2022 KTM RC 390 vs rivals: price, specifications comparison

KTM has finally launched the highly anticipated, new-generation RC 390 in India, priced at Rs 3.14 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The supersport motorcycle has received an all-new design, major chassis updates, more features and minor updates to the powertrain. These changes have driven up prices for the RC 390 by around Rs 36,000 over the previous-gen model. As such, the KTM RC 390 continues to rival the TVS Apache RR 310 and the Kawasaki Ninja 300. Read on to see how they compare in terms of specifications and price. 

2022 KTM RC 390 vs rivals: dimensions and underpinnings

In terms of dimensions, the Ninja 300 has the most accessible seat height, but this comes at the trade-off of the lowest ground clearance here. The KTM has the tallest seat height, while the TVS has the best ground clearance. The RC does get a larger 13.7 litre tank than before but it still lags behind the Kawasaki’s 17-litre tank. The RC 390 used to comfortably be the lightest motorcycle in this class, and the new RC 390 is also the lightest one here, but not by a lot. 

Both the KTM and TVS use a trellis frame, while the Kawasaki makes do with a diamond frame. All bikes get disc brakes at the front and rear, with the KTM getting the largest front disc and the TVS getting the largest rear disc.

The KTM and TVS both feature an upside down fork, while the Ninja has a conventional unit. All three bikes get a monoshock at the rear. While the KTM and Kawasaki only get preload adjustment for the rear monoshock, the TVS, when equipped with the BTO Dynamic kit gets adjustable front suspension as well as preload and rebound damping adjustment for the rear monoshock. It’s worth noting that KTM is yet to reveal the wheelbase for the 2022 RC 390 and hence the figures have been left out from this comparison.

2022 KTM RC 390 vs rivals: engine and gearbox

The new RC 390 continues to be powered by the same 373.23cc, single-cylinder engine that did duty in the outgoing version. However, it now gets updated mapping and a 40 percent larger airbox, which has slightly bumped up the torque to 37Nm (up by 1Nm). The 43.5hp power output remains unchanged, but it is still comfortably the most powerful and torquiest motorcycle here, and it tops that by also offering peak figures earliest in the rev range. All three bikes get 6-speed gearboxes but the 2022 RC 390 has an upper hand with a bi-directional quickshifter (the only one here). TVS’ Apache RR 310 also uses a single-cylinder engine like the KTM, but it has a smaller displacement of 312cc. The RR 310 makes the least amount of power here (34hp) but does make more torque than the Kawasaki, and its single-cylinder motor makes the drive more accessible than the Kawi’s peaky twin.      

The Kawasaki Ninja 300, meanwhile, has the distinction of being the only parallel twin engined motorcycle here. And while it does lag behind the KTM in terms of power and the TVS in terms of torque, the Ninja 300 will be more refined and even sound better than the two. 

2022 KTM RC 390 vs rivals: price

* Apache RR 310 price doesn’t include the BTO kits

At Rs 3.14 lakh, the KTM RC 390 has got considerably more expensive than before. However, it gets a completely new design, more features and mechanical updates, while still managing to undercut the Ninja 300. 

The Kawasaki continues to be the most expensive, despite it being the oldest competitor here. The Ninja 300 does get a twin cylinder engine which the others don’t, but it falls short in terms of the equipment it offers and its performance levels. It is also now getting rather long in the tooth and can’t match the other two in the features department. 

The TVS Apache RR 310 is the most value for money buy here. Even with the BTO Dynamic (Rs 12,000) and Race (Rs 5,000) kits – which bring in adjustable suspension, lowered clip-ons and raised foot pegs – the RR 310 is still more affordable than the KTM. 

So that’s how the new KTM RC 390, TVS Apache RR 310 and Kawasaki Ninja 300 compare on the spec sheet. 

Which one of these supersport motorcycles would be your pick? Let us know in the comments.

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