KTM RC390 India Review: Spiritual Psychosis

Ride and Handling

We feel that KTM have built the RC390 as a very focused machine – it is, in every way, an ideal track tool. The clip-on handlebar coupled with the rear-set footpegs and the grippy Metzeler tyres make it an ideal cornering machine while the windshield takes care of those wind blasts. The rear-set footpegs also allow the rider to lean harder into corners. Reducing the steering rake has shortened wheelbase, and the ground clearance has been increased slightly. This has enhanced the flickability and changing directions is as easy as it gets. So you can leave your worries about scraping the engine underbelly on speed breakers right behind you. The reduced front suspension travel makes the RC390 more rider friendly as there is least amount of pitching during sudden braking and accelerating. The suspension set up of the RC390 is also slightly softer than the Duke, and doesn’t end up rattling the rider’s bones on broken roads. The RC390, thanks to its front weight bias, shorter suspension travel and a more committed stance makes the rider feel more connected with the road, and in better control (thank the Duke) on the limit.

The addition of the clip-on handlebars, fairing and revised rake has increased the turning radius of the RC390. So maneuvering the motorcycle in bumper to bumper city traffic is not as easy as the 390 Duke. But when it comes to utilising the 42 ponies of power that the engine has to offer, the RC390 feels more connected to the road (and the rider) than its sibling, the 390 Duke.

Ergonomics

Comfort though has taken a backseat. The riding stance is committed and aggressive and that can give you sore wrists after a while. The seat, as we mentioned above, is too stiff and you tend to feel the bumps on bad patches of the road (despite a softer suspension set-up).

But that’s the way the manufacturer has designed the RC390. It’s supposed to be an aggressive track tool rather than a regular city ride. They already give you city oriented products in 200 Duke and 390 Duke. The RC series, on the other hand, is supposed to maximize fun times on a race track or on weekend trip to a twisty mountain road. All said, however, be prepared to condition yourself to the more aggressive riding stance, if you want to ride the RC on a day-to-day basis. Riders used to an upright riding position should decide whether they are serious enough bikers before opting for this one.

Performance

At the heart of the KTM RC390 is the same 373cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled engine that puts out 43.5PS of power and 35Nm of torque, found doing duty on the Duke 390 earlier. Many of us have tasted the performance that this engine has to offer. But the RC390 slashes through the wind more comfortably given the full fairing that adds to the aerodynamics of the motorcycle. The engine too feels much smoother when compared to the 390 Duke. The power, clubbed with 153.5 kg weight, gives the motorcycle a healthy power-to-weight ratio of 283 PS per tonne. While the Duke 390 erupts after hitting the 7000 rpm mark, the RC390, somehow feels smoother, and a bit (just a bit) more linear than its naked counterpart. In effect, the RC presents itself as an equally powerful, slightly faster accelerating, slightly smoother machine, which is more manageable and less scary on the limit.

The motorcycle we received was fresh out of the stock and only had clocked about 30 kms on the ODO meter, the engine speed having been electronically locked at 9,500 rpm. Even better performance can be expected from the powerplant once the limiter is removed after the first service. However, even with the locked revs, the motorcycle felt quick. While pushing the motorcycle to its limits, the RC390 felt more planted than the Duke 390 due to its committed riding stance and aerodynamic body.

But all this performance really needs some potent stopping power. The task is handled by the four piston, radially bolted caliper with a 300mm diameter single brake disk at the front and a single piston floating caliper 230mm single brake disk at the rear clubbed with Bosch ABS that comes as standard. This helps RC390 to come to a standstill quicker and efficiently. The super sticky Metzeler rubber set (available as stock on 390 Duke and RC390) gives you even more confidence on high speeds as well as around the corners than on the Duke. Leaning into a corner, many riders would run out of courage before the tyres run out of surface grip.

Technical Specifications

Model	KTM RC390
Engine	Single-cylinder, four-stroke liquid-cooled
Cubic Capacity	373cc
Power	43.5PS
Torque	35Nm
Transmission	6-Speed Constant Mesh
Fuel System	Bosch EFI
Frame Type	Tubular space frame made from steel, powder-coated
Weight	153.5 Kg
Fuel Capacity	10 litres
Wheel base	1,340mm
Seat height	820mm

Click here for the conclusion>>>