KTM RC 390 details and images leaked

Within weeks prior to its official launch at the 2013 EICMO Motor Show in Milan, pictures and details about the KTM’s faired offering of the 390 Duke has been leaked on the internet. The RC 390, the bike gets endowed with a fully-faired body and the all-new 9.5 litre capacity fuel tank has been specially developed for the RC keeping in mind the supersport design in sync with the rider ergonomics. Other notable features include mirror incorporated blinkers and a twin headlight which conveys a new direction for KTM in terms of styling along with the Ducati Panigale inspired exhaust set-up, which is embedded in the bikes fairing for a clean look.

In tune with the RC 390’s supersport design appeal, clip on handlebars has been employed for a sporty and aggressive riding position while the footrests and pedals have been moved further back for better lean angle. The instrument cluster features a LCD display which displays details like RPM alert indicator (the best moment for shifting up), engaged gear, fuel gauge and service reminder. The overall design of the RC 390 is very fresh and sporty while taking  very few design cues from the flagship RC8 superbike, which works in its favour.

Powering the bike is the same single-cylinder, 375cc, liquid cooled mill as found on the 390 Duke producing 45PS of power and 35Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed transmission.  Though, the frame looks similar to that of the Duke 390, it has been tweaked for the supersport dynamics of the RC 390 and features a steering head angle of 66.5 degree. This has resulted in a shorter wheelbase for added flickability and handling while the ground clearance has also been increased. The RC employs upside-down fork from WP Suspension in the front featuring the same 43 mm outer tube diameter as found on the RC8 R and WP suspension has also been used at the rear mated to a light alloy swingarm.

Like its naked sibling the RC 390 also features 110mm and 150mm Metzelers shod on 17-inch alloys at front and rear respectively. Braking prowess has been taken care of by Brembo developed four piston radially bolted caliper in combination with 300mm disc in front and single piston floating caliper 230mm disc at rear and ABS is standard, which can be disengaged by the rider. The RC 390 would hit the showrooms in the European market mostly by end of the year and in all probability make its Indian debut by in the first half of 2014. So all you KTM aficionados who were looking to buy the 390 Duke this Diwali hold on to your money as one can own this faired avatar in near future albeit at a slight premium.