KTM will be unveiling the much awaited RC 390 at the upcoming EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show on the 5th of November 2013. But you need not wait another 10 days to have a glimpse of the full faired Duke 390 as pictures of the upcoming RC 390 have leaked on KTM’s Canadian website. The KTM RC 390 is a Duke 390 underneath which means it draws power from the firebreathing 373.2cc, single-cylinder engine which outputs an impressive 43 HP of power and 35 Nm of torque, coupled to a 6-speed gearbox. Weighing in at 147 kgs dry, the full faired KTM RC 390 is just 8 kgs heavier than the Duke 390.
The KTM RC 390 features a weird front end with dual headlights which are round in shape and don’t look very soothing on a full faired motorcycle. The rear view mirrors get turn indicators on them. The side does look fantastic though and the fairing is bolted on very smoothly to give an appealing exterior to the RC 390. The usual elements can be seen clearly; orange wheels, underbelly exhaust, steel trellis frame, etc. The RC 390 gets clip-on handlebars and the pillion seat gets the raised treatment for that sporty look. KTM claims the RC 390 offers “first class supersport ergonomics” which will make it an excellent track tool. The rear gets an RC 1190 inspired brake light.
Although the KTM RC 390 will offer better wind protection at high speed than the Duke 390, don’t expect the bike to offer better comfort than the latter as the riding position is very sporty. The seat height is 820 mm which is higher than the Duke 390’s 800 mm. Other bits remain the same, you get the same wide and super grippy Metzeler tyres, Bosch ABS, small 10-litre fuel tank, USD forks and fully digital speedometer.
KTM has tweaked the frame for supersport ergonomics and dynamics and the RC 390 sees an increase in the steering head angle for a shorter trail and wheelbase while giving an increase in ground clearance. While suspension travel at the front in the Duke 390 is 150 mm, KTM has reduced it to 125 mm in the RC 390. Both bikes have the same 150 mm of suspension travel at the rear.
RC which stands for Race Competition which is written on the lower part of the fairing and KTM plans to launch RC versions of the Duke 125 and Duke 200 as well, all of which will be manufactured by KTM’s part owners, Bajaj Auto at their Chakan plant.
