KTM launches RC 200 at Rs 1.6 lakh, RC 390 at Rs 2.05 lakh
We’ve been seeing spy shots of KTM’s faired sport bikes for a while now and as we had announced last month, the RC 200 and the RC 390 have been launched today at Rs 1.6 lakh and Rs 2.05 lakh, respectively (ex-showroom Delhi). These have been confirmed as introductory prices and cost a small premium compared to the Duke siblings. The competitive pricing has been managed thanks to 95–98 per cent localisation for KTM motorcycles.
As the KTM Duke 200/390 were the “fun” and “less-focused” versions, the RC 390 and RC 200 are expected up the game as KTM says that the raw racing DNA featuring on their RC8 and the Moto3 bikes, has trickled down. Weighing in at 166kg for the RC 390, and 154kg for the RC 200, the sports bikes are almost as light as as their naked Duke siblings. Both bikes feature a trellis chassis with an aluminium swing arm which aid the RC series’ handling characteristics. The RC 390 is powered by a 373.2cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled petrol engine which employs a trick fuel injection system to put out an impressive 42.9bhp and 35Nm of torque, while the RC 200 gets the Duke 200’s 199.5cc engine producing 25bhp and 19.2Nm of peak torque. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed transmission.
Riding on either of the Duke’s usually meant that you would be leading traffic in almost any situation and the “Race Competition” versions (RC) will be able to match its naked siblings. In fact the RC 390 will have a higher top speed, 16kmph faster than the Duke 390, reaching above 180kmph, an impressive number considering the sub-500cc single-cylinder motor.
Braking reposponsibilities are discs in the front and rear though, like the Dukes, the RC 390 gets ABS as well while the RC 200 misses out on it. The RC 200 also misses out on the Metzeler tyres and is offered with MRF tyres instead.
Styling-wise both bikes in the RC series look quite similar to each other, an issue that many customers had with the Dukes. In a spy shot, we had expected a cowled seat but we can see now that there is a nifty rear seat. The reduced rake angle of the front forks and the shortened wheelbase accentuate the both bikes’ sporty credentials and aid in cornering. The projector headlamps, DRLs, and rear view mirror mounted indicators look radical giving an edgier image compared to its naked brethren.
Quality on the RC series has also been improved. KTM has taken some consumer feedback seriously and offers forged brake and gear pedals, whose breakdown used to be quite common.
The Austrian manufacturer plans to expand its India footprint to 150 dealers by the end of this month, reinforcing its commitment to the market. In addition, KTM has targeted producing 75,000 motorcycles this year, of which one-thrid will be sold in India while the rest are for export, though it expects to reach 2,50,000 units by 2020. KTM is looking to expand its line-up in the country as they are expected to bring motocross bikes via the CKD route, as well as the Adventure 1050. However, niether the Super Duke 1290, nor the smaller engined 690, will come to India as Stefan Pierer, president and CEO, KTM Sportmotorcycle AG, joked that 185bhp in a 185kg bike can be considered a lethal weapon. On a happier note, there is another parallel-twin engine platform being built as a replacement to the Duke 690 which may come to India.
