One of the gigantic automotive extravaganzas in India, Auto Expo 2016 was organized and went flawlessly amazing just two weeks back and left everyone with the excitement of the automobiles showcased. Over 800 Indian companies and 500 international exhibitors showcased their products in the components show, where international pavilions was arranged for China, Canada, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Britain. Well Australian motorcycle manufacturer KTM was completely rocking the show after a huge success of 200 Duke and the 390 Duke. This year KTM chose not to show a single production model, instead displayed heavily customized models of all the launched motorbikes whether the RC series or the duke variants.
The KTM dealers have confirmed that 2016 version of all KTM will have auto headlamps as a standard fitment that will double up as daytime running lights (DRLs). The safety feature is in line with the Indian government’s proposed regulations to make DRLs mandatory on all two-wheelers from 2017 which is a whoop moments for all those who are planning to buy a bike after 2016 because The Government of India is really serious about introducing safety norms on future vehicles and has proposed a host of features in order to improve two-wheeler safety in the country which is really a concern for Indian riders. In addition to daytime running lights, new motorcycles will have to also come equipped with ABS (on 125cc and above bikes) from next year onward, while the proposal includes introducing an emergency warning sound as well.
KTM RC390
The first of the RC on the road will be the new RC390 with an oversquare 373cc single with four-valve DOHC, liquid-cooling and Bosch fuel injection. To quell vibration its engine uses a balancer shaft while a 3-way catalytic convertor keeps it emissions friendly. On top of that the RC 390 produces 4 BHP / 8 Nm more and weighs 9 Kgs less from its rivals like the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Yamaha R3 . We can confidently say that there is no bike right now which can bet RC 390 in terms of performance.
One of the common question arises, Will RC390 be faster flat out?
Yes. That is certain. Because of the rear sprocket which is smaller in size and gives the RC390 roughly 10kmph more flat out which actually make difference. However, the bike does weigh (147kg) a bit more than the 390 Duke thanks to the fairing “Agile, fast, suitable for A2 driving licence to meet the European licence power -to-weight ratio norms without a restrictor like the 390 Duke” so the actual on-road performance remains to be same.
One disappointment we have is that KTM are persisting in making these bikes run with 10-litre tanks which shortens the range to an annoying 220-250km between fuel stops.
But, KTM’s sports bike are in its purest form. Whether you are on country roads or the racetrack, the Moto3 genes are perceptible in every manoeuvre and conveys pure race feeling.
The handling – simply spectacular.
The performance – incredible.
The power – awesome
Prices are ranging from INR 2,13,000 – 2,36,121 which varies from model to model.
