2021 KTM RC 390 Looks Closer To Production, India Launch Soon?

Everything on the bike expect for the engine, suspension, and brakes seems to be new 

• This is the first major update for the bike since 2013.
• Gets a new TFT console, like the 390 Duke. 
• Everything from the design and exhaust to the headlight, tail light and ergonomics have been revised.  
• Expected to be launched next month once the lockdown has been lifted. 

The upcoming 2021 KTM RC 390 has been spotted wearing KTM colours, hinting it’s ready for production. While we’ve already seen several spy images, none of them looks this close to hitting the factory floor so we can expect KTM to launch the bike next month once the lockdown has been lifted. 

This is the first proper update for the RC range since its inception back in 2013. The headlight, for instance, resembles the current-gen KTM 390 Duke but it gets panel-integrated LED DRLs and winkers. The bike looks edgier than before but it isn’t as aggressive. Perhaps, KTM was going for a less intimidating look. 

We say this because the overall ergos of the bike have been revised to make it a tad more comfortable. You still lean towards the handlebars, but the rider's triangle isn’t as committed as the current-gen model. This should ideally reel in more customers. Not to mention, the windscreen is wider and slightly taller than before so it should offer better wind protection. 

As seen on the test mule, the bike is expected to come with a new TFT instrument cluster, probably with multiple ride modes, a mechanical quickshifter, and a new exhaust system. As for the engine, it already complies with the BS6 emissions, so expect the power output to remain the same, at around 44PS and 36Nm.

The hardware has been updated as well. The new sub-frame should enhance pillion comfort while the larger fuel tank may improve the bike’s touring capabilities. Its braking setup seems to be the same as before -- 320mm/230mm disc brakes aided by dual-channel ABS.

• Next-gen KTM 390 Duke Spotted Testing
• Upcoming KTM RC 200 Spotted Testing
• Comprehensively Updated KTM 125 Duke and 250 Duke Spotted Testing

Considering all the updates, we reckon the upcoming KTM RC390 may come at a premium of Rs 5,000-8,000 over the current-gen version, which retails at Rs 2,65,897 (ex-showroom), post the recent price hike. The 2021 KTM RC 390 will go up against the 2021 TVS Apache RR 310 and the Kawasaki Ninja 300 BS6. In a related development, KTM has revealed it's working on the 490 Duke, 490 Adventure, and RC 490 for 2022. 

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