KTM RC 390 (2022 - on) Review

Steering superbly, and with little persuasion, holding a line is a remarkably intuitive event for the precise and agile middleweight.

Suspension quality matches this handling virtue, the WP Apex equipment providing great support, and compliance at both ends – even over knackered Italian roads and flat out on track. Tweaking is easy thanks to accessible adjusters, which lets you fine tune the ride to suit you best.

The Continental ContiSport rubber works well, though its feedback on the edge takes time to fully appreciate. In saying that, polished Italian roads and superhot track temperatures made the task trickier. Over here on grippier routes and in cooler climes, they’ll give you all you need.

No such allowances need to be made when it comes to the brilliant brakes. Both power and feel deserve high scores, with the ByBre calipers challenged less by the KTM’s low 155 kilo weight.

Roomier than the previous model thanks to the adjustable bars sitting 10mm further forward, only taller riders might feel their comfort compromised thanks to the relatively high footrests.

It’s not a massive issue and the trade off is huge ground clearance which lower pegs would reduce. The 824mm seat height means most will get their feet on the ground, and though the fairing gives the impression it could only protect midgets, it offers enough protection at a sustained 100mph.

Touring is definitely a possibility on the KTM RC 390, though we can’t vouch for all-day seat comfort just yet.

Giving the impression it could be the 390’s weak spot, the 373cc single cylinder, Euro-5 compliant motor, with its torque-improving 40% bigger airbox, has way more potency than its configuration and capacity suggest.

OK, the 44bhp maximum it produces when you rev it to 9000rpm doesn’t supply instant stimulation, but its punch and flexibility are useful tools to good progress. Spinning it harder isn’t essential, but the extra pull it gives when you do, make it worthwhile.

It’s not always smooth when caned, and there’s some chattering unless you use lower gears at town speeds. Even so, it revs keenly, fuels perfectly, and delivers spirited pace on demand, helped by the slick quickshifter.

Never intimidating to use, even very hard, the motor’s one of the key reasons the RC feels so friendly and accessible. There’s really involving and rewarding feel from keeping it on song. And thanks to the massive capability of the chassis, using all it’s got feels safe and secure.

KTMs do have a less than perfect reputation for full reliability, and niggly issues aren’t unknown. Overall though, with its race-proven motor, and classy looking equipment, on the whole you should expect the KTM RC 390 to get you to your destination without any major trauma.

With a spec and level of quality the KTM RC 390 has, it’s expected £5500 asking price when it goes on sale early next year, puts it well ahead of its immediate rivals.

Kawasaki’s Ninja 400, Yamaha’s R3, and Honda’s CBR500R models offer A2 licence-holders alternative options. But they just can’t match the KTM’s equipment levels.

Build quality and finish look strong and durable, and the TFT dash offers extra class. Suspension control is class-leading, but it’s the electronics package which includes a three-axis IMU to give cornering ABS and traction control that sets the KTM apart.