New KTM RC390 spied on the road

THE A2 sports bike segment is about to get a shot in the arm as a new KTM RC390 is spotted on the road for the first time.

KTM RC390 video review

The updates to the motorcycle will be the most significant change in the machine’s seven-year lifetime, the previous ‘major’ update saw it lose the underslung exhaust in favour of a more conventional slip on style item.

This model revision though seems to be more far-reaching, with the frame, subframe, engine, and ergonomics getting a thorough makeover for 2021. Starting with the most noticeable change, the fairing of the new machine is completely redesigned, giving the bike a much more grown-up and less fussy front end. The dinky dual headlights of the old model have been lost, instead, they are replaced with a front light that is much more reminiscent of the rest of the KTM family – the 390 Duke currently wears the same headlight unit. The fairing sides are also all-new, although they keep the double-skinned elements.

Another change that could jump to the road-going machine is the inclusion of fairing-mounted LED indicators, the previous model had them mounted in the wing mirror mounting points. Aside from the lights, the front end looks significantly larger than before, with what looks like better protection from the elements for the 2021 machine.

The seat is also changing by the looks of this testing mule, with the large single-piece seat of the old model being ditched in favour of a conventional double perch for pillion and rider.

This is the biggest change to the model's seven year model lifetime - 2018 model shown above

Up front we can see a completely new braking system, still radially mounted and provided by Brembo subsidiary ByBre but totally different to before. The new radial caliper mounts look much sleeker and more lightweight than before, with smaller more lightweight discs coupled to them to boot.

The engine for the new RC390 is likely to be the same as before – that engine had already had its Euro5 lifetime extended with updates for the last model. Because of that, we’re expecting the same 43bhp and 26lb-ft of torque.