KTM is aggressively testing the RC 390 to leave no stone unturned before the bike hits the market by the middle of the year. During one of these test rides, Team-BHP member PrasadWad spotted the RC 390 in flesh testing in Pune. The motorcycle receives complete camouflage, but the distinctive trellis frame and the orange alloy wheels do very little to hide the true identity of this crotch rocket. India would be the only country to manufacture the RC 390 that will be sold domestically and exported to international markets as well.
The KTM RC 390 shares its mechanicals with sibling Duke 390 and is powered by the same 373.2cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine which puts out 43.5 PS of power and 35 Nm of torque. The bike features a full faired design giving the RC 390 a completely new identity of its own and boasts of a higher top speed at 175 km/hr compared to the Duke 390 thanks to the aerodynamic full faired body.
The nose down, tail up supersport design offers a greater leaning angle letting the rider put his knee down in confidence. A distinctive feature on the RC 390 though is the twin-headlamp unit (with daytime running lights) that compliments the supersport design. The tail boasts of a very slim design, leaving the pillion seat less comfortable. By design itself, the bike shouts out its track capabilities and will show its true nature out there. Stopping power comes from 300 mm single brake disc up front and a 230 mm disc on the rear tyres. The bike will be riding on Metzeler tyres, much like the Duke 390 and will also feature ABS as standard.
The KTM RC 390 will most probably be launched by June–July this year, after the RC 200 is launched. Expect the prices to be at a slight premium compared to the Duke 390 and it could be priced around Rs. 2.60 lakhs (on-road, Mumbai). The RC 390 is best suited for track use and sprints and will surely give the ‘heart in your mouth syndrome’ to its riders. KTM once again has an ace up its sleeve that is bound to be a hit with the performance bike enthusiasts who crave for thrust at the word go.
Pictures Courtesy – Team-BHP.com