The KTM RC 390 has quite a large fan base in India. However, the bike is now showing signs of age, especially after competitors like the Yamaha R3 were launched. KTM too is now planning to bring-in a fresh, all-new RC 390 that will try to retain the popularity of the current model. Though the bike maker has been quite tight-lipped about what all will be changed on the updated model, the new 2020 KTM RC 390 has recently been spotted testing in Austria. As a result, we now have a fairly good idea about how the updated RC 390 sportsbike will look like.
According to the leaked spy shot, the new KTM RC 390 will follow an all-new design philosophy. At the first glance itself, it is clear that KTM designers have taken a more laid back route in the design of the new bike. We all know that the current RC range looks quite sharp and aggressive. However, the new RC 390 looks more modern, yet a bit more tame.
The bike continues to come with a full-fairing, though the fairing itself is a bit mature-looking and has less razor-sharp edges; something that the current model gets in bundles. The headlamp has now been moved to the centre and the split headlamps appear to have been bid a farewell. It is worth noting that the spotted test mule appears to get a halogen projector headlamp. However, this most likely would be prototype set up. We expect to see all LED headlamp in the new KTM RC 390. Other visible design elements include turn indicators on the fairing, a slimmer tail section, a larger fuel tank, and higher placed handlebars.
On the mechanical side, the new model is expected to borrow quite a few components from its predecessor. The spy shots show that the suspension setup includes upside down forks at the front and an preload -adjustable monoshock at the rear. Meanwhile, braking will likely be similar to the current model. We also expect the new KTM RC 390 to come with a fully-digital LCD instrument cluster with bluetooth connectivity. This will be the same system that is currently sen on the Duke 390.
Powering the current model of the KTM RC 390 is a single-cylinder, 373.2 cc, liquid-cooled engine that is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox with a slipper clutch. KTM will likely use the same engine block in the new model. However, it will be tweaked to get compliant with the upcoming BS-6 emission norms in India.
The 2020 KTM RC 390 will most likely be unveiled at the EICMA Motor Show in Milan, later this year. India launch is expected in the first quarter of 2020.
Image Source: Ride Apart