If you aren’t living under a rock, you might know that KTM is working on a heavily updated RC 390. The 2021 RC 390 was also spied on public roads sometime back and it did boast of some heavy changes over the outgoing model. And now, the faired KTM has been listed online under the future product portfolio section. The RC 390 is carrying the baton of faired sports bikes in KTM’s portfolio after the sad demise of the RC8.
More details
While all the other motorcycles in KTM’s portfolio have been updated thoroughly in the past couple of years, the RC 390 has almost remained the same ever since it was first launched in India. It will change with the 2021 RC 390 because it will have that big-bike appeal and will look like a proper supersport machine.
Speculations
The image embedded with the listing doesn’t give out many details about the motorcycle but one can clearly see a more aggressive profile and a fresh livery which imitates KTM’s MotoGP livery which contains heavy shades of blue and orange working in conjunction. The listing doesn’t even reveal the name of the motorcycle which makes us wonder whether it is the RC 390 or the RC 490 because the Austrian bikemaker is also working on a fresh ‘490’ line-up that should supersede the ‘390’ models. While the image embedded here might not reveal that many details, the spy shots which surfaced earlier, clearly do.
Spy pictures
The updated front-end which is revealed in the spy pictures showcases the same LED headlamp unit which does the job in the Duke 390 and the Adventure 390. LED headlamps are all the rage nowadays and the updated RC 390 will mark the departure from the projector headlamps of the outgoing model. The front fascia also gets a redesigned windshield and fairing which is wider. It looks more aerodynamic than before and will provide better wind protection to the rider, as compared to the outgoing model. The front-end does give a subtle nod to the elusive and sharp-looking KTM RC8.
The side profile reveals some additional details and that includes updated braking equipment. The front disc is bigger in diameter, thinner and more perforated which will definitely help in cooling them down which will further enhance the braking. The calipers look different as well and so does the front USD fork setup. Red inserts on the top of the forks make us believe that the RC390 could benefit from an adjustable front suspension. We will have to wait for more information to flow in before we can confirm the same.
Also read: KTM Powerparts For 390 Adventure Now Listed On Company’s Official Website
Another noteworthy addition will be the coloured TFT screen. The KTM RC 390 up until now had to make do with the same round LCD unit it debuted with. With the coloured TFT screen on offer, it will be more equipped to take on the likes of TVS Apache RR 310. The outgoing model is renowned for its aggressive and track-focused riding position but the spy shots reveal that the rider ergonomics on the updated RC 390 will be slightly more forgiving than the current model. It looks more upright and less-focused. The rear subframe looks new and so do the new panels and tail lamp. With updated styling, new features on offer and a much more capable braking equipment, it looks like the world of motorcycles will soon have to brace the impact of the updated KTM RC 390’s arrival.