KTM RC390 review, test ride

A detailed impression from behind the handlebars of India’s most eagerly anticipated sportsbike for 2014.

Published on Sep 03, 2014 06:11:00 PM

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Get a handle on it

The RC390 carries over the 10-spoke alloy wheels and superb Metzeler M5 Interact rubber from the 390 Duke. From the second you hit the road, you can feel the changes. The RC feels lighter and even more agile on the move than a Duke. It suggests a nimbleness that would make it really at home on a tight and winding road. On our ride on the hills around Modena, the RC clearly felt like the sportsbike it is meant to be. Switching direction is light work and even through long sweepers, the motorcycle always felt stable and confident. There is a surprising calmness in the way the RC goes about its duties, which boosts rider confidence. For that, you will have to put up with a more aggressive seating position as there is a distinct lean-in towards the clip-on handlebars. Apart from the fairing, this posture raises weight bias at the front. The footpegs have also been raised a bit but with the taller seat height, you don’t feel cramped.

The engine, as expected, is familiar, brandishing a strong midrange and a healthy top-end to have you charging out of corners and blasting down every available straight. Even though it is mechanically identical, the RC felt a touch smoother on our ride than the Duke.

Gearshifts from the six-speed gearbox are smooth. KTM say the fairing helps reduce aerodynamic drag sufficiently to help the RC hit a higher top-speed and improve acceleration as well. We will verify after our extensive testing back home in India.

Ready to road?

As a commuter, the RC’s extra ground clearance despite the fairing, is probably its only advantage over a 390 Duke. More than a 100km around the streets of Modena and highways that loop through the Emilia Romagna region proved this engine is as flexible as ever. There’s oodles of torque and easy delivery makes the power all so accessible too.

However, the aggressive seating position is a bit tiring. The front suspension though proves less aggressive than anticipated, soaking up lightly broken roads and bumps without feeling harsh. However, the set-up is firm and will require you to ride with care on India’s monsoon-ravaged roads. KTM has a slightly softer suspension set-up for some markets, which is expected to make its way to the India spec RC.