KTM has recently launched the 2017 RC 390. The Austrian manufacturer showcased the motorcycle at the EICMA 2016 alongside new 390 Duke but has launched the fully-faired version ahead of the 390 Duke launch. The 2017 RC 390 has received a lot of visual as well as mechanical updates. Here is what you should know about the new RC 390.
Looks
Aesthetically, the 2017 RC 390 has not changed much. The fairing remains the same largely with a minor update, but KTM has adorned some bolder graphics on the motorcycle. The 2017 KTM RC390 gets black and white body colour with orange highlights. The RC 390 moniker has become bigger and sits on the fairing the rear seat cowl. The bare chassis painted in orange adds to the maniac look of the motorcycle. Even the wheels get an orange colour.
The front remains similar to the last model with beak-shaped front, and two projector lamps are sitting side-by-side above the beak. One major change done to the motorcycle is its exhaust system. The 2017 RC 390 has a full-blown exhaust system on the side of the bike as opposed to the underbelly exhaust in the last model. Everything else remains the same.
Engine
The 373.3cc engine has been carried from the predecessor. The engine develops a healthy 43.5 bhp of maximum power and 36 Nm of torque. The single cylinder, liquid-cooled engine is very rev friendly and makes the motorcycle’s track-oriented nature very aggressive. The new exhaust muffler has also made the motorcycle much cleaner, and it now complies with Bharat Stage IV pollution norm.
Features
The new 2017 KTM RC 390 comes with slipper clutch, that allows the rider to upshift without engaging the clutch, making the changes quicker and easier. The motorcycle also gets ride-by-throttle wire that makes the engine much smoother and more fuel efficient.
Unlike the 2017 390 Duke, the RC 390 does not get the high-tech speedometer console. RC 390 carries the old instrument cluster. The fully digital instrument cluster gets a tachometer, speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge and other useful information like top-speed, average speed, average time, distance to empty and more.
The RC 390 also gets switchable ABS. The Anti-lock Braking System can be turned off in a time of need. Apart from this, KTM has also increased the size of the front disc by 20mm, and it now measures 320mm that shortens the stopping distance.
Should you buy it?
The new RC 390 is priced at Rs. 2.25 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. The RC 390 is a pure track motorcycle with very aggressive seating posture. Riding the motorcycle on the road for long hours may cause pain in the body. However, it a perfect track bike for people who want to pursue motorsport. The motorcycle is well-balanced, and at 43 bhp, it has enough power. The KTM RC 390 competes against the likes of YZF-R3 and Ninja 300, but the single-cylinder and local manufacturing of the motorcycle keep the prices very low. If you want something fast and eye-catchy for shorter distance and want a bike to take to the track days, there is nothing beyond the RC 390 in the market right now.
