An important chapter will be added to the Indian motorcycling history tomorrow, when two fully faired motorcycles, the KTM RC 390 and the RC 200 will be officially launched at an event in Pune. The RC twins aren’t all that different from their naked cousins in mechanical terms, but we are sure they will be a hit amongst those who like their motorcycles faired. Although everything about the motorcycles is known beforehand, the most important aspect, pricing, will be revealed at the event. The webcast of the event will begin at 11:30 IST tomorrow and you can tune in to this page to witness the action, Live!
(To watch a video review of the KTM RC 390, click here)
The KTM RC 390 and the 200 are more focused motorcycles than the Duke twins. Minor changes have been made to the steering angle on the RC twins, which in turn makes it boast of a shorter wheelbase and increased ground clearance in comparison to the Duke. Fuel tank capacity has gone down by a litre, where the Duke could hold 11 litres of petrol, the RC will only carry 10. The RC twins also weigh heavier (Duke 200: 125 kgs dry / RC 200: 137.5 kgs dry) ( Duke 390: 139 kgs / RC 390: 147 kgs), which should make them slower off the block, unless tuned differently. However, taller gears and better aerodynamics should allow for higher top speeds in comparison to the Duke twins.
The RC gets twin projector headlamps with day time running LEDs, along with clip-on handlebars, split seats, 10-spoke orange alloy wheels and orange frame. The RC 200 has a black fairing with white and orange decals, while the RC 390 will come in a white fairing with black and orange decals.