WINDHOEK – The new KTM RC 390 hits the streets of South Africa this November, with a purpose to reflect KTM’s fast forward attitude and the company´s DNA in a perfect and global way. Never before has full faired sport motorcycle stepped into the segment with more quality, refinement and lap time potential.
Distinguished by first-rate, high-tech components, the road legal racer has a superior power-to-weight ratio, unprecedented agility and capable of extreme lean angles to be able to out-handle whatever the daily race can throw at it.
The flagship RC series machine follows on from the huge success of the KTM 390 DUKE naked machine it shares its power plant with, but with an all-new chassis, riding position and Grand Prix-inspired bodywork has increased focus on sports performance.
With a more sporty focus requires a new chassis to match the RC’s intentions. Though physically similar in appearance to the proven steel trellis frame of the DUKE, the RC’s geometry is critically different in order to fully live up to the ergonomics and riding characteristics of a genuine racer. A steeper steering head, shorter trail and shorter wheelbase give the RC 390 a playful handling, true racetrack capability but – importantly – perfect stability at any speed.
Further differences that set the RC apart from its naked counterpart are changes to the WP Suspension, less travel and firmer, aggressive damping characteristics. At 43mm, the amply sized upside down front forks have the same diameter stanchions as those of the KTM 1190 RC8 R Superbike and add genuine racing equipment to ensure maximum stability and precision.
Set within the orange matrix of steel is the same highly sophisticated, powerful and reliable engine as the 390 DUKE. The short-stroked, liquid-cooled DOHC four-valve 375cc single boasts 44hp and 35Nm and is mastered by the RC’s electronic fuel injection to deliver incredible response, robust power delivery and great refinement; perfect conditions for a true racing feel, combined with convincing real-world credibility.
Developed together with Brembo, the braking system includes a four-piston radially mounted calliper biting down hard on a 300mm front disc backed up by Bosch ABS as standard – an unparalleled quality feature in this segment for maximum safety. At 110/70 ZR17 front and 150/60 ZR17, even the Metzeler tyres have a racing size format.
Further proving this new machine’s racetrack qualities are tomorrow’s MotoGP pilots who will be exploiting the RC 390 this season to fight for points and podiums in the KTM Super Junior Challenge, which forms part of the National Super GP circuit racing Championship. Contact your closest dealer or KTM SA for details.
Available from the mid November onwards the RC 390 is ready to write an important chapter for the Austrian-based brand – with an outstanding sport motorcycle that is ready to inspire riders all over the world.
The all-new KTM RC125 retails for around N$62 999.00 including vat, an equivalent of R62 999.00. Contact your local KTM dealer for more information or test ride.
By staff reporter