The 2022 KTM RC 390 Is Finally Here

More than two weeks after the prices of the 2022 KTM RC 390 were leaked, the Austrian brand has finally launched the supersport in India. Available in two new eye-catching colours, namely KTM Factory Racing Blue and Orange, this bike comes with some key functional updates and carries a premium price tag.

 What's The Price? Who Are Its Rivals?

An asking price of Rs 3,13,922 (ex-showroom Delhi) means it carries a rather steep premium of Rs 36,287 over its predecessor. Rivalling this bike are other sub-400cc sports bikes like the TVS Apache RR 310 and Kawasaki Ninja 300.  The RR 310, while being more affordable, is packed with features. The Ninja 300, on the other hand, despite costing more, feels dated and has less performance when compared with the RC. 

What's New?

The RC 390, in its latest iteration, almost looks like  a completely new bike. The most noticeable change being the completely new design with race-inspired lining and graphics all around. The two new colours - KTM Factory Racing Blue and Orange too, are inspired from KTM’s MotoGP teams. 

The bike gets new bodywork that KTM claims is more aerodynamic. It also says the ergonomics of the bike have now improved, especially in the knee area to allow for better rider movement. Further, there’s an all-LED lighting system with integrated blinkers against the previous model’s halogen projector setup.

Moreover, the supersport finally debuts a TFT screen borrowed from its naked sibling, the KTM 390 Duke with Bluetooth connectivity. That said, it misses out on navigation, which is a bit of a bummer. It comes loaded to the T with new features, including traction control and lean-sensitive cornering ABS. A new supermoto mode allows you to switch off the rear abs and slide your rear wheel. Adding to its racing credentials, the bike gets a quickshifter as standard too. A new two-step height adjustable handlebar and 13.7-litre tank (4.2-litre larger) should make the bike that much better when undertaking longer journeys.

Powering the RC 390 is the familiar 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with 43.5PS and 37Nm on tap. While the power figures are the same, the torque has bumped up by 1Nm, and the motorcycle gets a 40 per cent bigger airbox, which has also resulted in a claimed improved torque delivery. The bike gets revised engine mapping to improve rideability. 

A new, lighter ByBre braking system with new 320mm and 230mm discs at the front and rear, respectively with a claimed better braking performance. The five-spoke alloys are now cumulatively lighter by 2.7kg. 

What Should Have Been Changed?

In its latest version, the bike comes with a lot of features. That said, the international-spec RC 390 gets adjustable suspension and it is disappointing to not see it on the Indian version even though it attracts a considerable premium.

ZigSays

The KTM RC 390 is one of the best bikes one can buy in the sub-400cc segment with top-of-the-line features and some segment-first electronics. The new design definitely refreshes the overall look of the bike. However, we think that the lack of  adjustable suspension is a let down, especially when considering the fact that competition like the TVS Apache RR 310 gets adjustable suspension. While these steps are in the right direction, the question is how will the track-tamer feel to ride now? Stay tuned until we find an answer to this soon.