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KTM RC 390 [2020]



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RC 390 [2020] Model Image
KTM RC390 - 2017 Side
KTM RC 390 Front Three-Quarter
KTM RC390 - 2017 Front Three-Quarter
KTM RC390 - 2017 Front Three-Quarter
KTM RC390 - 2017 Front Wheel & Tyre
KTM RC390 - 2017 Exhaust
KTM RC390 - 2017 Engine
discontinued
Variant
BS VI
City
Show price in my city
₹ 2,78,439
Last known Avg. Ex-showroom price
KTM has discontinued the RC 390 [2020] and the bike is out of production.
Explore Other RC Models

Explore Other RC Models

KTM offers 3 more RC models starting from ₹1,89,667

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RC 390 [2020] Key Highlights

Engine Capacity373.2 cc
Mileage
26 kmpl
Transmission6 Speed Manual
Kerb Weight147 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity10 litres
Seat Height820 mm

KTM RC 390 [2020] Summary

The KTM RC 390 BS6 gets a cosmetic update as part of the 2020 update. While it retains the aggressive design and bodywork of the previous model which incorporates the distinctive LED-projector headlamps upfront, the RC 390 is now adorned in a new colour scheme.

The fully-faired motorcycle is available in two colours - Black with white and Metallic Silver. While the streetfighter 390 Duke is updated with a bi-directional quick shifter, the new RC 390 misses out on that feature. Besides prepping it up for the BS6 norms, KTM has retained the power output from the 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. It continues to put out 43bhp of power and 37Nm of torque. Suspension and braking hardware also remain the same as the previous model.

In terms of competition, the KTM RC390 goes up against the TVS Apache RR 310, Yamaha R3 and Kawasaki Ninja 400.

KTM RC 390 [2020] Review

  • Good Things

    • Best in segment performance
    • Brakes are excellent
    • Very good handling
  • Could be Better

    • Hard and uncomfortable seat
    • Commited riding stance
    • Heating issue in traffic

BikeWale's Take

The KTM RC390 is an entry-level performance motorcyle that features a full fairing, good riding dynamics, superb performance and good safety features, all available at a very affordable sticker price.

KTM RC 390 [2020] Expert Opinion

From its design and features to chassis and engine, almost everything has been revised with an aim to make it more versatile. In that case, have these changes played their part and made it more desirable?

Introduction

KTM RC 390 action

Why to buy it?

- Brisk acceleration 

- Plethora of features

- Commendable agility 

Why to avoid it?

- Committed riding position 

- Tall seat height 

The KTM RC 390 was first launched in India in 2014 when it garnered a lot of praise for its track-worthy performance and premium components. Then, KTM kept on giving it minor updates like the inclusion of a slipper clutch, a ride-by-wire throttle, new colour options, and a cleaner engine. But then, it started feeling a bit long in the tooth and a comprehensive overhaul was due for a long time. Well, KTM has finally addressed that by launching the 2022 RC 390 in India. 

From its design and features to chassis and engine, almost everything has been revised with an aim to make it more versatile. In that case, have these changes played their part and made it more desirable? That’s what we tried to find out when we rode the new RC 390 around Bajaj’s testing track in Chakan, before we get to sample it in real-world later. 

The Visuals

KTM RC 390 Right Side View

We are familiar with the new design of the motorcycle as it looks identical to the 2022 RC 200 and RC 125, barring the new paint schemes. In its latest avatar, it has done away with the sharpness of its predecessor in favour of a more mature and conservative design. The motorcycle looks bigger and more premium due to a larger front fascia, a two-part fairing, and a bigger fuel tank. Plus, the two new dual-tone colour options make it look quite tasteful. KTM says this design is also more efficient aerodynamically with better wind deflection and air channelling. 

KTM RC 390 Instrument Cluster

The build quality is about average, if not great. The paint quality is good, specifically on the fuel tank which boasts a matte finish. Even the plastic panels feel sturdy and well put together, except for minor uneven panel gaps around the fairing. What doesn’t leave any room for complaint is the quality of switchgear and the tactility of switches. 

The Package

KTM RC 390 Side Fairing

As I said before, almost everything on the RC has been tweaked with the intent to make it more of an all-rounder. Starting with the engine, the 373cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder mill gets a 40 per cent larger airbox, a new engine mapping, and a torque bump of 1Nm — all of it to achieve better torque distribution and rideability. While the torque output stands at 37Nm now, the power figure is the same at 42.9bhp.

KTM RC 390 Front Wheel

The remapped engine clings on to a revised split-type trellis frame, as opposed to a single-piece unit on its predecessor. KTM claims this setup to be lighter, stiffer, and with better rigidity. You also get new five-spoke alloy wheels which, similar to the chassis, are lighter in weight. The suspension setup continues to comprise WP Apex inverted front forks and rear monoshock, but the travel has been increased, damping characteristics are different, and, besides preload, the rear gets rebound adjustability now. While the disc brakes retain the same diameter – 320mm up front and 230mm at the rear, these too are lighter. As a result, the overall kerb weight stands at 172kg now, which is down by 1kg. 

KTM RC 390 Instrument Cluster

Now, the real party lies on the feature front. KTM has bestowed it with some high-end electronics, which we see in much bigger motorcycles. There's a traction control system, lean-sensitive cornering ABS with two modes, and a bi-directional quick shifter. You can monitor and tweak all these features through the new full-colour TFT display and new switchgear. Notably, the console is the same unit as the 390 Duke which gets Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone pairing, multiple theme options, automatic brightness adjustment, call and message notifications, and shows a plethora of information. Lastly, with a capacity of 13.7-litre, the fuel tank is 4.2-litre bigger than the previous iteration of the RC.

The Ride

KTM RC 390 action

Just like the design, the ergonomics are identical to the RC200. The 824mm seat height is quite tall and if you’re shorter than my 5’11’’ stature, getting onboard could be cumbersome. And once seated, I could almost flat foot, with my heels slightly above the ground. Now, typical of a supersport, the riding position is a bit aggressive, but not as committed as the previous model. You crouch a little to reach the clip-ons with your knees properly folded to get to the pegs. And when you want to go full send, there's ample space to move at the back and tuck in. That said, track junkies will be happy to know that the clip-ons can be lowered by 10mm. As for pushing the bike around, it’s easily doable, courtesy of its 172kg kerb weight. 

KTM RC 390 action

On to the performance now, off the line, the bike charges ahead vigorously and builds up pace cleanly, and with urgency. The motor truly comes alive after 6,000rpm and it keeps accelerating spiritedly until its redline of 10,000rpm. However, unlike the outgoing model, there's no sudden surge of torque anywhere in the rev band and the overall performance is quite linear. Thanks to the improved mid-range grunt, my wrong gear selections around corners were forgiven with a clean pull. Although I couldn't test the top speed, I saw 165kmph on the speedo on the main straight of the track. And that's where the new fairing design truly shone by doing a commendable job of deflecting wind and letting it all pass over my helmet. 

KTM RC 390 action

The clutch is supremely light and accompanying it is a slick-shifting six-speed gearbox which works without any fuss. And so does the quick shifter! While the clutchless downshifts are free of errors, the upshifts misbehaved at times, especially around 8,000-9,000rpm. But for the most part, mainly between 3,000-8,000rpm, even the upshifts were seamless. 

KTM RC 390 action

As for the new chassis, it feels quite communicative and bestows the bike with utmost precision. Tipping into corners is effortless and more progressive than before and holding on to the desired line is equally easy too. Then, it flicks from side to side with minimal steering inputs while not being unnervingly tippy to scare you off. 

KTM RC 390 action

But I was left wanting for better grip from the Metzeler tyres. While they deliver reasonable grip around long sweeping corners, it was around sharp bends and at extreme lean angles that the rubber felt squirmy and didn't inspire a lot of confidence.

KTM RC 390 Left Side View

The new suspension setup, meanwhile, contributes to the cornering efficiency by soaking up mid-corner undulations neatly and not letting the bike unsettle. Even the front dive wasn’t unnerving under hard braking which meant tipping into corners was a smooth affair. Furthermore, every time I braked hard before a corner, there was a lot of stopping power from the front with a sharp bite and reasonable progression. Plus, the brakes didn't fade even after multiple laps around the track. 

Should you buy it?

KTM RC 390 thumbnail

The 2022 KTM RC 390 had me smiling ear to ear after the 30 minutes riding session around Bajaj’s test track. It brings along almost all the ingredients to be extremely enjoyable around a track. The chassis is extremely communicative, the brakes have the bite, and the suspension holds up well when you're pushing it. The changes to the engine have surely robbed it of its hooligan character, but it isn’t boring by any stretch. The engine feels smoother, the torque distribution is wider across the rev band, and it’s more manageable. And the availability of a quick shifter only makes it more engaging. However, the seasoned corner-carvers might wince at the lack of grip from the W-rated Metzeler tyres around the edges. 

KTM RC 390 Head Light

With a price tag of Rs 3.14 lakh (ex-showroom), the new RC 390 is not profoundly expensive, considering the overall package it brings to the table. However, a lower price tag would have raised its desirability quotient. Now, to find out how it is to live with in the real world, and tour upon, stay tuned for our detailed road test review. 

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi

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KTM RC 390 [2020] mileage

KTM RC 390 [2020] mileage

The average of the RC 390 [2020] is 26 kmpl, as per the owners of the bike.

RC 390 [2020] mileage details

RC 390 [2020] Specifications & Features

BS VI

Change Version

  • Specifications
  • Features
  • Specifications
  • Features

      Specifications

      • Power & Performance

        • Displacement
          373 cc
        • Max Power
          42.9 bhp @ 9000 rpm
        • Max Torque
          35 Nm @ 7000 rpm
        • Mileage - Owner Reported
          26 kmpl
        • Riding Range
          247 Km
        • Top Speed
          169 Kmph
        • Riding Modes
          -
        • Transmission
          6 Speed Manual
        • Transmission Type
          Chain Drive
        • Gear Shifting Pattern
          1 Down 5 Up
        • Cylinders
          1
        • Bore
          89 mm
        • Stroke
          60 mm
        • Valves Per Cylinder
          4
        • Compression Ratio
          12.6:1
        • Ignition
          -
        • Spark Plugs
          1 Per Cylinder
        • Cooling System
          Liquid Cooled
        • Clutch
          -
        • Fuel Delivery System
          -
        • Fuel Tank Capacity
          9.5 litres
        • Reserve Fuel Capacity
          1.5 litres
        • Emission Standard
          BS6
        • Fuel Type
          Petrol
        • View More(+20)

      • Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

        • Front Suspension
          WP APEX 43
        • Rear Suspension
          WP APEX - Monoshock
        • Braking System
          Switchable ABS
        • Front Brake Type
          Disc
        • Front Brake Size
          320 mm
        • Caliper - Front
          -
        • Rear Brake Type
          Disc
        • Rear Brake Size
          230 mm
        • Caliper - Rear
          -
        • Wheel Type
          Alloy
        • Front Wheel Size
          17 inch
        • Rear Wheel Size
          17 inch
        • Front Tyre Size
          110/70 - 17
        • Rear Tyre Size
          150/60 - 17
        • Tyre Type
          Tubeless
        • Radial Tyres
          Yes
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          29 psi
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          29 psi
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          29 psi
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          30 psi
        • View More(+16)

      • Dimensions & Chassis

        • Kerb Weight
          172 kg
        • Seat Height
          820 mm
        • Ground Clearance
          178.5 mm
        • Overall Length
          -
        • Overall Width
          -
        • Overall Height
          -
        • Wheelbase
          1340 mm
        • Chassis Type
          Steel trellis frame, powder coated
        • View More(+4)

      • Manufacturer Warranty

        • Standard Warranty
          -
        • Standard Warranty
          -

      Features

        • Touch Screen Display
          -
        • Instrument Console
          -
        • Odometer
          Digital
        • Speedometer
          Digital
        • Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Digital Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Hazard Warning Indicator
          -
        • Average Speed Indicator
          -
        • OTA Updates
          -
        • Call/SMS Alerts
          -
        • Geo Fencing
          -
        • Distance to Empty Indicator
          -
        • Tachometer
          Digital
        • Stand Alarm
          Yes
        • No. of Tripmeters
          2
        • Tripmeter Type
          Digital
        • Gear Indicator
          -
        • Low Fuel Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Oil Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Battery Indicator
          Yes
        • Clock
          Yes
        • Service Reminder Indicator
          -
        • Battery
          12V/8Ah
        • Front Storage Box
          No
        • Under Seat Storage
          No
        • Mobile App Connectivity
          No
        • DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
          Yes
        • AHO (Automatic Headlight On)
          Yes
        • Shift Light
          Yes
        • Headlight Type
          -
        • Brake/Tail Light
          -
        • Turn Signal
          -
        • Pass Light
          Yes
        • GPS & Navigation
          No
        • USB Charging Port
          No
        • Riding Modes Switch
          -
        • Traction Control
          -
        • Cruise Control
          -
        • Hazard Warning Switch
          -
        • Start Type
          Electric Start
        • Killswitch
          Yes
        • Stepped Seat
          Yes
        • Pillion Backrest
          No
        • Pillion Grabrail
          Yes
        • Pillion Seat
          Yes
        • Pillion Footrest
          Yes
        • Front Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Rear Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Additional Features
          TFT Display
        • View More(+45)

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      KTM RC 390 [2020] User Reviews

      4.8/5

      (985 Ratings) 274 Reviews

      4

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      4

      Comfort


      4

      Service Experience

      3

      Maintenance cost


      4

      Extra Features


      4

      Value for Money

      Review

      20 weeks ago


      Paaras Banyal

      I love my RC 390. I always travel on my bike. RC's performance is like a beast like you are riding a beast. But its maintenance cost is a little high. You have to maintain your bike with your pocket open. I suggest you to buy an RC 390. Follow the instructions given and ride your bike safely.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      3

      Comfort


      5

      Service Experience


      4

      Value for Money

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Everything

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      > 15000 kms

      Got mileage of

      24 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Lube your chain for more speed

      Was this review helpful?

      2


      0


      Review

      1 year ago


      Abhishek

      In my opinion, it is a very powerful and aggressive machine in this segment and this is the best bike I used in this segment. its pick-up is next level and it's a very huge engine capacity in this segment, in this bike the braking is on another level so this is the best bike under 400cc bike and this bike is amazing.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      4

      Comfort


      4

      Service Experience


      5

      Value for Money

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Everything

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      5000-10000 kms

      Got mileage of

      21 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      4


      1


      Most expensive bike ever

      1 year ago


      Akash Gowda

      Powerful bike ever in a single cylinder and it is most powerful than 2 cylinders bike and everyone likes a 390 that,s metallic silver is a most attractive color that is like an orange it attracts people, most of the boys who have dreamed of ktm, these lines I know about rc 390 power, look, and its attraction to d people.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      5

      Maintenance cost

      5

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Daily Commute

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      > 15000 kms

      Was this review helpful?

      4


      1

      Dream

      1 year ago


      Rajesh Nayak

      I love everything about this bike. In fact, it is one of my favorite bikes. Whenever I ride this bike I feel something that never felt before. It's not a bike to rise it's the emotion of all ktm owners. Sometimes I felt o am flying when I am riding it. Whenever I touch the handle it's indescribable... We cannot measure emotion.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      4

      Maintenance cost

      5

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Daily Commute

      Owned for

      Never owned

      Got mileage of

      25 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      7


      2

      How much this bike is good

      1 year ago


      Ankit Paswan

      I like this bike very much because the design of this bike is next level and I can't tell when I saw this bike on the road how much I am happy. This is a sports bike but its performance is also next level. So everyone wants to purchase this bike. No one can compare this bike to anyone because it is awesome.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      2

      Maintenance cost

      4

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Daily Commute

      Owned for

      Never owned

      Got mileage of

      35 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      5


      2

      Powerful beast in its segment

      2 years ago


      Sahil Shah

      It’s really great bike with ready to race performance.
      You can directly go on to a track after purchase this machine. Mileage is good on highway i have got 35kmpl. But it depends on your riding style.
      Top speed:- 178 i have clocked.
      Cornering is excellent.
      Conclusion:- don’t think and go for this bike

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      4

      Maintenance cost

      4

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Everything

      Owned for

      < 3 months

      Ridden for

      10000-15000 kms

      Got mileage of

      30 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      8


      3

      KTM RC 390 [2020] Expert Reviews

      KTM RC 390 [2020] News

      Upcoming KTM Bikes

      KTM 125 Duke [2024]
      KTM 125 Duke [2024]

      ₹ 1,75,000

      Apr 2024 (Tentative)Expected Launch

      Notify me

      KTM 390 Adventure [2025]
      KTM 390 Adventure [2025]

      ₹ 4,30,000

      Jan 2025 (Tentative)Expected Launch

      Notify me

      KTM 650 Duke
      KTM 650 Duke

      ₹ 6,50,000

      Jan 2026 (Tentative)Expected Launch

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