• By Sales Operations

 

The 2022 KTM RC worldwide range of supersport machines has taken inspiration from the highest levels of 2-wheel motorsport, bringing race bike DNA to the streets. 

Drawing from track-racing technology and design, the KTM global RC line-up features an all-new chassis, dramatically improved ergonomics and electronics upgrades, which once again makes it primed and ready to take on the supersport segment in a truly READY TO RACE fashion.

KTM RC 390 vs SMALLER KTM VARIANTS

In Australia for ultralight supersport, we only receive the range-topping KTM RC 390. Other markets have the RC 200 and RC 125. The RC 390 is a high-performance supersport machine featuring the latest street bike technology and styling based on the KTM RC16 MotoGP? racer, making it a competitive and exciting package on the race track as well as on the street. 

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2022

The most immediately obvious difference between the new generation KTM RC 390 and the previous, is the Grand Prix inspired redesign with two all-new colourways. Not only cosmetic, the bodywork, subframe and overall shape is specifically tailored to allow for improved aerodynamics, as well as rider comfort.   

The optimised design for improved wind and weather protection was created using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations, which has also resulted in improved heat management by using a combination of inner and outer body panels to direct air flow away from the rider.  

In addition, the bodywork panels have been re-engineered to be easily removable by reducing the number of screws and fixtures, which not only allows for easier servicing, but also saves time in the pits at the track. This also helped with the development of a narrower knee area which is ergonomically shaped to allow for smoother, more intuitive rider movement, with the largest possible contact area.  

The rear body work is also dramatically shaved down to add to the overall visual impact of the silhouette, but has also been designed to provide improved pillion comfort with thicker seat foam. 

For 2022, the new 13.7 litre tank design has taken its inspiration directly from KTM's Grand Prix machines, providing improved rider weight balance and distribution as well as overall riding range.  

FEATURES

  • Grand Prix-inspired fairing design 
  • All-new LED headlight 
  • New integrated front blinker and position light  
  • Sharper, more aggressive taillight design 
  • New aerodynamic, foldable mirrors 
  • New rider and pillion seat 

FRAME IT TO WIN

Races are won in the corners. For that reason, the KTM RC 390 has seen drastic improvements to the chassis, with a focus on saving weight without compromising on durability.  

An all-new frame, new lightweight wheels and changes to the overall frame stiffness offer greatly improved feel and compliance when being pushed to the limits - both on the road and on the track.  

SUSPENSION

Split functionality open cartridge forks, gives rider comfort on the way to the track, then delivering high end damping performance on track.

KTM RC 390 features completely new suspension with 43 mm WP APEX split functionality, open cartridge forks, allowing riders a wide range of adjustability, with 30 clicks for compression on the left fork and 30 clicks for rebound on the right fork. This ensures ultimate comfort on the way to the track, then delivering high end damping performance when lining up on the grid.  

An adjustable WP APEX shock absorber takes control at the rear, offering 5 clicks on rebound on preload adjustability.

WHEELS

Not only lighter, but stronger, the 2022 KTM RC 390 sees a completely new wheel design which saves 3.4 kg over the previous generation RC range. The wheels were designed to have fewer spokes and open hubs, reducing rotating un-sprung mass to improve the overall handling.  

The KTM RC 390 also makes use of 110/70-17 rubber on the front, which is complemented by a beefy 150/60-17 tyre on the rear, that only improves overall grip and handling performance, but also provides a sportier, overall look. 

BRAKES

The faster you go, the better your brakes need to be. For that reason, the KTM RC 390 features a generously spec'd braking system to cope with higher top speeds, but also to save weight. These all-new braking components save 960 g over the previous generation RC 390, and is further supported by the state-of-the-art, SUPERMOTO ABS package as standard.  

On the front, the radially mounted 4-piston-fixed ByBre caliper is combined with a 320 mm brake disc, with a 230 mm rear disc brake with a one-piston fixed calliper on the rear. This provides class-leading braking power, both on street and track surfaces.  

In addition, the KTM RC 390 is equipped with adjustable clutch and brake levers as standard.  

ENGINE

Each model in the 2022 KTM RC 390 features a state-of-the-art, liquid cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine with twin overhead camshafts, four valves and electronic fuel injection.  

This has been a major selling point over the years, with 2022 seeing an improvement in overall performance, while complying with the latest Euro5 emissions regulations.   

BIGGER AIRBOX

A new, 40% larger airbox allows the KTM RC 390 to breathe more freely, which results in more torque, providing improved throttle response and acceleration throughout the rev range. New ambient sensors have also been fitted to the airbox, which help regulate the engine mapping.

FUEL INJECTION, RIDE BY WIRE

Smoother, more efficient power delivery makes for an all-round better ride, with the KTM RC 390 receiving completely new engine mapping, which allows the fitment of optional Quickshifter+.   

OPTIONAL QUICKSHIFTER+

Quickshifter+ allows riders to work the gearbox, both for up and downshifts, without the need to pull the clutch lever. This results in quicker shift times, a more precise and smoother ride, since clutch actuation and backing off the throttle are no longer required, with improved rear wheel traction. 

NEW EXHAUST

The 2022 KTM RC 390 features an entirely new exhaust system, complete with stainless steel header pipes and an aluminium muffler, saving weight and providing a distinct, racy soundtrack.   

CYLINDER HEAD

A winning formula of four valves, actuated by two overhead camshafts and cam levers provides extreme reliability, but also offers low friction thanks to the ultra-hard carbon coating of the cam levers - releasing even more power. 

PISTON

The piston is cooled by an oil spray nozzle, which runs in a continuous and low-friction nikasil-coated aluminium wet bushing with open-deck design. This provides smooth acceleration whenever you chase the rev-limiter.   

GEARBOX

The KTM RC 390 makes use of a close ratio 6-speed gearbox with short lever travel and light spring action, which ensures fast and easy shifting.   

SLIPPER CLUTCH

The KTM RC 390 is fitted as standard with a slipper clutch, which protects riders from unwanted rear-wheel lockup when gearing down. The slipper clutch opens when the engine back-torque becomes too high, preventing the rear wheel from locking up to ensure maximum control. The slipper clutch also allows for super-light clutch action - handy when you need to slot the gears in quickly.    

BODYWORK

An all-new two-part cockpit and windscreen holder makes use of a cast aluminium upper area and a lower composite part that secures the headlight. The new colourways is already ticking the boxes for all tastes.

The new bodywork is easily removable, with a reduced number of screws being used as well as a redesigned mounting system. This makes swapping out the street-legal bodywork for race-ready panels more practical.

LET'S GET TECHNICAL

Setting the benchmark for the lightweight supersport segment, the 2022 KTM RC 390 brings the fight not only to the track, but to the street with real-world technological advancements. 

Boasting a selection of rider aids usually only available on bigger motorcycles, namely SUPERMOTO ABS, Lean Angle Sensitive Cornering ABS and Cornering Traction Control (MTC).

The KTM RC 390 SUPERMOTO ABS now makes use of a new Bosch 9.1 MP module.

SUPERMOTO ABS does three things. First, functionality is deactivated on the rear wheel, allowing the rider to lock up the rear wheel, and effectively slide into a corner. Secondly, all electronics which detect rear wheel lift up are disabled, allowing for harder braking until excessive front wheel slip is detected. Lastly, cornering functionality, such as cornering ABS, is disabled where applicable.   

The KTM RC 390 features an impressive technology pack as standard, usually only available on bigger and more expensive motorcycles. Along with the SUPERMOTO ABS system, the KTM RC 390 is fitted with Cornering ABS, which ensures maximum braking performance under all conditions, as well as a new lean-angle sensor with cornering MTC with 3D sensors, which reacts immediately if the rotational speed of the rear wheel is disproportionate to the riding situation. This reduces the engine output with an extremely smooth, barely perceptible intervention in a matter of milliseconds, ensuring traction is maintained at all times, allowing riders to enjoy the full power of the 390 engine under all circumstances.  

LIGHT YOUR WAY

The KTM RC 390 is fitted with an all new LED headlight, providing a powerful light beam and a very wide spread of light, guaranteeing optimum visibility and a distinctive KTM look. 

It is also fitted with LED daylight running lights (DRL), which adds a distinctive, RC-specific look and adds to overall visibility, while a new LED tail light with integrated indicators perfectly matches the sharp lines of the RC 390, while improving night-time visibility for other road users. 

COCKPIT THAT'S READY TO RACE

Motorcycle information is critical when pushing the limits meaning the KTM RC 390 is fitted with all-new TFT colour display, with all the important information available at glance. The TFT display also automatically adapts its brightness to ambient light, making it easier to see when it starts getting dark, or when riding through a tunnel.  

This also allows for the fitment of KTM MY RIDE, which connects to your smartphone, giving access to music and incoming calls via the switchgear. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine
1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine, 373 cm?
Liquid cooled
Electric starter
Bosch EMS with RBW
Bore x stroke 89 mm x 60 mm
Emissions 81 g/km
Euro5 certified
13.7 litre fuel tank

Power & Torque
32 kW, 37 Nm

Drivetrain
6-speed
PASC? antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
520 X-Ring chain

Braking
Bosch 9.1MP Two Channel ABS (Supermoto ABS)
Front four-piston radial fixed calliper, 320 mm
Rear single-piston floating calliper, 230 mm

Suspension
Front WP APEX 43, 120 mm travel
Rear WP APEX monoshock, 150 mm travel
66.5 ? steering head angle

Body & Frame
Steel trellis frame, powder coated
158 kg dry weight
158 mm ground clearance
824 mm seat height

LAUNCH

Due to Australia in March 2022 (subject to change).
Pricing is yet to be announced for Australia.
We expect that this model will remain LAMS approved in Queensland (yet to be confirmed).

ORDERING

Want one? We do too. We hope to see stock and a demonstrator once available.
To secure your own, contact our Sales Crew to place your reservation.
All deposits are fully refundable should your circumstances change.
Bikes are supplied to buyers in the order they are reserved (first in, first served).
Pre-sold units are supplied before showroom stock and demonstrators.

 

 


The 2022 KTM RC 390, some images with option KTM PowerParts extras.

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