Hi Bob, a great review. Thank you. This little KTM has needed an update for a few years now and in my humble opinion they have made some really sensible and affordable upgrades that are otherwise reserved for more expensive bikes. It will make for an awesome bike for those who want to explore and learn the art of racing or at least track riding. Nothing is more rewarding than going around a higher capacity Sport bike on something that doesn’t make even a quarter of the power. 👍😎🇦🇺
As someone who has ridden the 2022 890 Adventure quite a bit, I don't see anything that bike has that the 390 series is missing now. They have the exact same hardware when it comes to tech. The only actual difference between the 390 series and the 890 lineup is engine size, seat height, and clearance. It actually convinced me to just buy a 390 adventure instead, I don't need the 890 for twice as much. Same experience on a 390 minus a little bit of horsepower but nbd unless you are a speed demon wanting to ride your bike above 150km/hr.
@@revmatchproductions well it needs a license plate holder and some turn signals. I’m sure it is a weapon but it would not be the most absurd bike on the road, at least not in the USA.
At highway speeds in top gear the R3 is actually faster on roll-on. In every other stat, this is "better" though. Except comfort, smoothness, and fuel economy. The RC390 sure does look special though.
Even though I have an unrestricted license and I have had bigger bikes in the past, I now have the earlier version of the RC390 and it is probably my favourite of all of them. If the new one is improved over mine then even better.
Brilliant bike, crazy level of equipment and the updated version looks much better than the old one to me. The only drawback it this category is the single cylinder engine sound.
Thanks Bob, in MX we are still waiting for it but someone mentioned that it will come. The expected cost also is below the R3 and Ninja 400. The adjustable suspension and EMU with the leaning sound great so I can't really wait to see it here and take a spin.
Took delivery of that model yesterday. Fantastic bike with a rich RC Cup heritage. Already have about 10 kg off of it. We have a specialist here in the states called Formula390 who will help turn it into the RC8C or as close as we can get it. Ride safe. OR ..go fast don't die!
Great review. Just bought this bike. I took off factory exhaust and straight pyped it. Sounds so much better and definitely can tell the difference. Bike feels and handles amazingly
This is a fun little bike that used to have some fading problems on the front break. I hope they’ve fixed that because if offers a better value proposition than the R3 or Ninja 400
Great review, but its a bit strange to have an ad for Beeline when the 390 has navigation built-in to the TFT display. And its a lot better than the navigation that Beeline gives you. For other bikes without navigation, beeline is great.
If you’re not gonna take it to the track, i agree with him^^^ but even the duke you can take to a track, its just a little heavier than the RC and has handlebars
Love the blue and orange on this bike. Had my order in for this years 890 Duke R since February (it was due into the dealer in feb) and I'm still waiting.
I rode this same bike for the first time all day today. From having a CBR 1000 I might get me one of these. They are fun to ride. Tops out at like 100mph but still, until you hit 5th it's not too bad for how small it is.
I'm thinking about getting one, and I've been riding for 25+ years. I've got a heavy powerful bike already, what I want is something small, light, flickable and fun as an option :D
Had any issues with it? I’m looking at getting one aswell. It was fun on my test ride but I never got to get it above 80km/h. Does it handle 110km/h alright?
Other testers complained about the quickshifter not being prime time ready (not enough time to iron out the software wrinkles on real world riding ?). Truth be told I would rather deal with the TRASH level suspension of the other brands and their almost excellent engine reputation and lower admission fee than rolling the dice with KTM.
My dilemma was an r3 or this and while I live the r3 I didn’t like it’s buzziness and the suspention on the rc is far superior in my own opinion. Can’t really go wrong with eight one but something about the KTM just draws me to it more.
This bike will cost about $8k in my country. It's always been my dream. Maybe I have to save money for my whole life to purchase (20 months). LOL Yamaha R3 currently in my country cost $5600, twin cylinders, but I don't really like the design (not so sporty, but the head looks good), technology and suspensions are much behind KTM RC390.
To be honest now I am into ktm for those some good updates I don't know what others think but first I was yamaha r series fan and I have owned 2 beginners bike of r series but now I am really looking to get my hand on 390rc hope ktm becomes my new found love with better price
I own a 2017 and it would appear KTM listened to things first gen owners did not like. They seem to have addressed just about everything on the list. Not sure where the added weight came from though. Can’t wait for a better look.
The bike has a lot of nice features, but I still don't think it's a match for the Ninja 400. Second best in the lightweight sport category maybe, but it needs a few more horses to be a real contender.
Wonder if they've addressed the overheating problems? Anyone buying one should read Cycle World's take on it. They would not recommend that you buy the older version because of reliability issues. This thing has so much great stuff built-in though , that I think it's a steal! One thing they don't mention is that you have to be a certain size to fit. If you're over 200lbs then you'll look like a bear on a bicycle. It's a small bike. Don't kid yourself.
I'm getting my first bike in the lead up to the financial year. I'm tourn between the R3, 390 and the ninja 400. All close enough to the same price not to matter. I'm a quite tall, and the bike will be used for some computing, but mostly twisty hills. Which would you recommend?
Looks great in orange and blue. Have had a Ninja 650 for commute but often considered this for more giggles.. This new model has given me a little stiffy again.
I got a really bad sample of the brakes. Very inconsistent and lack of power. I had to have the whole front system replaced. And the result was night and day. The other short point I really hate about this bike is the engine powerband. It has no power at 6th gear below 6k RPM. So on the highway, if you just close the throttle for a sec, you have to remember to downshift, or the power won't come back anytime soon. So most of the time 6h gear is not usable even on highway with traffic. On the other side, very good MPG, consistently in the 60s which makes the small tank slightly more tolerable.
Hi bob, love the channel and the content. I can’t help but think this is the first ugly KTM I’ve seen, always been a massive fan of there aggressive looking front ends road stance. Was a fan of the previous bike but not the looks of this one.
I used to own the original RC390, I keep saying modern bikes keep getting heavier, and here's another example, where did the extra 5kg come from? hard to believe that this bike weighs 8kg more than a 1996 DR650.
Bajaj Builds it as per specs given by KTM so i dont think there is any challenge with build quality as its manufactured by Bajaj. i love your reviews and watch each one of them , but the doubt created that its manufacture in India hence a question is what made me wonder
Is it a metal fuel tank or plastic.??? My 2014 RC 390s metal fuel tank was getting rusted inside and falling apart, and was blocking the fuel pump all the time, it was a major headache..
@@catfunt5583 the duke doesn't have adjustable front suspension. It does not have the new lighter chassis. It doesn't have the new engine mapping and tune ups. It doesn't have the new lighter wheels. It doesn't have MTC or cornering ABS. It doesn't have the new TFT dash or the KTM my ride feature. Unless KTM released a new Duke in the past 5 months, I think you're wrong
@@waiwong7996 2022 has the new dash and my ride, with ability to Disable ABS, and option for up/down quickshifter, i was literally in the dealer looking at one for a friend on the weekend
@@catfunt5583 abs disable has been a feature for a long time. Optional quickshifter was added a few years ago. I didn't know about the new dash Funny, how you mention features I never talked about. What about the other features I listed?
@@waiwong7996 those are hardware features not very useful on a duke, dukes are also cheaper than the RC, and also designed for city riding, around town etc, not the track. RC makes use of the additional hardware at additional cost
Thank God due to the design change no chapris/squids in India will buy this awesome bike. Im so freaking happy can't wait to get my hands on this baby 🥰
Got to ride one fell in love going to do what I can to make it happen. If I wasn’t dumping 3k in one car and 2 into the wife’s I would have it already but as we don’t want to spend a rediculous 40 plus on a new car fixing the older ones comes before I can get a new toy. Springtime looks like my best time for a purchase and I can wait considering the bikes I already have but finally my cfo has had enough of my lamenting and has conceded
Hi Bob, a great review. Thank you. This little KTM has needed an update for a few years now and in my humble opinion they have made some really sensible and affordable upgrades that are otherwise reserved for more expensive bikes. It will make for an awesome bike for those who want to explore and learn the art of racing or at least track riding. Nothing is more rewarding than going around a higher capacity Sport bike on something that doesn’t make even a quarter of the power. 👍😎🇦🇺
As someone who has ridden the 2022 890 Adventure quite a bit, I don't see anything that bike has that the 390 series is missing now. They have the exact same hardware when it comes to tech. The only actual difference between the 390 series and the 890 lineup is engine size, seat height, and clearance.
It actually convinced me to just buy a 390 adventure instead, I don't need the 890 for twice as much. Same experience on a 390 minus a little bit of horsepower but nbd unless you are a speed demon wanting to ride your bike above 150km/hr.
The orange and blue scheme is a big improvement for KTM. The front end looks better too.
The is so so ugly
I disagree, I think that clear plastic front end is going to turn into yellow-plastic in about 3 years time. Poor choice on their end.
@@bmar916you can get another one by that time and problem solved
@@bmar916 Every sport bike has a clear windscreen my guy
I’m glad this bike exists even if I can’t ride it.
Hopefully KTM will come back to bigger sport bikes again.
these are indian made bigger bikes are there
They make the 8C which is a weapon of a bike, which is why its for track use only
@@todd_vincy4710 these are not the bigger bikes here in india 😌
@@revmatchproductions well it needs a license plate holder and some turn signals.
I’m sure it is a weapon but it would not be the most absurd bike on the road, at least not in the USA.
At highway speeds in top gear the R3 is actually faster on roll-on. In every other stat, this is "better" though. Except comfort, smoothness, and fuel economy. The RC390 sure does look special though.
@@commonmanv.5652 only for us indians bro, mileage venumna performance bikes vangatheenga
@@commonmanv.5652 a middle class person could easily afford a car+fuel.
@@commonmanv.5652 obviously
@@commonmanv.5652 middle class don't buy rc390 😂
Even though I have an unrestricted license and I have had bigger bikes in the past, I now have the earlier version of the RC390 and it is probably my favourite of all of them. If the new one is improved over mine then even better.
Brilliant bike, crazy level of equipment and the updated version looks much better than the old one to me. The only drawback it this category is the single cylinder engine sound.
Thanks Bob, in MX we are still waiting for it but someone mentioned that it will come. The expected cost also is below the R3 and Ninja 400. The adjustable suspension and EMU with the leaning sound great so I can't really wait to see it here and take a spin.
Front end design could have been better considering the previous gen sharp design..
Didn't realise that with all the weight saving the bike still gained weight over the previous model - thanks for pointing that out!
Took delivery of that model yesterday. Fantastic bike with a rich RC Cup heritage. Already have about 10 kg off of it. We have a specialist here in the states called Formula390 who will help turn it into the RC8C or as close as we can get it. Ride safe. OR ..go fast don't die!
Great review. Just bought this bike. I took off factory exhaust and straight pyped it. Sounds so much better and definitely can tell the difference. Bike feels and handles amazingly
Any overheating issues?
OLD IS GOLD LOOKS ❤️❤️
This is a fun little bike that used to have some fading problems on the front break. I hope they’ve fixed that because if offers a better value proposition than the R3 or Ninja 400
Nice! I like how they painted the exhaust black so it doesn't look all tarnished like most bikes, I wonder why some others don't do that as well.
Great review, but its a bit strange to have an ad for Beeline when the 390 has navigation built-in to the TFT display. And its a lot better than the navigation that Beeline gives you.
For other bikes without navigation, beeline is great.
I’m looking at getting my first bike.. this looks ideal! Thanks for the review!
Get the Duke instead
If you’re not gonna take it to the track, i agree with him^^^ but even the duke you can take to a track, its just a little heavier than the RC and has handlebars
Love the blue and orange on this bike.
Had my order in for this years 890 Duke R since February (it was due into the dealer in feb) and I'm still waiting.
"unsprung weight", now there's a phrase I haven't heard in a decade or two ;-)
This might just be my first bike, great video, appreciate the detail in information
Definitely orange & blue works more for me
I rode this same bike for the first time all day today. From having a CBR 1000 I might get me one of these. They are fun to ride. Tops out at like 100mph but still, until you hit 5th it's not too bad for how small it is.
Definitely the blue and orange, man I hope this releases here in Indonesia
Bob, you are a true professional and like the cleaner bead.
I'm thinking about getting one, and I've been riding for 25+ years. I've got a heavy powerful bike already, what I want is something small, light, flickable and fun as an option :D
The old gen of RC also had a bolt on sub frame. Great vedio btw♥️
My bad - thanks for the heads up!
@@motobob It didn't. The Duke had a bolt on subframe not the rc.
This bike is best in class.......if it had a parallel twin
I’m a little late but I got this one as my first bike and I’m loving it
Had any issues with it? I’m looking at getting one aswell.
It was fun on my test ride but I never got to get it above 80km/h. Does it handle 110km/h alright?
wow this is a premium motorcycle. I love all the big bike features on the little bike.
Small Capacity Bike...
That's one of the biggest capacity bikes in my area🥲
I personally prefer the old RC💖
Bro I think u haven't ride the new one its better than the old one .
This is more agile!!!
New model is better than old one
I personally prefer the new rc ❤️
You are not the only one! I recon the old model is a better looking bike
Nice one Bob !
That's one sweet looking bike 🤔
Great review as always 👏
Hi Bob, Great video. Just wanted to ask if you could add a sound test of the bike you review as many people would appreciate that. :)
The previous model of rc was very sharp 💖💖 It was my favorite, I don't like the new gen of this rc series
Well keep enjoying the worse bike, this bike is better.
Everyone of these bikes I see parked i'll go twist the clickers for the forks until they are maxed out. Bahahahahahaha
I want old vs new comparison
Other testers complained about the quickshifter not being prime time ready (not enough time to iron out the software wrinkles on real world riding ?).
Truth be told I would rather deal with the TRASH level suspension of the other brands and their almost excellent engine reputation and lower admission fee than rolling the dice with KTM.
fucking design
old design was so good
Thank God I will buy one for myself
Looks great, but still waiting for the 390 SM.
I NEED THAT BIKE DUDE..
My dilemma was an r3 or this and while I live the r3 I didn’t like it’s buzziness and the suspention on the rc is far superior in my own opinion. Can’t really go wrong with eight one but something about the KTM just draws me to it more.
Black + Orange = B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L 👌👍
This bike will cost about $8k in my country. It's always been my dream. Maybe I have to save money for my whole life to purchase (20 months). LOL
Yamaha R3 currently in my country cost $5600, twin cylinders, but I don't really like the design (not so sporty, but the head looks good), technology and suspensions are much behind KTM RC390.
Technical term: “thumb twiddlers” 🤣👍
Use 46t rear sprocket instead of stock 45t in all ktm 390s for real fun... Both acceleration and top end increases.
Only acceleration increases not the top end
Old is gold
The weird thing is it's made in india and is available internationally but not in india yet
To be honest now I am into ktm for those some good updates I don't know what others think but first I was yamaha r series fan and I have owned 2 beginners bike of r series but now I am really looking to get my hand on 390rc hope ktm becomes my new found love with better price
Kinda relatable bro 🙌
But we don't get those adjustable forks 😷
The only thing I hate about the new Ktm rcs is the looks, this bike looks older and weirder compared to the previous model.
Love this bike! 😍
Def seems like a lot of bike for the money! There are many middleweight class bikes that dont have the tech and features like this one
Sure, can't believe how good the cockpit is for a bike this size!
I own a 2017 and it would appear KTM listened to things first gen owners did not like. They seem to have addressed just about everything on the list. Not sure where the added weight came from though. Can’t wait for a better look.
My dream bike 🥺
Hi Bob, nice review but i was wondering what would you choose this one or the cbr500r?
Go the Honda mate. In my personal experience KTM will NEVER get another dollar from me.
@@andrewf1326 Why?
Im so damn excited for mine to arrive.
Bob, when are you going to take it for a ride. It would be nice to see you ride it.
very impressive wheels weight deduction numbers
The bike has a lot of nice features, but I still don't think it's a match for the Ninja 400. Second best in the lightweight sport category maybe, but it needs a few more horses to be a real contender.
Ninja 400 is literally a bag of concrete heavier than this though
Wonder if they've addressed the overheating problems? Anyone buying one should read Cycle World's take on it. They would not recommend that you buy the older version because of reliability issues. This thing has so much great stuff built-in though , that I think it's a steal! One thing they don't mention is that you have to be a certain size to fit. If you're over 200lbs then you'll look like a bear on a bicycle. It's a small bike. Don't kid yourself.
I like it. Great price for a bit of lightweight fun around the lanes.
My 2024 fuel pump went out already
I have a 2022 R3 but god damn, this bike looks so pretty.
Power not good as r3 and ninja 400 ,you have to change the gear constantly ,short gearing issue and the quick shifter not good
R3 better
Great review. Kindly advise, Which will be the better choice if compared with the Ninja300
Looks great but would have liked to hear what it sounds like with the new exhaust system.
I'm getting my first bike in the lead up to the financial year. I'm tourn between the R3, 390 and the ninja 400. All close enough to the same price not to matter.
I'm a quite tall, and the bike will be used for some computing, but mostly twisty hills. Which would you recommend?
You can never go wrong with R3. Love the KTM but R3 is just too refine
@@gigachad8872 R3🌟
Hi , great review. Thank you. would you do a BMW G 310 GS review? thanks
Excellent review. But the old model design was class apart. Black White original design.
Looks great in orange and blue. Have had a Ninja 650 for commute but often considered this for more giggles.. This new model has given me a little stiffy again.
I got a really bad sample of the brakes. Very inconsistent and lack of power. I had to have the whole front system replaced. And the result was night and day. The other short point I really hate about this bike is the engine powerband. It has no power at 6th gear below 6k RPM. So on the highway, if you just close the throttle for a sec, you have to remember to downshift, or the power won't come back anytime soon. So most of the time 6h gear is not usable even on highway with traffic. On the other side, very good MPG, consistently in the 60s which makes the small tank slightly more tolerable.
Hi bob, love the channel and the content. I can’t help but think this is the first ugly KTM I’ve seen, always been a massive fan of there aggressive looking front ends road stance. Was a fan of the previous bike but not the looks of this one.
Wow the bike looks 🔥🔥🔥
Will you have a more in depth review? Im waiting to take delivery of my RC in South Africa.
Damn , you are fast bro. 👍
nice video beautiful bike Rc 390 👍👌🙂
Did they ruined the seat angle? It looks now, like other bikes.
What a beautiful bike
I used to own the original RC390, I keep saying modern bikes keep getting heavier, and here's another example, where did the extra 5kg come from? hard to believe that this bike weighs 8kg more than a 1996 DR650.
love it
Look like superb tech
Bajaj Builds it as per specs given by KTM so i dont think there is any challenge with build quality as its manufactured by Bajaj. i love your reviews and watch each one of them , but the doubt created that its manufacture in India hence a question is what made me wonder
He meant that since Bajaj manufactures them in India, KTM is able to price it cheaper than the competition.
So motobob great video but now ninja 400 2022 or this tech beast 2022 ? (Does ninja 400 have these features?)
Is it a metal fuel tank or plastic.???
My 2014 RC 390s metal fuel tank was getting rusted inside and falling apart, and was blocking the fuel pump all the time, it was a major headache..
Still dont know when its coming to dealership here in the states ktm dealership have the listing but no bikes
I just wish they update the Duke 390 as well so riders who aren't comfortable with sport bike ergos can still enjoy the upgrades
These upgrades are already on the duke
@@catfunt5583 the duke doesn't have adjustable front suspension. It does not have the new lighter chassis. It doesn't have the new engine mapping and tune ups. It doesn't have the new lighter wheels. It doesn't have MTC or cornering ABS. It doesn't have the new TFT dash or the KTM my ride feature.
Unless KTM released a new Duke in the past 5 months, I think you're wrong
@@waiwong7996 2022 has the new dash and my ride, with ability to Disable ABS, and option for up/down quickshifter, i was literally in the dealer looking at one for a friend on the weekend
@@catfunt5583 abs disable has been a feature for a long time. Optional quickshifter was added a few years ago. I didn't know about the new dash
Funny, how you mention features I never talked about. What about the other features I listed?
@@waiwong7996 those are hardware features not very useful on a duke, dukes are also cheaper than the RC, and also designed for city riding, around town etc, not the track. RC makes use of the additional hardware at additional cost
Good bike to start on?
Even if it is produced here in India still we don't get the adjustable cartridges not even as an option.
Why don't we get adjustable suspension in India?
Any update about the KTM Duke 490 launch timeline?
Thank God due to the design change no chapris/squids in India will buy this awesome bike. Im so freaking happy can't wait to get my hands on this baby 🥰
the blinkers blink slow like that?
If anyone figures puting the MY2022 Front head and intergrated indicators on a MY2021 with a DIY plz post too
we want Brad Binders bike!!!! V-4 sport bike with 235-hp
So basically it’s the best motorcycle in the world
Got to ride one fell in love going to do what I can to make it happen. If I wasn’t dumping 3k in one car and 2 into the wife’s I would have it already but as we don’t want to spend a rediculous 40 plus on a new car fixing the older ones comes before I can get a new toy. Springtime looks like my best time for a purchase and I can wait considering the bikes I already have but finally my cfo has had enough of my lamenting and has conceded
I like blue one
Can we still get old rc 390
Are the head gaskets fixed?
if two cylinders it will be better.....gasssskeuun !
Another good-looking KTM. What's going on over there?
If anyone figures out how to put the 14l MY2022 tank on a MY2021 frame plz post a VID
Waiting to launch in India