KTM RC 390

The KTM RC 390 is powered by a 373.27cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder DOHC engine producing 42.9 bhp and 37 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox, slipper clutch, and a bi-directional quickshifter as standard. The RC 390 top speed is approximately 160 kmph, which is the highest in its class.

The Gen 2 update brought a 40 percent larger airbox and revised engine mapping specifically aimed at improving torque and everyday rideability, addressing earlier criticism that the RC 390 felt too peaky for regular road use. This has made the engine noticeably more usable in city traffic while retaining its race-bred top-end character.

KTM RC 390 mileage during independent road tests returned 26.6 kmpl, though owner-reported figures average closer to 29 kmpl depending on riding style. Given the RC 390's high-revving nature, this is a genuinely respectable figure for a bike built primarily around outright performance rather than efficiency.

Riders comparing the KTM RC 390 price against this performance consistently rate the engine's top-end pull as best among 350 to 400cc single-cylinder sports bikes sold in India today.

Acceleration from a standstill feels genuinely brisk, with the engine pulling hard past 6,000 rpm and remaining composed all the way to redline, rewarding riders willing to keep the revs up rather than short-shifting. The bi-directional quickshifter adds genuine polish here too, allowing clutchless upshifts and downshifts that make aggressive riding noticeably smoother than on rivals without this feature.

The RC 390 uses WP-sourced upside-down front forks and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock, tuned specifically for sharp, track-capable handling rather than outright comfort. The Indian-spec RC 390 sold in India comes with:

• WP APEX 43 mm USD forks
• Front suspension adjustability
• Rear WP APEX monoshock with adjustability

The riding position is committed and sporty, with clip-on handlebars and rearset footpegs putting genuine strain on wrists and shoulders during longer city commutes, though this posture pays off with sharp, confidence-inspiring handling on twisty roads and track days. The seat height of the RC390 is  835 mm, which is on the taller side for the segment.

Pillion accommodation is modest, reflecting the RC 390's supersport priorities, with a compact rear seat better suited to shorter trips than extended two-up touring. KTM's electronics package helps offset some of the ergonomic compromises, with a 6-axis IMU enabling cornering traction control and cornering ABS that inspire genuine confidence when pushing the bike hard.

Braking uses front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS, including a Supermoto mode that allows riders to disable rear ABS specifically for track use. This level of rider-adjustable electronics is rare at this price point and reflects KTM's motorsport-driven development philosophy throughout the RC 390's engineering.

Handling remains the RC 390's clear strong suit, with the trellis frame and race-tuned suspension delivering sharp, precise turn-in and genuine stability when leaned hard into corners. Riders stepping up from smaller sports bikes consistently describe the transition to the RC 390 as a noticeable jump in outright cornering confidence, particularly on track days where the chassis' limits become more apparent than on public roads.

KTM RC 390 mileage came in at 26.6 kmpl during independent real-world city and highway tests, while owner-reported figures average around 29 kmpl under gentler riding conditions. Given the engine's high-revving, performance-focused character, this remains a reasonably efficient figure for the segment.

The 13.7-litre fuel tank gives a range of approximately 350 km per fill, adequate for weekend rides and reasonably long highway stints without excessive fuel stops. Riders pushing the bike hard on track days or aggressive road riding will see this range drop noticeably, given the engine's higher rev range under such use.

KTM's dealer and service network in India, run through Bajaj Auto's manufacturing and distribution partnership, has expanded significantly since the RC 390's 2014 launch, making parts and servicing considerably more accessible than in the model's early years. This partnership also keeps pricing more competitive than fully imported performance bikes in a similar class. 

The running costs are higher than those of commuter-focused motorcycles, given the RC 390's performance tuning and premium componentry, though servicing remains more manageable than that of fully imported European sports bikes thanks to local assembly.

Insurance premiums also run higher than for smaller-capacity commuter bikes, reflecting both the RC 390's performance positioning and its higher purchase price. Owners should budget for this alongside routine servicing, tyre replacement, and chain maintenance, all of which cost more than on a typical 150 to 200cc commuter motorcycle, given the RC 390's higher performance ceiling.

Track day use, which many RC 390 owners embrace given the bike's genuine circuit capability, adds further wear on tyres and brakes beyond typical road riding. Buyers planning regular track outings should factor in a higher consumables budget than someone using the bike purely for road riding and commuting.

The KTM RC 390 price starts at Rs. 3,32,777 ex-showroom for both the Standard and GP Edition variants, which are identical except for colour options, not mechanical specifications.

The KTM RC 390 on-road price in Delhi comes to approximately Rs. 3,84,468, including RTO registration and insurance. Confirm current pricing and any ongoing offers with your nearest KTM dealership before finalising a purchase.

The KTM RC 390 price in India positions it as a direct rival to the TVS Apache RR 310 and Kawasaki Ninja 300, although the RC 390 leads in outright power and track-focused electronics within this segment. Buyers who want a more relaxed riding position with the same engine platform should consider the KTM 390 Duke instead, which shares core mechanicals in a naked, less committed body style.

Financing through KTM dealerships and third-party lenders is widely available, helping spread the on-road price over manageable monthly instalments. Given how closely the Standard and GP editions are priced, most buyers choose based purely on colour preference rather than any meaningful difference in features or performance between the two.