Five thousand pounds may seem like a lot for an A2 licence bike – i.e. one that you are only going to use for a couple of years – yet the motorbike press have been getting excited about the KTM RC390.
This racy bike has been praised for its powerful single cylinder 373.2cc engine and fat, grippy tyres.
The engine is taken from the 390 Duke and produces 43bhp, which can take the machine to 100mph without much effort at all.
The RC 390's handling has also been given the thumbs up, despite the overly-cushioned suspension.
Some reviews have questioned the long-term reliability of these Indian built KTM machines, but dealers are quick to address any problems, according to many customers. A good motorbike breakdown cover policy could be in order.
Others have suggested that the bike has been 'built to a price' and has therefore suffered aesthetically.
The RC390 features an LCD display, a four-piston radial front caliper, 300mm disc set-up, Moto 3 styling, ABS and an underslung exhaust.
TotalMotorCycle.com said of the bike: "The performance – incredible. The power – awesome," while Bennets.co.uk said, "This much two-wheeled style, speed and entertainment plus change from five grand has got to be one of the bargains of the year." MotorCycleNews gave it 4 out of five stars.
Keys stats:
- Top speed: 105mph
- Weight: 147kg
- Fuel capacity: 10 litres
- Tank range: 180 miles
- Fuel consumption: 82 mpg
- Seat height: 820 mm
The KTM RC390 will ship toUKdealers in October next year, so plenty of time to save up the requisite £4,999.
If you want to get your hands on a model sooner, a trip to Italy may be in order – where the bike launches earlier.
Breakdown Cover from 
