ROAD NEWS
KTM RC 390 GETS BIG UPDATE
KTM ’ s entry supersport machine , the RC 390 , has received a big update for the 2022 model year with more than just an aesthetic makeover . Underneath the completely revised bodywork is a chassis including frame and suspension . Interestingly , unlike the norm , KTM actually went about increasing the size of the RC 390 , which has not only to given it a much needed new look , but also to optimises the aerodynamics at higher speeds , thanks in part to a computational fluid dynamics design process . This new design has also optimised wind and weather protection ,
with enhanced heat management by using a combination of inner and outer body panels to direct airflow away from the rider . Despite the larger bodywork , KTM has managed some impressive weight savings compared to the outgoing bike . An all-new wheel design accounts for a 3.4kg unsprung weight saving over the previous generation , while the new ByBre ( ByBrembo ) braking system shaves off 960g . Even the frame sees a weight loss with a claimed 1.5kg saving . In total , the 2022 RC 390 tips the scales at 158kg dry in full road trim . For the track fiends out there , the bodywork has been designed to be able to more easily swap out the roadlegal bodywork for track only units . For 2022 , the 373cc single gets Euro5 homologation and thanks to a new airbox , more torque . Peak power figures are a claimed 42.9hp ( 32kW ) with torque now 37Nm . The suspension has also been hit with the upgrade stick with the 2022 model now featuring adjustable open cartridge WP APEX upside-down front forks up front – with 30 clicks of compression adjustment on the left , and 30 clicks for rebound on the right – the rear also gets a WP APEX shock with pre-load adjustment and five clicks of rebound adjustment .
22 KIWI RIDER