Right, so, you’re new to KTM. You may think KTM has never dipped their toes in the superbike scene. You’d be forgiven for this because the only superbike KTM decided to produce was a masterpiece called the RC8 and RC8R. Wait… KTM has a MotoGP called the RC16. While, yes, yes they do but that is something completely different and is known as a prototype. This orange brand is quite possibly the last brand you’d ever consider, in terms of mass produced bikes, that you would consider to produce a superbike.
The RC8 and RC8R are now few and far between, very rare and a very pretty sight. With a heart that is pure muscle, none of these rider aids to assist a rider if he goes ‘whoops’ and get the front wheel off the ground, looks to die for and a sound to send shivers down anyone’s spine.
Sadly, the RC8 and RC8R had a very short life and was killed off because it is too dangerous to have a superbike for the roads. Hang on, then you produce an animalistic bike called the Super Duke? How does that make sense! All was lost for KTM in that superbike scene and so ended that chapter. Or did it?
KTM had closed the door on their superbike but had not closed a door on the entry level superbike. This is where a little legend called the RC390 arrives. A bike big enough to hurt egos, a bike big enough to cause a superbike some real harm in the corners and styling that is different but oh so eye-catching. Running the same motor as the Duke 390, it does not lack any power or character. Riding style is definitely aimed at me thinking I am Brad Binder rather than me thinking I am Ms Daisy going up to the shop for a gallon of milk.
A track weapon, mountain pass champion and traffic dancer, it is a bike that will give you a big smile and keep you drooling for the next corner which will be there in no time! Quite frankly, it surprises me on the daily why not more people have decided to buy the RC390. Yes, the Duke is more comfortable and yes, it has a bigger fuel tank but in the corners, the RC390 will out corner anything you throw in its path. Need I mention that it has a cheeky little gurgle on the over run? It has got my dad back on a bike for the first time since his teen days which isn’t exactly 2 days ago, whoops, love you dad! He adores the bike and believe me you have to pull him off the bike to just make him stop!
People must ride bikes out of the comfort zone more often and who knows what may happen!
True story. The little RC is definitely a whole bunch of FUN. There have been times I’ve thought about trading, but the next ride always puts paid to those ideas. It’s safe to say I doubt I’ll part with this little baby. Will Perry become a track bike, who knows. Stranger things have happened.