KTM RC390 born for the road but with racing in its DNA

Sharp edges and an avant-garde motorcycle design for a small sports car that looks at you strangely, just above what appears to be a hint of...beak! The frame is orange, the rims too, furthermore it is small and compact but the spirit is that of its bigger sisters. It's the new one KTM RC390 which, thanks to the great world result in Moto3, wants to make its way into the hearts... but also into the right wrist of many kids and why not, also of many "older" fans. In 2014 you will also have a single-brand championship dedicated to you.

The RC390 will have to warm up the tires well to compete with proposals like the Ninja 300 or the Honda CBR250R, but given the technical base, it will have very few difficulties. From Mattighofen they accustomed us to the pylon and also in this case our eyes rest on the orange of the frame to which a classic and excellently finished alloy swingarm is attached at the rear; the latter supports a 17" wheel with its 150/60 tire (standard Metzeler Sportec M5...not bad). At the front, upside down fork combined with a 17" wheel with 110/70 tyre. WP obviously regarding the suspensions, while a braking system takes care of curbing the instincts of young drivers ByBre with radial connection caliper with 4 pistons and single 300mm disc at the front, and single-piston caliper coupled to a 230mm disc at the rear.

With a dry weight of just 147 kg and a wheelbase of only 1340 mm, this little super sports car promises a lot agility and lots and lots of fun. And the engine? A pepper. Let's give the numbers: 1 cylinder, 4 stroke and 4 valves DOHC, 44 CV, for a displacement of 373 cc, the same already appreciated on the Duke 390, liquid cooling and 6-speed gearbox: everything stops the scales at 36 kg. Some technical refinements to increase the racing value: forged piston, Nikasil-coated cylinder regarding the thermal and overlapping transmission shafts to limit the length of the engine. All driving information such as gear engaged, fuel level and scheduled maintenance are contained in the valuable LCD display; the gear shift warning is not even missing!

Therefore, this RC390 is a great little sports car, it has everything needed to entertain and satisfy the young drivers who choose it. Incidentally, the weight-power ratio of 0,2 kW/kg brings this KTM within the limits for the A2 license. ABS is standard so you have the necessary peace of mind on the road, but can be deactivated for track driving. A large gallery of accessories available such as Akrapovic exhaust, footpegs, graphics, even a 100% racing kit.