Further improving equipment on its small bikes, KTM has just added a slipper clutch and Ride by Wire technology to its RC 390 which also happens to be its flagship bike in India currently.
As excitement in the entry-level performance segment is soaring to new heights with the unveil of the BMW G310R, team orange isn’t taking it easy as KTM has just updated the RC 390 for MY2016 with a host of changes. First up, the full-faired motorcycle now gets a slipper clutch but that was expected as the Duke 390 got the same earlier this year. However, the other interesting addition to the motorcycle is Ride By Wire (RbW) technology which results in smoother acceleration and improved fuel economy. It also opens the possibility of the orange machine getting traction control in the future (with RbW, cruise control and power modes can also be incorporated).
KTM has also ditched the under-belly exhaust for the traditional side mounted one and that is in the interest of complying with Euro 4 emission norms. The full size aluminium exhaust is a good addition as the RC 390’s underbelly unit had a tendency to bottom out on hard cornering over uneven surfaces. The Austrian company has also given the RC 390 bigger rearview mirrors (the ones on the current model are almost useless with a riding jacket on) while the levers are now adjustable.
One thing many have complained about KTM bikes, mainly the 390 is the lack of initial bite from the brakes. KTM has increased the disc size from 300 mm to 320 mm on the RC 390 and the motorcycle now gets a Brembo developed braking system, thus braking performance should certainly be better on the new model. In terms of appearance though, there is nothing to differentiate between the old and new models, except the side mounted exhaust. The company has made no changes to the mechanicals either.
The KTM RC 390 continues to draw power from a 373.2cc, single-pot motor that belts out a rather impressive 43.5 PS and 35 Nm, matched to a 6-speed gearbox. With a weight of just 166 kgs, 0-100 km/hr comes up in just 5.6 seconds while the top speed is rated at 179 km/hr. The motorcycle is manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan facility in India for the world and the launch of the updated model is set to happen early next year.
