Most superbikes in the Indian market are priced exorbitantly, making most of them hard to acquire. However, after gauging the pulse of the Indian motorcyclist, KTM launched two fast bikes in 2014: the RC200 and the RC390, both being very quick and agile road weapons. Thanks to the good relationship between KTM and Bajaj, we’ve had the privilege to sample the Duke 200 and 390 as well. The fully-faired KTM RC twins use the same powerplants from the aforementioned motorcycles but bring with them a strong combination of performance, stunning looks and sharper handling. While the slipper clutch comes in from the 2016 model, the 2017 model also has better brakes, ride-by-wire tech, an updated exhaust and new graphics. For 2020, the bike also comes equipped with a BSVI compliant engine.

Engine

Packed neatly within the frame is a 373.20cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 42.30bhp and 36Nm of torque. The motor is liquid-cooled and comes paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. For 2020, the RC390 comes with a BSVI-compliant engine.

Specifications

The new graphics add to the already sporty character of the motorcycle. The inner fairing is highlighted in orange; so are the wheels. The RC has always been a very sharp-looking bike. The overall silhouette is more track-oriented and gives one the impression of the supersport – the RC8. The chin sticks out a bit and just under the twin projector headlamps sit a pair of LED lights. Even the visor slopes down, giving it a sporty stance from the front. The sleek rear view mirrors also get indicators integrated. In terms of dimensions, the RC390 is 1980mm in length, 688mm in width and 1098mm in height. At the very push of a button, the RC390 settles into a nice, lumpy exhaust note. The engine is very responsive and sounds lovely when revved. The clutch is nice and smooth and works well at high speeds on the highway. And the shifts of the gearbox are precise. Acceleration is astonishing, taking you to high speeds within no time. It can reach a top speed of 130kph without running out of steam. The ride is on the firm side and given the riding posture, long journeys can get uncomfortable.

Mileage

The KTM RC 390 has a fuel tank capacity of 9.5 litres. In terms of mileage, the KTM RC 390 is capable of returning 35kmpl by ARAI, in BSVI guise.

Mechanical Parts

The rider’s seating is rather too aggressive and makes it a tad too uncomfortable for daily commuting. However, the seat cushioning is better than before, making it marginally comfortable. For the easy use of the clutch and front brake, you can also adjust the levers. The grip from the tyres is astoundingly good, and the bike corners with great confidence. Also, the front tyre is slightly wider than the older model. Braking performance is very impressive as well. At the front, the bike rides on WP upside-down socks, while the rear gets a WP monoshock. As far as the chassis is concerned, it is built around a steel trellis frame. The RC390 runs on 110/70×17 tyres at the front and 150/60×17 tyres at the rear. Retardation duties are taken care of by dual-channel ABS brakes.

Features

Features include a Digital LCD Display, integrated blinkers, 17-inch orange wheels, ABS, twin headlamp and triple clamps and clip-on handlebars.

Colours

The KTM RC 390, as of early 2020, is sold in one shade: Black with Orange.

Brochure

All the details regarding the KTM RC 390 – namely, the engine, specifications, styling information, colours, dimensions, features and exterior details are extensively covered in the company’s model brochure.

Prices and Variants

The KTM RC 390 is sold in one variant as of early 2020: RC390 Standard priced at ₹ 2.44 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The variant-wise on-road prices are available at autoX.

For more on the KTM RC 390, be sure to tune into autoX.