KTM RC390 and RC200 track review in India

KTM’s RC series 200 and 390 are race ready sportsbikes. We test the India spec bikes on Bajaj’s Chakan test track

Published on Oct 10, 2014 12:57:00 PM

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KTM RC390 and RC200 track review in India

All geared up and ready to let rip, we hop onto the RC200, taking a couple of laps to get used to the quick performance, sharp and nimble handling, before pushing harder. The 199.5cc, single-cylinder engine on the RC200 produces 24.7bhp at 10,000rpm, excellent for this class of bikes. Every time you open throttle, the RC200 surges ahead with willing, smooth and vibe free performance, reminding us of the thrilling experience when we were first astride the KTM 200 Duke, albeit now with ergonomics much better suited to an on-track experience.

Around corners, the RC200 proves its mettle - neutral steering makes it easy to dive with accuracy into every corner, as the bike clings to its line and carries high corner speeds without any bother. Strong grunt from its torque rich engine allows you to shoot out of corners, as you shift upwards quickly through a slick shifting 6-speed gearbox. The RC200 shot past 90kph without any trouble on Bajaj’s 1100m long straight, flying onwards all the way into its electronic rev limiter in top gear. At this point you find yourself clipping along at an indicated 135kph, displayed on a compact, somewhat crowded, sporty LCD instruments bay. The RC200 is a fun track day motorcycle, best suited to people who want to avail of a bike with thoroughbred, track focused ergonomics and strong performance for the class.

Having now warmed up on the RC200, we hopped aboard the KTM RC390, to find it feels just the same in terms of size and ergonomics. Heading out of the pits though, you notice its slightly extra flab, and of course a deeper, so much more soulful, inviting engine growl that pushes you to open throttle and crack the whip. The 200’s rear suspension is a touch plush for the track, where ride quality isn’t a priority, we requested for suspension preload to be bumped up two notches, which made a world of a difference. The KTM RC390 provided to us was in dual tone, black and icy white, giving it a unique identity relative to its younger, mischievous sibling, the RC200. The RC390, like its sibling, does well to handle confidently and proves as thrilling as it gets on a bike of this size. It packs enough punch to strike out and reel in several bikes way above this class, some even with an extra cylinder.