KTM RC 390 [2014–2017]: A Track-Focused Street Weapon That Still Thrills

Introduction

The KTM RC 390 is no ordinary entry-level sportbike. Born from KTM’s “Ready to Race” ethos, this pocket-sized powerhouse carved a niche as a track-day darling and urban aggressor during its 2014–2017 production run. With its snarling single-cylinder engine, razor-sharp chassis, and race-inspired ergonomics, the RC 390 challenged the notion that small-displacement bikes can’t deliver big excitement. Let’s dissect why this Austrian underdog remains a compelling choice for riders craving adrenaline without compromise.

Design: Aggression Meets Functionality

The RC 390’s design screams intent. Borrowing styling cues from its RC8 MotoGP sibling, the bike features a twin-headlight fairing with integrated LED blinkers, a steeply raked windscreen, and a minimalist tail section that mimics a full-fledged race machine. The orange-and-black livery (with white accents on later models) is unmistakably KTM, while the steel trellis frame adds a raw, mechanical aesthetic.

Ergonomics: This is no commuter-friendly crouch. The clip-on handlebars are low, the rearset pegs are high, and the 820 mm (32.3-inch) seat height forces a committed riding posture. While the seat padding is thin—a common gripe—it locks the rider into position during hard cornering. The 2016 update added 12 mm of pillion padding, but let’s be honest: this bike is best enjoyed solo.

Updates Over the Years:
- 2016: The exhaust migrated from an underbelly design to a side-slung aluminum unit, boosting ground clearance to 179 mm (7.0 inches).
- ABS became switchable, appealing to track enthusiasts.
- Adjustable levers and a revised fuel tank (to reduce evaporation) added practicality.

Performance: Single-Cylinder Fury

At its heart lies a 373 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, a marvel of engineering that punches far above its weight. With 44 HP (32.1 kW) at 9,500 rpm and 35.3 Nm (26 lb-ft) of torque at 7,250 rpm, this isn’t your grandfather’s thumper.

Power Delivery: The ride-by-wire throttle (introduced in 2016) smooths out low-end jerkiness, but twist the grip past 6,000 rpm, and the engine transforms. The intake howls, vibrations intensify through the seat, and the bike surges forward with a ferocity that belies its displacement. Redline arrives quickly at 10,500 rpm, demanding frequent shifts from the slick 6-speed gearbox.

Slipper Clutch: A godsend for aggressive downshifts, the clutch (added in 2016) prevents rear-wheel hop during hard braking. It’s surprisingly light, making city riding less of a forearm workout.

Fuel Efficiency: Expect 27–33 km/l (63–78 mpg) if ridden conservatively. The 10-liter (2.64-gallon) tank means frequent stops on long rides, but that’s hardly the point of this bike.

Handling: Precision on Rails

The RC 390’s chassis is its crowning achievement. The steel trellis frame, paired with a WP upside-down fork (43 mm diameter) and WP monoshock, delivers telepathic feedback.

Cornering: With a wheelbase of 1,340 mm (52.8 inches) and a steep 23.5° rake, direction changes are instantaneous. The Metzeler Sportec M5 tires (110/70-R17 front, 150/60-R17 rear) offer tenacious grip, allowing knee-down antics even for intermediate riders.

Brakes: The radially mounted 4-piston caliper bites a 320 mm disc (upgraded from 300 mm in 2016), delivering stoppies with minimal effort. ABS is non-intrusive and can be disabled for track use.

Weight Distribution: At 147 kg (324 lbs) dry, the RC 390 feels like an extension of your body. Flicking it through switchbacks or threading through traffic is effortless.

Competition: How It Stacks Up

The RC 390’s rivals include:

1. Yamaha YZF-R3:
2. Pros: Smoother parallel-twin engine, comfier seat.
3. Cons: Softer suspension, less aggressive ergonomics.

4. Verdict: Better for commuting; lacks the KTM’s track focus.

5. Kawasaki Ninja 400:

6. Pros: 45 HP twin-cylinder, more refined for daily use.
7. Cons: Heavier (168 kg / 370 lbs), muted handling feedback.

8. Verdict: A stronger all-rounder but less thrilling.

9. Honda CBR500R:

10. Pros: Torquier engine, Honda reliability.
11. Cons: Ponderous chassis, bland styling.
12. Verdict: Ideal for touring, not for the track.

The KTM’s Edge: Raw aggression. While rivals prioritize comfort, the RC 390 rewards skilled riders with razor-sharp precision and a visceral engine character.

Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Ownership demands diligence, but MOTOPARTS.store has you covered:

1. Valve Adjustments:
2. Intake: 0.08–0.12 mm (0.003–0.005 in)
3. Exhaust: 0.13–0.17 mm (0.005–0.007 in)

4. Frequency: Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles). Use a feeler gauge kit (Shop Link).

5. Oil Changes:

6. Oil Type: SAE 15W-50 JASO MA (1.6L with filter).

7. Interval: 5,000 km (3,100 miles). Pair with a OEM oil filter (Shop Link).

8. Cooling System:

9. Fluid: Ethylene glycol-based coolant (1.1L). Flush every 2 years.

10. Chain Care:

11. Tension: 50–60 mm (2.0–2.4 in) slack.

12. Lubricant: Use MOTOPARTS’s high-adhesion chain lube (Shop Link).

13. Common Upgrades:

14. Exhaust: Swap the stock muffler for a lightweight aftermarket slip-on (Shop Link) to shed 3 kg and unleash a deeper growl.
15. Seat: Gel inserts reduce numbness on long rides.
16. Levers: Adjustable CNC levers improve ergonomics.

Final Thoughts

The KTM RC 390 isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a bike that demands commitment—to its punishing riding posture, high-strung engine, and frequent maintenance. But for those willing to embrace its quirks, it delivers an unmatched blend of agility, power, and race-bred thrills. In a world of sanitized commuters, the RC 390 remains a rebellious middle finger to mediocrity.

Whether you’re chasing apexes or upgrading your RC with performance parts, MOTOPARTS.store is your pit crew. From WP suspension kits to track-ready tires, we’ve got everything to keep your KTM snarling.

Ready to race? Your RC 390 is.

Specifications sheet