Just when we thought the influx of 2018 machinery had dried up, KTM has – this morning – unveiled a naughty little number in the shape of an RC 390 R. This limited-edition homologation special has been released to compete at the sharp end of the booming SSP300 class and restricted to just 500 units.

Fully adjustable WP suspension separates the R model from the stock RC 390 (rather than the very crude bouncers), along with hardware updates, a shorter intake trumpet for a wider spread of power, CNC race levers and a new top yoke and handlebar kit to allow for racier ergonomics. The RC chassis has always been a belter, so Gucci suspension will no doubt take handling to another level.

There’s also an SSP300 Race Kit, which features over 230 bolt-on goodies to go racing, including that stunning Akrapovic EVO02 exhaust, Race ECU, quickshifter, STM slipper clutch, plus everything you need to go racing for a season.

The bad news? The 2018 KTM RC 390 R itself will cost €8,500, while the race kit will set you back €11,000. And, according to KTM, the kit cannot be retrospectively fitted to older RC models.

Still, this could spark a new wave of fresh homologation lightweights from other manufacturers, which would be peng, especially given the success of SSP300 racing across the globe and British Superbikes launching their very own SSP300 support class in 2018.