5 Things The 2022 KTM RC 390 Does Better Than The Previous Gen RC 390

KTM recently took a major step in improving its flagship supersport machine, the RC 390, by introducing small but significant tweaks. Given that we’ve only ridden it on the track, the following five areas are where we feel it outshines its previous self:

Better Drive Out Of Corners

The 40 percent larger airbox pays dividends as the motor has a healthy torque drive from revs as low as 4000rpm. Carrying a gear higher into the tighter sections around the Bajaj test track is no fuss for the RC 390 now. Achieving triple digit speeds is effortless, as it is quite a bit quicker to get to 100kmph than the previous bike as well.

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Increased Agility Without Compromising Stability

By opting for lighter rims, a hollow axle and a new front brake rotor, KTM has reduced the unsprung mass on the RC 390 by almost 3.4kg. This further reduces the gyroscopic effect. As a result, the turn-ins on the new RC 390 are phenomenally quick. The point and shoot method with the older bike has been amplified.

And yet, it doesn’t scare you or need you to have reflexes like Marc Marquez. It has the right tools to coax you to go faster, lean lower and ride better, quite like a good teacher.

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More Room To Get Into A Tuck

There’s now a better sense of control on the operations. Even if you are perched higher, at 835mm, the seat is flatter and has better cushioning. Also, post-track session fatigue is not going to be too severe, as the reach to the bars isn’t much now thanks to the raised clip-ons.

Improved Aero Efficiency

The hate that the new RC face has received on the internet is tremendous. As divisive as it looks, the windshield is equally as effective. Getting into a tuck, the airflow around the rider is incredible. Even when you aren’t crouched into an aero efficient body posture, the wind is deflected neatly around the rider’s torso.

Seamless Electronic Intervention

Credit where it is due, KTM’s electronics engineers have calibrated the rider aids brilliantly on the new RC 390. Getting IMU-based assists on a bike of its capacity is unheard of, especially one that works with so little intrusion. You can barely feel the traction control kicking in – the only way you know it is intervening is by the little flashing of the dashboard light. The quickshifter could be improved, especially if KTM moves from this mechanical to a pressure-switch based module.