Long-Term KTM RC390: Tyga Race Bodywork

WRIST: Ari Henning
MSRP (2015): $5,499
MILES: 3,347
MPG: n/a
MODS: Tyga race bodywork

Dear readers, I'm pleased to introduce you to the RC390 racebike. Yes, the KTM has been to the track quite a bit already, but it was always wearing the stock bodywork. I deliberately stuck with the stock skin because I wanted race bodywork to be the last major mod for the RC390. This fiberglass is kind of like a graduation gown—the RC390 finally has its Bachelor of Roadracing degree!

I've had a Tyga belly pan on the bike since I started racing the RC390 earlier this spring, so I figured I'd stick with Tyga (available through formula390.com) for the rest of the pieces. The Tyga panels are available in sexy carbon fiber or fiberglass, and while the individual panels are affordable, there are a lot of them! The complete fiberglass kit costs $829 (it's nearly double that for carbon) including seat foam and a windscreen. To cut costs, you could retain the stock side fairings (that's what the Cup bikes run) and front fender and save yourself $455.

The Tyga parts come primered in white and I ran them as is. (Albeit with the addition of a bunch of stickers to spice things up. Think I went overboard?) Besides making the bike look legit, the race bodywork allowed me to shed the stock headlight and taillight assemblies, cutting quite a bit of weight from high up on both ends of the bike. The bodywork went on easily, though I did have break out the automotive grinder to clearance the side panels so they’d fit flush with the nose fairing. Some mounting hardware is provided and you can use the stock bolts for everything else.

So the little RC390 is all grown up and has become the dedicated track tool its high-school counselor said it could be. And while the KTM now has a full-time job as a racebike, its development and learning aren't over yet. The RC390 still has to get its Master of Roadracing degree.