It’s been five years since KTM introduced the Duke and RC series and since their launch, they’ve sold like hotcakes. It inevitably attracted all the attention because of its aggressive new sharper styling and plenty of exciting features. There is hardly any fault regarding the overall packaging of KTM with their RC and its approach towards performance-oriented segments of motorcycles. But, KTM believes in remaining at the top of the podium.
Which is why KTM has given their RC series yet another update that sharpens its racing DNA. Hence it also gets the “R” at the end. It is a standard RC 390 that gets upgraded with top-spec equipment ready for the Supersport 300 competition and we can also avail the optional and dedicated SSP300 Race Kit which aligns with the international SSP 300 FIM regulations.
KTM is having a ball in the industry with all of its products smashing the competition right out of the ballpark. They have been the epitome of thrill and fun being experienced on two wheels, especially for the young riders entering the arena. With KTM managing to create a niche that never existed in the market and stealing all the limelight away from the 250s' and the 300s’, they gave us a lighter and more powerful hooligan in the form of the 390.
The RC 390 R, takes that concept to the next level. Limited to just 500 units worldwide, the RC 390 R gets a myriad of hardware upgrades to help the bike hunt apexes and hit the straights on a track with more brute than ever before. For starters, the R gets armed with bespoke front and back fully-adjustable WP suspension.
The front setup sees a new top yoke and adjustable handlebar kit that palaces the riding position more aggressively. Its machined construction provides precision and a beautiful finish and is lighter and stronger than the previous setup. CNC milled, foldable brake and clutch levers give better feedback to the rider to hoon the track. They are also designed to flick-up if the bike faces a fall and can be set right back in “to keep the KTM RC 390 R READY TO RACE!”
Under the hood, there are not many changes tinkered with the already potent engine. But you still get a shorter intake trumpet giving the 390R wider power bands to access the mill’s full potential, and increases the overall efficiency of the bike.
Finally, the bike gets distinctive new graphics and liveries to showcase the new beast within. The KTM RC 390 R will be available to order through official KTM dealers in Europe as well as overseas markets and will cost 8,500 euros ($10,500), $3,000 more than the stock RC 390. Steep? Of course, it is. But, wait for it.
If this doesn’t fit your bill enough, don’t worry, KTM has got it covered for you. The RC390R can also be kitted with an even lethal setup that will squeeze every last drop of your track time. Codenamed the SSP300 Race Kit, it adds another 230 unique parts to the RC 390 R that are homologated for competition use.
Limited to just 50 kits per year directly through KTM Customer Racing and made specifically for the new R model, teams and individuals can access the RC 390’s motor to ‘full-attack’ mode with the full titanium Akrapovič SSP300 EVO02 system tethered to a race ECU. We don’t have information about the bike’s performance numbers yet, but we reckon the motor will produce much more than the 44 hp and 27 lb-ft torque of the stock bike.
The kit also includes STM slipper clutch, quickshifter, wiring harness, spare wheels and better cooling. The bodywork gets completely swapped with lightweight and strong materials to keep the weight of the 390R to the bare minimum, giving it unseen abilities on the track. The 390R-only kit will cost 11,000 euros ($13,600) in addition to the bike’s price tag.
Now that is what I call as ‘steep’.
