Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Planning to do a ride on the RC with a pillion (Yep! Pillion is ready to take up the challenge!). Wanted to know what would be the best way to fix the luggage (two backpacks - small size) on the bike. I guess one can be swung over the rider/pillion shoulders.
Any other advise while touring with pillion?

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

U can use one tank bag and a small backpack for the pillion

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Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Please excuse the dirty bag. Just ktm things you know.
Hope you get the idea.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

crank up the suspension by two notches up to 5 [factory default : 3]

use side saddle bags from viaterra like the viaterra rapide (RC200 forums for pics). they are side saddle bags and should not interfere with the pillion sitting if positioned right..

I wouldn't recommend a tank bag since the small fuel tank means more frequent refilling & more frequent removal of tank bag & you won't be comfortable reaching out to the handle bars and you might as well be sandwiched between the pillion & the tank bag..

also, make sure your back is strong (backbone & muscles), that will be a big plus..

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Okay guys, after finally reading all of the 220 pages of the RC 390 and a 100 pages of the RC 200 threads, I've finally decided to go for the RC 390. However, i do have some questions, being new to bikes and such.

1. Self Maintenance -
a) A lot of people on this forum do a lot of maintainance on their own , such as filling up coolant, chain lubrication and cleaning, etc. Can this be done through the SVCs in case of being unaware as to how such things are to be carried out?
b) Which fuel, and from which stations are generally recommended for the bike?

2. Long term usage- On the RC200 thread, I've seen a lot of posts about poor build quality, such as levers and pedals breaking very easily. Does that exist on the RC390 too? Also I've read about not KTMs not being a long term bike; since i have to use this bike daily for college for the next 3-5 years, would i have high maintenance costs and issues? I need a reliable bike for this time period. This seems to be an issue far more predominant in RC 200, where lots of owners have such complains, which is less frequent compared to the 390 thread.

3. Clutch- This is one of the main issues for me, since in city riding, clutch is used a lot. As of now, I've heard the slipper clutch is not due for the RC till next year halfway at least. However, since its more track focused, it doesn't really matter to me, except that I've heard the slipper clutch is far smoother and easier to use(as seen on the Duke 390). Earlier the RC 390 used to have a very hard clutch, does that issue still exist or has it been improved?

4. PDI- What exactly am I supposed to check as part of the PDI? I do remember seeing a post in the 390 thread about it, although i didn't seem to really understand half of what was in it LOL. As of now, recent batches seem to have issues mainly with cooling fans.

5. Bangalore- A lot of user opinions depend on the outlet purchased from, based on personal experience would anyone recommend any particular showroom in Bangalore? As of now, what is the current waiting period? I will not be talking any loans or EMI. (As far as i know price is 2,52,076 here).

Another thing I'd like to know is what do they require to book a test ride? I am getting my LL very shortly, and will buy the bike after that, so would an LL be enough to be able to book a test ride or is a DL mandatory? Ive heard usually they'd agree to give you a test ride if you go with parents..


PS I know this is my first bike and 390 isn't really recommended, but I've been going on a duke 390 quite often as pillion and am quite used to the acceleration. Also, i feel 50,000 more for, , increased power ABS and Metzler would be worth it, hence not in favour of the 200.

Do let me know the answers to this guys, and as always, any suggestions are welcome

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Answers in italics..
Okay guys, after finally reading all of the 220 pages of the RC 390 and a 100 pages of the RC 200 threads, I've finally decided to go for the RC 390. However, i do have some questions, being new to bikes and such.

1. Self Maintenance -
Yes. You can do maintenance through SVCs. Coolant levels can be topped up when you get the bike serviced. The chain clean and lube can be done anytime. It will cost a good 100 bucks each time you get it done 'officially'. If you can do some jugaad at the SVC, chain lube and clean can be done for free - just take your lube and cleaner.

2. Long term usage- On the RC200 thread, I've seen a lot of posts about poor build quality, such as levers and pedals breaking very easily. Does that exist on the RC390 too? Also I've read about not KTMs not being a long term bike; since i have to use this bike daily for college for the next 3-5 years, would i have high maintenance costs and issues? I need a reliable bike for this time period. This seems to be an issue far more predominant in RC 200, where lots of owners have such complains, which is less frequent compared to the 390 thread.
Well dude - The RC390 and RC200 use the exact same parts. Levers and pedals do break easily on the RC390. I have broken both! Reliability means different things for different people. If you want a bike that will give you a mad rush of power and you are OK with the vibes that you feel around your thighs and the handles - there is nothing better than RC390. The engine is rev-happy. It will keep on running as long as you want it to. Just keep the chain lubed!

3. Clutch-
The clutch is hard, very hard. Try pressing the clutch of a slipper clutch fitted D390.. You will know the difference! Regarding city riding - yeah, It will hurt and the fan noise will irritate even more.

4. PDI-
For the cooling fan, turn the bike on when you take it delivery and keep it on for some time. The fan should come on. There is a detailed PDI checklist in this thread. pls. check

5. Bangalore-
No idea.

PS I know this is my first bike and 390 isn't really recommended, but I've been going on a duke 390 quite often as pillion and am quite used to the acceleration. Also, i feel 50,000 more for, , increased power ABS and Metzler would be worth it, hence not in favour of the 200.
Yep. The RC390 is more bhp per rupee and better vfm compared to the 200. Better still is the D390 - Metz + ABS + SLIPPER CLUTCH + BETTER SEAT!!

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

First of all, thanks for replying in such detail

Regarding the clutch, is it something that I could get used to over time? What would you suggest? Would it be manageable for city riding? I'd like your views as this is something I can't really find out from TR, its more of a long term thing.
Ohh btw, when did you buy your RC? Ive read they've changed the setup or something of the clutch making it a lot smoother in the 2015 RC.

Also, were you required to give a license for TR?

Overall, I know that the Duke is more suitable, but it is pretty hard to resist something that looks, according to me, much much better, especially when they are so close in price, which is why i seem so inclined towards RC.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience


Looks like we have a lot in common. I'm a student myself and I brought my RC home on 04/02/2015.

The clutch is really very hard and it took me almost 5 months to get used to the pain. I travel everyday in Bumper to Bumper ORR traffic in Bangalore and it still hurts sometimes when the traffic moves very slowly.

A lot of people complain about back-pain but I can safely say I never had any sort of back pain till date. A heavy backpack can cause a back-pain but not the position itself.

As far as quality goes, I have had no issues other than minor vibes and a faulty radiator fan(replaced under warranty).

I have taken my friend's Duke 390 a couple of times to college and felt it was slightly more comfortable. All this goes away as soon as I sit on my RC again.

The seat is really hard on the RC and you will start feeling the hardness after like 1.5-2h of riding.

If your budget permits and you are ok with the riding position and don't really mind the hard clutch, I'd say go with the RC390.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Looks are subjective.. so i leave the final decision to you. btw [MENTION=71050]mustang28[/MENTION] sold his d390 n picked up the rc.
the d390 is all practicality and you have the slipper clutch thrown in too.
i would suggest you first ride the rc a few times, because it might be uncomfortable for some. and the riding stance could be a pain in traffic.
Take a few test rides over a period of a week and then decide.
Yes they ask for your drivers license and may also ask you to fill up a form before giving a test ride. Though i din't have to do either..depends on the svc and your relationship with them.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Looks like a test ride is needed mainly for the clutch now, although riding time would be not more than 40 minutes one way, so that might help
Budget is fine for me As for seating position too Im fine with that.
And yeah even i have a friend with D390 LOL.
Which showroom did you buy from? And how long was your waiting time?

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Yeah I'll definitely do that
I don't know anyone at a KTM centre, so I'm not sure whether they'll allow, seeing I only will be having a Learners Licence, lets see what happens with that. I'll be purchasing after my exams which end on 20th, so a little while is still there..

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Answers in BOLD

points to remember..

- the 200 & 390 have the same fuel tank capacity & the mileage will be lower in the 390 and you have to fill up faster than regular.. Hence, if you are going on a long ride, having cash but no fuel is a risk you are taking.. since you are a learner, go for the 200.. start small and go big..

- For city - go for the duke 200, for highway - install a windshield on the duke 200
- unless you are die-hard fan of fairing like me, go for the RC 200.. but there's a learning curve for you physically too on the RC.. your wrists/back/shoulders will pain a lot for the first few months especially if you are coming from a normal commuter.. a 390 is an extreme jump IMHO.

spares cost is cheap - don't worry about it.. you also have a LOT of SVC in India (unless you decide to live in a remote village 100s of KMS away from any SVC)

and don't forget to buy some nice gear.. Helmet - jacket - Gloves - Boots & knee guards/riding pants..

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Hi guys ,I have been following this thread for quite a long time and finally ended up with rc390. Its been 1 month since i have been riding . The bike is butter smooth, extremely fast. The only shortcoming that i have faced till now is that it vibrates alot. Initially the fairing started vibrating soo i took it to service centre, the service guy put a rubber in fairing n d vibration vanished. Now yesterday only i encountered a new vibration and a cluttering sound. Now Whenevr i rev it up to 4k , a cluttering sound is produced with a hell lot of vibration.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Its from the battery cover. Try using some duct tape on the edges n refit it. It helped me a lot. Vibrations will smoothen with time. Be sure to break in properly. Cover your 1000 kms before your first service because its crusial else the SVC will change your Engine Oil to super synthetic and that may stall the engine later.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

I am a complete sucker for fairing, so i have kept my options between the Rc 200 and 390. Duke would be my option only if i find something in RC that really might not be practical, riding posture etc i think i can live with.
The only bike I've practiced on is an Apache RTR 180, which would come under a normal commuter I guess, so ill definitely keep it in mind. I'll keep RC 200 as my first option
Do you think there would be any problem in test riding the 390 at least? Handling wise etc.? Or i shouldn't even try a test ride of it?
Thanks for the replies

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Go ahead and give it a try. If you can't live with the niggles of the RCs than you will have to compromise with something boring and yes non of the sports are made for comfort. You will soon get used to it. 390 can keep you more than happy which 200 can't. Secondly its safer than a 200 as it comes with world class tyres and class leading brakes.