The 2017 KTM RC 390 and KTM RC 200 have launched, marking the third big launch in the Indian automotive market in the past week. First there was the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, and yesterday saw the launch of the Tata Hexa. The KTM RC 200 and RC 390 do not exactly fit into this, but they are important launches nonetheless. The revised RC racing twins from the famed Austrian bike maker bring a much-needed updated to the bikes, which have had a very successful run in the years since they were launched in India. The 2017 KTM RC 200 and KTM RC 390 come with a number of upgrades, and they have been launched at a price of INR 1,71,740 and INR 2,25,300 (ex-showroom Delhi) respectively. Also Read: LIVE – KTM RC 390, RC 200 launch updates: Get price, Features & Specifications
So what are you getting with the new KTM RC 200 and RC 390 at those prices? Let’s look at them one bike at a time, starting with the bigger one. The most visible change in the 2017 KTM RC 390 is the lack of the underbelly exhaust, which had been one of its USPs for a long while. The underbelly exhaust had contributed to the clear and precise design of the big KTM RC, translating to a lean and mean racing machine that can be pelted around twisties with ease. Now, the 2017 KTM RC 390 gets a conventional side-mounted exhaust to meet Euro IV and, by extension, new BS IV emission norms. And we’ll be honest here, it does take away some of the appeal of the KTM RC 390. But KTM has done a commendable job in integrating the new exhaust to the motorcycle, making it seem less intrusive than it could have been. We’ll have to wait and see how the new exhaust setup impacts the KTM RC 390’s corner-carving abilities. Also Read: 2017 KTM Duke 390 spied testing in India; launch in February 2017
KTM RC 200 2017
Other additions to the KTM RC 390 are less intrusive, though. There is the addition of a slipper clutch and ride-by-wire throttle. The slipper clutch has been on the naked KTM Duke 390 for quite a while, and the ride-by-wire is likely coming with the updated 2017 Duke 390. Both are welcome additions, and are sure to enhance the rider’s experience even more. Oh, and the 2017 KTM RC 390 also gets updated liveries with more orange and black added to its paint scheme. The smaller 2017 KTM RC 200 is limited to just a change in its liveries. It gets more white and orange, making it look more similar to the preceding version of the KTM RC 390. But the mechanicals underneath remain the same. Also Read: Bajaj Dominar 400 vs KTM Duke 390: Video review, price, features, specifications and images
Speaking of mechanicals, the KTM RC 390 gets the same 373 cc engine that delivers 43.5 bhp and 36 Nm of power and torque, while the KTM RC 200 uses the same 199 cc engine that offers 25 bhp and 19.2 Nm of power and torque, respectively. The RC 390 gets a bigger front brake, with the disk diameter increasing from 300 mm to 320 mm. This should translate to better braking and perhaps, better feedback.