KTM RC 390 Professional Viewpoint
Rajesh Kumar have developed a deep connection with the world of motorcycles.
Along with model year
changes it had a few feature enhancements over the years but nothing
noteworthy.
With the release of
the new generation 2022 RC 390 that has altered though.
What is its real world performance like and is it worth
purchasing..
Overview
Why purchase it?
Superb management
Full of features
Why should we avoid it?
An aggressive stance when riding
Much more costly today
High saddle height
As the most performance oriented super sport in its class the KTM RC 390 has established a place for itself.
Along with model year changes it has seen a few feature
enhancements throughout the years but nothing noteworthy.
With the release of the new generation 2022 RC 390 that has
altered though. What is its performance like in the real world and is it worth
purchasing?
Style and Quality
The RC 390 has had a major renovation from KTM including a new chassis updated
design and redesigned mechanicals.
The multilayer
fairing enhances the overall attractiveness and there is a reasonable amount of
bulk up front.
According to KTM the
revised design has improved aerodynamics.
The exhaust canister then develops a mesh pattern close to the tip giving the
bike a distinctly MotoGP feel.
However I would have
like more visible heft around the tail area which seems a little too thin.
The KTM Factory
Racing Blue paint job appealed to me as well.
The paint quality alone is good and it is done in a tasteful
manner.
The plastics are also of acceptable if not great quality and everything is put
together well.
Even the switchgear has a tactile feel and feels highend.
The irregular panel gaps where the fairing joins the fuel
tank are my only complaint.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Therefore it requires some effort to swing a leg over.
I had to tiptoe the
motorcycle since the seat height at 824mm is a little too high for anyone under
5 8.
Even while it isnt as
aggressive as the previous model the riders triangle is still aggressive once
seated and you still need to squat somewhat to get to the handlebars.
In relation to that
the clipon bars may be lowered by 10mm to make it easier to tuck in and go all
out on a racetrack.
Regarding the seats the rider seat provides ample room for movement and is
broader longer and well cushioned.
My bottom didnt hurt even after riding for a few hours which
says a lot about how comfortable it is.
Despite being well padded
the back seat is positioned high and rather narrow making it uncomfortable for
pillion riders to spend a lot of time on the saddle.
However the bikes 172 kg curb weight makes it easy to push
around in parking lots and confined spaces.
The new RC 390s ride quality is another feature that caught our attention.
Particularly over
road joints and undulations it is no longer extremely rigid or startling. The
suspension does not collide with potholes despite having a firm edge.
However you will feel the suspension delivering moderate jolts over enormous square edged potholes while the rear pushes you off the bike over rumblers and steep speed breakers.
.webp)
image credits:bikewale
Performance & Handling
The maximum power output of the 373cc liquid cooled motor remains at 42.9bhp
but the torque has increased by 1Nm to 37Nm.
Additionally the engine is supported by a lighter (1.5 kg)
and stronger frame which provides superior stiffness as promised by KTM.
Although the engine has a mechanical clatter that lends it some character
overall it seems sleek.
The tank will vibrate a little when youre at a stop and even
while youre above 7000 rpm but not enough to deter you.
The motor starts out at a good clip and continues to
generate power linearly until it reaches its redline of 10000 rpm.
What indicates that it is no longer the hooligan it once was
though is the absence of any abrupt power spikes anywhere in the revband.
The temperature gauge never rose over the midway point even
when I drove the motorbike to its redline and walked through downtown traffic.
After 3000 rpm there is a ton of torque available and after 6000 rpm the engine
really shines.
You may run a gear
higher and avoid downshifting to finish an overtaking on the highway thanks to
the enhanced midrange.
The updated engine mapping has also increased its
tractability.
You can easily ride in second gear at as low as 15 kmph even
in stop go traffic and you can putter around at 50 kmph in sixth gear without
shuddering.
The slip and assist clutch is light to use and the six speed gearbox shifts
smoothly. Even the upgraded quickshifter works nicely for the most part anyplace
above 3000rpm.
The clutchless downshifts worked flawlessly for me however
the upshifts acted strangely at higher rpm particularly at the redline.
For the bike switching sides comes naturally and it can be done with the
smallest input and with the highest accuracy. Tipping it into corners seems
almost psychic and maintaining the proper line is completely troublefree. The
weight savings from lowering the unsprung mass of the chassis wheels and brakes
is largely responsible for this.
For the record the chassis now weighs 1.5 kg less the disc brakes are 1 kg less
and the new bionic alloy wheels are 3.4 kg lighter.
Features and Technology
In terms of features the 2018 KTM RC 390 has an abundance of equipment.
Were talking about full TFT color instruments with
adjustable clutch and brake levers full LED lighting Bluetooth connectivity for
music and phone controls and more.
Additionally you may adjust several settings such as turning off traction
control or switching the ABS intervention between road and super moto settings
using the toggle switch on the handlebar.
Efficiency of Fuel
The RC 390s fuel efficiency of 26.6 kmpl on our test route which consists of a
combination of city traffic and rather open areas is respectable for a 43bhp
performance focused vehicle...
If you wish to tour
this should also be a good option.
Is it worth purchasing?
All things considered purchasing a 2022 KTM RC 390 is a lot of fun...
It is now an even better package overall because to the addition of additional
features like the traction control system quickshifter+ and color TFT instrumentation.
If anything we wish KTM had included more sticky Wrated
tires and at least an adjustable front suspension option.
Furthermore KTM might
have set a more competitive price for the RC 390 which is significantly more
costly than the TVS Apache RR310 at Rs 3.14 lakh (exshowroom Delhi).
Author Bio Rajesh Kumar
Rajesh Kumar is an avid bike rider and passionate motorcycle reviewer based in Pune Maharashtra India.
Over the past two years Rajesh has explored diverse terrains across India gaining first hand experience with various bike models in real world conditions.
His deep enthusiasm for biking combined with technical knowledge allows him to provide insightful reliable and engaging reviews that help fellow riders make informed decisions.
resource
credits
All image and featured by bikewale
.webp)
){kind=link}
0 Comments