Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

I can tell you that the 2016 one is coming in India for sure.. (Unless they change their decision completely at the last minute)
I still don't think they have really added a slipper clutch.. Because they won't disturb the assembly line for one bike. It also can be a retro fit slipper clutch..

I would suggest you to not make the payment if you're not satisfied, because in the end that's what really matters.. Don't do anything in a hurry,take your time.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

I guess they already have slipper clutch assembly from duke390. It may be a direct fit in Rc390.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

I'll talk to the guy tomorrow, it'll be heartbreaking for him though, he already has a 2015 rc in stock. Any idea when can we expect news that 2016 updated RC is here? Or is it done silently and the news spreads as deliveries begin.

That's what I thought as well. Its quite easy for them to do it now, as it is already tested on the Duke, and future bikes will have the SC, along with other updates for which further changes to the assembly line can be done subsequently.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

9 month of ownership. So far so good. Had a few niggles in between (loose fairing and underbelly screw's, smoke from exhaust on start up, engine oil leak) But i've been trying to improve the bikes refinement. Any of you guys tried changing the spark plug from stock to NGK Laser Iridium Premium LKAR8AI-9 6706?

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Production of 2015 KTM bikes have already stopped to clear up existing stock and make way for 2016 models

Sticking to the thread topic, RC390 for india is NOT going to get the Side mounted exhaust AND Ride by wire technology. Its only getting a slipper clutch.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

And what's your source of info sir?

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Not sure if you would consider this authentic: 2016 KTM RC & Duke Models to get Auto Headlamp Function in India - News - NDTV CarAndBike.com

Quoting: "Apart from DRLs, KTM India will also be upgrading the RC 390 for 2016 with new hardware including a slipper clutch, bigger disc brakes and refinement of the 373.2cc single-cylinder engine. The side mounted exhaust and Ride-by-Wire technology seen on the international version though has been given a miss in India since the features were added specifically to comply with the Euro 4 emission norms."

Also: "KTM India and its dealerships are currently in the process of clearing existing stock and the 2016 Duke and RC models will be available across the country by the end of this month or by February"

Also for Duke 200 and RC200 owners: In addition to daytime running lights, new motorcycles will have to also come equipped with ABS (on 125cc and above bikes) from next year onwards, while the proposal includes introducing an emergency warning sound as well.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience


My common friend works at engine assembly section at ktm/bajaj chakan plant, he said only change in rc390 is the slipper clutch. Its been a while since i have met him. I'll update as soon as i get anymore info.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

I couldnt find that post, could you link it please? Also did you ride the model that was manufactured in 2016? Or did you happen to ride a 2015 manufactured bike in 2016?

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I can understand why they did not introduce Ride by wire and side mounted exhaust for India. It keeps the cost unchanged. They dont want to revise the prices of the bikes until the 2nd Gen bikes arrive.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/showthread.php?p=1199021 2016 manufacturing.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Awesome! Looks like its the EU export model.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Update : So I postponed delivery of the bike by a month today, it was all happening in too much of a hurry so for peace of mind made the decision. I would have gone for it, but it would not be the happiness that this great bike gives to its owners as I would be constantly tensed and worried about the new model being launch. The Sales manager was very understanding and agreed almost instantly, but he did say that this is the new 2016 model and no changes are expected. He also made me speak to a senior Service Engineer who confirmed for sure that the only update to the RC in 2016 will be the addition of slipper clutch, which is already added in the MY 2016 bikes. Full points to the sales manager, I have been visiting him since October. A very patient, considerate man. His passion and enthusiasm for motorcycling is almost like a rider. Not once did he push me to take the delivery sooner, or go with dealer insurance only.

I did not observe any other changes, though the seat did look slightly more padded. No 320 mm disk, adjustable levers or revamped rvms.

I shall hold till the end of February, post that if there are no changes expected, I'll buy the current bike. I do feel that we should have more authentic reports about the new updated model then.

Yesterday was a roller coaster day for me, I almost bought the bike but last moment changed my plans after due diligence done on xBhp . I literally had to push back the drool into my mouth. I am glad for this forum, and the enormous knowledge it has given me over the past 7-8 years.

The SPAL fan I got from USA is also lying unused, sad and eager to get rollin. So is my new Bell RS 1 helmet. But this does give me sometime to try getting a paddock stand fabricated, as well as the visit to a nearby lathe shop to fabricate frame sliders, fork protectors and swing arm spools using the Delrin material that I soon plan to procure. I'll also research and buy a torque wrench, and other important tools.

Does anybody have any suggestions on the torque wrench? The little bit of research I did, I think Taparia is a good brand for click type torque wrenches in India. Any opinions guys ?

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience


Nice work! Also, managers will say whatever they can to sell the product. Theres no official news from KTM themselves about the launch of the 2016 line.

Also why fabricate those items? Why not get pre-made ones?

As for torque wrenches I have a set from Stanleys and another one from US called Tekton

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

KTM usually updates new models silently, especially if one buys very early in the new year. The Service Engineer assured me it had slipper clutch, and I'm 100℅ sure that he was right, because of the claims to open the clutch case and check! Whether all bikes delivered in India now have slipper clutch can only be confirmed when we have similar reports from around the country.

It'll be much cheaper! I can utilise the saved money in riding gear. Custom fabrication will give me options to ensure proper engineering (right strength of metal used in frame sliders - it shouldn't be stronger than the frame itself, 3 point mounting system, proper length of delrin puck, etc). Lets see if I can source some cheap Delrin. JCMoto provides the cheapest frame sliders at Rs 6000 I guess, fork protectors and swingarm spools are also around rs 1600. Obviously if fabrication is not that cheap, to save the efforts I might just buy all this. But the half-assed DIY would be exciting, as a professional working with my inputs is likely to get good results, without chances of me doing it by myself and screwing up!
I have seen in this thread only a custom made frame slider. So it should be possible. Other things its easy to make. Let's see, if too much headache, I buy finished products.

Oh I did see Stanley torque wrenches, drooled a bit, but even click type were quite expensive. I'll check the prices again, if the quality matches I'll buy it. I doubt its available in India though. You bought the wrench for RC ? I was checking out Taparia and found that I need to buy at least two different wrenches to match the wide torque ranges of the engine and frame.

Anybody has any experience with Taparia wrenches?

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Hi guys, I hope you all are enjoying your bike.

One of my friends is planning to buy a new bike and he has finalized rc390 and cbr250r. Now he's having a hard time deciding which one to buy. Since this is rc390 ownership thread, he wanted me to ask you a few questions about the bike.

1. He's 6 ft 4 inch, slim weighs around 85-90. Will RC390 suit him? Will he be comfortable on it considering he's pretty tall and the bike is small in comparison. (he has taken test ride twice but both rides were not long enough to see if he faces any difficulty with sitting posture)

2. He will use the bike for daily commute (24-28km) as well as weekend rides (50-80km). Does RC makes sense as a daily commuter?

3. Are new owners of the bike still facing any reliability issues. Reliability is very important, so is the spare parts availability and A.S.S. considering he will use this bike as his daily commuter for next 5 years.

4. When he asked if he can get a january 2016 manufactured model (doesn't matter if it comes with slipper clutch or not). Sales person said 2016 manufactured model will arrive after 1 april since motorcycle manufacturers use financial year (1 april to 31 march) as model years. Is he trying to sell off his 2015 model to him or is there any reality in that sales guy's claim?


other details: big no to other options in the market, apart from rc390 and cbr250r. He has extensively ridden CBR250R and felt no problem in sitting posture. But power was not enough for him (he currently rides a pulsar 200)