2022 KTM RC390 - what we know so far

Leaked images of the new-gen KTM RC390, RC200 and the RC125 have been surfacing the internet. The pictures give us an idea of what to expect from the upcoming supersport range.

The pictures of the second-generation KTM RC390 have surfaced on the internet ahead of its global debut. The images give us an idea of how the Austrian motorcycle maker will package its upcoming supersport. For starters, the next-gen KTM RC390 is a generation upgrade and the changes are made to the mechanicals, esthetics and possibly the electronic package of the motorcycle.

Esthetics

It seems that the designers at KTM went back to the drawing board and conceived an all-new look for their upcoming RC range. The narrow fish-like design has been replaced by a broader look. The cowl surrounding the headlamp assembly is relatively wider than the RC models on sale in India. The fairing sports newer folds and cuts, and the supersport does not get an under-belly panel now – exposing the exhaust plumbing. This design trait will be common between the new KTM RC125, RC200 and the RC390.

Chassis

The new generation RC series will be based on a new platform. This means the 125cc, 200cc and 390cc engines – of their respective segments – will be housed in a new chassis that now, gets a split subframe. The new chassis design is expected to improve the weight distribution of the motorcycle. Currently, the outgoing KTM RC390 has a weight distribution of 49-51 (front-rear).

Suspensions

From what the leaked images confirm, the new KTM RC390 will have fully adjustable upside-down forks sourced from WP. The fork diameter is suspected to be increased. The rear continues with the swing-arm mounted mono-shock with pre-load adjustability. Both front and rear suspension units have undergone heavy revision to suit the dynamics of the new chassis.

Features

A TFT screen for instrumentation was long overdue. With the upgrade, KTM has added the 5-inch coloured TFT instrument cluster that has been on offer with the 390 Duke since 2017. Similar to the 390 Duke, the new RC390 gets controls on the left switchgear to shuffle through the menu and access features such as Bluetooth connectivity.

The addition of riding modes will be par for the course, especially when the TVS Apache RR310 has been offering the same for some time now.

Electronics

The KTM 390 Adventure comes equipped with IMU-based ABS and Traction control unit. An updated version of that tech is likely to make its way into the upcoming KTM RC390. Just as the 390 Adventure and the outgoing RC390, the next-gen KTM RC390 will come equipped with a two-way quick-shifter.  KTM is likely to offer different settings – on, off and supermoto – for ABS intervention.

Engine

This is the only aspect with the most minimum clarity. By the ‘390’ branding on the body panels, it has been confirmed that the power plant is the same 373.5cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. While the engine design stays the same, the gearbox is expected to offer new ratios. The cylinder is expected to have a thoroughly revamped heat management system. The radiator could borrow the dual-cooling fan setup from the 390 Adventure to offer optimum operating temperature at all times.

All the changes could reduce the losses and push the maximum amount of power to the wheel. Currently, the RC390 makes 43bhp and 35Nm. The newer model is expected with the same power output if not more.

Pricing

The model on sale is priced at Rs 2.65 lakh (ex-showroom). The new 2022 KTM RC390 is likely to see a price hike of Rs 20,000-25,000 (approximately). Despite the price tag inching closer to Rs 3 lakh, the new RC390 would still undercut the BS6 Kawasaki Ninja 300 that demands Rs 3.18 lakh (ex-showroom). With so much kit on offer, there is a good possibility of the 2022 KTM RC390 to steal away the value-for-money crown from the TVS Apache RR310.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKRnMZwL1N0