The much-awaited next generation KTM RC sport bikes have finally been revealed. The company has unveiled the 2022 KTM RC390 and the RC125. KTM claims that the new RC series comes with the Grand Prix-inspired styling, as every panel being redesigned, boasting race-inspired lines and two new colors.
The redesign has also increased the overall size of the new KTM RC range. KTM said that the redesign “not only to give it a striking visual presence but also to optimize aerodynamics due to higher top speeds.” The new design is also optimized wind and weather protection, with enhanced heat management by using a combination of inner and outer body panels to direct airflow away from the rider.
The new motorcycle features a redesigned steel trellis subframe. The rear bodywork has been reduced, offering a more aggressive profile. The company claims that the knee area is now ergonomically developed to allow for easier, more fluid rider movement, being as narrow as possible with the largest possible contact area.
The 2022 KTM RC390 has a fuel tank of 13.7-litres, which is significantly higher than the outgoing model. The new RC range comes with more relaxed ergonomics. The height of the clip-on-handlebars can be adjusted by 10mm. Seat height is reduced by 11mm to 824mm, while the ground clearance is increased by 8mm to 158mm. The motorcycles get folding rear brake and gear shift levers.
The 2022 KTM RC range was developed with a focus on weight saving. An all-new wheel design accounts for a 3.4kg unsprung weight saving over the previous generation, while the new ByBre braking system saves an impressive 960 grams. The frame too, has undergone the knife with a 1.5 kg saving.
The 2022 KTM RC range comes with an all-new suspension system. It features an adjustable open cartridge WP APEX upside-down front forks, which has 30 clicks of compression adjustment on the left, and 30 clicks for rebound on the right. The 2022 KTM RC390 is fitted with a WP APEX rear shock absorber which offers pre-load adjustment and 5 clicks rebound settings. The new KTM RC 125 comes with WP APEX open cartridge front fork and a new WP APEX shock absorber with split piston functionality.
The new KTM RC range is powered by a EURO5 liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke engine with twin overhead camshafts, four valves and electronic fuel injection. The company claims that the new RC range delivers more torque compared to previous models. The 2022 KTM RC 390 has also received a new engine mapping for increased torque and overall rideability.
The new RC 390 comes fitted with several advanced features such as SUPERMOTO ABS, Lean angle sensitive Cornering ABS and Cornering MTC, and the optional Quickshifter+. The new RC range comes with new TFT color display, which supports new KTM RIDE app. This allows riders to access important information at a glance. Rider can also tweak the display to show what they want to see. The display also automatically adapts its brightness to ambient light.
