New generation KTM RC 390 spotted testing abroad

India’s favorite orange track slayer is undergoing an overhaul and has been spotted testing for the first time. After setting the benchmark for a performance motorcycle, the KTM 390 Duke received a lot of pampering from the engineers last year and came out loaded with a new subframe, bodywork and some new features while the faired sibling was subjected to minor updates.

Now, KTM has started testing the new RC 390 and looking at these images, the Austrian brand is sure to the stir up the market again. For starters, this motorcycle looks bigger than the current model which is really uncomfortable for tall riders. Next obvious change is the body work. The side panels are completely new and the prototype featured an almost non-existent belly pan. The front too looks completely reworked. Gone are the controversial eyes and the beak. This motorcycle too will get a transparent fascia, which resembles the badass RC8.

Another noteworthy update is the bolt-on subframe. Just like its naked sibling, this motorcycle may flaunt a bolt-on subframe as well. The current model  has a puny tank which may not be the case with the upcoming model. Like the Duke, this motorcycle too could feature a bigger, metal tank. And while we are at it, it’s safe to assume that the Duke’s TFT instrument cluster too could be borrowed by this faired supersport.

With the new emission norms coming up, this track monster would probably have a revised engine.

With all these updates, expect the prices to be bumped up a little. And in case you are already planning to buy it next summer, you probably will have to wait much longer. The updated RC might turn up at the EICMA 2019 and hit our markets the following year.

Words by Manaal Mahatme