2021 KTM RC 390 - How Different Is It From The Current Model?

Official images of the 2021 KTM RC 390 were recently leaked online, putting most speculations raised during the initial sightings of the test bike to rest. And now that most details are known, here’s how different the 2021 KTM RC 390 is from the outgoing model:

An All-new Design

For 2021, the RC 390 sheds its old skin and steps into a new attire. The most talked-about aspect here is the new front end. Gone are the twin projector setup and the mirror-mounted indicators, and in comes the new single headlamp with two LED DRLs-cum-indicators on each side, finished in a faux carbon fibre material. Now, while it isn’t as edgy as the current fascia, it certainly stands out. Whether in a positive or negative manner is purely subjective. We, for one, prefer the current model’s front end.

Along with the face, the 2021 RC 390 gets new fairings, a bigger visor, new mirrors, a more muscular fuel tank and updated split seats with new covers. All this is topped off by a brand new blue and orange paint scheme, inspired by Redbull KTM’s MotoGP bike.

Front end aside, the new RC 390 certainly looks sleeker and more premium than the current model, thanks to new slimmer fairings, a bigger visor, a more muscular (and bigger) fuel tank and updated split seats with top-notch Alcantara-type covers. Sure, the cowl-like seat on the current model has made thousands of people ask “Peeche Ka Seat Nahi Hai?”, but the 2021 seat looks nothing short of impressive too.

• KTM To Bolster Its Streetfighter Lineup With The 990 Duke

• Honda Finally Has A Launch Date For Its Entry-level ADV

• Affordable Urban-spec Royal Enfield Himalayan Incoming?

More Premium Underpinnings

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

When the RC 390 first came to Indian shores, it boasted a WP USD fork, an adjustable monoshock, a potent trellis frame, and it rode on grippy Metzeler M5 tyres. Over the years, most of this has remained as is but the competition has caught up. So, for 2021, KTM is upping its ante by offering more premium components like an adjustable WP Apex fork, trellis frame with a revised sub-frame, and Continental ContiRoad tyres, drawn from the KTM 890 Duke. 

Moreover, the RC 390 now gets sleeker 5-spoke alloy wheels which should reduce unsprung mass, thus improving its already impressive riding dynamics.

However, the Indian model might skip the adjustable fork and ContiRoad tyres to keep costs in check.

Versatile Ergonomics

The nose-down stance and low clip-on handlebar made the RC 390 a sharp handling bike but came at the cost of rider comfort. And this is why it’s changed for 2021. The 2021 RC 390 gets revised clip-ons, which could be height adjustable, for a more versatile riding triangle. While this would improve the city characteristics of the motorcycle, we hope it doesn’t take away the RC’s excellent corner-carving skills. Adding to this, KTM has rerouted the exhaust for 2021, probably to improve ground and cornering clearance.

Tech savvy, Finally!

Like its underpinnings, features were the RC 390’s USP at one point. But thanks to bikes like the TVS Apache RR 310, the RC 390 has some catching up to do. And it’s doing exactly that for 2021. The updated RC 390 will finally switch to a TFT instrument cluster (from the 390 Duke) with smartphone connectivity. Also part of the package will be full-LED illumination and a slipper clutch. Along with these, KTM could very well offer a quickshifter and a switchable ABS, something enthusiasts like us would surely appreciate.  

More Juice, Probably

If there’s one place no one has outperformed the RC 390 in all these years, it is on the performance front. The potent 373cc single-cylinder motor, putting out 43.5PS and 36Nm, is expected to remain largely unchanged for 2021, as it was already EU5/BS6 compliant. However, KTM could easily fiddle around with the engine maps to eke out some extra juice to give the RC an even bigger upper hand over its competition. 

Pricing

The 2021 RC 390 is set to launch in India by the end of August or the first half of September. Considering the updates, it could come at a price of about Rs 2.85 lakh (ex-showroom), a hike of about Rs 8,000 over its current price of Rs 2.77 lakh. At this price, the RC 390 would be Rs 30,000 pricier than the TVS Apache RR 310 while still undercutting the Kawasaki Ninja 300 by an impressive Rs 33,000.