Brad Binder is most certainly the Superstar of motorcycle racing throughout South Africa, and commendably so. But what choice do you have if you want to emulate him on a new KTM track derived bike? Well, you have the highly impressive RC 8C but that is a totally purpose-built race bike and would relieve you of around 800k, but they’re all sold out anyway. So how about this very attractive, and updated, RC 390 for a mere R99, 999?
The RC 390 has been around since 2014 and received a severe update in 2017 where the motor jumped from 345cc to 373cc, which is the same capacity found inside the cylinder barrel today. This feisty engine is also found inside the Duke and their 390 Adventure but the new RC has a few differences this year. Primarily the air-box is 40% bigger over the previous RC in a quest for a bit more torque, and a few other minor internal changes. The fuel-injected, DOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, Indian built engine has a claimed 43hp@9,500rpm and 37Nm of the torquey stuff, more than enough to propel the cute RC past 170km/h. And weighing in at a feather-light 155kg it gets there surprisingly quickly as well.
So all good so far, but it gets better. KTM also decided to optimise the aerodynamics for a more slippery shape, and chose lighter wheels and brakes for improved directional ability. But let’s be honest here, the best part about the 2022 RC 390 is the styling. This is one seriously eye-catching motorcycle on all counts, don’t you agree?
From the transparent front fairing to the exposed sub-frame and suede-like seat, plus the RC-16 echoing ‘MotoGP Brad inspired’ paint scheme, it attracted attention everywhere I rode, and parked. “Nice bike mate”, was the most common comment, and I agree as I was actually quite proud to be seen out and about on KTM’s new RC 390.
It makes a good argument now for the best small-bore sportsbike. The two competitors in this market are the Yamaha R3 and Kawasaki’s 400 Ninja, both good bikes in there own right, but both are more expensive with far less standard equipment.
Oh yes, this particular KTM has those two well and truly beaten with its new 3-Axis IMU. You’ll find cornering ABS from Bosch, and Supermoto ABS (turning off ABS on the back wheel for immature skids, very cool, and much fun). A large TFT screen sits inside the fairing that can link to the KTM My Ride App with light sensitive back light (white in daytime, black at night). The RC 390 also has ‘Ride-by-wire’ throttle activation, allowing for ‘Spin-adjuster’ traction control, and an optional quickshifter, which goes up and down the gearbox for another 5k+/-, I’ve been told.
It doesn’t end there though as the 2022 RC 390 has, by far, the best suspension in class. With its new 43mm WP Apex suspension, the forks have compression adjusters on one side and rebound on the other. 30 Clicks on either fork leg will surely keep the track riders happy for many hours, and the hefty looking rear shock enjoys pre-load and rebound damping attention as well.
So you definitely get a lot for your 100k, but is the RC 390 only aimed towards the younger riders? Well, yes and no. Sure the sportbike design attracts younger riders without a ‘bad back’, but it really does offer so much more. For one, the ‘bars are placed higher than the previous version so you’re not in a full-on race crouch everywhere you go. The seat is high (825mm from the floor) which short people with little leggies might not enjoy. I’m certainly far from ‘young’ and enjoyed the bike during daily commutes and bend swinging alike, and I’d imagine around a track, but never made it to one. The rear seat is most certainly not for long distance pillion riding though, but ideal to take your hamster out for a spin.
One major thing the RC 390 does offer, in today’s world, for all riders, is its remarkable fuel-sipping attributes. I first thought the gauge was broken but, no, it really does use very little petrol no matter how hard you ride, something to take note of for sure. You just can’t have more fun on a motorbike for less fuel usage, so there.And that sums up the RC 390, it is SO much fun. An overseas site achieved a 0-100 km time of just under five –seconds, enough to beat all but the fastest cars away from the lights, which is impressive. The handling of this machine is where it really excels though. It’s as agile as a confused leopard but not as scary. There’s something special and rewarding about ringing a small bike to the redline in every gear that makes you grin and, when it comes to an abrupt halt courtesy of the new 320mm giant front disc with new four-piston caliper, the grin remains.
No matter how fast you fly through your favourite twisty bends you always come out the other side thinking you could have gone through faster, a tribute to the new suspension and stiff chassis components. And yes, I would add the quickshifter option, because it adds to the sporty flavour of this bike. So, no, it’s not just for the younger crowd and offers a great way to go to work, shop, or have Sunday fun for all types and age. If you want to ‘Be like Brad’ this is as close you can get for so little financial outlay.
Images: Sudoku.
Visit: www.ktm.com for more technical information and to find your local dealer.
Also ask www.radktm.co.za for a test ride, as they have a demo for you to try.