Okay, I know what you're thinking - where are the big bad super-exotic race bikes that we can all drool over? Well we thought we'd change things up a little with one of the simplest, yet most effective ingredients for fun; all for a rather swell price. Do we really need 210bhp for a track day at Brands Indy? Nope. You need one of these bad boys to craft your skills, as getting the most out of a little bike surpasses taking a big bike to 50 per cent of its ability, or it does in my humble opinion!
So what makes one of these little KTM's tick? Firstly, it's worth mentioning that this model is the 2015 RC390, and not the 2016 one. Speaking to Richard from KTM UK, this is because of the updated fly-by-wire throttle that comes on the new model, which would make cheating easier; thus creating an uneven playing field. This also means you haven't been done over if you already own one from the year before, which is a pretty nice move from the Austrian brand for the series. Moving onto the bike though, when I tell you how much power they run, you're not allowed to laugh. Coming in at 44bhp as standard, these Cup bikes are all restricted to 38bhp with an actual mechanical throttle stop that is connected to the throttle bodies, which drops off all power at 10,250rpm. In reality, they do carry a tiny bit more oomph with an impressive looking power curve, all thanks to that lovely little Akraprovic system and remap, which means you have to really rag the thing hard to get the very best from it. Technically, with the lack of power there will be a greater reliance on rider skill (or lack of), which is good news for some! And to keep that little 36kg engine in check, KTM use Motorex KTM racing 4T oil so you can ring its neck for miles and miles on end.