• 33kW / 147kg = great fun
• All new sport chassis, ABS
• Easy to ride, easy to maintain
• Ready to race
The latest KTM RC 390 hit the streets of South Africa in November 2014 to, the bikemaker says, "show the brand's fast-forward attitude and the company's DNA".
It's a fully-faired sport motorcycle that "through first-rate, high-tech components, claims the best quality, refinement and lap-time potential" in its class.
The bike is, KTM says, road-legal but with a superior power/weight ratio and a capability for extreme lean angles.
FOCUS ON PERFORMANCE
The bikemaker says the flagship RC series machine follows the huge success of the 390 Duke naked machine with which it shares engines, but with an all-new chassis, riding position and Grand Prix-inspired bodywork has increased focus on sports performance.
A more sporty focus required a new chassis. Though physically similar to the proven steel-trellis frame of the Duke, the RC's geometry is said to be critically different to live up to the ergonomics and riding characteristics of a genuine racer. This, says KTM, means "a steeper steering-head, shorter trail and shorter wheelbase give the RC 390 a playful handling, true racetrack, capability with stability at any speed".
Differences to set the two bikes apart, claims KTM, include changes to the WP Suspension; less travel and firmer, more aggressive, damping characteristics. At 43mm, the 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.
FOUR-PISTON BRAKES
The engine is also identical to the Duke. KTM says: "The short-stroked, liquid-cooled DOHC quad-valve 375cc single delivers 33kW/35Nm under the control of electronic fuel-injection to deliver incredible response, robust power delivery and great refinement; perfect for a true racing feel, combined with convincing real-world credibility."
Developed with Brembo, the brakes include a four-piston, radially mounted, calliper biting down on a 300mm front disc backed up by Bosch ABS. "At 110/70 ZR17 front and 150/60 ZR17, even the Metzeler tyres have a racing size format," says KTM.
The RC 390 is ready now as an important chapter for the Austrian-based brand.
Price: R62 999.