- RC 390 disappears from Europe, the UK, and other markets
- Production continues exclusively for the Indian market
- Sale of existing vehicles to continue until 2026
After more than a decade on the market, the international career of the KTM RC 390 is coming to an end. The Austrian manufacturer has confirmed that the compact sports motorcycle will no longer be offered outside India in the future. This means that one of the best-known single-cylinder supersport models will disappear from European and international price lists.
Weak demand and rising development costs
According to KTM, the decisive factor in the decision was the continuing low demand in many international markets. Sales figures for the RC 390 in recent years were reportedly insufficient to continue manufacturing the model economically.
Another factor is the necessary adaptation of the 373 cc single-cylinder engine to the Euro5+ emissions standard. This redesign would have incurred additional costs and further increased the sales price. In a market environment that is already suffering from consumer reluctance in many countries, KTM felt that this step no longer made sense.
Sale planned until 2026
In Europe, the UK, and other regions, the RC 390 will be removed from the official model range. However, vehicles already in production will continue to be sold through dealers. KTM expects existing stock to be sold off by 2026.
This marks the gradual end of the RC 390’s history in these markets, with no direct successor based on the same technology.
India remains an exception in the global retreat
The Indian market is an important exception. KTM intends to continue producing and offering the RC 390 there. According to the manufacturer, demand in India is stable enough to justify continuing the series.
In addition, the RC 390 is manufactured in India. The country is also home to KTM’s parent company Bajaj Auto, which further favors the economic conditions. While the model has lost importance internationally, it remains a relevant part of the sports motorcycle segment in India.
A look back at a long model history
The RC 390 was first introduced in 2014 and was technically based on the Duke 390. Over the years, the sports motorcycle has undergone several revisions. The last major model update took place in 2022 with a new TFT display, lean-angle-dependent assistance systems, and revised cooling.
Despite these measures, the model was unable to build on its earlier international success. The discontinuation also comes against the backdrop of KTM’s recent heavy investment in other variants of the 390 platform.
Looking ahead: RC 450 as a possible successor
Parallel to the discontinuation of the RC 390, there are increasing indications of a new sports motorcycle with a larger displacement. The KTM RC 450 has already appeared in Chinese registration documents. Technically, it is based on the CFMoto 450SR S and uses its basic design, but is to be launched on the market with its own design and brand-typical tuning.
Whether and when this model will take over the role of the RC 390 in international markets has not yet been officially confirmed.
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