KTM RC 390

The KTM RC 390 is built as a compact supersport motorcycle for riders who want strong performance in a lightweight, track-focused package. Powered by a 373.27 cc single-cylinder engine producing 42.9 bhp, the RC 390 combines aggressive styling with modern electronics and sharper ergonomics than before. The idea of the brand is to offer a motorcycle that can handle track days while still being manageable for everyday riding.

This RC 390 expert review has been supplemented with opinions from Preetam Bora in our last detailed YouTube video and Sameer Contractor in his comprehensive written review of the motorcycle. The RC 390 felt sharp and engaging to ride, especially once the engine crossed the mid-range and began pulling strongly. Priced between Rs. 3,22,719 and Rs. 3,23,068 (ex-showroom), it rivals bikes like the TVS Apache RR 310 and Yamaha R3, offering strong performance and track-ready capability for riders who want a serious sport bike.

Engine & Transmission

The single-cylinder engine of the RC 390 provides strong performance once you get past 4,000 rpm. We found that the enlarged airbox helps to improve the low and mid-range torque, which makes the bike feel more responsive in everyday riding.

City Riding Experience

In city conditions, we found the RC 390 more manageable than its aggressive design might suggest. The improvement in torque delivery at lower rpm meant that we could ride through traffic in higher gears without the engine feeling strained. Moving along at city speeds, the bike responds cleanly to throttle inputs, and only a bit of a twist of the throttle is required to overtake slower vehicles. We also noticed that the slip-and-assist clutch holds clutch action light, which aids in stop-and-go traffic.

Highway Riding Experience

On highways, the RC 390's engine reveals its real performance nature. During our evaluation, we saw that it can cruise comfortably at 100-110 kmph without feeling stressed. Twist the throttle, and the engine quickly comes to life, and the bike can overtake vehicles without having to downshift frequently. On a closed test track, the RC 390 was able to reach a little more than 170 kmph on the speedometer, which brought out its strong top-end performance.

Proportions & Stance

The KTM RC 390 carries a clear supersport stance that immediately sets it apart from everyday commuter motorcycles. Its full fairing, tall windscreen and tucked-in riding posture exemplify the bike’s proportions that have been refined so that it remains usable on the road as well. The RC’s narrow midsection and sporty ergonomics keep it aggressive, while the overall layout still allows riders to handle it comfortably in real-world riding conditions.

As Preetam Bora explains,

“The overall stance remains similar, but the front end has been completely redesigned with a new windshield and headlight.”

Build Quality & Materials

The RC 390 is generally well assembled, even if the finish is not perfect. We checked the tank panels, fairing joints and surrounding plastic parts and determined that the structure was solid. While there are some inconsistent panel gaps and a mix of plastic textures around the front section, nothing felt loose or poorly fitted during our checks. In real riding conditions, the motorcycle remains sturdy and free from rattles. The sharp overlapping fairing panels, integrated indicators and large windscreen also add to its race-bike-inspired design. 

KTM RC 390 Colours

The KTM RC 390 is available in two colour options. Both carry the brand’s distinctive race-inspired styling, but each has a slightly different visual appeal:

Orange
Bright KTM racing shade with contrasting black panels that highlight the bike’s aggressive styling.

Blue
A deeper finish that reminds many riders of KTM’s MotoGP machines and gives the bike a more premium appearance.

We found that the Orange version stands out more on the road, while the Blue shade looks cleaner and slightly more understated without losing the RC 390’s sporty character.

Lighting & Front Identity

The KTM RC 390 retains the race-inspired stance but gets a redesigned front end. The new LED headlight sits beneath a larger windscreen, giving the bike a proper supersport look. The front indicators are neatly incorporated into the fairing, maintaining the clean and aerodynamic design. We discovered that the taller windscreen and integrated lighting give the RC 390 a sharper and more purposeful front look.

Side Profile & Rear Section

From the side, the RC 390 has the look of a compact track machine. The sharp fairing panels reveal part of the engine, and the exhaust mounted on the side gives the bike a sportier look. The fairing also has a bold 'RC 390' badge replacing the previous KTM branding. The redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels with five spokes are lighter than before, and the larger fuel tank provides some muscle to the top half of the bike. This exhaust also helps in providing greater ground clearance and a deeper exhaust note.

Notable exterior details we observed are:

• The integrated front indicators keep the fairing design clean and cohesive.
• The side-mounted aluminium exhaust improves ground clearance and adds a sportier sound.
• The redesigned alloy wheels help reduce unsprung mass and improve handling feel.

Practical Integration

The RC 390 has also seen improvements in rider ergonomics that make it easier to live with every day. The clip-on handlebars have been raised slightly, which reduces the extreme forward lean seen on earlier versions. The fuel tank capacity has also increased from 9.7 litres to 13.7 litres, which significantly improves the bike’s riding range. 

As Preetam Bora noted, 

“The clip-on handlebars are raised by 14.5 mm, making the riding position more comfortable for everyday use.”