KTM's range of lightweight single cylinder bikes have proved something of a smash hit for the Austrian manufacturer. The 125 Duke has been Europe's best selling 125 for two years, the 200 Duke has sold like nothing else in Asia and the 390 Duke is also very popular right across the globe. However, as cool as naked bikes are, what everyone is all excited about is the new RC range. As well as looking awesome, these lightweight singles (which are basically the Duke models with a fairing attached and modified frame) promise to inspire a new generation of riders. Although they aren't going to hit the UK's showrooms for another few months, PH2 has managed to get a sneak preview of the RC 390 road bike when we tested the KTM ADAC Junior Cup RC 390 race bike.
Circuit exposes small power
First up we have to confess that although the Cup bike is very closely related to the road one, it isn't identical. As well as the usual race fairing and levers/rearsets, the Cup bike gets a larger front disc, fully-adjustable suspension and, oddly, a reduction in power. KTM felt that the step up from the previous 125cc two-strokes was a bit steep and have nipped the RC 390's 44hp back to 38hp. All of these upgrades are available for RC 390 road bikes through KTM's Powerparts catalogue, so road bike riders can pimp their RC 390 (or 125) to a similar standard. Although most will probably skip the restriction kit...
One size fits all
I'm a huge fan of the Yamaha YZF-R125 as despite being a 'little 125' it manages to feel like a big bike. The KTM pulls off a similar trick. I'm over six feet tall and although I might have looked a little silly on the bike (according to KTM factory Moto3 rider Karel Hanika I provided an excellent slip stream) I didn't feel at all cramped. The pegs are nice and low, the clip-ons widely spaced and overall the bike feels roomy and substantial. Often you get on a small capacity bike (the 125 and 390 share the same chassis etc) and it feels like a toy that will require surgical removal from between your arse cheeks after riding, the KTM doesn't feel like this.
Agility a real boon once accustomed
Also, and I know a few riders find this a nuisance on the Yamaha, the KTM's seat height feels lower than it actually is. KTM state 820mm, which is 5mm lower than the YZF-R125, but the narrowness of the RC's frame makes it feel substantially less.
Ready to race
KTM like to push the performance side of its vehicles, and the RC 390 road bike is right on the power to weight limit of an A2 bike. KTM are advocates of the 'light is right' philosophy and although the Cup bike only makes 38hp, it weighs 138kg. The road bike is just 9kg more, but as it will have a 6hp advantage, they should be fairly comparable. And anyway, my bulk should more than compensate for a lack of headlights...
Once on the go the first thing that strikes you about the RC 390 is its lack of weight. The KTM feels like a toy in much the same was as a race rep 125, but this is a 125 with a 375cc engine in it making 38hp and capable of hitting 100mph. Exiting corners the little single needs to be thrashed hard and felt a touch gutless, but this is more down to being on track than any actual lack of power. Last year PH2 rode the 390 Duke, which has the same engine as the RC 390, on the road and found it had enough power to amuse as well as keep up with traffic. However it was the RC 390's chassis that provided the biggest grins.
RC390 more comfortable than it looks!
It takes virtually no effort at all to get the little KTM to change direction and the RC eagerly drops onto its side. At first this feeling of agility is a touch unnerving as it is almost too quick, however once you start to trust the bike you can really enjoy the RC's handling. On the road it is going to be hysterical.
Despite being a modified road bike, the RC 390 racer has acres of ground clearance. The rearsets certainly helped matters, but even with road pegs fitted I can't see many riders running into issues. The narrowness of the RC's chassis means that the pegs are kept out of the way and the wide (for a small capacity bike) wheels and excellent chassis mean you can really hurl it into bends. The RC is a bike that likes to be ridden hard on the surprisingly strong single front brake into a bend, thrown on its side and then fired out on the single cylinder's torque with the throttle pinned wide open and a huge grin on your face.
Ace looks, chassis and performance; thumbs up!
With the 125 & 390 Duke, KTM hit the nail on the head and if the Cup bike is anything to go by the RC range should sell equally well. The chassis is excellent, the look very fresh and the engine's performance spirited. While a few of the older riders out there will complain it isn't an RGV250 or Honda NC30, the KTM is the most powerful and lightest bike you can legally ride on an A2 licence, in my book that akes it pretty cool. When they arrive in the UK the RC 125 will cost £4499 while the RC 390 will be £4999.
Some onboard vid here