2019 KTM RC390 SPIED with Duke 390 features: India launch to happen soon

KTM 390 Duke and RC 390 are entry-level performance bikes that are known in the global markets for their value-for-money, performance and power. KTM launched the all-new 390 Duke last year but the fully-faired version of the 390 Duke is yet to receive such extravagant updates. KTM has been spotted testing the all-new RC 390 and it is expected to be launched in the global markets by mid-2019.

While the 390 Duke received a long list of updates including a new TFT console among many other things, the RC 390 only received a ride-by-wire throttle and a new belly pan. The new RC 390 that has been seen testing will get an expansive list of updates. The entry-level track bike is expected to get a new body fairing that would be quite different from the current version and would make the RC 390 much more aggressive. The bike would also get a new one-piece clear windshield that is quickly becoming a signature mark of the KTM bikes. The front head unit of the new RC 390 would get new LED headlamps and coloured TFT console, which are already available with the KTM 390 Duke.

The size of the windscreen is quite big and would save the riders from any windblasts while riding on the tracks. It is not clear from the pictures but the new RC 390 might get a larger fairing and a slightly bigger tank. It is not known if the overall dimensions of the bike changes and become larger but it sure would be more accommodating for the taller riders.

Other details that emerge from the spy picture is the newly designed subframe. While it looks quite different from the current version, KTM may put up a different type of subframe in the production version of the RC 390. The WP suspension may also get updated alongside the brakes. The engine is expected to remain same as the current one but with updates to make it cleaner. India has already announced that the BS VI norms would be enforced from 2020 and it would make some drastic changes in the market. Manufacturers who have their upcoming products line-up for the market are working to make the engines compliant to the upcoming pollution norms.

The RC 390 has remained one of the top-selling products in the segment in India. The value-for-money price tag makes it one of the top choices of the enthusiasts. While there are no direct rivals of the RC 390, motorcycles like the Yamaha YZF-R3 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 are the closest rivals in the Indian market.

The 390 twins are made in India and are exported to the markets around the world. Whenever the global launch of the new RC 390 happens, the Indian market would see the launch simultaneously. With the added features, the price is expected to go up by a bit too.

As of today, the KTM 390 twins offer the best bang for the buck in the sub-Rs. 3 lakh motorcycle segment, along with he recently launched Royal Enfield 650 twins.

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