Review
KTM has finally launched the RC 200 and RC 390 in India for INR 1.60 lakhs and INR 2.05 lakhs respectively. Both bikes have been priced very aggressively and they will sell in very good numbers! Recently, KTM revised the prices of RC 200 and RC 390, the bikes are now priced at INR 1.66 lakhs and INR 2.12 lakhs respectively. Still, these bikes offer very good value for money.
KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is a world renowned Austrian company that manufactures bicycle, motorcycle and moped. The company was founded by famous engineer Hans Trunkenpolz in 1934 as a metal workshop named Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. The company started manufacturing motorcycles in 1954 and since then has earned a lot of awards and given the world a lot of big names. It has its current headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria. The company started a joint venture in Indian market with Indian two-wheeler company Bajaj Auto in November 2007.
KTM RC390, a new sports bike was unveiled globally at the EICMA, Milan in November 2013. KTM RC 200 and RC 390 are expected to be launched in a few minutes! The bike looks like a perfect blend of stunning looks, power-packed performance and balanced power to weight ratio that puts it in the A2 category. The A2 category is for medium-sized bikes that targets the buyers of 19-23 years age group. The bike will be manufactured at Bajaj's plant in Chakan near Pune.
Design and Style
KTM RC390 has many striking features that makes it a formidable competitor which includes its stylish body panels from tank to tail, sharp fairing, new clip on handlebar and switches for a weight forward and aggressive riding position, superior control, inward moved footrests for a comfortable riding experience, advanced designed windshield with aerodynamic front, two-part seat with superior ergonomics, new steel fuel tank developed with respect to the bike's style and design, a compact 3-chamber silencer which favors the overall center of gravity of bike.
The bike features a thin tail with stylish number plate holder, mirrors with integrated blinkers, sporty new twin headlights, new aluminum-forged triple clamps, pillion seat nicely integrated into the bodywork lines, new footrests, bodywork and pedals, flaming orange frame sections and lots of other jaw-dropping minute details. It also has a powder-coated, steel made tubular space frame that makes it a solid bike.
Instrument Panel
KTM RC390 has a fully digital LCD instrument console that displays the information like fuel gauge, engaged gear and service reminder along with an RPM alert which tells the best moment for shifting up. It also features a speedometer, odometer, dual trip meter, clock and a tachometer.
Weight and Fuel Tank Capacity
The RC390 has a kerbweight of 166kgs which is grouped very close to the center of gravity for better maneuverability and precision. It has a perfectly placed fuel tank along with a capacity of 9.5-litres.
Engine and Gearbox
KTM RC390 has a powerful 373.2cc, water-cooled, forced oil engine lubrication with 2 eaton pumps, mechanically operated Wet multi disc clutch, electronic fuel injection with digital ignition timing adjustment, twin OHC based engine which has a claw-shifted 6-speed transmission. This single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine pumps out a maximum power of43 bhp and a maximum torque of 35 Nm.
Brakes and Suspension
The suspension system consists of a WP upside down telescopic forks with 125mm travel at front and a WP mono-shock absorbers with 150mm travel at rear. It also has a 4-piston, radially bolted caliper with single disc brake of diameter 300mm at front and a single-piston, floating caliper with single disc brake of diameter 230mm at rear for superior braking response. It also features Bosch ABS for precise and pwerful braking.
Tyre Size
The 17-inch orange painted cast alloy light wheels with Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres (110mm front and 150mm rear) for superior grip and durability are fitted in to the KTM RC390.
Ride and Handling
It has an extended wheelbase of 1340mm, a high ground clearance of 157mm, seat height of 830mm, power/weight ratio of 0.2KW/Kg and steering head angle of 66.5degrees. All of these, offers wonderful handling characteristics and a stable ride.
Shades
KTM RC390 is available in a Black/White shade.
Ex-showroom Price
The ex-showroom price of KTM RC390 is Rs. 2.12 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) may vary.
Things that are admirable:
1. Power and Torque figures: 43 HP and 35 NM (Best in Segment)
2. Stunning Aggressive design. (Might be too sharp for some people)
3. Dual Projectors with DRLs.
4. Standard ABS with an option to turn it off.
5. Amazingly designed pillion seat, tail light and removable tail.
6. Metzeler tyres for providing superior wet/dry grip.
7. Value for Money
Things that are not:
1. Same copied instrument cluster from the duke 390. (could have designed better with analog tachometer)
2. Engine sound.
Note: RC 390 is a super-sports machine and not a day to day commuter. It is intended to give you the moto GP feel and corner confidence. People looking for usability and Fuel Efficiency should avoid this machine.
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