Exclusive: KTM supersport RC range to max out at RC 490; no RC 790 or RC 890 on cards

KTM’s supersport range of motorcycles currently includes the RC 125, RC 200, RC 250 and the RC 390. We had earlier confirmed that KTM will be launching an RC490 in the future. That will be the highest displacement RC model from the company for the foreseeable future. This means that an RC 790 or RC 890 will not be seeing the light of the day anytime soon!

This also means that the rumoured flagship, limited-run KTM RC16 (based on their MotoGP contender) will also remain a pipe dream. The new flagship supersport offering by KTM, the RC 490, is expected to be manufactured at Bajaj-KTM’s Chakan facility in Pune.

Our regular readers will remember that Indian Autos Blog had earlier confirmed that the 490 range will comprise 5 twin-cylinder models. Taking in to account the 43.5 PS of power, the upcoming KTM RC 490 is expected to produce around 55 PS to 60 PS. That would make the KTM RC 390 the most powerful fully-faired supersport motorcycle from the house of KTM.

The KTM RC490 will be suspended over an upside-down fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear, both sourced from WP Suspension, a KTM Group subsidiary. We would love to see the supersport motorcycle to be fitted with adjustable preload in the front. Braking duties will be administered by discs at both ends. What will be interesting to see is whether the KTM RC 490 be shod with twin discs at the front or a large single unit. Switchable dual-channel ABS will be standard.

Also Read: World Exclusive: KTM 390 Adventure to enter production in December

We also expect the KTM RC 490 to get more electronic riding aids including traction control and riding modes. The usual plethora of slipper clutch and ride by wire will continue to be standard. Besides that, KTM’s flagship supersport offering RC 490 will also get adjustable levers and switchable ABS.

More details about the upcoming flagship KTM RC 490 are expected to be revealed later next month at EICMA 2019.

Also Read: World Exclusive: KTM 890 model range to include up to four products