2022 KTM RC 390’s Real-world Performance

KTM launched the 2022 RC 390 in India in May 2022. We then took the Austrian supersport for a thorough real-world test, and here’s how it performed:

Acceleration

The KTM RC 390 is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder engine that makes a segment-leading 43.5PS and 37Nm. The same is evident in its acceleration figures as the bike is faster than all of its competition in all the runs. The supersport is, in fact, only 0.34s and 1.09s slower (in the 0-60kmph and 0-100kmph runs) than the more powerful Kawasaki Ninja 400 (BS4). 

KTM claims that a 40 percent bigger airbox gives the RC 390 more torque across the rev range. The same is visible as the bike is 0.42s and 0.09s faster than its chief rival, the TVS Apache RR 310 in the 30-70kmph and 40-80kmph runs respectively. 

Braking

To back the boisterous performance on offer, the KTM RC 390 boasts a 320mm and 230mm disc brake setup at the front and rear respectively, something that’s again the best in the segment. Our braking figures tell a similar story as we saw the supersport stop shorter than its competition. 

The much smaller, 290mm (F) and 220mm (R) setup on the Kawasaki Ninja 300 meant it took 3.10m, 1.33m and 0.7m more to stop in the 100-0kmph, 80-0kmph and 60-0kmph runs respectively

Mileage

The exciting performance that the RC 390 has on tap obviously comes at a price, for it can become quite a thirsty machine when ridden hard. The Apache RR 310 on the other hand, returned a fuel efficiency of 33.1kmpl in the city and 34.45kmpl on the highway. 

All in all, the KTM RC 390 continues to be a bike that’ll wow you with its performance. The update has now made it a more well-rounded and versatile motorcycle. For more details, check out our road test of the KTM RC 390.