The next-gen KTM 390 might be launched in India sooner than we thought. The current-gen KTM RC 390 has been discontinued and removed from KTM India’s website. This hints at the launch of the next-gen KTM RC 390 in the near future. Dealerships have also stopped taking bookings for the current-gen model and are in the process of clearing stocks.
The KTM RC 390 is the most powerful motorcycle in its segment. It is also of the most aggressive motorcycles of its kind and over the years has been loved by enthusiasts. It debuted in 2013 at the EICMA international motorcycle show and was launched in 2014.
Over the years, the motorcycle received several updates including an updated engine with slipper clutch, a side-slung exhaust system instead of the underbelly exhaust, etc. The motorcycle received several mechanical updates, but the only aesthetic updates it received were different colour options and different graphics.
The overall design of the motorcycle therefore, is old and was in need of an update. KTM has been working on the next-gen RC 390 for a while now. The motorcycle was first spotted testing in Europe and then in India. It finally looks like the next-gen KTM RC 390 is ready to be launched in the Indian market.
The outgoing motorcycle has been discontinued and removed from KTM India’s website. Though this does not give us an exact date for the next-gen motorcycle’s launch, it does tell us that the launch will happen in the next few days. The next-gen KTM RC 390 is quite different from the current model in many ways.
Firstly, the design and styling is completely different. Up front, it has taken inspiration from the old KTM RC8 superbike. The twin projector lamps have been replaced by an LED unit that appears to have been taken from the current-gen 390 Duke. The next-gen KTM RC 390 also gets a slightly less aggressive side fairing while the rear has been redesigned completely.
The biggest change on the upcoming motorcycle when compared to the outgoing model will be the riding position and ergonomics. Right from its debut and until its discontinuation now, the KTM RC 390 has had an aggressive riding posture.
This made it perfect for the twisties and for the racetrack, but would often cause the rider’s body to ache when used for a long period on a daily basis in the urban jungle. The new model on the other hand is expected to be more comfortable and practical for everyday usage. The spy images have shown that the riding posture on the new model is more relaxed.
The upcoming model will be powered by a revised version of the same 373cc engine. It is a liquid-cooled, 373cc, single-cylinder engine that produced 42.9bhp and 36Nm in the outgoing model. It could be retuned to produce just a little bit more in the next-gen model. The age-old orange backlit LCD instrumentation will finally be replaced by a modern full-colour TFT screen with Bluetooth smartphone connectivity.
Thoughts On KTM RC 390 Being Discontinued In India
As they say, all good things do come to an end. The enthusiasts’ favourite KTM RC 390 is no longer on sale in India. However, the next-gen model is coming soon, and we are quite excited for that. Will it be able to match the older model’s performance and handling, is a question that we do not have the answers for, just yet.