KTM India is keeping buyers interested in the brand for 2022 with multiple launches, and has now launched the 2022 RC 390, with prices starting from Rs 3.14 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2022 RC 390 is a significant motorcycle for KTM as it made inroads into the Indian market with the first-gen RC 390 back in 2013.
What’s new in the 2022 KTM RC 390?
Like its siblings, the 2022 RC 390 receives completely new styling based on KTM’s race-spec motorcycle. The headlamp is all new, and it features integrated turn-indicators along with DRLs. Unlike its predecessor, the 2022 RC 390 receives two paint schemes — Electronic Orange and KTM’s Factory Racing Blue. The fuel tank is a larger 13.7-litre unit as opposed to its predecessor’s 9.5-litre tank, but you already knew that. Overall, the styling is identical to its smaller siblings and we’re not complaining.
The 2022 RC 390 retains the 373cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, paired to a six-speed transmission, putting out 42.9bhp and 37Nm of torque — 1Nm lesser than its predecessor. It also retains the same WP Apex suspension setup (43mm USD forks and an adjustable monoshock) but is now underpinned by a redesigned steel trellis frame which, KTM claims, has shed upto 1.5kg of weight. KTM also says the wheels are up to 3.5kg lighter than before. The RC 390 now features a split-seat setup with thicker padding, and you can also adjust the clip-on handlebars with the 10mm risers. How that will make a difference is something Karan will tell you in his review soon.
In terms of braking, the RC 390 gets a 320mm disc with ByBre four-piston radially mounted calipers at the front, and a 230mm disc with a single-piston floating caliper.
The biggest change is in terms of the equipment, and the 2022 RC 390 receives plenty of it. The colour TFT screen has finally made in onto the RC, and it can be toggled via the switchgear on the left, similar to the 390 Duke. Other kit on the RC includes a quickshifter, cornering ABS, traction control, and a supermoto mode which disables ABS.
The 2022 KTM RC 390 can be had from Rs 3.14 lakh onwards (ex-showroom), which places it in the ballpark of the TVS Apache RR 310 and the Kawasaki Ninja 300. Stay tuned for our review of the 2022 KTM RC 390, which is coming soon!