KTM RC390 review, test ride

What is it?

Unless you happen to have been trapped under a rock for all last year, you will know this as KTM’s RC390. Test mules, race versions for the junior ADAC series (German racing series) and lots of spy snaps have whetted our appetite for this Austrian racing thoroughbred. A ridiculously fast engine in a supremely capable chassis and wrapped in a stylish full fairing, then likely to be offered at a sub-Rs 2.2 lakh price tag sounds incredible! So, here it is then, the most anticipated motorcycle of 2014.

I can see why. It looks so good!

Yes it does. As with all KTMs, even the baby RCs look quite distinctive. Actually, this one’s a touch towards sinister, especially because of the projector lamps sitting recessed within the fairing scoop. The RC panels feature neat and stylish floating layers. The upper and lower sections of the engine fairing overlap smartly. There are plenty of neat details like daytime-running lights in the chin under the headlamps and turn signals mounted on well-sculpted rear view mirrors.

The RC also gets a new angular design fuel-tank, with smaller, 9.5 litre capacity. While it looks like there is only a rider's seat, KTM has disguised the pillion seat to give the RC a proper sportsbike look. There is a neat groove cut under the seat for the pillion to hold on to. At the rear, the tail-lamp is smeared onto the underside of the tail with just the turn signals mounted on the short plastic number plate hangers.

The new tyre hugger is more industrious as it rises from the swingarm’s top edge for better spray protection for the rider’s feet. Handsome new Y-shaped hangers for the pillion footpegs are finished in black.

Not just a 390 Duke with a fairing then

Sure, the RC390 is built on the same platform as the 390 Duke and as such, shares a lot with the Duke, but it does create an altogether different character in the end. For instance, while the chassis is shared, a steering angle of 66.5 degrees is sharper than a Duke. This has resulted in a shorter wheelbase and increased ground clearance by 8.5mm. Seat height has gone up 20mm to 820mm. The travel on the front forks is reduced to 125mm to sharpen the steering. All of which make the RC a lot more agile and race ready than the Duke. On the downside, the RC’s dry weight is 8kg higher.

The 373.2cc engine has been carried over virtually unchanged. The RC boasts the same horsepower and torque as the Duke and shares gearing too. This means, in India, the RC390 boasts 43.5bhp at 9000rpm and 3.57kgm of torque at 7000rpm.

Changes have been made to the dynamo, due to extra power required for the projector lamps and LED DRLs. Also, the intake tract to the airbox is revised on the RC.