The RC 390 is not an entirely
new machine, but pretty close.
It's powered by the same 373cc
single-cylinder four-stroke which
pumps out around 40 horse-
power at the tire and 27 lb-ft of
torque, so it's not slow but nor is
it going to pull your arms out of
their sockets on acceleration.
The motor gets its air from
a 40 percent larger airbox and
breathes out it spent gases by a
new exhaust modeled on the RC
16 MotoGP bike of Brad Binder,
and it's here where a few of the
design cues take shape.
The new RC is aimed at a
wider range of riders than just
tearaway teenagers. As such,
all the body panels have been
enhanced and the gas tank has
grown a full gallon to 3.7 gallons.
The bodywork was designed to
be easier to fit under for taller
riders but also easier to remove
if you're fitting race bodywork for
the track. KTM's trying to get as
many riders as possible drag-
ging knees on the RC and this
seemingly simple trick of making
track modifications easier is
long overdue.
Attention has also been paid
to weight savings. The easiest
way to increase performance
is to strip weight, and KTM has
lobbed a very impressive 7.5
pounds off the RC via its new
wheels, while the new ByBre
QUICKSPIN I 2022 K TM RC 390
P78
Isn't that RC a looker!?
Imagine being 16 years old
with one of these!
