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The images of the production-ready 2022 KTM RC 390, RC 200, and RC 125 were leaked on KTM’s official website by mistake and were taken down immediately, but some enthusiasts managed to quickly secure the images. After seeing many spy shots of test mules of the 2022 RC range and even spotting a few, we now have a detailed look at the bikes and here is what we can gather from further examining these images.
The leaked images have the 2022 RC 390, RC 200, and the RC 125 in a dual-tone livery, with the colour scheme of the RC 390 resembling the KTM RC16 MotoGP sportsbike. The front fascia of the upcoming RC range, which draws inspiration from the KTM RC8 R, will sport a single LED headlamp that is shaped similar to the unit found on the 250 Adventure, instead of two projectors on the outgoing models, with what could be integrated turn signals and DRLs on the sides of the headlamp. The windshield looks a little bit taller than the current models and the front fairing has a carbon fibre finish. It is likely to be just a carbon fibre finish rather than actual carbon fibre considering the price point at which the bike would be offered. And on to the sides, we can see the new bolt-on rear subframe which supports the new split seat setup. With the bolt-on rear subframe, we can guess that the engine is the stress member in the RC range. Also, in leaked pictures, the RCs seems to be running Continental tyres but the chances of the same tyres being used in the India-spec motorcycles are slim, due to import restrictions on international tyre brands. So, the manufacturer may go for MRFs for Indian spec RC 390.
As aforementioned, the 2022 KTM RC range will sport a revised frame and it might have relatively relaxed ergonomics compared to the previous-gen RCs. What hint towards this assumption is what seem to be slightly raised clip-on handlebars. Not only that, but the rake angle of the front suspension also looks a little more relaxed, compared to the previous-gen RC’s sharper setup. In the images, the RC 390 also had adjusters on both tubes of the front suspension hinting at the possibility of adjustable rebound and compression, like on the international-spec 390 Adventure. Now, as to whether or not the India-spec bike gets the same feature, remains to be seen. Moving on to the brakes, the design of the front disc is updated with shorter bridges and it also appears to be mounted on the spokes of the wheel rather than the hub. We also suspect that the rotor will be bigger in diameter. Will the updated riders triangle on the RCs add to the already sharp handling characteristics or will it hamper them is another thing that remains to be seen.
It is unlikely that KTM will be using a new power-mill in the 2022 range of RCs. So it is probable that the RC range will continue using the same BS6 engines founf on the current lineup. Meaning, the RC 390 will use the 373.2cc single-cylinder engine that puts out 43bhp and 35Nm of torque. The RC 200 will use the ongoing 199.5cc producing 25.47bhp and 19.5Nm of torque. And lastly, the youngest of the three here, the RC 125 should continue using the 125cc engine which generates 14.75bhp and 12Nm.
There are a few changes in the exhaust design of the new RC 390 and the RC 125. The leaked images showed both bikes with a cylindrical end can with mesh covering at the end cap. The RC 200 will continue sporting the underbelly exhaust as before.
We can see that the 2022 RC 390 should share the TFT colour display from the 390 Duke which enables Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. The images indicate the RC 200 also gets a similar screen layout to that of the 390, but whether or not it is the same colour-TFT unit found on the 390 Duke or the black and white screen of the 250 Adventure, remains to be seen. We also suspect that the new RC 390 will have the bi-directional quickshifter as seen on the 390 Duke. Features like the slipper clutch and dual-channel ABS should be carried forward as is.
The 2022 RC 390, 200 and 125 are expected to be officially unveiled and launched in the coming months and it is fair to assume that the bikes will have a higher ex-showroom price than the outgoing models. It will be interesting to see how these bikes stack after gettting a long overdue overhaul.
