KTM RC 390

The latest KTM RC 390 sees no change over its previous iteration and retains the original design which has been derived from the mighty RC8 for the RC 390. The big bike looks coupled with its sharp stance makes this design super aggressive and makes sense even after being in original existence for almost six years now.

The RC 390 features a pouncing forward fairing at the front, which incorporates dual projector headlamps at the centre and daytime running LEDs just ahead of them. At the top of this fairing is placed a transparent windshield, which apart from making the front look aerodynamic is also functional in providing good wind protection while in motion. The RC 390 continues to get adorned with fairing mounted rearview mirrors, which are wide and also include turn indicators integrated within them. 

The side profile of the KTM RC 390 features a nice big and sloping fuel tank and large panels for the side fairing, which like before hide the orange coloured trellis frame partially and now feature even bigger body decals. The alloy wheels are now black in colour, but continue to look good with their multi-spoke pattern. The absence of side panels below the rider’s seat enhances its aggression even more. Other components like the side-mounted exhaust and aluminum swingarm have been retained as well.

The new KTM RC 390 continues to feature the high mounted tailpiece, which hides the subtle looking vertically laid LED tail lamp at its back. The long rear fender commences just from the bottom of the tail lamp, and also has mounts for the clear lens LED turn indicators.

The RC 390 features cool-looking backlit switchgear, clip-on handlebars and bar-end grip. The compact fully digital instrument console might be too long in the tooth now, but still looks nice and is quite comprehensive with displays for speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meters, engine temperature gauge, fuel gauge, clock, distance to empty, instantaneous fuel efficiency, average speed, the remaining distance for the next service and many more.

Along with the engine, the KTM RC 390 shares its basic chassis with its naked counterpart, the Duke 390. The faired motorcycle is fitted with 43mm inverted hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and a fully adjustable hydraulic mono-shock with rear aluminium swingarm at the rear.

The crouched forward seating posture, courtesy the low placed clip-on bars, rear-set footpegs, and high seat height, gives the RC 390 a very committed seating posture. However, while the ergonomics are focused on track riding and eating corners, the commutes and long rides can be daunting, and the discomfort rises even more with the stiff ride quality.

The KTM RC 390 has a 320mm disc brake at the front and a 230mm disc brake at the rear for braking purposes.

The RC 390 continues to run on the same four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 373cc engine, which it shares with the Duke 390. The engine is capable of pumping out a maximum power output at 43 PS, while the peak torque output is rated at 36 Nm.

The smooth 6-speed gearbox continues to be mated to the engine, which has short ratios complementing the rev-happy nature of this single-cylinder engine, thus making the overall performance very much enticing.

Apart from the necessary inclusion of the dual-channel ABS, the new KTM RC 390 also features a slipper clutch for better control on the motorcycle while riding hard.

With fantastic prowess in designing, equipment levels, and handling, the KTM RC 390 has once again proved its mettle as no other motorcycle can match its great value for money proportion. While the styling is now around for quite a long time now, by none angle it looks dated. However, with such committed ergonomics, it might be a practical option for many for daily riding duties.