For 2017, KTM has refreshed the RC390 and has given it some substantial upgrades. While equipment like the slipper clutch has been carried over from the 2016 model, the 2017 model also gets ride-by-wire technology, revised graphics, a new side-slung exhaust, improved brakes, and a Euro-IV compliant engine. Here’s a comprehensive road-test of this feisty supersport.
On the outside
One look at the RC390 make it clear that KTM wanted to produce a slim, agile sportbike, with the added benefit of a full fairing. The 390’s protruding chin gets LED ‘fangs’ placed just under its twin projector headlamps. The transparent visor flows smoothly downwards to provide it a streamlined stance. The familiar, amber-lit instrument console from the Dukes continue on this bike with a clearly legible speedometer. However, the odometer, twin trip meters, real-time average speed indicator and mileage calculator looked crammed in and could have been more readable on the go. A bright red shifter beacon flashes to warn you when it’s time to shift up a gear, and you can set this to different points based on your preference.
The elongated rear view mirrors come with flush fit indicators built into them – they don’t really offer as good a view of the road behind though. The clip-on handlebars give the RC390 a sporty feel, more so due to a meaty centrepiece. As on the Duke, the RC390 uses hard rubber dimpled palm grips that aren’t the most comfortable. Switchgear is illuminated, a boon when it’s pitch dark. The 9.5-litre fuel-tank also houses a battery instead of it being under the seat like it is on the Duke.
The stepped pillion seat is smartly disguised as a cowl, and it’s difficult to tell this without a quick feel of the cushion. The camouflaged under-seat grab scoops that do not interfere with the RC’s sleek rear panel are a nice touch, though there’s also a single grab handle on the right. An eye-catching LED tail-light sits under the seat too.
Overall, KTM and Bajaj have made sure that overall fit, finish and quality of materials used to build this bike have no shortcomings whatsoever.
Power Torque
Powering this bike is exactly the same engine from the Duke 390, a 373.3cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected gem. The RC390 blasts to life with the push of a button and promptly settles into an exciting and ‘ready-to-race’ note. This responsive engine packs 43hp of power at 9,000rpm and peak torque, 36Nm is produced at 7,000rpm. There’s strong power from just over idle, all the way up to its 10,300rpm rev limiter. The KTM RC390’s engine sounds best when revved high. The slipper-clutch equipped six-speed gearbox and the well weighted clutch feel spot-on while pushing the bike on the highway, and performs smoothly when riding in city too. The RC390 accelerates so quickly that switching gears quickly with an open throttle will reward you with bursts of acceleration. What also helps the latest model is the addition of the drive-by-wire throttle, which has made power delivery a lot smoother, which in turn, means that you can make better use of the bike's grunt.
The bike is capable of cruising at speeds of up to 130kph in sixth with relative ease. It’s quick off the blocks too - 60kph from a standstill takes 2.93 seconds, 100kph in 6.15sec, and thereafter to 150kph in 16.34s during performance testing. Perhaps the RC390’s biggest Achille’s heel, is the engine revving across its wide powerband to meet its 10,000rpm limiter, which feels like it’s arrived too quickly for a track-focussed bike like this, where you don’t want to be caught needing to shift gears in the middle of a corner.
To its credit, the KTM RC390’s 36kg engine is refined, smooth largely vibe-free.
From the saddle
Forward-mounted clip-on handle bars and rear-set foot pegs make for an aggressive ride posture. This isn’t a forgiving bike for beginners, but will prove rewarding for experienced riders looking for the sharp handling edge of a sportsbike. The ergonomic fuel tank also provides good thigh support. The bike tips into aggressive lean angles without much effort and springs back quickly, to blast out of corners with composure. Its tubeless, radial Metzeler tyres front and rear provide solid grip on tarmac, and decent grip on concrete too.
The front brake has strong bite when required. And the ABS unit used is a Bosch-KTM developed 9MB, twin-channel system, never compromising on performance or safety. The RC390 stops in 58.58 meters from 100kph, taking 17.82m from 60kph.
The KTM RC390 returned 22.20kpl within city limits riding through congested traffic, while on the highways this went up to 22.9kpl. It managed 26kpl on an average, but then again, it is a whole 8kg heavier than the Duke.
Is it worth the money?
This ‘Race Competition’ bike naturally feels best on a track and does well on the highway too, where it catapults you to triple-digit speeds in seconds. However, if you’re riding in the city with heavy traffic everyday, you can get uncomfortable on this bike, thanks to its track-focussed posture. On the other hand, due to such seriously quick performance and sharp handling, the RC390 makes a perfect stepping stone for riders who aspire to ride a quick, supersports class multi-cylinder superbike someday. And at ₹2.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) it’s perhaps the sweetest biking deal available in India today. It’s worth every penny.
