Made in India 2017 KTM RC 390 Launched in USA for $5,499

Made in India 2017 KTM RC 390 Launched in USA for $5,499

2017 KTM RC 390 was recently launched in the US for $5499 (INR 3.54 lakhs Approx). Apart from the price difference, every other feature remains the same as the Indian spec model launched back in January 2017. The shade even stays same for both the countries.

The higher price in America is due to the import tax by US authorities, seen in the same way in India with bikes that follow SKD (semi knocked down), CKD (completely knocked down) and CBU (completely built unit). India is the manufacturing hub for KTM Duke and RC Series motorcycles (125, 200, 250, 390).

They even have the 2017 KTM Duke 390 on sale in USA for $5299 (INR 3.40 lakhs Approx). Indian market currently benefits from the local production as RC 390 costs INR 2,34,300 and Duke 390 costs INR 2,29,500 in the country. 2017 RC 390 is powered by a refined, BS4 version of the familiar 373.2 cc motor, producing 43.5 PS at 9000 rpm and 36 Nm at 7000 rpm.

The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox that gets slipper clutch for stress free aggressive downshifts. Apart from fuel injection and water cooling, RC 390 comes with ride by wire for the best ever throttle response. 2017 variant got more bulk on its body through the side exhaust, making the motorcycle good for 170 kg of wet weight and just 9.5 liters of fuel carrying capacity.

The seating position favors track riding as the aerodynamic machine can sprint from 0-100 kmph in around 5.7 seconds. The claimed top speed is about 179 kmph while 2017 version gets the new UV resistant paint for safe ground level parking. Being a single cylinder motorcycle, 2017 KTM RC390 has no direct rival except twin cylinder options like Yamaha R3 and Kawasaki Ninja 300.