All-new KTM RC 390 spotted testing

The new RC 390 features a new design and will come with a BS6-compliant engine.

Published On Sep 25, 2019 12:38:00 PM

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The all-new KTM RC 390 has been spotted testing in Austria, giving us a sneak peek into what the new supersport would look like. The company has been working on the all-new 390 Duke and RC 390, and this is the first time that the latter has been spotted undergoing tests in this guise.

The spy shot reveals the upcoming RC 390’s brand-new design, which seems like a far departure from the previous model’s razor-sharp styling language. The full-fairing is all-new, with the headlamp now located in the centre. Though the bike in the image has a halogen projector headlamp, this could possibly be a mock set up and we expect an LED unit, in keeping with the trend these days. Also note, the turn indicators are integrated within the front fairing, unlike on the previous model where they were located on the mirror stalks. The side profile showcases the overlapping panels that form the fairing, while the fuel tank appears to be larger which should enhance the range. The handlebars also appear to be slighlty higher set than before, resulting in a slightly more relaxed riding position.

The new KTM RC 390 gets a new subframe that appears to be sleeker than the previous model’s. While we can't see the steel-trellis frame clearly, it is possibe that the new RC 390 may use the new frame that we had noticed while going though the spy images of the all-new 390 Duke, a few months ago. What's clearly visible, however, is the slim tailpiece and a new split seat; the rider’s seat looks larger and more accomodating while the pillion’s perch looks flat and wide. The previous RC 390 had a rather interesting pillion seat, which was essentially a large piece of foam moulded to form the seat! Like the headlamp, the tail-light also seems like a mock unit and we expect a sleeker one on the production RC 390.

Besides the design changes, we could see KTM introducing a full-colour TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, like on the current 390 Duke, to bring the RC 390 up to date.

The suspension components on the test mule comprise an upside-down WP fork at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. The braking hardware also appears to be carried forward from the previous model.

The current KTM RC 390 is powered by a 373.2cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor that develops 43hp and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. KTM will update this motor to conform to BS6 norms.

KTM is expected to showcase the new RC390 at the 2019 EICMA. Expect these bikes to go on sale in India soon after they are launched internationally.

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