2 cylinder with that seating position ant such a small tank would still be pretty awefull for riding the streets though....

[@sourav2328]

nice n fun review ! :D

[@MotorDanko]

that "meat ready to eat" tyres..

[@sbsb4995]

a perfect machine

[@Timbyte]

interesting roads