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2022 KTM RC 390: It's a completely new bike now.

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 Last week KTM unveiled the next generation RC 390 for 2022 on the RokBagorosStuntrider YouTube channel. Rok Bagorous demonstrated every significant improvement of the new model. Compared to the 2021 model, the new one is different in every possible way.

The new 2022 KTM RC 390 (Source: KTM)

KTM is equipping this bike with almost every superbike feature. Although it has a meager 42BHP output, the new riders will have the best assistance while riding this little beast. It follows the racing heritage that KTM achieved from MotoGP. 

MotoGP inspired orange and blue color scheme (Source: KTM)

Design and Ergonomics

The 2022 KTM RC 390 brings new design aesthetics with it. The cyborg-like design of the front end of the previous model is gone. Instead of two projector lamps, the new model gets a full LED headlamp. The shape of the new unit is similar to the current Duke series motorcycles.

New Headlight design of the 2022 RC 390 (Source: KTM)

To accommodate the new headlight, KTM is providing new body panels all around the bike. So, the appearance of the new RC is different than the old model. Unlike the previous ones, riders can fold their mirrors now. Although it is a minor upgrade, riders will still appreciate the added convenience. 

The riding ergonomics of the new RC 390 are different from the previous models. Riders can now adjust the handlebar position according to their comfort. The clip-on handlebars are now raised a bit for added comfort.

New adjustable clip-on handlebars (Source: KTM)

KTM is introducing a new orange and blue color scheme inspired by their MotoGP bike. Just like the 2021 Superduke R, the RC 390 looks stunning in this new color. 

Chassis

The new 2022 RC 390 has the same steel trellis frame as last year. But the subframe is not detachable from the primary unit. According to KTM, it provides added advantage in the case of a crash. If the subframe is damaged, owners can change it instead of replacing the whole frame. 

New Steel trellis frame for the RC with bolted on subframe (Source: KTM)

Despite the same trellis frame, the new bike gets premium suspension components. At the front, there are two adjustable 43mm USD forks. The forks are WP Apex modules with Separate Function technology. That means one handles rebound and the other handles preload. 
WP Apex preload and rebound adjustable separate function BP fork (Source: KTM)

Thanks to Separate Function technology, the piston inside those forks are larger. Plus, the overall weight remains low. Like the KTM 890 Duke R and Superduke riders, the RC 390 owners get the added convenience of tweaking the suspension setup. And it does not end with the front forks. The rear mono-shock also gets preload and rebound adjustability. So, track riders can change adjust the suspensions according to their riding style.

Adjustable WP Apex mono-shock for the rear swingarm (Source: KTM)


For breaks, KTM never compromised with quality for the price. Even with their 125cc bikes, they provided the best brake calipers. The 2022 RC 390 is no different from that. It gets the same radially mounted caliper on a 320mm disk as last year. 

The front 4-pot BYBRE radially mounted calipers on the new 320mm disk
(Source: KTM)

Although the caliper is from BYBRE (A cheaper offering from Brembo), it has four pots inside for maximum compression. So, the riders will get the best feeling and feedback from the front brake. Unfortunately, the rear brake is still a single-pot caliper on a 230mm disk.

Engine

This year the RC has some significant improvements with its power delivery. The new engine is more refined now with revised mapping. Plus, KTM increased the size of the airbox. As a result, the bike produces more torque throughout the rev range. Due to the revised engine mapping and improved electronics, the bike can deliver smooth power. Still, it feels punchier for its single-cylinder characteristics.

373cc single cylinder engine with improved mapping (Source: KTM)

This bike gets an assist and slipper clutch for preventing interlock. Plus, it gets a bidirectional quick-shifter for fast gear changes. Although KTM kept the displacement the same 373cc, it is now Euro 5 or BS 6 compliant. That means the bike now emits less amount of harmful gases. Not only function-wise, but the new exhaust looks stunning for being an OEM unit.

New stock exhaust for the 2022 KTM RC 390 (Source: KTM)

Electronics and Other improvements

The new RC 390 is getting every single electronic trickery from KTM. It has traction control to prevent rear tire slipping while cornering. The 9.1MP Dual-Channel ABS from Bosch got a Supermoto mode. Therefore, riders can drift this bike, as Rok demonstrated in his video. The cornering ABS provides better confidence while breaking at a turn. 

As mentioned earlier, this bike comes with a bidirectional quick-shifter for the fastest and the smoothest gear changes. Gimmick or not, it also has the KTM My Ride feature for connecting your phone. And everything is controlled on a TFT dashboard.

TFT dashboard borrowed from the Duke 390 (Source: KTM)

KTM reduced the weight of this bike in many ways. The most significant amount comes from the wheels. KTM claims that they reduced 7.5 lbs (3.4 kgs) of rotating unsprung mass from just the two wheels. It helps with the maneuverability of the bike.

New and improved wheels with better unsprung mass (Source: KTM)

As an added benefit, the new bike comes with a 13.7 liter (roughly 3.6 gallons) tank instead of a 9.3 little one. So, it will give better mileage on a full tank than in previous years.

The new 13.7 liter (3.6 gallons) tank 13.7 liter (roughly 3.6 gallons)

Conclusions

It seems like KTM changed almost every single aspect of this bike for 2022. They gave it a superbike treatment for novice track riders. It has upgraded electronics, better aerodynamics, sitting ergonomics, and weight reduction. Due to those upgrades, the bike feels nimble and agile now.

What do you think about this new RC 390 from KTM? Do you like the new design or the new color scheme? Do the new upgrades inspire you to buy one as a first bike? Or, would it be your second bike for casual riding?

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