2021 KTM RC 390: What We Know So Far

Almost a decade after the KTM RC 390 debuted, the supersport is slated for its first comprehensive update soon. The Austrian manufacturer has been extensively testing the bike in India and thanks to the set of leaked pictures from KTM’s website, not much is left to see. Here’s the lowdown on everything we know so far about the 2021 KTM RC 390:

A Massive Visual Overhaul

The previous-gen KTM RC 390 was a sharp and sporty-looking supersports, and the tradition continues with the 2021 model too. However, the company has rounded the edges of the scalpel. With all the camouflage off, the supersport does appear more appealing than it did earlier, but there’s no going around the fact that the KTM 390 Duke-sourced headlight doesn’t gel with the rest of the design, giving the bike a large fascia, while the sides have a minimal, sleeker appearance. That said, the MotoGP-inspired orange and blue paint scheme is a visual treat. The new floating fairing design seems to have winglets incorporated. However, we’ll have to wait for the official launch to confirm this.

KTM has even swapped its cowl-shaped pillion seat from the current model to a traditional unit. The new Alcantara-style seats lend the bike a more premium look.

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Revised Underpinnings

Underneath the new fairing sits a slightly tweaked trellis frame. KTM has used a bolt-on subframe which appears lighter than the current model’s unit. The new KTM RC 390 also sports a preload adjustable WP Apex USD and a monoshock. While this sounds great, the Indian model is unlikely to get adjustable suspension, just like KTM did with the 390 Adventure.

The braking department too sees a slight update. Unlike the current hub-mounted 310mm disc on the current model, the 2021 KTM RC 390 gets a new spoke-mounted disc, paired with a radially-mounted ByBre caliper. The rear 220mm disc seems unchanged. It is likely that the new front disc is lighter than the current model’s unit and paired with the new 5-spoke alloy wheels, the bike could feel a tad lighter on its feet.

That said, the tyres on the new model are the Continental ContiRoads, which are unlikely to be seen on the India-spec model, thanks to the import restrictions on the tyre. The Indian model may continue to use the MRF Revz C1 tyres.

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Another update comes in the form of the revised ergonomics. KTM has equipped the 2021 RC 390 with a new set of clip-on bars which appear slightly friendlier for road use. However, the same cannot be said about the footpegs. The bike continues to get the rear-set pegs.

Ready To Lure You With Features

Back in 2014, the KTM RC 390’s instrument console displayed everything the rider would need and even more. But with the TVS Apache RR 310 in the picture, the digital display feels a bit dated now. However, the new model ditches the decade-old unit for the TFT console from the current KTM 390 Duke. This means bluetooth connectivity finally makes its way to the KTM RC 390. Though the RC’s display is unlikely to offer more than what we have seen on the Duke and the 390 Adventure, a lap timer would be a welcome addition.

Just like its siblings, the 2021 KTM RC 390 is also likely to feature the rudimentary quickshifter and traction control systems.

The Same Old Trusty Engine

Despite being almost a decade older, the 373.2cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine remains one of the most exciting engines out there. KTM is unlikely to make changes to its BS6-compliant motor and it will continue to produce 43.5PS and 36Nm. The exhaust system, however, sees a major revision. The header pipe has been now routed from the left side instead of running below the engine. This is likely to result in a slightly better ground clearance. Even the side-slung exhaust has been updated, and with the mesh cover on the can, it resembles the KTM RC16 MotoGP bike’s exhaust.

Price And Expected Launch Timeline

The 2021 KTM RC 390 is likely to launch by the end of this month or in September, and is expected to carry a premium of Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 over the current model which retails at Rs 2.77 lakh (ex-showroom). Interestingly, its rival, the 2021 TVS Apache RR 310 is slated to launch around the same time and is likely to come with some interesting features. Which would you pick? Let us know in the comments below.