KTM has unveiled an exciting new sport bike for the 2015 season, the RC 390. Inspired by the track-ready RC8 R superbike, the 390 is also race-ready, and with 44 hp and a 147 kg weight, we expect it to be one fun little machine. One thing’s for sure – we want to ride one, now.
From KTM:
The new KTM RC 390 hits the street with a purpose to reflect KTM`s fast forward attitude and the company’s DNA in a perfect and global way. Never before a full faired sport motorcycle stepped into the segment with more quality, refinement and lap time potential.
Distinguished by first-rate, high-tech components, the road legal racer has a superior power-to-weight ratio, unprecedented agility and capable of extreme lean angles to be able to out-handle whatever the daily race can throw at it.
The flagship RC series machine follows on from the huge success of the KTM 390 DUKE naked machine it shares its powerplant with, but with an all-new chassis, riding position and Grand Prix-inspired bodywork has increased focus on sports performance.
New chassis
With a more sporty focus requires a new chassis to match the RC’s intentions. Though physically similar in appearance to the proven steel trellis frame of the DUKE, the RC’s geometry is critically different in order to fully live up to the ergonomics and riding characteristics of a genuine racer. A steeper steering head, shorter trail and shorter wheelbase give the RC 390 a playful handling, true racetrack capability but – importantly – perfect stability at any speed.
Further differences that set the RC apart from its naked counterpart are changes to the WP Suspension; less travel and firmer, aggressive damping characteristics. At 43 mm, the amply sized upside down front forks have the same diameter stanchions as those of the KTM 1190 RC8 R Superbike and add genuine racing equipment to ensure maximum stability and precision.
Strong engine
Set within the orange matrix of steel is the same highly sophisticated, powerful and reliable engine as the 390 DUKE. The short-stroked, liquid-cooled DOHC four-valve 375 cc single boasts 44 hp and 35 Nm and is mastered by the RC’s electronic fuel injection to deliver incredible response, robust power delivery and great refinement; perfect conditions for a true racing feel, combined with convincing real-world credibility.
High-tech components
Developed together with Brembo, the braking system includes a four-piston radially mounted caliper biting down hard on a 300 mm front disc backed up by Bosch ABS as standard – an unparalleled quality feature in this segment for maximum safety. At 110/70 ZR17 front and 150/60 ZR17, even the Metzeler tyres have a racing size format.
READY TO RACE
Further proving this new machine’s racetrack qualities are tomorrow’s MotoGP pilots who are exploiting the ‘CUP’ version of the RC 390 this season to fight for points and podiums in the German ADAC Junior Cup. These identical bikes are making for thrilling racing and are fitted with a wide range of track-focused accessories from the official KTM PowerParts catalogue; parts that are also available for the street RC rider to enhance their machine amongst a huge array of other customisation for the RC.
Available from the end of September onwards, the RC 390 is ready to write an important chapter for the Austrian-based brand – with an outstanding sportmotorcycle that is ready to inspire riders all over the world. www.rc390.com | KTM RC 390 Action Video
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