2022 KTM RC range makes global debut

After all those leaked images and spy shots, KTM has finally revealed the 2022 KTM RC. The design is new, especially at the front and it also gets a lot more equipment, including the current Duke 390’s TFT display on the RC 125 and RC 390. While a launch date for India is not known yet, expect it to arrive at dealerships soon. Let’s take a look at what’s new in the 2022 KTM RC range.

First and foremost is the all-new design of the 2022 KTM RC range. While we loved the design of the original KTM RC, it was getting a little long in the tooth and this is a welcome change. The 2022 KTM RC range gets an all-new LED headlamp up front, along with integrated turn indicators and daytime running lights. The rear-end sees less noticeable changes and continues to feature a slim vertical taillight. The 2022 RC range also gets updated colour schemes, with two new paint options for each model in the range. The fuel tank is now larger at 13.7 litres, compared to the 9.5-litre fuel tank on the outgoing RC range. The 2022 KTM RC also features a split seat unit, and KTM claims the seats now get thicker padding for added comfort, especially for the pillion.

The 2022 KTM RC now sits on a redesigned steel trellis frame which is now 1.5kg lighter than its predecessor’s, while also featuring all-new wheels which are 3.4kg lighter. It retains the same WP Apex suspension setup with 43mm USD open cartridge forks on the front and a monoshock at the rear. The RC 390 goes a step further by offering 30-click compression and rebound adjustment for the front forks, and a monoshock with split-piston functionality at the rear featuring five-click rebound setting and preload adjustment.

The braking setup now comes from ByBre instead of Bosch, with the RC range receiving a four-piston fixed caliper 320mm disc at the front, and a single-piston fixed caliper 230mm disc at the rear. KTM claims this braking setup reduces weight worth 960gm.

While owners of the Duke and Adventure range bikes could enjoy the updated colour TFT instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity, RC owners got left behind during the BS6 update. Well, not anymore, the 2022 KTM RC range now gets the colour TFT instrument cluster as well.It also gets smartphone connectivity and music streaming via the KTM My Ride app. The RC 390 also gets cornering ABS, cornering MTC, Supermoto ABS and optionally, Quickshifter+ too.

The engine outputs on the 2022 RC 125 and 390 are near identical to before. The 2022 RC 125 produces 14.7bhp of power and 12Nm. The 2022 RC 390, retains the same 42.9bhp as the outgoing RC 390 but gets an additional 1Nm of torque, bringing the total up to 37Nm. While KTM has released pictures for the RC 200 as well, it has not given out any information on it.

KTM has not made an official announcement regarding a launch date, but it has mentioned that the 2022 RC range will start reaching dealers globally in March 2022. However, it is possible that India gets to be one of the first markets to get the new RC range. We expect the 2022 RC range to command a premium over the current RC range, owing to the extra features. You can expect the price hike to be fairly minor though, with the RC 390 expected to be priced at Rs 2.9 lakh. Its most direct rival, the TVS Apache RR 310 was just given a track-focused update and at Rs 2.59 lakh (ex-showroom), it is more affordable than the KTM. The sub-400cc class is surely heating up!