This KTM RC390 is priced at a whopping Rs. 15 lakhs: Here’s why

This KTM RC390 R, with the SSP 300 Race Kit, is priced at a whopping 15.4 lakh rupees or 19,500 euros. Why? Because it’s a motorcycle built for the race track, featuring more than 230 custom parts, all designed to make it go faster around a race track than a road-going RC390 ever can. The base version of the RC390 R costs 8,500 euros, with the SSP 300 Race Kit costing an additional 11,000 euros.

Can you buy one here in India?

Nope, at least not for now. The RC 390 R won’t be available in India despite Bajaj Auto’s Chakan factory building it and exporting it to Europe. This is because it’s a Euro-only motorcycle, which is also homologated to race at the Supersport 300 racing series.

The RC390 R features changes such as fully adjustable WP suspension at the front and rear, foldable brake and clutch levers designed to fold up on contact with the ground, shorter intake trumpet for a meatier mid range and new graphics. Only 500 units will be built.

The SSP300 race kit adds 230 individual parts that make the RC 390R ready to compete in the Supersport 300 racing series. These parts include a Akrapovic SSP300 EVO02 exhaust system made of titanium, a race ECU, STM slipper clutch, multiple gearing options to suit various race circuits, a quickshifter, wiring harness, spare wheels, boosted cooling system and lighter bodywork. Meanwhile, KTM is all set to launch the 2018 iteration of the RC390 in the Indian market, a bike that’s one of the most affordable and effective track tools sold here.

The 2018 iteration of the RC390 is expected to feature new tyres and LED headlamps as the major changes. Other than these changes, the mechanicals and cycle parts are likely to remain similar to the outgoing model. The engine is a single cylinder, fuel injected 373cc unit with 44 Bhp and 37 Nm.

The liquid cooled engine is paired to a 6 speed manual gearbox with a slipper clutch. The suspension consists of upside down front forks and a monoshock rear that’s adjustable for pre-load. In terms of pricing, the 2018 RC390 is expected to cost similar to the outgoing version – Rs. 2.35 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi.