KTM 390 Duke and RC 390 gets Slipper Clutch without additional cost

KTM has given a vital update to its Duke 390 and RC390, the bikes will now come equipped with slipper clutch. The new slipper clutch equipped orange monsters will be available at the dealerships within a month. Prices of both the bikes will remain unchanged and the company will not add any additional cost for the equipment with the new bikes. KTM 390 Duke and RC 390 ate already the most affordable true performance machines available in India, and with this new addition, they will become world's most affordable bikes to come with a slipper clutch.

The slipper clutch helps the rider to perform aggressive downshifts at high speed, commonly needed during cornering or emergency braking. During shifts in a normal clutch assembly, the clutch plates and hub works together to engage the engine and the transmission. Sometimes, the engine speed doesn't matches the transmission speed before the engagement, which delivers a sudden engine braking resulting quick loss in speed at rear wheel. The phenomenon results in an unexpected traction loss at the rear tyre, causing a wheel slip. Even the action can turn into a major accident, when riding at high speeds.

With the slipper clutch, the assembly acts like a common clutch arrangement during normal situations, However, when the system observes excessive engine braking resulted by quick downshifts, it relieves the pressure from the clutch plates and allow them to slip. The clutch remains disengaged until the transmission gear doesn't matches the speed of the engine output shaft. It prevents the rear wheel from locking in the above mentioned situations, preventing the drastic action. So, the fitment increases safety in riding a motorcycle, specially on tracks.

The KTM 390 Duke and RC 390 already comes with some other safety features like a dual disc brakes, a switchable ABS and sticky Metzeler Sportec tyres. Propelling both the motorcycles is the same 372.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine, which comes mated to a 6-speed transmission. With an electronic fuel injection system, the motor churns out 43hp of maximum power, which feels like a punch in these light weight machines. Advance features of the bikes include WP inverted front forks, adjustable rear WP mono-shock, fully informative digital instrumentation and many more.

Priced at Rs. 1.90 lacs and 2.13 lacs (ex-showroom, Delhi), KTM 390 Duke and RC 390 respectively are already best option for enthusiasts in India. With the new slipper clutch feature, it will become a more delightful deal for them.