All-new KTM RC 390 sportsbike to launch soon: Will look like this

KTM’s 390 models – Duke and RC are quite popular in the Indian market as well as around the world. While the naked version – 390 Duke received a substantial amount of upgrades in 2017, the fully-faired version – RC 390 came out only with an updated sticker job in addition of a slipper clutch. KTM has started testing the all-new RC 390 in Europe and it is expected to be launched in 2019.

While the test bike has been spotted with heavy camouflage, we can expect that the exterior design of the bike mostly remains identical to the current version of the KTM RC 390. The updated RC 390 is expected to get similar updates like the 390 Duke. Visually, the RC 390 can become more inspired by the RC8. KTM introduced all-LED headlamp with the 390 Duke and we can expect the same in the updated RC 390. The dual horizontal lamp set-up in the current RC 390 would be replaced by a vertically stacked setup seen in the RC8. The windscreen has also become larger, which will help the rider from wind blasts and would give better aerodynamics to the bike. Rest of the fairing on the body will receive slight changes but overall, it will remain quite similar to the current version of the bike.

The next-generation RC 390 will also get the full coloured TFT screen, which is already present in the 390 Duke. The new console will get all the similar features including phone connectivity via Bluetooth. The new TFT screen is operated by a set of new switches and the RC 390 will also get the similarly updated switchgear from the 390 Duke.

Other improvements may include a bigger fuel tank, updated tail lamp and blinkers. Even the chassis will be upgraded to a bolt-on sub-frame on the trellis frame chassis. Mechanically, the all-new RC 390 is expected to remain similar to the current version. However, with the upcoming BS VI norms, KTM may just launch the all-new RC 390 with an updated and cleaner engine. The current 373.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine produces a maximum power of 43.5 PS at 9,000 rpm and 36 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm. KTM may not update the power and torque figures on the bike. Also, the six-speed transmission will remain the same as the current version.

The RC 390 would get standard dual-channel ABS like the current model. Even the upside down front forks from WP and monoshock at the rear would continue as is in the upcoming model. The all-new KTM RC 390 would be manufactured in India like the current one and would be exported to the international markets.

KTM is expected to launch the all-new bike by mid-2019. KTM is also testing the all-new 390 ADV in the Indian market will launch the bike by the end of 2019.

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