WE’VE seen the teasers and leaked images and now the official announcement is here, the 2022 KTM RC390 and RC125 have been officially revealed, boasting an improved chassis, less weight and, if you opt for the RC390, proper sports bike electronics and tech!
The first and most obvious change to the model is to the front fairing of the new bike. Gone is the otherworldly looking front end and in its place is a headlight and fairing that speaks in the same design language as the rest of the KTM range.
From there the bike wears all-new bodywork, with MotoGP-derived lines and graphics that are all new for this model. Home mechanics will be happy, as the new bikes use fewer fasteners and clips, making the removal of the bodywork and much easier task. The new shape is claimed to be more aerodynamic than before and has been honed using CFD processes – no doubt guided with input from KTM’s GP race teams.
Covering off the changes to both bikes, the really juicy stuff starts to happen when you peel off the new bodywork and look within. The focus of this update was on reducing the weight of the machine. Those Moto3 style wheels don’t just look trick, they save 3.4kg of un-sprung weight from the already diminutive machine. The frame too is 1.5kg lighters and even the ByBre calipers have been on the Atkins Diet and have shed nearly a kilogram in total.
The chassis hardware has also been given a shot in the arm in the form of updated WP Apex suspension on both bikes at the front and rear. The RC125 features WP APEX open cartridge front forks with a completely new sportier factory setting, and a new WP APEX shock absorber with split piston functionality. The 2022 KTM RC390 gains WP APEX USD forks (30 clicks of compression and 30 clicks for rebound) and a new WP APEX rear shock absorber which offers pre-load adjustment and five clicks rebound settings.
The big hurdle for 2022 is of course getting around the Euro5 without releasing bikes with less power than before. To do this the new RC125 and RC390 both feature liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engines, with twin overhead camshafts, four valves, and electronic fuel injection.
For 2022, both bikes deliver more torque compared to previous models thanks to a new airbox design. The KTM RC 390 has also received a new engine mapping for increased torque and overall rideability.
2022 KTM RC390 to gain top-level electronics and assistance
Taking a massive step forward for this year is the 2022 KTM RC390, with will become one of the most technologically advanced small capacity sports bikes on the market. It’ll boast a host of riders aids that are normally found on bigger, much more expensive machines. Along with the new TFT dash it features SUPERMOTO ABS, Lean angle sensitive Cornering ABS and Cornering MTC, and the optional Quickshifter+.
The new RC125 and RC390 will be in UK KTM dealers in March 2021 – pricing is TBC.
For more information, head to: www.ktm.com
