KTM RC 390?

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Noah_ZA

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Hi Guys,

So im looking at getting myself a KTM RC 390, and just wanted to know from anyone
whos had some experience with this, or any other KTM bike really, how are they?

Maintenance, Reliability, after sales service etc. How do they fair against their competitors?
 
Me and my brother have owned a couple of 2- stroke KTM dirt bikes. If maintained well, reliability is pretty much as good as it gets. Their resell value is generally also a little better than the rest.
 
Personally I think it is fugly and would rather have a Duke.
 
I've had one for about 18 months now.

Good:
- Reliable, low maintenance
- Sporty ride, you'll have a lot of fun on it pushing it to it's limits. (something that's never a good idea on a higher cc bike unless you're very experienced)

Bad:
- KTM Services are expensive, my first service cost around R2k.
- Uncomfortable seating position for long-distance.
- Mirrors are all but useless, not great for traffic. (common problem for sports bikes)

It all really depends on what you're after. If you want to tour or use it for a long daily commute then I'd look at something else. If you just want something fun and easy to ride without having to spend a fortune then it's a great choice.
 
Joker said:
I've had one for about 18 months now.

Good:
- Reliable, low maintenance
- Sporty ride, you'll have a lot of fun on it pushing it to it's limits. (something that's never a good idea on a higher cc bike unless you're very experienced)

Bad:
- KTM Services are expensive, my first service cost around R2k.
- Uncomfortable seating position for long-distance.
- Mirrors are all but useless, not great for traffic. (common problem for sports bikes)

It all really depends on what you're after. If you want to tour or use it for a long daily commute then I'd look at something else. If you just want something fun and easy to ride without having to spend a fortune then it's a great choice.
Click to expand...

Well i have to travel from centurion to fourways (about 40ks) to get to work everyday, So im looking for a somewhat fun, cheap commuter bike that ill feel safe to ride on the highway and wont cost me a fortune to maintain, as the only reason im getting a bike is because my car ( paid off) is costing me R2k+ a month just for petrol, I cant afford a new car at the moment and the bikes repayments + petrol should come to less than R2k easy.

And Im sure ill be able to service it myself? As i do with my own car.

And regarding the comfort, apparently they sell a more comfortable seat for the RC390?
 
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Noah_ZA said:
Well i have to travel from centurion to fourways (about 40ks) to get to work everyday, So im looking for a somewhat fun, cheap commuter bike that ill feel safe to ride on the highway and wont cost me a fortune to maintain, as the only reason im getting a bike is because my car ( paid off) is costing me R2k+ a month just for petrol, I cant afford a new car at the moment and the bikes repayments + petrol should come to less than R2k easy.

And Im sure ill be able to service it myself? As i do with my own car.

And regarding the comfort, apparently they sell a more comfortable seat for the RC390?
Click to expand...

Will this be your 1st bike?

Driving between PTA and JHB on the N1 on a motorcycle is extremely dangerous. The faster you travel, the harder it is for cars to see you, combine that with a busy highway, and some lane splitting and you have a death trap for the inexperienced rider.

Also, KTM isnt known as a "cheap" brand (purchase, maintenance, and parts). If you intend to go the self service route, do proper research prior to purchase.
 
Tman* said:
Will this be your 1st bike?

Driving between PTA and JHB on the N1 on a motorcycle is extremely dangerous. The faster you travel, the harder it is for cars to see you, combine that with a busy highway, and some lane splitting and you have a death trap for the inexperienced rider.

Also, KTM isnt known as a "cheap" brand (purchase, maintenance, and parts). If you intend to go the self service route, do proper research prior to purchase.
Click to expand...

Yes it will be my first bike, however i dont seem to have many other options other than getting a bike.
I'm generally not a speedster, so I wont really go fast (but i've never had a bike so I dont know what it might cause me to do lol)

I cant get a bike that'll have performance issues on the highway, as im sure anything under 250cc will have trouble there.
I wont be taking the N1 really, think its the N14?
 
Noah_ZA said:
Yes it will be my first bike, however i dont seem to have many other options other than getting a bike.
I'm generally not a speedster, so I wont really go fast (but i've never had a bike so I dont know what it might cause me to do lol)
Click to expand...

Traffic can be intense, as a new rider I suggest plan to practice on the bike for a few weeks/months before taking it in rush-hour.

KTM sell a more comfortable gel seat, but it's more the seating position than just your ass - you're bent over with all your weight on your wrists. You eventually get used to it and 40km is absolutely fine - only becomes a problem when you're riding for a few hours.

The RC is absolutely a sports bike first, if you want something more commuter friendly in that range take a look at the 390 Duke and Honda CBR500 too.
 
Joker said:
Traffic can be intense, as a new rider I suggest plan to practice on the bike for a few weeks/months before taking it in rush-hour.

KTM sell a more comfortable gel seat, but it's more the seating position than just your ass - you're bent over with all your weight on your wrists. You eventually get used to it and 40km is absolutely fine - only becomes a problem when you're riding for a few hours.

The RC is absolutely a sports bike first, if you want something more commuter friendly in that range take a look at the 390 Duke and Honda CBR500 too.
Click to expand...

Yeah I will probably take the back roads for the first few months to get used to it.

I would love to get the duke, but raceworx KTM is selling new RC's for 52k, thats like a 10k saving, otherwise I would get a duke.
 
Should be easy enough to service your self. It's only one cylinder after all. Just put in proper oil, and follow the schedules to the T, you should be fine.
 
Noah_ZA said:
Yeah I will probably take the back roads for the first few months to get used to it.

I would love to get the duke, but raceworx KTM is selling new RC's for 52k, thats like a 10k saving, otherwise I would get a duke.
Click to expand...

52k is a steal, and the RC is a great bike. You can always switch to something else after a year, won't make much a loss especially if the price goes back up to 60.
 
  • Centurion - Fourways commute means using the N1. The N14 is a major detour.
  • Traffic levels on the N1 south are sheer insanity in the mornings, and they are not much better in the evenings. I'm talking traffic all the way from Brakfontein I/C (N1/N14) to Allandale I/C, sometimes even as far south as Buccleuh I/C. Then you meet up with the traffic from the N3 heading towards Sandton and Fourways. End result is your commute is not going to be pretty.
  • I see the Gautrain station from Sandton has a bus that goes to Monte Casino, this might be a better idea for you.

Re: servicing costs for my 390 Duke. The max I have ever paid was R1400 @ RaceWorx KTM.

>> Is a 390 Duke owner.
>> Have commuted hundreds of times between JHB & Centurion.
>> Knows how crazy the traffic can get.
 
Last edited:
XennoX said:
  • Centurion - Fourways commute means using the N1. The N14 is a major detour.
  • Traffic levels on the N1 south are sheer insanity in the mornings, and they are not much better in the evenings. I'm talking traffic all the way from Brakfontein I/C (N1/N14) to Allandale I/C, sometimes even as far south as Buccleuh I/C. Then you meet up with the traffic from the N3 heading towards Sandton and Fourways. End result is your commute is not going to be pretty.
  • I see the Gautrain station from Sandton has a bus that goes to Monte Casino, this might be a better idea for you.

Re: servicing costs for my 390 Duke. The max I have ever paid was R1400 @ RaceWorx KTM.

>> Is a 390 Duke owner.
>> Have commuted hundreds of times between JHB & Centurion.
>> Knows how crazy the traffic can get.
Click to expand...

The problem is I need the convienience of my own transport. The gautrain most likely will workout to the same price :/

I worked it out a while ago, it might be different now.
 
Buy a cheaper/smaller bike and take the long way? YBR250 is always an option.
 
Noah_ZA said:
Well i have to travel from centurion to fourways (about 40ks) to get to work everyday, So im looking for a somewhat fun, cheap commuter bike that ill feel safe to ride on the highway and wont cost me a fortune to maintain, as the only reason im getting a bike is because my car ( paid off) is costing me R2k+ a month just for petrol, I cant afford a new car at the moment and the bikes repayments + petrol should come to less than R2k easy.

And Im sure ill be able to service it myself? As i do with my own car.

And regarding the comfort, apparently they sell a more comfortable seat for the RC390?
Click to expand...

If you must go ktm, get the baby duke rather. Better fit for your needs.
 
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