Performance versus running cost is becoming more and more important for many riders as fuel efficiency is an increasingly important factor. With the KTM RC 490 now introduced, the obvious question that crops up is how its fuel consumption will compare to the more frugal RC 390 and the thirstier 890 models. Riders are wondering if KTM has incorporated any new technology to enhance the fuel efficiency without compromising the performance standard of a bigger engine. It also discusses how it compares with Japanese competitors in the same class, which often put fuel economy first. Some think the RC 490 could be a performance sweet spot; others fear it could be uneconomical for its size.