At the 2013 German MotoGP of Germany at the Sachsenring, KTM lifted the veils off a motorcycle that will be used in a new racing series, the 2014 ADAC Junior Cup. The street-legal version of the machine will follow closely on its heels, according to the Derestricted blog.
KTM has been on a killing spree ever since it forayed into India, and their latest bamboozlement has come in the form of a giant-killing (Read Ninja, CBR) price tag of 1.80 Lakhs INR for the KTM 390 Duke. The brand Duke has been the darling of attention ever since it barged into our motorcycling scene, its hooliganism notwithstanding.
However, the short straw was the fairing, or rather the lack of it. After witnessing the hair-raising performance levels of the KTM 200 Duke, a full-faired cousin was always the next prized offering to look forward to from this Austrian giant. Quite a few tides flow in the favor of the neat wraparound that comes with some bikes, the major reason being us Indians’ probable forced disposition to favor faired motorcycles. Other and more valid reasons include a better protection level to the rider against strong winds, better aerodynamics and capability of even higher speeds.
KTM boss Stefan Pierer has stated that motorcycle is not exactly a pure race-spec machine, as there will be a street-able offering drawing heavily from this bike. He reiterated the fact that the development of lower-capacity, inexpensive street motorcycles is central to their ethos. Mr. Pierer has also expressed optimism about the street-version of the RC 390, that could be introduced in early-2014, catering to a large section of motorcycle enthusiasts.
The next question then, is – Is (the production version of) this the Moto 3 and RC8 based faired sportsbike that Bajaj has promised for India early next year? We definitely feel so!
As for possible pricing; it is reasonable to expect KTM-Bajaj to carry on with their Giant-Killing spree. It would be pricier than the KTM 390 Duke though, to account for the shell that would encapsulate the engine.
Though the engine power output has been clamped down at about 38 hp, the lower weight will allow it to shoot off the starting block. How many of you are going to your nearest Pro-Biking showroom, obviously not to book this one but to cancel your Ninja 300 bookings?
Here’s a fuller list of specifications :
KTM RC 390 Cup Specs
Engine type : Single cylinder, 4-stroke
Displacement : 373.2 cc
Power (Cup version) : Approx 38 hp
Fuel System : Bosch EFI (Throttle valve 46 mm)
Control : 4 V / DOHC
Engine Lubrication : Wet sump system
Cooling system : Liquid
Clutch mechanical : Multi-disc clutch in oil bath
Engine management : Bosch EMS
Frame : Steel tube frame, powder coated
Front suspension : WP-USD Ø 43 mm
Rear suspension : WP-Monoshock
Brake system front : Four-piston brake caliper, radially symmetric sealed-off rim brake, brake disc Ø 300 mm
Rear brake : Single-piston brake caliper, floating caliper brake, brake disc Ø 230 mm
Wheels front / rear : Cast aluminum wheels 3.00 x 17 “, 4.00 x 17″
Front / rear tires : 110/70 ZR 17, 150/60 ZR 17
Silencers : Akrapovic titanium silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Steering head angle : 66.5 °
Wheelbase : 1340 + / -15 mm
Seat Height : 850 mm (33.5 inches)
Fuel tank capacity : About 9.5 liters (2.5 gallons)
Weight : About 130 kg (286 lb.)
