After being teased extensively with spy shots, the wait is finally over. KTM has launched the RC 390 in India which is the supersport version of the Duke 390. While mechanically both the bikes are the same, extensive changes have been made to the RC 390 to boost its track capabilities (change in rake angle and shorter wheelbase). Positioned as the flagship KTM bike in India, the RC 390 weighs 166 kgs and has a power to weight ratio of 262 PS per tonne. KTM has priced the RC 390 at Rs. 2,05,200/- (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the on-road Mumbai price is Rs. 2.39 lakhs. The bookings for the RC 390 have been open for quite sometime now so people booking after launch are in for some waiting.
The KTM RC 390 uses a 373.2cc single-cylinder motor that generates 43.5 PS and 35 Nm of torque. The RC 390 gets the same Metzeler tyres as its Duke sibling. Being an out-and-out performance sport bike, the RC 390 is capable of doing 0-100 km/hr in just 5.7 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 179 km/hr. KTM has also provided the RC 390 with ABS as standard which is a good move considering the speeds this bike is capable of. The RC 390 will lock horns with the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the upcoming Yamaha R25 in the segment. KTM is offering two after market packages for the RC 390 – Style and Race. The ground clearance is 157 mm while the seat height is 830 mm.
KTM has also launched the RC 200 in India, the lower capacity RC likely to have more demand in the country. Sporting an introductory price tag, the KTM RC twins will be giving you exceptional performance without burning a hole in your pocket. Only marginally expensive than their Duke counterparts, the RC series continues to bring value to motorcycle enthusiasts in our country. KTM’s next launch in India is likely to be a twin-cylinder motorcycle but details of the same are sketchy. The automaker has 140 dealerships across the country.
KTM says there will be no cannibalisation of the RC 390 with the Kawasaki Ninja 300 as both bikes are very different and the target audience differs too. The company states that there is more preference for KTM bikes in India compared to Kawasaki bikes. KTM wants to lure performance bikers but won’t hike prices immediately as it wants to make these bikes accessible to enthusiasts. The premium over the Duke isn’t drastic which is bound to make the RC series a big success in the country. KTM plans to sell 2.5 lakh motorcycles a year by 2020. The company wants to become the biggest sports bike producer in the world.
