KTM RC390 and RC200 track review in India

The RC390 urges you to unleash all of its 42.9bhp, which comes in at 9,000rpm, and feels so much quicker than the RC200. One doesn’t realize when the 390 achieves triple digit speeds, the engine sweeping through its powerband ever so quickly, which is about when you start to appreciate the wide safety net, thanks to such an able trellis frame, potent and ABS-enabled brakes. There’s also soft compound Metzeler tyres, which allow you to push hard with that much more confidence, than when riding the MRF-equipped RC200. The RC390 inspired much confidence while cornering, and attacking corners hard to achieve fast exits. And then, the RC390 doesn’t bore its pilots on straight line sections, for that’s where one quickly learns the RC390 can achieve 130kph and more in the blink of an eye, beyond which the new KTM still has plenty of grunt in reserve. Blasting down the long Chakan track straight, water streaming backwards as it splatters our helmet visors, we took the 390 to its limit, at which you find yourself at an indicated 171kph. Perhaps the only thing we found ourselves searching for on the RC bikes was a higher rev limit. These willing engines go through their rev bands so quickly, they sometimes feel slightly shorter geared than possible. That’s, however, also the reason why they are this rideable, which will be to their advantage when riding on-road.

Yes, there’s more to gain on the RC390 on-track as compared to the RC200, given you don’t need to always be in exactly the correct gear, closer to the peak of the powerband. You can hold the RC390 in a gear higher than ideal when pressed for a downshift, secure in the knowledge the bike has enough torque to pull away from lower rpm, and sprint through its seamless, step free powerband. Like the KTM Dukes, the RC200 and RC390 both delight with their always willing, strong, refined and ever so smooth motors. There are few engines as good as these, and likewise few motorcycles that will match them on a track with such a good setup suspension and finely tuned chassis geometry. Only the Yamaha YZF-R15 and Kawasaki Ninja 300 make the grade to feel in the same league.    

This pair of Race Competition (RC) series bikes from KTM provide unadulterated track day tools for those of us looking for punchy, brilliantly setup sportsbikes, for a fun filled experience on track. Of course, as far as commuter bikes go, don’t expect comfort to be a forte. More about that when we get to ride the bikes on public roads. For the price these RC bikes are being offered at, they make attractive motorcycles, more than able to match up to expectations.

Rayomand Darius with Rishad Cooper 

KTM RC 200 Specifications

Price                                       Rs 1,60,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi)  

L/W/H                                    1978/688/1098

Wheelbase                              1340mm                                      

Fuel tank capacity                 9.5 litres                                       

Kerb weight                           154kg                                          

Engine                                    Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled,   

                                                four-stroke

Displacement                         199.5cc                                       

Power                                     24.7bhp at 10000rpm                     

Torque                                   1.96kgm at 8000rpm                     

Specific output                       123.8bhp per litre

Power to weight                     160.4bhp per tonne

Gearbox                                 6-speed, 1-down, 5-up                       

Front suspension                   USD forks                                     

Rear suspension                    Monoshock, alloy swingarm

Front brake                           280mm disc

Rear brake                             230mm disc

Tyres (f-r)                              110/70 x 17- 150/60x17 inches

KTM RC 390 Specifications

Price                                       Rs 2,05,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi)  

L/W/H                                    1978/748/1098

Wheelbase                              1340mm                                      

Fuel tank capacity                 9.5 litres                                       

Kerb weight                           166kg                                          

Engine                                    Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled,   

                                                four-stroke

Displacement                         373.2cc                                       

Power                                     42.9bhp at 9000rpm                     

Torque                                   3.57kgm at 7000rpm                     

Specific output                       115bhp per litre

Power to weight                     258.5bhp per tonne

Gearbox                                 6-speed, 1-down, 5-up                       

Front suspension                   USD forks                                     

Rear suspension                    Monoshock, alloy swingarm

Front brake                           300mm disc (ABS)

Rear brake                             230mm disc (ABS)

Tyres (f-r)                              110/70 x 17- 150/60x17 inches