After weeks of leaked images, speculations and a teaser, KTM has officially pulled the wraps off the 2022 KTM RC 390 that gets a complete overhaul over the current version. The model gets a completely new design language, more features and packs more torque than the outgoing model. Most notably, the 2022 KTM RC 390 swaps the twin-projector lens headlamps for a single LED headlamp with turn indicators flanked on either side. The full fairing is new and gets a host of upgrades for a sharp look while the tail section has been reworked for lesser bodywork that offers a more aggressive profile.
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KTM says the bodywork on the 2022 RC 390 is grand prix-inspired and larger than before better for road presence & optimised aerodynamics
KTM says the all-new RC 390 follows a Grand Prix style design with nearly every panel redesigned on the bike. The new styling is intended to make the model larger than the current version for better road presence and optimised aerodynamics at high speeds. The new design has optimised wind and weather protection and offers better heat management by using a combination of inner and outer body panels to direct airflow away from the rider. Meanwhile, the new tail section design aims to show off redesigned steel trellis subframe.
KTM has also reworked the ergonomics on the 2022 RC 390. The knee area is now ergonomically developed to allow for easier, more fluid rider movement, being as narrow as possible with the largest possible contact area. The bike also gets a new two-part cockpit and windscreen holder that makes use of a cast aluminium upper area and a lower composite part that secures the headlight. There's also a larger 13.7-litre fuel tank. KTM says the new panels are easily removable with fewer screws in place, which will make swapping the bodywork on a track day that much easier.
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The 2022 KTM RC 390 comes with a fully adjustable suspension set-up. It needs to be seen if the India-spec version gets the same
The 2022 KTM RC range has seen a weight reduction of 3.4 kg with extensive savings made throughout the chassis. The new ByBre brakes help save 960 gm, while the frame is lighter by 1.5 kg. The bike also features an entirely new exhaust system with stainless steel header pipes and an aluminium muffler.
In terms of power, the next-generation KTM RC 390 and the 125 get the same single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine options with a new 40 per cent larger airbox that allows the bikes to breathe freely. KTM says this has resulted in providing more torque than the current model, along with improved throttle response and acceleration. The engine has been remapped too for the higher torque output with the motor churning out 43 bhp and 37 Nm, up from 35 Nm.
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The braking set-up has been carried over while the exhaust system is all new
Another big update on the next-generation KTM RC 390 is the suspension overhaul. The bike now comes with adjustable open cartridge WP APEX USD front forks with 30 clicks of compression adjustment on the left, and 30 clicks for rebound on the right. An adjustable WP APEX monoshock takes control at the rear with five clicks for preload adjustability. The model also benefits from the Quickshifter+. It needs to be seen if KTM India will offer the adjustable suspension on the version sold here.
Meanwhile, the braking setup has been retained with the 320 mm single disc up front with a radially mounted four-piston-fixed ByBre caliper and a 230 mm disc at the rear with a single-piston fixed caliper. The bike gets Supermoto ABS package as standard, along with the adjustable brake and clutch levers. The new RC 390 rides on 17-inch wheels with fewer spokes for weight savings, with a 110/70 section at the front and a 150/60 tyre at the rear.
The 2022 KTM RC 390 will use the same engine but with added refinement and higher torque output
Lastly, the 2022 KTM RC 390 gets a new TFT display along with Bluetooth connectivity. The feature extends to the new RC 125 as well. There's no word on the launch yet but KTM says the model will start arriving at dealerships in March 2022. We reckon India will be one of the first markets to get the new RC 390 with the model locally built and exported from Bajaj Auto's Chakan plant. The RC 390 continues to take on the TVS Apache RR 310, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the likes in the segment.
