2020 KTM RC 390 Design Revealed

The next-gen RC 390 will come with a new design, a BS6-compliant engine and better features

• The new RC 390 will feature a colour TFT instrument console like the 390 Duke.
• The 373cc motor will be BS6 compliant and is likely to get a bump in performance.
• Updated underpinnings could be on the cards as well.
• Expect the new RC 390 to debut at EICMA 2020.

It's been a long time coming and the new KTM RC 390 is closer to reality. The bike’s already been spotted testing overseas, giving us an idea of what we could expect - a complete new design, new features and a BS6-compliant engine. That said, the bike lacked KTM’s signature orange livery. Thankfully, our wish has been fulfilled as we’ve managed to uncover renders of the upcoming motorcycle wearing the unique orange paint scheme.

To begin with, the bodywork appears to be larger and more angular than before and features a larger fuel tank. The front fascia of the updated RC 390 has been pulled further back and gets a flatter profile, a taller windscreen and a single projector headlight. From the looks of it, the LED turn indicators have been incorporated into the front fairing rather than the rearview mirrors.

The rear section is now slimmer than before and features a squarish LED tail light. Its instrument console, on the other, is expected to be replaced by the TFT console from the 390 Duke. Other changes include revised ergos, where the handlebar is positioned slightly taller than before for a slightly more relaxed riding position. As for the new subframe, it isn’t as sharply inclined as before, at least it doesn’t appear to be. This paired with the larger and flatter rear seat means more comfort for the pillion and less things for them to crib about. 

Closer inspection reveals a new crankcase which hints at a BS6 motor. Rumours suggest that the engine capacity could be increased from the current 373cc to meet BS6 emission norms without trading in performance. As a result, we could expect power outputs to be similar if not better than the current 43.5PS and 35Nm of torque. That said, more power is always welcome, especially for bikes like the RC 390.

The bolt-on subframe appears to be all new. Similarly, the WP fork on the RC are expected to be updated to the separate function units, similar to the ones of the current-gen 390 Duke. The bike's brakes and wheels, on the other hand, seem to be carried over. Expect the new RC 390 to make its first official appearance at EICMA 2020 followed by an early 2021 launch on our shores.