About a month ago, KTM’s own website had accidentally leaked the images of the (then) upcoming RC 390 sportbike. Now, KTM has officially unveiled the new RC 390, which will be available to KTM dealers worldwide beginning March 2022.
Though KTM's first unveil was unintended, this time the House of Mattighofen accompanies it with some important details about the bike. We list down 5 quick facts about the 2022 RC 390:
MotoGP-inspired design
As with any sportsbike, bodywork or graphics that resembles that of a true Grand Prix racing motorcycle adds pogi points (appeal). The 2022 KTM RC 390 boasts of MotoGP-inspired lines and two new colorways which add to the sporty character of these motorcycles.
This redesign has also been purposely done to increase the overall size of the RC range, not only to give it a striking visual presence but also to optimize aerodynamics to achieve higher top speeds, thanks in part to the computational fluid dynamics design process.
11kg heavier
According to KTM, the 2022 RC 390’s components have undergone some weight reduction to make it more agile whether on the streets or on the racetrack. An all-new wheel design accounts for 3.4 kg of unsprung weight savings over the previous generation, while the new ByBre braking system saves an impressive 960 grams. The frame too has undergone the knife with a 1.5 kg saving.
In spite of all that, the upcoming RC 390 is still 11 kilograms heavier than the outgoing model, tipping the scales at 158 kilos vs the previous generation's 147 kilos dry weight.
Adjustable WP Apex suspension
The suspension has also undergone a major refresh, with adjustable open cartridge WP APEX inverted forks in front, which feature 30 clicks of compression adjustment on the left, and 30 clicks for rebound on the right.
The range-topping KTM RC 390 is fitted with a WP APEX rear shock absorber which offers pre-load adjustment and 5 clicks of rebound settings.
New airbox design
KTM claims that the 2022 RC 390 is more powerful than the outgoing model thanks to an improved airbox design. This draws more air into the combustion chamber, even though it is still using the same 373cc engine. The KTM RC 390 has also received a new engine map for increased torque and overall rideability.
Big bike electronics
According to KTM, the new RC 390 sets the benchmark for the small displacement sportbike segment with its selection of rider aids usually found on bigger motorcycles. These are features like Supermoto ABS, lean angle-sensitive cornering ABS, and cornering MTC (traction control); and the optional Quickshifter+.
KTM My Ride can now also be added as an option to the 2022 RC 390. The new TFT color display allows riders to access important information at a glance, with the added flexibility of being able to tailor the display to show what riders want to see. The display also automatically adapts its brightness to ambient light.
PH availability
According to our friends from KTM PH, there is no word as of yet if or when the 2022 RC 390 will become available in the country, but one thing is sure: it will also be proudly made in the Philippines.
