RACING GENES.

2018 KTM RC390 Review on Total Motorcycle:

A sports bike in its purest form. Reduced to the essentials. Agile, fast, suitable for A2 driving license and extremely sporty. Whether you are on country roads or the racetrack, the Moto3 genes are perceptible in every manoeuvre and convey pure race feeling. The handling – simply spectacular. The performance – incredible. The power – thrilling.

2018 KTM RC390 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

With Moto3-inspired race genes, the KTM RC 390 features state-of-the-art engineering, excellent power-to-weight ratio and performance. Designed to rule the streets on a daily basis with its pure-bred racing attitude, it has an uncompromising big bike feel and the sporting capabilities to back it up – as demonstrated in the spectacular KTM RC CUP series across the world.

The advanced 373.2cc single-cylinder has received a variety of upgrades to keep it ahead of the pack. Rapid acceleration is delivered smoothly from any amount of throttle turn with the introduction of ride by wire to the punchy engine. Further benefits of this system include better connection with the rider and bike, improved efficiency and reduced cable routing on the bike.

A new ‘conventional’ side-mounted silencer replaces the underbelly offering of the previous model, helping the KTM RC 390 to easily achieve stricter emissions laws without reducing its racy sound. This required a redesigned lower fairing and the right-side passenger footpeg now acts as a bracket for the lightweight silencer.

Helping to get things stopped faster and under control is a 20 mm larger (now 320 mm) front brake disc, bitten down by the Brembo-developed radial four-piston brake caliper with cutting-edge Bosch ABS and the new power assist slipper clutch (PASC) for ultimate control when downshifting aggressively.

The Austrian engineers didn’t stop there, as KTM’s development plan for the established model has seen other revisions to aid comfort and usability of this worldwide machine, including span-adjustable levers, wider view mirrors, and more comfortable race-style passenger seat.

As for all KTMs, the new KTM RC 390 is complemented by a diverse collection of KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear. Fully developed alongside the bike, the KTM PowerParts range from practical, performance or personalization to help riders create the perfect KTM RC 390. Either designed and made by KTM or developed in conjunction with leading brands, the KTM PowerWear range ensures KTM RC 390 riders can always look good on and off the bike with the perfect collection of functional and casual clothing.

2018 KTM RC390 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Engine & Exhaust

The KTM RC 390’s state-of-the-art, single-cylinder engine with twin overhead camshafts once again underlines KTM’s development strength.

The latest materials and production technologies not only deliver the bike’s bountiful torque and punchy acceleration, but also good manners in everyday use and outstanding fuel economy. And thanks to the balancer shaft, this Euro 4 compliant single is as smooth as it is strong.

POWER & TORQUE (SERIAL)

A bike as compact and nimble as this one, deserves to pack a solid punch. With 32 kW (44 hp) and a dry weight of just 149 kg, we did it justice. Thanks to the ingenious intake and exhaust system, the 46 mm throttle body and the meticulous fuel injection system, this strong stroker is ready to leave the rest of the traffic behind at the twist of your wrist.

CYLINDER HEAD (SERIAL)

Exactly like they did in the RC8 R, the four valves in the cylinder head of the RC 390 are actuated by two overhead camshafts and ultra hard, carbon coated cam followers, providing reliability and longevity despite the engine’s high power output.

SLIPPER CLUTCH (SERIAL)

Not only does the slipper clutch open when the engine back-torque becomes too high, it also assists when you open up the throttle. The former prevents annoying rear wheel chatter when braking sharply or decelerating – and gives the wheel just that bit of braking for a controlled rear wheel slide. The latter allows the clutch to be pulled and controlled with just one trigger-happy finger – which saves energy when riding.

RIDE-BY-WIRE (SERIAL)

It’s the guarantee of a smooth throttle response, more than simply the absence of a throttle cable. The RC 390’s ride by wire ensures perfect application of the readily available and plentiful torque. It also electronically translates the throttle commands of the rider into throttle valve positions perfectly suited to the riding conditions.

CHASSIS
Visually similar to the lightweight and approved Duke steel trellis frame, the orange painted frame has been modified to better fit the supersport ergonomics and dynamics. The increase of the steering head angle to 66,5 degree resulted in a shorter trail, shorter wheelbase and increased ground clearance. All these modifications release the complete racing potential of the RC and guarantee quick, agile and playful handling.

TRIPLE CLAMPS (SERIAL)

The forged aluminum triple clamps are eye-catchers and together with the clip on handlebars guarantee a pure supersport racing feeling.

TELESCOPIC FORK (SERIAL)

The KTM RC 390 high-quality upside-down fork from WP Suspension has the same 43 mm outer tube diameter as the RC8 R – in other words, real racing equipment that guarantees highest levels of stability and precision.

Ergonomics & Comfort

The KTM RC provides racing riding position and freedom of body movement while preserving the comfort needed for every day usage. Unsurpassed operability and large contact surfaces ensure optimum control and maximum feedback, for maximum cornering fun all day long.

Bodywork & Graphics

The sporty bodywork, footrests and pedals not just provide a unique supersport look but also help the RC to master extreme cornering with more leaning angle.

Software & Electronics

Highly sophisticated electronics are wrapped around this RC. The variety of the the high-end technical implementation reflects the high quality standards of the RC.

ENGINE: NOW EURO 4 COMPLIANT
Extremely powerful 373.2cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke DOHC engine, electronic fuel injection. Euro 4
achieved without any reduction in performance – still delivering a maximum output of 32 kW/44 hp.

RIDE BY WIRE
The sophisticated ride by wire system introduced for 2016 gives even further refinement and efficiency
for the RC as well handing the rider full and accurate control of the power delivery for whatever the
style of riding is required. The use of CAN-BUS as part of the ride by wire has created better cable
tracking.

EXHAUST SYSTEM
The MY2017 exhaust system features more of a conventional look compared to the underbelly-exiting
style of the previous model year. It has a stainless steel underbelly pre-silencer and rear aluminum
absorption silencer containing the catalytic converter. Consequently new exhaust hanging brackets
were needed and the passenger footpegs have been altered for this new role.

POWER ASSIST SLIPPER CLUTCH (PASC)
The new power assist slipper clutch minimizes rear wheel chatter when trail-braking sharply into
corners or down-shifting aggressively. Something that can be retro-fitted to the previous KTM RC 390
and enjoyed by KTM RC CUP racers!

ADJUSTABLE BRAKE AND CLUTCH LEVERS
Our customers asked and again, we listened. To fit the hands of riders around the world – adjustable
brake and clutch lever spans give them ultimate control at their fingertips.

MIRRORS
Feedback from two years on streets around the world, our customers told us they wanted a wider view
from the mirrors. KTM delivered.

FUEL TANK
Activated carbon canister to avoid fuel evaporation from the tank.

PASSENGER SEAT
The passenger seat still looks like a one-piece race unit, but now it is even more comfortable thanks to
an extra 12 mm of padding.

LARGER FRONT BRAKE DISC
The brake system developed in cooperation with Brembo now gets a front brake disc diameter
increase of 20 mm to 320 mm, deliver further braking power and therefore machine control.

BODYWORK
The RC’s unique looks don’t need changing, but with the underbelly silencer now gone the front
spoiler was revised to suit the new exhaust system and help increase ground clearance.

2018 KTM RC390 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in USD

• Frame design

Steel trellis frame, powder coated

• Front suspension

WP upside-down Ø 43 mm

• Rear suspension

WP monoshock

• Suspension travel (front)

4.92 inch

• Front brake disc diameter

320 mm

• Rear brake disc diameter

230 mm

• ABS

Bosch 9MB two-channel ABS

• Chain

X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4″

• Steering head angle

66.5 °

• Seat height

32.28 inch

• dry weight

324.08

• Tank capacity (approx.)

2.64

• Design

1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine

• Displacement

373.2 cm³

• Bore

89 mm

• Stroke

60 mm

• Power in KW

32 kW

• Starter

Electric starter

• Lubrication

Semi-dry sump

• Transmission

6-speed

• Primary drive

30:80

• Secondary gear ratio

15:45

• Cooling

Liquid cooled

• Clutch

PASC™ antihopping clutch, mechanically operated

• EMS

Bosch EMS with RBW

2018 KTM RC390 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in CDN

·         Frame design

Steel trellis frame, powder coated

·         Front suspension

WP upside-down Ø 43 mm

·         Rear suspension

WP monoshock

·         Suspension travel (front)

4.92 inch

·         Front brake disc diameter

320 mm

·         Rear brake disc diameter

230 mm

·         ABS

Bosch 9MB two-channel ABS

·         Chain

X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4″

·         Steering head angle

66.5 °

·         Seat height

32.28 inch

·         dry weight

324.08

·         Tank capacity (approx.)

2.64

·         Design

1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine

·         Displacement

373.2 cm³

·         Bore

89 mm

·         Stroke

60 mm

·         Power in KW

32 kW

·         Starter

Electric starter

·         Lubrication

Semi-dry sump

·         Transmission

6-speed

·         Primary drive

30:80

·         Secondary gear ratio

15:45

·         Cooling

Liquid cooled

·         Clutch

PASC™ antihopping clutch, mechanically operated

·         EMS

Bosch EMS with RBW

2018 KTM RC390 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

·         Frame design

Steel trellis frame, powder coated

·         Front suspension

WP upside-down Ø 43 mm

·         Rear suspension

WP monoshock

·         Suspension travel (front)

125 mm

·         Suspension travel (rear)

150 mm

·         Front brake

Four-piston radial fixed calliper, brake disc

·         Rear brake

Single-piston floating calliper, brake disc

·         Front brake disc diameter

320 mm

·         Rear brake disc diameter

230 mm

·         ABS

Bosch 9MB two-channel ABS

·         Chain

X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4″

·         Steering head angle

66.5 °

·         Wheelbase

1340 ± 15 mm

·         Ground clearance

178.5 mm

·         Seat height

820 mm

·         Tank capacity (approx.)

10 l

·         dry weight

147 kg

·         Design

1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine

·         Displacement

373.2 cm³

·         Bore

89 mm

·         Stroke

60 mm

·         Power in KW

32 kW

·         Starter

Electric starter

·         Lubrication

Semi-dry sump

·         Transmission

6-speed

·         Primary drive

30:80

·         Secondary gear ratio

15:45

·         Cooling

Liquid cooled

·         Clutch

PASC™ antihopping clutch, mechanically operated

·         EMS

Bosch EMS with RBW

·         CO₂ emissions

82

·         Fuel consumption

3.52

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).