KTM commences testing of 2016 RC390

Earlier this week, we spotted the new KTM RC390 being put through its paces on the Mumbai-Pune highway. Though the test mule carried the current RC390’s livery, the aluminium exhaust pipe sticking out from one side of the motorcycle gave away its identity. 

KTM recently unveiled the new RC390 at the 2015 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. While the new model is identical to the current model when it comes to cosmetics, it does get a host of technical updates.  The underbelly exhaust of the bike has been ditched in favour of a Euro4 emission norms compliant exhaust pipe. It also gets a ride-by-wire throttle and an ABS system which can be turned off. The bigger 320mm front disc brake gets adjustable levers, while a slipper clutch, which debuted in the Duke 390 a few months ago, has also been added to the features list. Powering the new RC390 is the same 375cc single-cylinder engine that churns out 44bhp and 35Nm torque.

We can expect KTM to hike the price of the new model by Rs 15,000, though the addition of these gizmos is sure to make the RC390 the most technologically advanced motorcycle in its segment. The 2016 Auto Expo might have seemed like an ideal platform for the launch of this new model. However, KTM and its Indian partner Bajaj have decided to skip this biennial event this time around. Reports suggest that KTM is going to launch the new RC390 by January 2016, though the company has refused to comment on this.