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All Bikes/Ktm/Rc 390
Ktm Rc 390
Supersport

Ktm Rc 390

The Ktm Rc 390 has a top speed of 179 km/h, produces 43 hp and weighs 172 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.8/10.

The KTM RC 390 was introduced in 2014 as a fully-faired, track-inspired sportbike built on the Duke 390 platform, aimed at entry-level riders and racing enthusiasts. It became a staple in one-make cup racing series worldwide, offering accessible performance for beginners stepping into circuit riding. A significant redesign came in 2022, featuring a trellis frame, updated aerodynamics with winglets, a slipper clutch, and improved electronics, cementing its reputation as one of the best entry-level supersports available.

43 hp

Power

37 Nm

Torque

172 kg

Weight

179 km/h

Top Speed

3.5 L/100km (approx. 28.5 km/L typical real-world average)

Fuel

Faired

Body

🔧 Service Schedule & Parts

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📍 What's due on yours?
RC 390 Gen1 2014-2016, Gen2 2017-2021, Gen3 2022+
Service item Every Typical cost Parts
🛢️ Engine oil + oil filter 5,000 km / 3,000 mi or 12 mo $40-80 🛢️ Buy →   ⚙️ Buy →
🌬️ Air filter 10,000 km / 6,000 mi — 🌬️ Buy →
⚡ Spark plugs 15,000 km / 9,500 mi — ⚡ Buy →
🔧 Valve clearance check 15,000 km / 9,500 mi $250-450
🔗 Chain & sprockets 20000-30000 km (replace) $150-300 🔗 Buy →
🛑 Brake pads 15000-25000 km $30-60 🛑 Buy →
💧 Brake fluid 24,000 km / 15,000 mi or 2 yr —
🧊 Coolant 24,000 km / 15,000 mi —
🛞 Tires 10000-18000 km $200-400 🛞 Buy →
🔩 Major service 15,000 km / 9,500 mi $350-650
💰 Annual upkeep ~$400-700 🔩 Reliability 7/10 High-revving 373cc single requiring strict 5000km oil changes; tighter valve check intervals than competitors due to performance-oriented engine tune.

Video Review

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What Buyers Should Know

⚙️

Watch the Cooling System

The RC 390 is known to run hot in stop-and-go traffic due to its high-performance single-cylinder engine. Ensure the radiator fan and coolant levels are regularly inspected, especially in used models.

📉

Steep Depreciation Curve

The RC 390 depreciates quickly in its first two years, which is actually great news for buyers — you can find lightly used models at significantly reduced prices compared to new. Resale stabilizes after year three.

🏁

Track-Ready From Factory

The RC 390 comes equipped with Metzeler Sportec tires, a slipper clutch, and adjustable suspension, giving it genuine track capability straight off the showroom floor at a beginner-friendly price point.

Generations & Specs by Year

2014–2016 Gen 1

Inaugural model; 373cc single-cylinder, trellis frame, Metzeler tires, basic ABS, aggressive supersport styling.

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2017–2021 Gen 2

Revised ergonomics, slipper clutch added, updated bodywork, improved suspension, ride-by-wire throttle introduced.

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2022–2025 Gen 3

Fully redesigned; new trellis frame, cornering ABS, traction control, updated TFT dash, track-focused geometry.

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Used Buyer Review

7.8/10
Best for
Experienced riders wanting affordable track-focused fun

"Buy it right and the RC 390 punches embarrassingly hard above its weight."

$3,500-$5,800 used

The RC 390 is genuinely brilliant and genuinely aggravating in equal measure, which tells you everything about KTM's philosophy. That 373cc single thumps out real performance — 43bhp feels like more through that aggressive chassis — and the WP suspension, radial Bybre brakes, and slipper clutch are proper kit for the money. On a twisty B-road it'll embarrass much bigger bikes ridden by lazy riders. You'll grin every single time. Here's the used buyer reality check though: check the service history obsessively. The orange faithful love thrashing these to the redline and skipping oil changes. Heat management is the RC's Achilles heel — the exhaust routing bakes your right leg and the engine runs hot in traffic. Trellis frames crack if they've been dropped, so inspect welds carefully. Pre-2022 models had fueling hesitation that software updates mostly fixed, but verify it's been done. Budget for a proper service immediately regardless of what the seller claims.

Pros
Cons
Skip if: You want comfortable daily commuting without frustration

Top 10 Accessories

Curated picks for the Ktm Rc 390 — owned, ridden, recommended.

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Common Problems

🔥 2 CRITICAL
🔥Stator/charging system failure SERIOUS

Battery voltage at idle, flickering lights, dead battery symptoms

Fix cost: $300-$600
⚠️Coolant leak from water pump MODERATE

Inspect weep hole under pump for dried coolant residue

Fix cost: $150-$300
⚠️Throttle body and fuel injector clogging MODERATE

Rough idle, hesitation, surging at low RPMs

Fix cost: $100-$250
🔥Frame trellis cracking near welds SERIOUS

Inspect welds around headstock and swingarm pivot closely

Fix cost: $500-$1500

✅Pre-Purchase Checklist

☐Check service history and oil change intervals
☐Test ride for throttle smoothness and idle quality
☐Inspect frame welds with flashlight carefully
☐Verify charging voltage with multimeter at idle

Decent but maintenance-sensitive, avoid neglected examples

Full Specifications

Engine Power 43 hp @ 9,000 rpm
Torque 37 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
Top Speed 179 km/h
Weight 172 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel Consumption 3.5 L/100km (approx. 28.5 km/L typical real-world average)
Type Supersport
Fairing Full/Partial Fairing

Rivals & Alternatives

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Compare Ktm Rc 390 Side-by-Side

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Specs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.

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Community Reviews

Discussion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common problems with the Ktm Rc 390? +

Stator/charging system failure: Battery voltage at idle, flickering lights, dead battery symptoms (serious) | Coolant leak from water pump: Inspect weep hole under pump for dried coolant residue (moderate) | Throttle body and fuel injector clogging: Rough idle, hesitation, surging at low RPMs (moderate)

Is the Ktm Rc 390 a good motorcycle? +

Buy it right and the RC 390 punches embarrassingly hard above its weight. Rating: 7.8/10. Best for: Experienced riders wanting affordable track-focused fun. Avoid if: You want comfortable daily commuting without frustration.

What is the horsepower of the Ktm Rc 390? +

The Ktm Rc 390 produces 43 hp @ 9,000 rpm, with 37 Nm @ 7,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 179 km/h.

Is the Ktm Rc 390 good for beginners? +

Yes — the Ktm Rc 390 is a reasonable choice for new riders (43 hp is manageable), weighing 172 kg. Experienced riders wanting affordable track-focused fun

Is the Ktm Rc 390 reliable? +

Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Ktm Rc 390, notably: Stator/charging system failure (Battery voltage at idle, flickering lights, dead battery symptoms). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.

Is the Ktm Rc 390 good for daily use? +

Experienced riders wanting affordable track-focused fun Fuel: 3.5 L/100km (approx. 28.5 km/L typical real-world average).

How fast is the Ktm Rc 390? +

The Ktm Rc 390 reaches a top speed of 179 km/h, producing 43 hp at 172 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.

What gear should I buy for a Ktm Rc 390? +

Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Ktm Rc 390, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/ktm/rc-390/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.