A staple supersport model in the KTM line-up since its inception, the 2022 KTM RC 390 is all-new for this year and boasts a GP-inspired design, a true race-derived chassis and high-end electronics previously unseen in the segment.

Visually, the most striking update for 2022 is the styling, which features race-inspired lines, two new colourways and almost every panel redesigned.

These changes were incorporated to increase the overall size of the RC 390, improve its appearance and optimise aerodynamics thanks partly to a computational fluid dynamics design process.

Image: Supplied.

Enhanced heat management is incorporated in the new design by using a combination of inner and outer body panels to direct airflow away from the rider, as it also features better wind and weather protection.

To provide the 2022 RC 390 with a more aggressive profile, the rear bodywork has been reduced to display as much of the redesigned steel trellis subframe as possible.

The overall ergonomics are improved for 2022, notably, the knee area is now designed for more fluid rider movement, built as narrow as possible with the largest possible contact area.

Image: Supplied.

An all-new two-part cockpit and windscreen holder makes use of a cast aluminium upper area and a lower composite part that secures the headlight, while a larger fuel tank has been added for improved day-to-day riding, comfort, and fuel range.

A reduced number of screws being used as well as a redesigned mounting system means the new bodywork is easily removable and makes swapping out the street-legal bodywork for race-ready panels more practical. While the visual updates to the bike’s exterior are striking and practical, the most significant updates to the KTM RC 390 can be found underneath the new bodywork.

Extensive weight savings are made throughout the chassis on the 2022 KTM RC 390, an all-new wheel design saving 3.4kg unsprung weight, while the new ByBre braking system saves an impressive 960 grams. The frame itself for the latest model is 1.5kg lighter.

Image: Supplied.

The suspension has also been revamped, the RC 390 now boasting an adjustable open cartridge WP APEX upside-down front forks, which feature 30 clicks of compression adjustment on the left, and 30 clicks for rebound on the right.

Looking at the rear shock, the KTM RC 390 is fitted with a WP APEX which offers pre-load adjustment and 5 clicks rebound settings.

The bike itself is powered by a Euro5 state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine with twin overhead camshafts, four valves, and electronic fuel injection. A new airbox design allows the 2022 KTM RC 390 to deliver more torque than its predecessors, also receiving a new engine map for increased torque and overall rideability.

Image: Supplied.

Looking at the electronics the new generation KTM RC 390 boasts a selection of rider aids usually only available on bigger motorcycles, namely Supermoto ABS, Lean angle sensitive Cornering ABS and Cornering MTC, and the optional Quickshifter+.

KTM My Ride can now also be added, thanks to new TFT colour display, which allows riders to access important information at a glance, with the added flexibility of being able to tailor the display to show what they want to see. The display also automatically adapts its brightness to ambient light.

The new generation KTM RC 390 will be available from authorised KTM dealers in Australia and New Zealand from March 2022. For information on this bike or the entire KTM range, visit www.ktm.com.au.