Being relatively new to the idea of different bikes for different purposes, we Indians often tend to look for the same things in different motorcycles. Here’s a closer look
Ready to Race: KTM RC 390 and RC 200 Road Test Review
The fully faired sport motorcycle trend is a relatively recent phenomenon. Yamaha were the first to deliver a purpose-built small-capacity sport bike in the form of the R15 a few years ago and then Honda gave us the CBR 250R and then 150. However, KTM have probably given us the first set of bikes that are genuine sport bikes that make no pretension to wanting to be put to commuter use. Here’s our take on the RC 390 and the 200 [Read more…]
Race-derived: KTM RC 390 First Ride Review
The newly launched KTM RC 390 is the sport bike that India needs. That is how the KTM management described things at the launch. Fortunately, we can tell you if it’s true or not, for we were one of the three Indian publications to be invited to Modena in Italy to ride the motorcycle [Read more…]
Hot new KTM 250 Duke and RC 250 revealed
KTM have officially unveiled the 250 Duke and RC 250 at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show this past weekend. [Read more…]
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 – Need to know / Comparison
The all-new Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 is finally here, full fairing and all, from Rs 1.18 lakh. [Read more…]
KTM RC Cup in the UK
KTM are set to bring the RC Cup to the UK. [Read more…]
KTM RC 390 AND 200, LAUNCHED
KTM and Indian partner Bajaj Auto have introduced the Austrian make’s supersport RC series with the launch of the RC 390 and the RC 200 in India. [Read more…]
KTM RC 200, RC 390 Launch Next Month
KTM India will launch the RC series on September 9.
Marketed under the brand’s ‘Supersport’ category, the RC 200 and RC 390 will mark the arrival of the first fully-faired sportsbikes and will surely whip up a storm in the compact performance sports segment.
Essentially a Duke in racing avatar, the RC continues with top-notch cycle parts like the trellis frame, 300mm front and 230mm rear disc, and WP suspension, but also adds a full fairing, a new 10-litre fuel tank, projector headlamp setup, lower clip-on handlebars and revised foot-peg positions to further aid the rider in exploiting the most of the machine on track, as well as on the road of course. The rear seat is present, but at first glance, it appears to be a cowl. The RC 200 and RC 390, though identical in mechanicals and parts, will sport completely different graphics on the fairing, easily distinguishing one from the other.
The RC 200 will pack the 199.5cc four-valve single-cylinder motor with 25.5 PS at 10,000 RPM and 19.50 Nm at 8,000 RPM. It will weigh in at just 137.5 kg dry! The RC 200 is expected to have ABS as standard, so the price will be in the region of Rs 1.80 lakh (on road, Pune). We are yet to confirm if ABS is optional.
The RC 390 brings the larger 373.2cc four-valve single-cylinder motor with 43.5 PS at 9,000 RPM with 35 Nm coming in at 7,000 RPM. The 390 will weigh just 147 kg dry. With standard ABS, the RC 390 should retail for about Rs 2.30 lakh.
We will have to wait for the day of the launch in a few weeks time to find out exactly how much they will cost. However, rest assured that the bikes and their KTM Power Parts, including the Akrapovic exhaust system, are ready for launch and you won’t have to wait for too long to lay your hands on them!
Story: Jim Gorde
