KTM RC 390

The RC 390 gets fresh graphics and a revised paint scheme. It looks fresher and now gets more black and orange on the tank and fairing. The tailpiece features an RC 390 badge apart from stickering on the sides of the fairing. The side-mounted exhaust looks a lot better and frees up space in the fairing’s underbelly. The underbelly is slimmer and offers better clearance for better lean angles.

The mirrors are now wider and offer a better field of vision. The bike gets AHO (Auto-headlamp-on) and an auto-crank feature wherein you push the starter button once and the starter motor will continuously crank until the motor starts. The bike gets a ‘Can Bus’, which is one large hose holding all cables which essentially eliminates messy wiring for a cleaner look. It gets new brake and clutch levers that are adjustable for reach. The instrument console is digital and quite comprehensive but feels cramped and could do with a larger display.

Power output from the 373.2cc liquid-cooled and fuel-injected single remains similar despite changes for BSIV. While power remains the same 43.5PS @ 9000rpm, torque is up by 1Nm to 36Nm @ 7000rpm. While torque may be up, weight is also up by 6kgs thanks to the new exhaust system. This deficit is not immediately perceptible thanks to the excellent ride-by-wire throttle that offers a crisper, precise and more immediate throttle response. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox that gets a slipper clutch. The slipper clutch works well, eliminating rear wheel hop under aggressive downshifts. The bike still offers class-leading performance and acceleration while top speed is a speedo-indicated 166kmph.

Like all KTM’s the RC does not disappoint in the chassis department. It features a lightweight steel trellis frame with top-spec cycle parts. The front features a new 320mm front disc from Bybre, up 20mm from the previous unit. They are clamped by four-piston radial callipers. The rear 230mm disc is clamped with a single piston calliper. The bigger front disc allows more bite and feel. ABS is standard and non-intrusive and can be switched off if desired. The front suspension is a 43mm WP upside-down telescopic forks and WP rear monoshock that gets a plastic shield to protect it from the muck thrown up by the rear wheel. The biggest draw for the RC 390 has been the Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres that provide outstanding grip in all condition and inspire confidence for better lean angles and also to carry more speed into corners. The tyres are now expected to have a longer and should last a couple of thousand kilometres more than the older tyres’ average life of 10,000km.  

The KTM RC 390 gets a host of safety features like 320mm discs with radial callipers,  ABS, slipper clutch, sticky premium tubeless tyres, AHO and projector headlamps and rear LED tail lamps and clear-lens LED indicators.