At the EICMA 2016 in November last year, KTM showcased the new, 2017 RC 390. Along with it, we were expecting to see the new RC 200 as well. But that was not on display. Now, Bajaj has launched both, RC 390 and RC 200 with model year 2017 updates in India. Both RC 200 and the RC 390 get exciting new updates. 2017 RC 390 comes with mechanical as well as cosmetic updates, while the RC 200 only gets cosmetic updates (new livery).
Price of RC390 starts from INR 2,25,300 (INR 11,000 more than outgoing RC390), while that of RC200 starts from INR 1,71,740. Both prices are ex-showroom, Pune. Deliveries of the RC200 will commence in a week’s time from today, while that of the RC390 will take a couple of weeks more. Bajaj has not revealed the exact time line.
What is it
New KTM RCs look very matured and track ready, implying the motto of KTM, ‘Ready To Race’. With vast experience and numerous championship titles in different classes of motorcycle racing, KTM says new RC 200 and RC 390 have inherited the skills to become best in class race machines.
2017 KTM RC 200 and RC 390 are identical in many aspects except for propulsion system, exhaust and tyres. Compared to Duke cousins, RCs are feature rich and seem to offer better value for premium they demand over former. It is to be noted that although RCs are full faired bikes, mid and rear section remain naked like the Dukes, giving very racy appeal.
Features
Starting with front fascia, 2017 KTM RC bikes have twin projector headlamps, LED pilot lamp, Daytime Running Light (DRL), turn indicators integrated into side mirrors, transparent aerodynamic windshield, fully digital dashboard, clip on handlebars, matte finish tank cover (plastic) and side panels, integrated pillion seat, sleek turn blinkers and sporty LED tail lamp.
Instrument panel of KTM RCs is similar to Duke’s fully digital unit. It offers a wide range of functions on LCD display like tachometer, gear position indicator, speed, odometer, trip metres (F1, F2, F3), digital watch, coolant temperature, fuel level, distance to next service, distance to empty, low oil pressure, high coolant temperature, low battery charge and mileage (litres/100 km). Indicators include turn signal, MIL, shift rpm light, neutral light, high beam and alarm generic signal.
An interesting thing about RCs is that the bikes are made to look like single seaters, with pillion seat looking like plastic moulding, but you’ll be surprised to find out they are foamy and offer good cushioning. In fact, the 2017 RCs come with 12mm of extra padding, to offer more comfortable ride to pillion as well as the rider. Additionally, under seat fairing has cleverly concealed grab handles, which are highly needed while carrying a pillion in city traffic.
Engines, Brakes, Tyres
On mechanical front, KTM RC 200 and RC 390 get 43mm inverted (USD) telescopic fork from WP suspension, and monoshock rear suspension. Alloys are same as those seen in KTM Duke 200 and Duke 390. Tyres on RC 200 are from MRF while RC 390 gets Metzeler soft compound rubbers just like Duke 390, front is 110 mm wide and rear is 150 mm on both RCs. Front brake in RC 200 feature 300mm disc and rear 230 mm, both with Bybre callipers. RC 390 2017 model gets a larger 320 mm front disc brake, while rear is a 230 mm. ABS is standard on RC 390, while RC 200 does not get ABS, not even as option.
Engines in KTM RC 200 and RC 390 remain same as Duke 200 and 390. RC 200’s engine delivers the same power and torque figures like before, of 25 PS @ 10,000 and 19.2 Nm @ 8,000 rpm. But the RC 390 now delivers 1 Nm more torque than before – Output stands at 43.5 PS @ 9,000 rpm max. power, and 36 Nm @ 7,000 rpm peak torque. The biggest mechanical update on board the RC 390 is the addition of ride-by-wire and slipper clutch tech.
2017 KTM RC 200 continues with underbody exhaust like before, but the new RC 390 gets a completely new exhaust system. This has added 4 kgs to the RC390’s kerb weight, which now stands at 163.5 kg. The RC200 kerb weight stands at 147.5 kgs. Fuel tank capacity of both bikes remains same at 9.5 liters.
KTM RC bikes are in serious lack of rivals owing to their astounding power to weight ratio (and incredible pricing). Close competitors for KTM RC 200 are (upcoming) Yamaha R15 V3, Honda CBR 250R and Hero Karizma ZMR, while KTM RC 390 competes with Kawasaki Ninja 300, Yamaha R3.
KTM RC 390 – Photos
KTM RC 200 – Photos
News Release
