KTM RC 390 review, road test

KTM has a new flagship in India, the sporty RC390, and we’ve just put it through a full road test to confirm exactly how it performs in India.

Published on Dec 31, 2014 10:30:00 AM

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The all new KTM RC390 comes with sharp, tapered styling, that gives it a mean, funky look that is thoroughly fresh. Taking a good look at the new bike, it’s clear that KTM wanted to produce a slim, agile sportbike, with the added benefit of a full fairing.

Its track-bike silhouette may remind you of KTM’s supersports RC8, but in the flesh, the RC390 has its own unique identity. Its protruding chin gets LED ‘fangs’ placed just under twin projector headlamps. A transparent visor is used on the RC390 and flows smoothly downwards to provide it a streamlined stance. Atop sits a familiar, amber-lit instrument console from the Dukes, with clearly legible speedometer. However, the odometer, twin trip meters, real-time average speed indicator and mileage calculator are displayed all in a crowd here, and could have been more readable while on the go. A bright red shifter beacon flashes to warn you when it’s time to shift up a gear before you hit the rev limiter, and you can set this to different points in the rev range.

The tapering rear view mirrors look good, with flush fit indicators built into them, however don’t offer as good a view behind as required. Clip-on handlebars provide the RC390 a sporty feel, more so due to a meaty supporting centrepiece. As on the Duke, the RC390 also gains hard rubber dimpled palm grips that lack comfortable feel. The RC390 comes with illuminated switchgear, which proves really useful at night. The 9.5-litre fuel-tank also houses a battery, here instead of under the seat, where it is located on the Duke.

The stepped pillion seat is smartly disguised as a cowl, and it’s difficult to tell this without a quick feel of the cushion. Interesting bits are added on the RC390, such as camouflaged under-seat grab scoops that do not interfere with the RC’s sleek rear panel, though there’s also a single grab handle on the right. An eye-catching LED tail-light sits under the seat, and goes with the flow.

Overall, like every KTM available anywhere in the world, this RC390 looks every bit a purpose-built performance motorcycle. KTM and Bajaj have made sure that overall fit, finish and quality of materials used to build this bike have no shortcomings whatsoever.