KTM’s partner and stake holder Bajaj manufactures the 125 cc, 200 cc, 250 cc and 390 cc variants of Duke and RC series under the KTM nameplate at their facility in Pune. It is from here that these eight variants are exported to the world.
Now, at the 2016 EICMA last year, KTM the new RC 390. Apart from a refreshed paint scheme, the new KTM RC 390 is also more responsive and sharper in handling. It also gets new adjustable brake and clutch lever, wider mirrors, larger 320 mm brake rotor and a new seat, which makes long rides more comfortable.
Additional updates on offer with 2017 KTM RC 390 include slipper clutch, ride-by-wire, always on headlight (headlamp on-off switch no longer there since 2016 variants), plastic flaps on front fork, revised NOK seal, improved seat cushion, improved alloy wheels, new ECU mounts, adjustable handle bar levers, improved radiator fans for better cooling, and much more.
Unlike the previous edition, which had received under-belly exhaust, the new 2017 KTM RC 390 features a side-mounted exhaust system. Now this was done so as to meet the stricter emission norms in developed countries, especially in Europe.
New KTM RC 390 – 10 Things No One Told You
With inputs from Rahul Mazumder (Ride With Rahul) we bring you 10 features about the new 2017 KTM RC390 which no one told you. Offered in colors of Orange, Jet Black and White, the RC390 receives a 373.2 cc 1 cylinder liquid cooled engine offering 43.5 PS power and 36 Nm torque.
1
Front Disc – KTM RC390 receives larger 320mm front disc brakes. These larger disc brakes offer better stopping power and being made with aluminum ensures lighter weight even as these new brakes also result in better heat dissipation.
2
Oil Seal – 2017 KTM RC390 receives imported oil seal from a reputed Japanese company.
3
Throttle by Wire – This ride-by-wire throttle with adjustable levers also makes its way onto the new RC390 replacing the electronic system seen on its earlier counterpart. This in turn offers better response and is more beginners friendly.
4
White and Orange Paint Scheme – A new paint scheme seen on 2017 KTM RC390 is glossy and UV resistant which means that the strong summer sun does not damage the paint in any way. Its paint scheme is further accentuated by new graphics seen across the bike.
5
A new belly pan design – is narrower and positioned higher than was seen on the earlier model
6
Side mounted Exhaust – The new aluminum silencer now complies with Euro 4 standards. Sounds are smoother and it also offers better idling. This new exhaust system is a combination of stainless steel underbelly pre muffler and aluminum absorption type final exhaust.
7
Shock Absorbers – 2017 KTM RC390 gets separate oil and gas canisters which enhances performance. It is internal so is not visible.
8
New Tyre Rating – Seen with ‘H’ rating which is good for 180-200 kms, the RC390 tyres are also cheaper and available on Amazon at INR 30,000. Front tyres measure 110/70 ZR 17 while at the rear are 150/60 ZR 17.
9
Frame and Chassis – RC390 sits on a tubular space frame made of steel and powder coated. It comes in with 12mm extra padding on seats for added rider and pillion comforts while grab handles for pillion is also evident. It is now 4 kgs heavier than its earlier counterpart, weighing a total of 164.5 kgs.
10
ECU Upgrade – This feature is also noted on the new RC390 with a safety feature which ensures that the bike cannot be started without a key and a security system that cannot be hacked.
Watch the video below, for a detailed understanding.
