New KTM RC 390 India launch in January 2016

Among the major new motorcycles that were showcased at the 2015 EICMA Motorcycle Show held in Italy last month was the updated version of the KTM RC390. The new bike was definitely among the most important bikes on display in the Indian context. ZigWheels has learnt that the 2016 KTM RC390 will debut in India by January 2016. This really doesn’t come as a surprise as the new KTM RC390 is manufactured at Bajaj’s manufacturing facility in Chakan on the outskirts of Pune. The current generation KTM RC 390 is a competent bike but the boffins at KTM wanted o further sharpen the motorcycle. Also Read: EICMA 2015 new bikes heading to India

Visually nothing much has changed though which isn’t worrisome as the RC 390 is a good looking bike as it is. The only difference is that the underbelly exhaust has now been ditched in favour of a traditional side-mounted can. This change has been done to accommodate the new Euro-4 emission norm that is coming into effect soon.

The biggest change here is 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.