2017 KTM RC 390 and RC 200 to Launch on 19th January: What to Expect

Bajaj Auto has finally announced that 2017 KTM RC 390 and RC 200 will be launched in India on 19th January and it will be the first major upgrade since the RC brothers were launched in 2015.

KTM took the Indian market by storm with the launch its sports bike lineup ranging from naked bikes to body framed ones. The lineup was launched with two engine options i.e. 373cc single cylinder and 199.5cc single cylinder engine, and KTM’s offerings gave the best of both worlds whether daily commute or those weekend highway drives.   

However, the KTM RC 390 and RC 200, the fully framed brothers needed an upgrade and the company is all set to make 2017 the best year for all KTM fans.

KTM RC 390

KTM RC 390 will be powered by the same 373cc single cylinder liquid cooled engine, producing 43.5 bhp of power at 9000 rpm, paired with 6-speed transmission, while the maximum torque has been increased to 36 NM (from 35NM) at 7000 rpm.

The black and orange colour scheme will get an additional white graphic design on the body panel and orange will be used more prominently on the panels rather than the previous limitation of being used on tires and frame.

2017 RC 390 will get a full length side-slung aluminium exhaust, compliant with Euro-IV emission norms rather than the underbelly unit. KTM is upgrading the RC 390 to be more track friendly by launching the 2017 model with a larger 320mm disc at the front ditching the 300mm front disc, ride-by-wire technology for seamless power delivery and slipper clutch. The switchable ABS remains untouched and you can still test your riding skills.

However, there are some rumors that the production ready model will have a higher dry weight and the fuel tank may be subjected to some trimming.

KTM RC 200

Under the 2017 update, KTM RC 200 is subjected to only cosmetic changes as the model will continue to be powered by a 199.5cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled unit which is now Euro-4 compliant. The power output figures also remain unchanged as it will still deliver 25.85 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 19.2 NM of maximum torque at 8000 rpm mated with a 6-speed gearbox.

The colour scheme will remain same as that of his big brother RC 390 but will get an additional 12mm padding for the pillion seat (which was a much needed update). Braking will be done by a 300mm front disc while the 230mm rear disc will complement halting duties on KTM RC 200.

Conclusion

Making the RC brothers compliant to new emission norms may result in KTM asking for a premium over the current KTM RC 390 (Rs 2.13 lakh) and RC 200 (Rs 1.68 lakh) prices.

Expect dry weight of both bikes to be increased substantially and specially in RC 390 due to the added tech and new exhaust system.

The updated 2017 KTM RC 390 and RC 200 are arriving just days after Bajaj auto has commenced the delivery of Dominar 400 and the company also has the new 390 Duke and 200 Duke lined up for a launch in mid-2017.

Stay tuned for more updates and yes, this is the kind of start that every track lunging bike lover dreams of!!

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17 Jan 2017
Rohan Jaitly