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KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

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  • #1

    KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

    Hi All,

    Please find below my query/requirements in detail:

    I am pretty sure I am quite confused! I was quite certain a few weeks ago that i wanted to put my money down on a Continental GT (RE) but recent ownership experiences and the lack of ABS on something north of 2.2 lakhs has got me thinking.

    At 6 ft tall and 90 Kgs I am on the heavier side and am primarily looking to add on to my Pulsar 200 ns, a bike which will bring that smile back on my face. The CBR 250 R is too long in the tooth and frankly looks too uninspiring but the RC has had my attention since it was launched. As of right now I consider it an excellent VFM product, just like the NS which has done right by me over the 3 years I have owned it. Why I am hesitating is because I know the new Dukes are coming in 2017. Now this is just speculation but i think that these features will also find their way into the RC. So would buying it now be wise? Also does the RC get the slipper clutch like the Duke 390?

    I have not had the pleasure of test riding the RC but will do it in the next couple of days. Due to some obligations (dont wanna go in detail) I may have to make the purchase by October end. Can someone give me a no nonsense/ no sugar coated pros and cons of the RC 390. I will be using it primarily for recreational riding and dont think that with the committed riding position i will be using it for the highways. i have the NS for everyday practical use and highway blasts. I just need something more raw and eager for fighting the blues.

    Also i would like to know how difficult it would be to maintain 2 bikes. I am guessing the RC returns around 20 to 30 KMPL. My NS is in great condition and doesnt require any expenses apart from the usual service.

    Thanks in advance.
    Blood, Sweat and Gears - Enough Said.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

    Query Approved

    Do go through the ownership thread of the RC if you haven't already.
    Biking is not about what you have between your legs, its all about how well you use it!!!!!!!

    Give your details here if you want to help your fellow xBhpian stranded in your city

    Touring Blog: Cycling in Mongolia!

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

      Originally posted by The Monk View Post
      Query Approved

      Do go through the ownership thread of the RC if you haven't already.

      Hi Monk,

      Been through the forums, lots and lots of them online. Unfortunately no one can give it to me in a nutshell. Also no one in my friends' circle has a KTM so turned to the forum. From what i have read its a thoroughly fun bike with a committed riding position. But what I wanna know is the pros and more importantly the cons (even if they are a bit generic) of owning one. After all nearly 2.5 big ones is a decent stack.
      Blood, Sweat and Gears - Enough Said.

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

        Originally posted by Vikramaditya View Post
        Hi Monk,

        Been through the forums, lots and lots of them online. Unfortunately no one can give it to me in a nutshell. Also no one in my friends' circle has a KTM so turned to the forum. From what i have read its a thoroughly fun bike with a committed riding position. But what I wanna know is the pros and more importantly the cons (even if they are a bit generic) of owning one. After all nearly 2.5 big ones is a decent stack.

        This - http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/motorcyc...xperience.html

        Not really a nutshell, except if it's quite a big nut

        For 2.5 big ones you have a big long ownership thread to go through. Read it, you will be glad you did!
        Biking is not about what you have between your legs, its all about how well you use it!!!!!!!

        Give your details here if you want to help your fellow xBhpian stranded in your city

        Touring Blog: Cycling in Mongolia!

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

          Originally posted by The Monk View Post
          This - http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/motorcyc...xperience.html

          Not really a nutshell, except if it's quite a big nut

          For 2.5 big ones you have a big long ownership thread to go through. Read it, you will be glad you did!
          Ok Monk, Thanks. Will go through it.

          Also can you confirm if the RC 390 comes with the slipper clutch. I know ideally the showroom folks should be able to reply to this, but these guys are pretty unaware about the power figures of the bike too (found out from personal experience when i visited last Sunday). I had heard news that it would eventually filter down to the RC but not sure if its actually happened.
          Blood, Sweat and Gears - Enough Said.

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

            I own a RC390 since one year now and of course I am very happy with it.

            I have also done 600 kms a day ride on it. I use the bike almost daily and it's pain in the city.

            But basically it's a pure track bike meant for very hard riding for say a race distance.

            In a nutshell I'll call RC390 a very desirable toy ☺.

            P.s.: Can't spend a day without riding it

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

              Originally posted by 2himanshu View Post
              I own a RC390 since one year now and of course I am very happy with it.

              I have also done 600 kms a day ride on it. I use the bike almost daily and it's pain in the city.

              But basically it's a pure track bike meant for very hard riding for say a race distance.

              In a nutshell I'll call RC390 a very desirable toy ☺.

              P.s.: Can't spend a day without riding it

              Thanks for the response Himanshu. Whats it like to live with this bike day in and day out? What are the tantrums it throws? What are its running costs, not specifically fuel bills but service costs, and misc expenses? Which mods if any would you recommend? Are the rear view mirrors useable?

              Lots of questions, but then again thats the point of this thread!
              Blood, Sweat and Gears - Enough Said.

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

                Dear Vikram

                I will say it's a compromise for daily use, as the gear ratios are tall and you may have to slip the clutch even in first gear while negotiating traffic. Besides it warms up quickly and remains very hot in the city.

                I have done just the regular services and the costs hover around Rs.1500 mark.

                One peculiar thing is oil level which through inspection window is invisible but at the drain, the quantity was ok.

                Some panels like battery cover do vibrate but can be fixed with some double sided sticky tape.

                For me the fuel efficiency hovers around 22km/l in city riding and crosses 30 on highways doing 6000 rpms.

                I do use the mirrors and you have to learn to slightly alter your hand positions to have a good view.

                I have added frame sliders to protect and have invested in a paddock stand as it helps in lubricating chain and cleaning the bike.

                One annoying thing is the side stand gets loose all the time maybe because of chain oil gets dropped on it.

                I wish to add a Powertronic ECU in the future with maybe free flow filter as the reviews are good.

                You will surely enjoy the bike as I am 6' tall and weigh 75kgs.

                Please feel free to contact or post any queries here.

                Cheers...

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

                  Originally posted by 2himanshu View Post
                  Dear Vikram

                  I will say it's a compromise for daily use, as the gear ratios are tall and you may have to slip the clutch even in first gear while negotiating traffic. Besides it warms up quickly and remains very hot in the city.

                  I have done just the regular services and the costs hover around Rs.1500 mark.

                  One peculiar thing is oil level which through inspection window is invisible but at the drain, the quantity was ok.

                  Some panels like battery cover do vibrate but can be fixed with some double sided sticky tape.

                  For me the fuel efficiency hovers around 22km/l in city riding and crosses 30 on highways doing 6000 rpms.

                  I do use the mirrors and you have to learn to slightly alter your hand positions to have a good view.

                  I have added frame sliders to protect and have invested in a paddock stand as it helps in lubricating chain and cleaning the bike.

                  One annoying thing is the side stand gets loose all the time maybe because of chain oil gets dropped on it.

                  I wish to add a Powertronic ECU in the future with maybe free flow filter as the reviews are good.

                  You will surely enjoy the bike as I am 6' tall and weigh 75kgs.

                  Please feel free to contact or post any queries here.

                  Cheers...
                  Thank you so much Himanshu. The detailed reply certainly helps a lot.

                  Can you shed some light Regarding the life and availability of Metzelers? As far as I have read they are pretty pricey, near 15 k for a set and wear out within 8 to 10K kms usage. Is it true? My Michelin soft compounds lasted about the same in my NS but then they were only around 6K for a set!

                  Also i know you cant comment on the availability of the tyres in my city but in general are they easy to source? I know Pirellis are impossible here in Vadodara.

                  Does the Fairing rattle after a while like it did in erstwhile Pulsar 220s? I know the vibes are present but does the regular servicing take care of the fairing rattle?

                  Will annoy you a bit more when some other doubt crops up in my head. But as Monk advised i am also looking into the exhaustive Ownership thread.

                  Thanks.
                  Blood, Sweat and Gears - Enough Said.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

                    Sure dude

                    I am nearing 7000kms and my tyres are still fine. Can't comment on much more they will last. The prices you have quoted are the prices I have heard.

                    Some of the guys' in our riding group have their tires pretty worn but still the grip levels were descent.

                    In the beginning I too had doubts with the fairing as my Karizma had horrible fairing problems, but the fairing haven't been an issue, just the battery cover.

                    And no problems with annoying

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

                      Originally posted by 2himanshu View Post
                      Sure dude

                      I am nearing 7000kms and my tyres are still fine. Can't comment on much more they will last. The prices you have quoted are the prices I have heard.

                      Some of the guys' in our riding group have their tires pretty worn but still the grip levels were descent.

                      In the beginning I too had doubts with the fairing as my Karizma had horrible fairing problems, but the fairing haven't been an issue, just the battery cover.

                      And no problems with annoying

                      Good to know man! How about the infamous heating issue? I dont have problem with tandoori legs, but does the bike get overheated to the extent that the engine shuts off? Been reading the Ownership Thread and reached page 80 so far and this seems to be the talking point.

                      Also this will sound like a total noob question but does it have a tendency to wheelie under hard acceleration? Just asking this from a safety point of view, I have no intentions of stunting. I know it moves without throttle inputs in the first 2 gears, but does one have to keep extra caution to keep the rubber side down?

                      Thanks in advance.
                      Blood, Sweat and Gears - Enough Said.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

                        Yes it gets to temperature very quickly and if there's no problem in cooling system and the fan comes on, the engine won't shut down.

                        And surely absolutely no problem in front wheel leaving the ground. The Duke might be more easy to wheelie due to slightly different geometry.

                        Regards

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

                          Originally posted by 2himanshu View Post
                          Yes it gets to temperature very quickly and if there's no problem in cooling system and the fan comes on, the engine won't shut down.

                          And surely absolutely no problem in front wheel leaving the ground. The Duke might be more easy to wheelie due to slightly different geometry.

                          Regards

                          Great to know that. What about the slipper clutch? Is it a part of the RC 390?

                          Also what are the accessories that I get with the bike and which would you recommend getting at additional cost?

                          I heard that a different graphic job is available right off the showroom. is it true? I kinda feel the graphics job on the RC 390 fairing a bit mild (personal opinion only).

                          Lastly, KTMs do not charge for basic stuff like mirrors and number plates like Honda right?

                          I know some of these questions should ideally be answered by the showroom employees but trust me they are quite unaware about most things. The only thing they are sure of is the On road price.
                          Blood, Sweat and Gears - Enough Said.

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

                            Mine is not equipped with the slipper clutch, but the newer ones are. You are right they don't charge you for mirrors and like.

                            KTM Powerparts graphics are available through order but depends on dealer.

                            Go for frame sliders for bike protection and not much is essentially needed; if you want to modify, world is your playground.

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              Re: KTM RC 390 - Worth the Buy?

                              Originally posted by 2himanshu View Post
                              Mine is not equipped with the slipper clutch, but the newer ones are. You are right they don't charge you for mirrors and like.

                              KTM Powerparts graphics are available through order but depends on dealer.

                              Go for frame sliders for bike protection and not much is essentially needed; if you want to modify, world is your playground.

                              Yes i agree frame sliders are the need of the day when it comes to faired bikes!
                              Blood, Sweat and Gears - Enough Said.

                              Comment

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