2022 KTM RC 390 First Look (21 Fast Facts: Track and Street Motorcycle)

The sole supersport motorcycle in the KTM lineup gets major updates for 2022. The most significant changes are to the chassis, including the bodywork. The motor also gets a bit of massaging for more power, along with the arrival of an electronics suite. So, get your leathers on, and let’s take a closer look at the 2022 KTM RC 390.

  1. The 2022 KTM RC 390 gets new suspension. The fork is a highly adjustable WP Apex setup, with an open cartridge design. Although there’s no spring-preload adjustment, there are 30 clicks at your disposal for both compression and rebound damping personalization. The shock is also a WP Apex unit. The shock’s spring preload can be adjusted, along with your choice of five settings for rebound damping.

2022 KTM RC 390 First Look: MSRP

  1. KTM put the RC 390 on a diet, starting with unsprung weight. The new wheels are 7.5 pounds lighter than the previous hoops, and the new ByBre braking system is over two pounds lighter. The axle is hollow for lighter weight.
  1. KTM didn’t forget sprung weight. The new frame is 3.3 pounds lighter than last year.
  1. The new frame makes the bike narrower. KTM paid particular attention to the knee area, giving the rider a slimmer motorcycle with a larger contact area for turning.

2022 KTM RC 390 First Look: Specs

  1. The all-new bodywork on the 2022 KTM RC 390 is inspired by the RC16 raced by Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira on the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MotoGP team. It will be available in two color choices.
  1. High-speed slipperiness is a feature of the new bodywork. Yes, the KTM engineers fired up the mainframe and used computational fluid dynamics.
  1. Street riders will be happy to know that the new fairing helps protect the rider from wind and rain. Further, the inner and outer body panels are used to keep engine heat from cooking the rider.

2022 KTM RC 390 First Look: MSRP

  1. There will be fewer fuel stops on the street, thanks to an increased fuel capacity. The new 390 holds 3.6 gallons of high test.
  1. The cockpit on the 2022 KTM RC 390 is all-new, including a new TFT display. Cast aluminum supports keep the plastic in place, and the headlight gets a composite mount.
  1. The new TFT display connects to your smartphone via the KTM My Ride app. The TFT is light-sensitive and self-adjusting for conditions.

2022 KTM RC 390 First Look: Updated Sport Motorcycle

  1. While you’re looking at the new dash, you’ll be sitting on a new seat. The foam is thicker for comfort, while the cover is seamless for ease of movement. Once you find your spot, the grippier cover material keeps you there, in the sun or rain.
  1. The clip-ons have a 10mm height adjustment range. Low for the track and high for the street, for most riders.
  1. The RC 390’s footpegs are new and lighter.

2022 KTM RC 390 First Look: Track Bike Motorcycle

  1. To show off the new frame, the rear plastic is minimized. It is also designed to look more aggressive.
  1. At the racetrack, the bodywork can be removed more easily than before. Fewer screws hold the plastic on.
  1. The new chassis gets plenty of electronic help. The suite of rider aids includes Supermoto ABS, cornering-aware ABS, rear-wheel lift mitigation, and traction control. If you want a KTM quickshifter, be prepared to pay extra, however.

2022 KTM RC 390 First Look: Specs

  1. There’s a new airbox, and that means more torque and improved throttle response from the DOHC mill. Power production peaks at 43 horsepower.
  1. With more power on tap, KTM improved airflow through the radiator to keep the temperature steady.
  1. Lane splitters will appreciate the new narrower-profile rearview mirrors. The new mirrors are also more aerodynamic once you’re out of traffic and winding the motor up.

  1. Street riders will like the new LED lighting.
  1. Be patient and have a flexible budget. We don’t know what the 2022 KTM RC 390 will cost, and the diminutive supersport won’t hit showroom floors until March.

We have tested the KTM RC 390

2022 KTM RC 390 Specs

ENGINE

  • Type: Single cylinder
  • Displacement: 373cc
  • Bore x stroke: 89 x 60mm
  • Maximum power: 43 horsepower
  • Engine management: Ride-by-wire w/ Bosch EMS
  • Lubrication: Wet sump
  • Transmission: 6-speed
  • Clutch: Cable-actuated w/ assist and slipper functions
  • Final drive: 520 X-ring chain

CHASSIS

  • Frame: Chromoly trellis w/ powdercoating and bolt-on subframe
  • Front suspension: Damping-adjustable WP Apex 43mm fork
  • Rear suspension: Spring-preload and rebound-damping adjustable WP Apex shock
  • Wheels: Five-spoke
  • Tires: Continental ContiRoad
  • Front tire: 110/70 x 17
  • Rear tire: 150/60 x 17
  • Front brake: 320mm disc w/ radially mounted 4-piston ByBre caliper
  • Rear brake: 230mm disc w/ fixed single-piston ByBre caliper
  • ABS: Bosch 9.1MP Two Channel w/ Supermoto ABS

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES TBA

2022 KTM RC 390 Price: $TBA MSRP

2022 KTM RC 390 Photo Gallery