Tyres for KTM RC 390 Motorcycle

KTM history can be traced back to the 1930s, but the company has been manufacturing motorcycles since the early 1950s. In 1992, the company was split into four divisions and motorcycle production became the responsibility of KTM Motorradholding. It has grown to become Europe's largest motorcycle manufacturer and has its headquarters in Austria.

The range of KTM road bikes starts with 125cc machines and goes right up to the1300cc Super Adventure touring bike. The RC390 sits in the middle of this range and is classed as a "sport bike". Introduced in 2013, it is manufactured in India by Bajaj Auto, which part-owns KTM. The RC390 shares a number of components with its stablemate the KTM 390 Duke roadster, which is a more traditional-looking motorcycle without the race-bred features of the RC390. Both have a 373cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine which is claimed to develop 43HP. The RC390 has a different, more race-oriented frame and suspension.

Choose the Right Tyres for the KTM RC 390 Motorcycle

At its introduction the RC390 came with Metzeler 110/70ZR17 front and 150/60ZR17 rear Sportec M5 Interact tyres. These provide a great balance between high grip for sporty road riding and precision at maximum lean, giving the rider confidence to lean into a corner while producing maximum grip when exiting on to the straight.

When buying replacement tyres for a KTM RC 390 motorcycle, there are several manufacturers from which to choose. Different tyres have various levels of grip, steering responsiveness and braking, so buying new tyres for your RC390 will depend on your riding style and on the type of riding you plan to do. The OE Metzeler M5s are still a great choice, but many other tyres are available in this popular size. General riding around town will produce an entirely different set of requirements from long cross-country rides or taking your RC390 sportsbike on a trackday. Consequently, the range of prices varies depending on a tyre's design characteristics. Why pay for a track-oriented tyre if your RC390 never goes near a track? Conversely, if you do intend to drive your RC390 hard, you want the best tyres available and need to budget accordingly.

Manufacturers producing 110/70-17 front and 150/60-17 rear tyres include Avon, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Heidenau, Metzeler, Michelin and Pirelli, and they are suitable for all road riding conditions.
 

Ask the Experts

If you aren't sure which tyres are best for your RC390, our specialist fitters at Protyre can offer guidance and advice on which is most suitable. Why not make an appointment at your local Protyre garage to discuss your requirements?