KTM RC 390 New vs Old — What Has Changed

KTM showcased the upgraded RC 390 at EICMA and we compare it to the current generation motorcycle to point out the upgrades.

By Rajkamal

Updated: Saturday, August 12, 2017, 14:05 [IST]

KTM gained a lot of attention at EICMA as the Austrian motorcycle manufacturing company showcased a line up of upgraded motorcycles. One motorcycle that was of particular interest was the upgraded Duke 390, which we have already seen the difference between the old one and the new Duke.

KTM RC 390 New vs Old — What Has Changed

However, the Duke was not the only motorcycle that caught our attention — the RC range, the 390 and the 200 were also a highlight as they are sold in India. KTM upgraded these two motorcycles in the RC range as well, and now let's take a look at what's changed.

Design

The old generation, or the currently selling KTM RC range feature a full body fairing, unlike the Duke range, which is focused on being a street bike. The RC Range of motorcycles, the 200 and 390 draw design inspiration from the RC8.

The motorcycles feature clip on handlebars and the rear seat is very well integrated into the chassis of the motorcycle. Similar to the Dukes, the RC has an underbelly exhaust that is neatly integrated into the bottom fairing of the KTM RC range.

The new RC range that was showcased at EICMA received minor cosmetic updates, but the overall design stays very close to the current generation motorcycle. The most noticeable and the biggest change is the new side mounted exhaust, that replaces the under belly one to keep up with recent emission norms.

Engine Specification & Gearbox

At the moment, the KTM RC range of motorcycles, the 200 and the 390 are powered by the same engines that power the Duke range. The RC200 is powered by a 200cc, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 25bhp and 19Nm of torque.

The RC390 is powered by a 375cc, single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that makes 44bhp and 35Nm of peak torque. Both motorcycles come with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but feature different ratios to suit the engines better.

The new RCs will retain the same engines. The engines will have identical power figures, but may be retuned to deliver power smoother, and make the motorcycles a bit more city friendly.

Features

The current generation KTM RC200 and the 390 feature upside down front forks, monoshock at the rear, disc brakes at both ends, digital instrument console, projector headlamps with daytime running lights, and clip on handlebars.

The RC390 comes with a slipper clutch and standard ABS that can be switched off, which the RC200 missed out on.

The upgraded model of the KTM RC models feature all the above mentioned features and the RC could get lighter front forks like the Duke. Additional features now include a larger front brake rotor that measures 320mm (old one was 300mm), adjustable brake and clutch levers, redesigned seat, and new colour options.

One feature that could have made it on the RC range is the new TFT instrument console that comes on the Duke. The TFT display features smartphone connectivity. Also, the new Dukes come with a bigger fuel tank, which the RC mises out.

Pricing

The pricing, along with the powerful engines is what makes KTM worth every penny shelled out. The KTM RC200 and the 390 are currently priced approximately at Rs 1.87 lakh and Rs 2.37 lakh on-road (Delhi) respectively. The new RC200 and 390 can be priced a little higher, but with ‘affordability' in mind.

Will the new RC200 and 390 be fun on the track?

The answer is definitely a yes. The KTM RC range have been track focused motorcycles from the very beginning, mixed with everyday rideability. The new ones will surely have the same DNA, may be better.