2014 KTM RC390 spied!

What you see here are likely the first shots of the 2014 KTM RC390 in the wild. The fully-faired sports bike, based on the cycle parts and engine of the 390 Duke, looks just as it did when it was revealed at EICMA back in 2013.

This appears to be a production prototype. There’s little, if anything, that doesn’t look ready for the showroom here. The bike is devoid of any decals, but the paint scheme matches that of the international RC390. We’re pleased to note that all the funky bits have made it to india, including the cool looking dual projector headlamps, the sharp ‘chin’ with LED DRLs and even a blacked-out pillion seat cowl.

Differences from the naked 390 Duke are minimal. The design of the pillion footprint carriers is different and the rear subframe is also slightly changed. Foot pegs are understandably rear-set and KTM have finally provided heel-guards, something sorely lacking on the Duke.

Being a sportbike, the riding position is more committed than the naked and the RC390 gets clip-on handles. The bars themselves appear to be installed in-plane with the top triple-tee, unlike most other bikes in the country that mount them on risers for a more relaxed seating position. As KTM would do, this bike is built to a purpose and everything follows function.

Once again, Kiska design has done a smashing job with the RC390 with minimal, aggressive lines. Just look at that sweetly integrated underbelly exhaust.

The KTM 390 Duke has had its problems, but that hasn’t affected it’s popularity. Here at Thrill Of Driving, we have no fewer than five in the office! With the Indian markets’ predeliction for plastic, we’d expect the faired RC to do very well. Knowing Bajaj and their aggressive pricing track record, we’d wager it will cost a small premium over the naked Duke, about Rs 2.10 lakh ex-showroom, Pune. For your money you’ll get the highly regarded handling package of the 390 platform, the super sticky Metzeler tyres, funky LED lighting, a genuine sportsbike feel at a super light 147kg.

Despite the added weight over the naked (139kg from the KTM website), the RC390 is expected to have a higher top speed than the Duke — about 16kmph more, according to KTM officials. This should put the RC at over 180kmph true speed, a truly remarkable figure for a 375cc single. We expect KTM to slightly alter the gear ratios to suit the slipperier RC.

The 2014 KTM RC390 is expected to be available in June 2014.