Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

So I got 2017 RC390 delivered on wednesday from KTM iffco chowk Gurugram. The delivery process was mostly smooth though I had to wait couple of weeks extra than what was promised.
Here are the Initial impression of the bike.
Driven close to 100kms, mostly in peak hours. Listing some of the positives and negatives(yes already).

The bike feels acceptably refined for a single 373cc engine. Power delivery feels like that of a twin(ktm has definitely tweaked it), the bike picks up from 2.5k rpm effortlessly without much drama. Even with just about100 kms on the odo, bike feels very lively and is always ready to pounce. Ride by wire is doing what it is supposed to do, excellent throttle response, grip level are very good(been riding the contigo's on the CBR). The digital meter carries lot of information though I find actual fuel consumption to be gimmicky, rest everything is quite useful.
Also, exhaust note feel a lot bassier from my other bike. That rumbling sound while deaccelerating is music. Currently i have limited my RPM to 6k with occasional trip to 7k which i realise only after having a glance at tacho.

Some negatives
Vibrations! Everywhere! Its just 2 days and the fairing is already rattling. I was kinda prepared for it but still its too soon for the rattles to creep-in. Guess the fairing is bolted little too tight.

Clunky gearbox- Especially the first gear. 9 outta 10 times it will not shift properly and makes the irritating "tak" sound. Need to adjust the play.

Tandoori days! The bike heats up a lot in b2b traffic. That's alright but the fan which kicks in makes lot of noise. If you are in a mall/ covered parking, the noise amplifies two fold.

Is the headlight throw adjustable? A pillion rider tilts the front up and lighten up the trees. Not cool.


Overall its a very focussed machine and meant to be ridden that way. It just doesn't want me to baby it around. Too soon to gauge the mileage but should be over 22. That's all.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

You should not wait for first service and get the gearbox checked asap. It's not normal what you're saying.

Yes the headlights / projectors are adjustable. There is a screw next to them.

This!

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Thanks.
Getting it checked on this sunday itself.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Hey guys!
I have a MY 2016 RC 390, done like 4000 KM.
The bike is a lot of fun but the vibrations just doesn't seem to go away. Literally it has become monthly affair for me to go to the SVC and get these rectified and shell out money on the same.
Lately there is a vibration in the left side fairing. This is irritating especially in long rides and it can felt even in stand still. Any solutions for the vibrations!
Thank you.
Ride safe guys.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

The Vibrations are the character of the bike so you can't finish it totally. But to minimize it you can use Motul Ester Core 15w50 fully synthetic oil. Will give you a very noticable difference, recommend out of my personal experience. For the rattling noise use rubber washers on bolts of the fairing and tank cover which will act as dampeners and reduce you rattling. Also make it a habit to check for loose nuts and bolts at least every weekend. It's a good practice.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience


Firstly, identify the places of rattling and vibrations and then use rubber washers and double sided tapes as required and you can elimate most of the vibration or rattle noise.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

EBC Sintered brake pads FA606HH review:

Regarding braking on the RC390, though the braking power was present if you pulled in the lever far enough, I always missed the initial bite and two finger braking that i was accustomed to on my rtr.

My initial thoughts were to change the entire front brake setup to the one on MY2017 RC390, an expensive proposition (~INR 8k according to a mechanic at KTM). However, before i took that drastic step, i sourced the EBC Sintered brake pads FA606HH from the US. (https://www.amazon.com/EBC-Brakes-FA...Brakes+FA606HH)

Installation: Simple drop in replacement for stock brake pads.

Result: Extraordinary increase in feel and braking power. Two finger operation for both regular and emergency braking situations. Pull in too hard and you might trigger the ABS and/or lift rear wheel. Needless to say, this should have been a day-one upgrade for me.

Observations: Slight grinding noise while applying brakes. Does not squeal.

Drawbacks: Higher rotor wear(I can live with it). Expensive.

Obviously, I have decided against upgrading the entire brake setup to the MY2017 model.

Questions :
Do you guys have any idea what the MY2017 RC390 brake pads are made of? Are they still kevlar or are they sintered. Also, will they fit the MY2016 callipers?

Thanks
Avinash

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

The new ones are Sintered but not sure if it's a direct Fit on order RC coz of a totally new calliper. I was also planning to install the whole set up from the MY17 RC390 which costs a bomb but after reading you review I have hopefully got a better option now. I'll try to see if the new Sintered Pads fit if they don't I'll order the ECB ones. Thanxs.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

I too recently got the EBC HH pads on my 3 month old bike. There's brake noise. A loud Pshhhhhh... sound anytime the brake is applied. The sound and lever feel gives the impression of the pads sandpapering the rotors! Initial bite and stopping power is a significant improvement over stock - it's all the stopping power i need for spirited street riding. Brake modulation/feel is worse than stock (switching off ABS helps here). With the stock pads i also encountered mysterious brake fade sometimes at higher speeds (over 100), the EBC pads don't have that issue. Looking at the stock pad i'd guess there are semi-sintered.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Guys, I met with a minor crash and have the left side of the bike damaged quite a bit. I got the rc390 back in october and wanted to know how to go about claiming the insurance on this? I bought the bike from sec 18 noida. Would it be a cashless claim? the damages include - The left clip-on bent, left footpeg damage, left mirror broke and front brake not working(think brake fluid cylinder fell off). Minor scratches on left fairing.

Please advise. Also was thinking maybe just maybe i should use third-party clip-ons for my bike. If I get it would the service center install these or are they authorized only to use and work on ktm parts? If so could anyone suggest a good shop in NCR to get the third-party clip-ons fitted?

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Claiming insurance :
I'm sure you've got zero dep. insurance but still check it once.
This is easy. Just go to your service centre and they will guide you what to be done. Also leave the bike there only.

Or you can call your insurance company on the toll free and explain them the scenario. They will let an executive call you within few hours and he will explain you things.
Try to be present at the time of survey and see if all the parts or maximum parts get added on in insurance claim.

High chances are it's not going to be a cashless claim.

P.S. : If you think your service centre guys are not friendly and won't be of much help.
Go to KTM Sahibabad (Shiva Bajaj) (next to Hotel Country Inn). Meet the manager "Shekhar Tomar" there and tell him I (Sumit Patel) have sent you. He will do the best of best & will guide you on what you have to do. You can be tension free there. ✌️

Also, you can share your accident pics here.

No KTM or any other service centre would recommend anything like this. Also using other clip-ons in not safe at all. Please skip this plan. [emoji846]

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience


Thanks for the info Sumit. I didn't take pic of the accident as all I was focussed on was getting my left foot checked ASAP and after getting home I noticed swelling. I have been diagnosed with a minor dislocation just under the small toe. 2 weeks to recover. No other injury thou. It was relatively small 25km crash at a roundabout due to a blind entry by another bike. But My first crash in my 15+ year biking life

Btw the insurance was offered by Noida sec 18 showroom(suman bajaj) where I bought the bike from. So would going to KTM sahibabad make a difference in terms of getting the insurance claim/repair costs?

As for the clip-ons, I have always felt the stock clip-ons to be abruptly high compared to sport bikes that's why I am looking to change. And now have reason to change.(thou not the one I wanted). Have seen few good companies(Driven, Tyga, Vortex) making reliable CNC clip-ons.

KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

Oh first accident! I can imagine what's going on in your mind right now. I've been through a lot of accidents, you'll be fine soon.

Going To any service centre means same bill on repairs. I referred to this svc just in case your nearby svc people are not friendly. If they are good to you, you should go ahead.

For clip-ons. My bad! I thought you're going to get any aftermarket ones.
But if you're making mind for Driven or tyga. Yes you can go ahead. Also if you have a good relation with svc, they will install it for you for few bucks.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

yep. Kinda bummed with this being first. Always had good instincts on the bike. Now feel like a mortal. lol. I gotta once check with Svc before I order the clip-ons. And thanks for the reference to Shekhar. I will visit if I Noida svc are gonna throw tantrums.

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yep. Kinda bummed with this being first. Always had good instincts on the bike. Now feel like a mortal. lol. I gotta once check with Svc before I order the clip-ons. And thanks for the reference to Shekhar. I will visit if I Noida svc are gonna throw tantrums.

Re: KTM RC 390 Ownership Experience

New beasts [emoji12]