Limited edition 2018 KTM RC 390 R revealed

KTM fans take notice – the company has revealed a new hardcore model of the already super quick RC 390 in this new R spec model. But it’s a little disappointing that the new model is limited to just 500 units. It’s further disappointing that the RC 390 R is limited only to Europe.

Nevertheless, the 2018 KTM RC 390 R is offered with a specially tuned engine, fully adjustable WP suspension for both front and rear, CNC machined brake levers and a foldable clutch lever, new handle bars for a more aggressive riding stance and a body graphic kit.

And if that isn’t enough, KTM is also offering 50 SSP300 kits that can only be mated to the R 390 R and not the standard RC 390. This new SSP300 kit, KTM says, consists of as many as 230 parts designed to make the KTM RC 390 R an SSP300 contender by making it a proper race-legal SSP300 FIM class motorcycle right from the manufacturer’s shop floor.

These 50 SSP300 kits for the RC 390 R consist of a race ECU, wiring harness, a new FEBUR cooling system, STM slipper clutch, quick shifter, various gearing options, an Akrapovic SSP300EVO02 exhaust system, an extra set of wheels and a body work that is made of lightweight materials.

Of course, all of this comes at a cost. The limited edition KTM RC 390 R is priced at € 8,500 (Rs. 6.71 lakh), while the race kits cost € 11,000 (Rs. 8.69 lakh) over and above the base price of the motorcycle. This sends the total invoice of the KTM RC 390 R SSP300 contender to Rs. 15.41 lakh or € 19,500.

While the SSP300 ready version of the motorcycle does not make sense for India, the RC 390 R is an interesting idea for our market. But the cost is substantial too.

‘With the new KTM RC 390 R, the lower capacity supersports market has a new performance benchmark. Combining this superior base model with the most comprehensive race kit and a professional service back-up through KTM Customer Racing creates a truly ready-to-race formula for Supersport 300 competition,’ said KTM in a statement about the motorcycle.