Is the KTM RC 390 A2 licence legal?

Yes. The KTM RC 390 makes 44 hp (32.4 kW), inside the 35 kW A2 ceiling, so it is sold A2 compliant with no restriction kit required.

How fast is the KTM RC 390?

Our power-to-weight model estimates 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.9 seconds, from 44 hp moving 172 kg wet. That is an estimate for comparison, not a measured time, and it is labelled that way everywhere on this site.

What is the fuel range of the KTM RC 390?

About 403 km on paper: a 13.7 litre tank against a claimed 3.4 L/100 km. Ride it with enthusiasm and the maths gets worse, never better.

How tall is the seat on the KTM RC 390?

The KTM RC 390 seat sits at 835 mm, which is about average for the class, manageable for most inseams with a little practice. At 172 kg wet, weight does the rest of the talking at a standstill.

How much does the KTM RC 390 cost?

€6,899 list price in the EU market this site scores. It earns 6.6 of 20 value points on our formula, which weighs price against equipment and running costs.

KTM RC 390 2025

A track-day tool with a licence-friendly power figure.

47.0/ 100

Scored within supersport, methodology here

€6,899

list price

power: 44 hp
wet weight: 172 kg
tank range: 403 km

The short version

The RC 390 is the racier way to spend A2 money at KTM. Adjustable WP suspension, a big 320 mm brake and cornering electronics make it the most serious track proposition in the class, though its single cylinder gives away top-end to the twin-cylinder rivals.

Where it wins

Adjustable suspension and cornering ABS are rare at this price
Aggressive riding position that actually works on track
Big single delivers usable torque low in the rev range

Where it loses

Heavier than the Duke it is based on
Twins like the RS 457 pull harder up top
Committed ergonomics get old in traffic

Score breakdown

Engine and performance

5.0 / 25

Handling and chassis

13.5 / 20

Value

6.6 / 20

Practicality

7.6 / 15

Technology

8.3 / 10

Reliability and ownership

6.0 / 10

The full review

What the RC 390 is for

Track testers consistently describe the RC 390 the same way: agile, quick to turn, easy to toss around and genuinely confidence-inspiring at pace. Several point out that it works for two very different customers at once, experienced riders who want a light track tool and newer riders building skills, which is a rare trick for a sports bike to pull off.

That is the buying decision in one line. As a first sports bike for someone who books circuit time, it is the obvious pick. As daily transport, the clip-ons and high pegs turn routine traffic into a penance you volunteered for, and every road tester says so within two paragraphs.

Hardware you do not get elsewhere at 6,899 EUR

Adjustable WP suspension, a big radial-caliper brake and cornering ABS with a supermoto setting that testers openly admit to abusing on circuit: this is track-school equipment at learner prices, and none of the Japanese rivals offer it. Reviewers also credit the trellis chassis with holding its line where softer competition starts negotiating.

The engine draws more measured praise. Testers find the low and midrange strong for a small single, so corner exits do not demand three downshifts, but the top end tails off just when a supersport rider wants a final push.

The compromise you sign up for

The press matchup everyone makes is against the Aprilia RS 457, whose twin keeps pulling where the KTM's single signs off. On a fast circuit the Aprilia edges away; the KTM answers with better suspension and braking hardware and takes back the corners. Pick your favourite half of the lap.

Around town the mirrors show mostly elbows and the riding position ages quickly. This is a track tool with number plates. Score it, buy it and ride it as one.

Full specs

Full specifications: KTM RC 390
Engine
Engine	Single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement	373.2 cc
Power	44 hp at 9,000 rpm
Torque	37 Nm at 7,000 rpm
Power to weight	0.26 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight	172 kg
Front suspension	WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 120 mm
Front adjustability	Compression and rebound
Rear suspension	WP APEX monoshock, 150 mm
Rear adjustability	Preload and rebound
Front brake	320 mm, radial 4-piston
ABS	Cornering ABS
Dimensions
Seat height	835 mm
Wheelbase	1355 mm
Fuel capacity	13.7 L
Claimed consumption	3.4 L/100 km
Fuel range	403 km
Ownership
Price	€6,899
Service interval	10,000 km
Valve check	20,000 km
Warranty	2 years
Equipment
Dash	TFT
Ride modes	Yes
Traction control	Yes
Quickshifter	Optional
Cruise control	Not available
Connectivity	Yes

Full maintenance guide: schedule, intervals and costs

Compare the RC 390

Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs KTM RC 390

45.4 hp vs 44 hp / 171 kg vs 172 kg

Aprilia RS 457 vs KTM RC 390

47.6 hp vs 44 hp / 175 kg vs 172 kg

Frequently asked

Is the KTM RC 390 A2 licence legal?: Yes. The KTM RC 390 makes 44 hp (32.4 kW), inside the 35 kW A2 ceiling, so it is sold A2 compliant with no restriction kit required.
How fast is the KTM RC 390?: Our power-to-weight model estimates 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.9 seconds, from 44 hp moving 172 kg wet. That is an estimate for comparison, not a measured time, and it is labelled that way everywhere on this site.
What is the fuel range of the KTM RC 390?: About 403 km on paper: a 13.7 litre tank against a claimed 3.4 L/100 km. Ride it with enthusiasm and the maths gets worse, never better.
How tall is the seat on the KTM RC 390?: The KTM RC 390 seat sits at 835 mm, which is about average for the class, manageable for most inseams with a little practice. At 172 kg wet, weight does the rest of the talking at a standstill.
How much does the KTM RC 390 cost?: €6,899 list price in the EU market this site scores. It earns 6.6 of 20 value points on our formula, which weighs price against equipment and running costs.

The workshop

Build your RC 390

The upgrades owners actually fit, at typical retail prices. Tap a part to bolt it on and I re-run the full 100-point scorecard on your build, same math as the official score above. Shop links are affiliate links: they support the site and cost you nothing extra.