KTM has updated its lightweight sportbike, the 2022 RC 390. KTM says the race-derived chassis and high-end electronics will be standout items in the small-displacement sportbike class, and the new generation KTM RC 390 has been redesigned with track intentions in mind. The bodywork has received Grand Prix-inspired styling, which not only looks the part but promises improved aerodynamics and performance, thanks to a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) design process.
New inner and out panel placements are designed to optimize wind and weather protection, and enhanced heat management by directing airflow away from the rider. The rear section has been reduced as much as possible for a more aggressive profile and reveals more of the redesigned steel trellis subframe.
KTM has paid special attention to improving ergonomics to enhance comfort without compromising on-track performance. The knee area was designed to be as narrow as possible with the largest possible contact area, allowing for fluid rider movement.
An all-new two-part cockpit and windscreen holder makes use of a cast aluminum upper area and a lower composite part that secures the headlight, while a larger 3.6-gallon fuel tank has been added for improved range. The new bodywork is easily removable, with a reduced number of attaching screws and a redesigned mounting system, which makes swapping out the street-legal bodywork for race-ready panels more practical.
The 2022 KTM RC 390 was developed with a focus on weight savings, particularly throughout the chassis. An all-new wheel design sheds 7.5 pounds of unsprung weight versus the previous model, while the new ByBre braking system saves another 2.1 pounds and the 3.3-pounds-lighter frame promises extremely agile handling.
The suspension has also been updated with an adjustable open-cartridge WP Apex inverted fork, featuring 30 clicks of both compression and rebound adjustment. A WP Apex rear shock is adjustable for preload and rebound.
The KTM RC 390 is powered by a liquid-cooled 373cc Single with DOHC, four valves per cylinder, and electronic fuel injection. For 2022, it delivers more torque than the previous model thanks to new engine mapping and a revised airbox design.
The new generation is now equipped with several rider aids that rarely make an appearance in the lightweight class and include: cornering ABS with supermoto mode, cornering traction control, and an optional quickshifter.
The new TFT color display enables riders to access information at a glance, and the display can be customized to show desired data sets and automatically adapts to ambient light levels. It offers Bluetooth connectivity to the KTM My Ride app.
Pricing and availability for the 2022 KTM RC 390 have not yet been announced.
2022 KTM RC 390 Specs
Base Price: NA
Website: ktm.com
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse Single, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 373cc
Bore x Stroke: 89 x 60mm
Horsepower: 43 hp (claimed, at the crank)
Torque: NA
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch
Final Drive: X-ring chain
Wheelbase: NA
Rake/Trail: 23.5 degrees/NA
Seat Height: NA
Suspension, Front: 43mm inverted fork, adj. compression & rebound
Rear: Single shock, adj. rebound & spring preload
Brakes, Front: Single 320mm disc w/ radial 4-piston caliper & ABS
Rear: Single 230mm disc w/ 1-piston caliper & ABS
Tires, Front: 110/70 x 17
Rear: 150/60 x 17
Wet Weight: NA
Fuel Capacity: 3.6 gals.
Please update with seat height and adjustability info.