Cycle World gets hold of the all-new 2022 KTM RC 390, testing it at a known proving ground and gathering performance data on the in-house dyno.
The all-new 2022 KTM RC 390 has already made a big splash across the world, offering budget-minded supersport enthusiasts a premium choice in the entry-level sportbike category. Lucky for the American market, the new model is set to arrive stateside in April of 2022.
Cycle World has already had its hands on the 2022 KTM RC 390 with the assistance of European contributor Adam Child, who argues the updated model sets a new benchmark in the category via superb performance, top-shelf componentry, and an all-new electronic rider aids package. I recently had the opportunity to sample the updated European-spec, preproduction RC 390 for myself at Streets of Willow Springs, a known proving grounds and host to several past CW tests. I am pleased to confirm Child’s positive reports, and I’ve got a big grin and a hammered set of knee sliders to prove it.
Powering the KTM RC 390 is a liquid-cooled 373cc DOHC single-cylinder engine, which sees a small number of revisions in comparison to the prior model year. It breathes through a 40-percent-larger airbox and has an all-new exhaust system and updated engine mapping. Measured on the in-house Cycle World Dynojet 250i dynamometer, the 2022 RC 390 produced a modest peak 40.16 hp at 8,850 rpm and 24.36 pound-feet of torque at 6,880 rpm.
How does it compare to in-class competitors? The results are smack in the middle of the 43.4 hp and 24.7 pound-feet of torque produced by the last Kawasaki Ninja 400 we dyno tested and the Yamaha YZF-R3′s 36 hp and 19.8 pound-feet of torque measured on the CW dyno.
The balance of power is what makes the RC 390 so enticing on the racetrack. Power delivery is linear and tractable across the rev range with a confident grunt on bottom, and it builds to a gratifying oomph near its 10,200 rpm redline. Maintaining momentum and gear selection are critical, as with any small-displacement sportbike, but that’s what makes ripping the 390 around the racetrack an entertaining and educational experience for even the most experienced rider.
Speaking of gear selection, our RC 390 test unit was equipped with an accessory bidirectional quickshifter offered via KTM’s PowerParts catalog, providing clutchless up- and downshifts through its six-speed gearbox. Gear ratios are well spaced, but toeing the shift lever required deliberate effort to ensure smooth selection and avoid the all-too-common and frustrating misshifts happening during both acceleration and deceleration. Deactivating the quickshifter and resorting to traditional techniques somewhat relieved the issue, but did not entirely resolve it.
The twisting 1.6-mile circuit of Streets of Willow is perfectly scaled to test the RC 390. The little KTM would consistently reach speeds above 100 mph on the back straightaway in top gear, and the track was so smooth that the chassis displayed confidence-inspiring composure while hammering against competing motojournalists. At a relatively lightweight 365 pounds fully fueled on the Cycle World scales, the 390 is nimble and requires little steering effort to smash apexes thanks to a 7.5-pound weight loss of unsprung weight in the wheelset. Even the OE-fitted Continental ContiRoad rubber handled the task of lengthy track sessions without protest and offered super grip.
The only thing holding the stock-trim RC back is ground clearance of the footpegs while decking it on its side. A set of aftermarket rearsets and a few added degrees of lean angle are in order for more than occasional trips to the track.
A remarkable chassis balance is further complemented by high-quality WP Apex suspension componentry. The highlight of the WP suspension is a high level of adjustability, especially considering that this is where the RC’s main competitors lack. The fork offers 30 clicks of compression and rebound damping adjustment while the shock is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping, but the standard settings provided a solid balance and smooth action for my 140-pound frame. Having adjustability is a huge plus in tailoring the motorcycle’s behavior to preference.
Full story here: https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/2022-ktm-rc-390-second-ride-review/
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