India-spec 2016 KTM RC 390 will not get side mounted exhaust

The KTM RC 390 is among the most popular motorcycles in the Indian market and despite the fact that it was launched in 2014; KTM boffins have already updated the supersports offering. The 2016 KTM RC 390 was unveiled at the 2015 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan and the biggest visual difference between the older and the new model is the new single side exhaust muffler instead of the older underbelly unit. According to KTM officials the new aluminium exhaust muffler was added to meet the stringent Euro 4 emission norms. The 2016 KTM RC 390 is heading to our shores in early 2016 and according to our sources the India-spec KTM RC 390 will not get the new exhaust system. Since the current exhaust system meets the emission norms of the country and the fact that the RC 390 will be replaced with a new bike in 2017, KTM has decided to not add the new exhaust system. This also can be seen as a cost cutting exercise as the new aluminium exhaust unit would have increased the price of the new KTM RC 390 further. 

Apart from the lack of new exhaust system, the India-spec model will receive all the goodies that were added to the 2016 KTM RC 390 which includes the addition of a slipper clutch which was recently made available on the KTM 390 Duke. There’s also a ride-by-wire system, designed for smoother and more linear power delivery. The liquid-cooled, 373c mill churns out 43PS of peak power at 9,000rpm and 35Nm of maximum torque at 7,000rpm. At 320mm dia, the front disc brakes – developed in conjunction with Brembo - are larger, and now come with adjustable brake and clutch levers. The KTM RC390 entered the Indian market in September 2014 which means within 16 months of its debut the motorcycle has been updated which makes life even more difficult for its rivals. Expect the 2016 KTM RC 390 to be priced at a premium of Rs 10,000 to 15,000 over the standard motorcycle.