PHOTOS: Geoff Osborne
QUICK SPIN
POCKET
-ROCKET
eady to Race’ KTM’s marketing
slogan reads, and the entry-
level RC’s Race Face’ certainly
embodies that mantra. The
RC390 looks every part the mini racer,
the styling mimicking that of a GP
bike. Those two small lights in the
aggressively angular fairing really do
look the part and the rest of the bike
continues the theme well, right down
to the elevated racing rear hump.
Climbing aboard the small RC you’ll
realise you’re sitting atop the bike as
opposed to in it, the bars being flat
clip-on styled but actually quite wide
and the foot-pegs feel slightly more
forward-mounted than a full noise
sports bike. This is clever stuff by
KTM as the bike is pretty comfortable
and manoeuvrable, great for working
through commuting tra c and longer
rides over a couple of hours won’t
require a heap of back-straightening
stops.
On the road there’s great power
There’s no denying KTM’s
RC390 is something of a
looker. We gave it to two
very different riders to see if
it could be all things to all
men… and women.
delivery from the 44hp sub-400cc
single, with good mid-range torque for
hills and overtaking without the need
to drop down a bunch of cogs. Frankly,
as it surges on the power it feels more
like the delivery of a twin than a single
so KTM has done well here. It’s also
not until quite high in the rev range
that you notice too much in the way of
engine vibe.
As expected of KTM chassis dynamics
and WP suspension choice, the bike
handles superbly. Some spirited riding
through local rural twisties displayed
sublime cornering abilities and the
brakes are also top rate, featuring
adjustable ABS.
I liked this bike and think KTM has
created a great looking small package
that is actually very versatile. With
ample power and addictive riding traits
it’ll suit both new and experienced
riders looking for fun and stylish
commuting as well as spirited
weekend rides.
-NOEL PRIESTLY
KIWI RIDER 25