KTM RC390 caught testing in India

The only bike that can thrill like the KTM 390 Duke, in the same price bracket, has to be the much anticipated KTM RC390. It seems that Bajaj is determined to launch the bike sooner than we expected, as the fully faired KTM has recently been caught being testing on Indian tarmac, near Pune. The picture of the completely camouflaged bike has gone viral on all KTM fan pages on Facebook, however, its bright orange trellis frame and alloy wheels reveal the true identity of the RC test mule. One can’t ignore the attractive styling of the Austrian bikes which shines through despite the disguise.

KTM has recently updated their Indian website with RC200 and RC390 pictures and ‘coming soon to India’ mentioned just below, hinting that the launch could be just around the corner. Bajaj will be announcing the official launch date soon, much to the pleasure to thousands of eagerly waiting KTM devotees.

Both the RC bikes have sharper styling, specifically made bodywork with a sportier riding position than the Duke models. However, the engine and specification are expected to be identical to their sibling Duke’s line-up. So, the RC200 would be powered by a liquid cooled, four-valve, single cylinder 199.5cc motor producing 25 PS and would weigh about 137.5 kg. While the RC390 would get a 373.2cc single, churning out a sumptuous 43.5 PS peak power, with the scale tipping towards 147 kg giving it stunning power to weight ratio! 

The bikes will be produced at Bajaj’s Chakan facility and we expect Bajaj to continue their aggressive pricing strategy, demanding a slight price hike for the RC series over the Duke line, which currently retails between Rs 1.27 to Rs 1.76 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai).