Ktm RC390

[Vaultdweller]

Hi,

All, I'm looking to downsize my bikes, for various reasons. I currently have a Ktm 990 Superduke, but find myself riding my Crf250 Rally much more. I get more joy using all that bike can offer, rather than tiptoeing around the superduke.

To that end I'm looking to move it on and get something smaller to enjoy on the road. I have seen a mega deal on the Ktm Rc390 for £3800 brand new, this is the current model.

Is there any feedback on here from owners? I am 6ft tall so a little concerned about not quite fitting on it, but Ktm are normally quite generous with their rider triangle sizing. Other than that, they look a hoot to ride.

Any feedback welcome, cheers.

[Kawasicki]

Vaultdweller said:

Hi,

All, I'm looking to downsize my bikes, for various reasons. I currently have a Ktm 990 Superduke, but find myself riding my Crf250 Rally much more. I get more joy using all that bike can offer, rather than tiptoeing around the superduke.

To that end I'm looking to move it on and get something smaller to enjoy on the road. I have seen a mega deal on the Ktm Rc390 for £3800 brand new, this is the current model.

Is there any feedback on here from owners? I am 6ft tall so a little concerned about not quite fitting on it, but Ktm are normally quite generous with their rider triangle sizing. Other than that, they look a hoot to ride.

Any feedback welcome, cheers.

Haven’t ridden one myself, but did follow a friendly off-duty policeman at a quite generous pace along some amazing country roads this summer. It is not a slow bike.

[carinaman]

moanthebairns has two of the 373cc ones I think.

I think he got them just before the newer ones with the different engine were released.

[A500leroy]

Find thatbikersimon on YouTube, different bike but same engine.

[carinaman]

Assuming the 990 is the original one and not the current one, someone in the KTM in administration thread was after one. I think it was the PHer that trades bikes. Sorry I can't remember their PH id at the moment.

[Vaultdweller]

carinaman said:

Assuming the 990 is the original one and not the current one, someone in the KTM in administration thread was after one. I think it was the PHer that trades bikes. Sorry I can't remember their PH id at the moment.

Cheers, yes it's an old 2007 v twin one. Facelift with the bigger fuel tank and better brakes.

[poo at Paul's]

I think the new ones pretty good, some of the older could be a bit fragile I think.
I’ve got a A2 class bike to take in my campervan, low weight etc.
I have a cbr300 at the mo, but charging it this week for a new ninja 500.
To put your deal in perspective,the ninja 500 is the se one and is brand new 2024 model, but is 5900 quid, OTR albeit with interest free finance for 3 years.
I was tempted by the various 3800 to 4K rec 390s but I’ve never owned a knacker, preferred the twin, and up close the Kawasaki is a really nicely put together bike.
But 1800 quid cheaper ignoring what is like 600quid free finance, it still seeks the KTM a bit of a bargain.
The only other thing I looked at was some brand new Aprilia 457s are about for just less than 5k. They’re a very neat little bike, but worried about fragility, tbh, my mate has an rs660 ans he’s had a mare with it tbh.

[moanthebairns]

I've had one for two years my o/h coming up 3. Her's has been faultless (well the Speedo display isn't great it mists up a bit). My only problems have been with the optional bi direction quick-shifter.

I've raved about it a lot on here, im not much shorter than yourself and I find it rather roomy. It's got a rather high seat height.

It's a fking bargain at that price, I was tempted myself by it....

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

A chap I know had some of the early ones as his lad was racing in the 390 cup. They blew head gaskets repeatedly under that use case.

Eventually under one strip down on an engine before it went into the bike they took some glass to the cylinder head. Warped when brand new. Engine was sent back to KTM. New engine arrives. Same problem. They got a good one eventually.

But that was a number of years ago now, and has given KTM time to improve their quality.

[carinaman]

Marquezs Stabilisers said:

A chap I know had some of the early ones as his lad was racing in the 390 cup. They blew head gaskets repeatedly under that use case.

Eventually under one strip down on an engine before it went into the bike they took some glass to the cylinder head. Warped when brand new. Engine was sent back to KTM. New engine arrives. Same problem. They got a good one eventually.

But that was a number of years ago now, and has given KTM time to improve their quality.

So not 'ready to race' then.

Given the BBC love in for Lando Norris it's difficult not to feel sorry for that lad if it impacted on his 390 Cup results.

[Vaultdweller]

Thanks for the input everyone, order placed for an orange one, expecting delivery next week!

[carinaman]

Congratulations. You'll be riding it before Christmas or putting it away until Spring?

[Vaultdweller]

The plan is a liberal application of acf50 and get out on it. It's cheap enough to not be to precious about, would like to get the running in miles done.

[moanthebairns]

The running in miles are brutal. It's not a nice bike to ride unless it's bouncing of the limiter.