Since the KTM RC 390 first appeared on the scene, it’s been a force to reckon with in the entry-level sports bike segment. It truly took the fight to the dominant Japanese giants then and recently underwent an overhaul to breeze past its rivals in several aspects. But it looks like Team Orange isn’t satisfied, as the company is already brewing a new RC 390 as we speak. The upcoming bike has been spied testing in Europe, revealing several changes over the current model.
The 2024 KTM RC 390 Has A Revamped Design
As you can see in the images, the new RC 390 looks nothing like the current-generation model. Up top, the oval-ish headlight has made way for an all-new single-piece projector setup, followed by new bodywork all around. Be it the front cowl, fender, fuel tank, or side fairings, everything is different and sharper than before. The fairings, in particular, appear like single-piece units, unlike the segmented setup on the existing model.
Same goes for the tail end of the RC. Gone is the dedicated lamp assembly, and in comes a super-sleek LEDs mounted on the fender. These are identical to what we see on the BMW S 1000 RR, serving three purposes (brake light, turn signal, and hazard lights). We can also spot new nitty-gritty bits like conventional front indicators (instead of fairing-integrated ones) and a new windscreen. Together, all of it creates an aesthetic reminiscent of KTM’s track-only RC 8C, minus the wings. Don’t forget, the RC 990 spotted earlier had a similar design too.
The 2024 KTM RC 390 Has Updated Mechanicals
Peak under the new bodywork and things only get better. We can spot a new trellis chassis in there that goes over the front sprocket rather than ending above it. This is paired with a cast subframe, unlike the trellis unit of the ‘22 model. Concurrently, the suspension seems different, with the rear shock being repositioned. To jog your memory, the 2024 KTM 390 Duke has an off-set monoshock, which is a strong possibility here too. The setup will still come from WP, though.
What about the engine, you ask? Well, the new RC will employ an updated version of the company’s 373cc, single-cylinder mill. We can already spot a new header, underbelly exhaust, and a different catalytic converter, all of which will help the bike meet new EU-5 norms. Whether these changes will decrease/increase the peak output (43 horsepower and 27 pound-feet) remains unclear for now. That said, we do spot a new TFT instrument cluster. It’ll help better your user experience as you go through the available rider aids (traction control, quickshifter, cornering ABS, supermoto ABS).
When Will The 2024 KTM RC 390 Arrive?
Considering the spy shots, the RC 390 doesn’t look anywhere near production-ready. So we believe it’ll break cover only after the 2024 390 Duke sets the segment ablaze in November (at the EICMA). Whenever it’s out, the RC will go against the CFMoto 450 SR, Kawasaki Ninja 400, and the much-anticipated Aprilia RS 440.