As everyone expected, 2022 KTM RC390 is officially unveiled globally and not far away from the launch. The video released by a YouTube channel RokBagorosStuntrider gives us the glimpse of the upcoming motorbike. As he mentioned, its just a prototype and we can also expect the manufacturer to make changes before launching it officially. No big surprises in design wise because we've witnessed the leaked images of the motorbike already. Unofficial bookings were also done at some dealerships and we can expect this machine to hit the dealerships at the forthcoming weeks.
The front end of the motorbike is redesigned fully and so the side fairings. Conventional dual projector setup is replaced with a single LED setup. The front end is also integrated with a LED DRLs which is also used as a turn indicators. Wind visor's design is also revised. Side fairings, tail section, fuel tank, graphics is also new. Speaking of the fuel lank, it looks now more beefy and have a capacity of 13.7L. The overall aerodynamics of the bike is also revised.
The problem in the older version of the RC series is the heat management. Some of my friends who owns a older version of the RC mentioned that the heat cannot be felt when cruising down on the highways. Commuting inside the city and in the traffic conditions will fry their legs as the heat emitting from the motor will be very much high. Now, the new redesigned side panel improves the air flow for optimized heat management. A TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity feature also comes as part of the plan which is already seen on the Duke 390 and Adventure 390 models. It allows the rider to control the music and phone calls.
Now the motorbike gets a adjustable suspension at both the ends where the front fork is adjustable for rebound damping & compression and the rear monoshock is adjustable for preload & rebound damping. Due to the addition of a new Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), now it gets a lean angle sensitive traction control, cornering ABS and also a bi-directional quickshifter. Interestingly, this new iterated model has lost some weight compared to the previous iteration. This is possible because of the new 5 spoke wheels, new brakes, redesigned pillion's & rider's footrest and redesigned frame.
Both the rider's and pillion's seat have been upgraded and contains more foam for comfort. The clip-on is now adjustable by 10mm in height and according to our wish, we can adjust it for the reach. The rear sub frame is now bolted on the main frame which helps very much in case of any accidents where we don't need to change the whole frame assembly. According to the rider, this new adjustable shocks at both the ends helps to stay confident at the corners.
Coming to the power source, the power figure remains constant. But, the torque has been increased by 2Nm where the overall torque is now 37Nm. This is possible by means of the remapped engine and the redesigned air box. The stainless steel header pipe and the aluminum end can is also included. The lubrication system is also altered where the semi dry sump lubrication system is replaced by a wet sump lube system. It also tends to continue the slipper clutch and a 6 speed transmission system.
But, my guess is, this machine while making its way to our country, will loose some of its features as the same happened for the 390 Adventure. It'll be well and good if it tends to continue the same as the international spec model as revealed which will be very much helpful for the riders at the tracks. Anyways.... We can expect this motorbike in our showrooms very soon as it is unveiled now. But, I personally love the design of the current model compared to that of the new one.
