This article compares the new-generation 2022 KTM RC 390 to the TVS Apache RR 310 and Kawasaki Ninja 300.
With a price tag of Rs 3.14 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), KTM has finally introduced the new generation KTM RC 390 in India. Supersport motorcycles have been completely redesigned and have received major chassis improvements, more features, and minor powertrain updates. As a result of these changes, the RC 390 is more expensive than the previous model by roughly Rs 36,000. This makes the KTM RC 390 a serious contender against the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the TVS Apache RR 310. The following table compares the specifications and prices of these two models.
Dimensions and underpinnings of the 2022 KTM RC 390 compared to its rivals
| Dimensions and underpinnings | |||
| KTM RC 390 | TVS Apache RR 310 | Kawasaki Ninja 300 | |
| Brakes (F/R) | 320mm Disc/230mm Disc | 300mm Disc/240mm Disc | 290mm Disc/220mm Disc |
| Frame | Trellis frame | Trellis frame | Diamond frame |
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.7 liters | 11 liters | 17 liters |
| Ground clearance | 153mm | 180mm | 140mm |
| Kerb weight | 172kg | 174kg | 179kg |
| Seat height | 835mm | 810mm | 780mm |
| The suspension (F/R) | USD fork/monoshock | USD fork/monoshock | Telescopic fork/monoshock |
| Tires (F/R) | 110/70 R17/150/60 R17 | 110/70 ZR17/150/60 ZR17 | 110/70-17/140/70-17 |
| Wheelbase | – | 1365mm | 1405mm |
Considering dimensions, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 has the most accessible seat height, but this tradeoff comes with the lowest ground clearance. TVS has the best ground clearance, while KTM has the highest seat height. Although the RC’s tank is bigger than before, it still does not match Kawasaki’s larger 17-liter tank. In the past, the KTM RC 390 was comfortably the lightest motorcycle in this class, and now the new RC 390 is also the lightest in this class, but not by much.
The Kawasaki uses a diamond frame, while the KTM and TVS each use a trellis frame. KTM offers the largest front disc and TVS offers the largest rear disc, but all bikes come with disc brakes at the front and rear.
In contrast, the Ninja features a conventional fork, while the KTM and TVS have upside-down forks. All three bikes come with mono-shocks at the rear. TVS’s BTO Dynamic kit improves the suspension on the front and also provides preload and rebound damping adjustment for the rear mono-shock. KTM and Kawasaki only provide preload adjustment for the rear mono-shock. The 2022 KTM RC 390 wheelbase has not yet been revealed by KTM, which is why the figures have been left out of this comparison.
KTM RC 390 2022 vs rivals: engine and transmission
| Engine and gearbox | |||
| KTM RC 390 | TVS Apache RR 310 | Kawasaki Ninja 300 | |
| Engine | 373.23cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder | 312.2cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder | 296cc, liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder |
| Power | 43.5hp at 9,000rpm | 34hp at 9,700rpm | 39hp at 11,000rpm |
| Torque | 37Nm at 7,000rpm | 27.3Nm at 7,700rpm | 26.1Nm at 10,000rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed |
With no major changes, the all-new KTM RC 390 continues to be powered by the same single-cylinder 373.23cc engine that is found in the outgoing model. In addition, it now receives new mapping and a 40 percent larger airbox, resulting in slightly increased torque to 37Nm (an increase of 1Nm). While it still has 43.5 horsepower, it remains one of the most powerful and thrilling bike here. In addition, it offers peak figures earliest in the rev range. All three bikes get 6-speed transmissions, but the 2022 KTM RC 390 has the edge with a bi-directional quick shifter (the only one here). A similar single-cylinder engine is used by TVS’s Apache RR 310, although its displacement is smaller at 312cc. The RR 310 has the least power (34 horsepower), but it produces more torque than the Kawasaki, and it has a single-cylinder motor that provides a simpler drive than the Kawasaki’s twin.
Parallel twin-engined motorcycles are rare, so the Kawasaki Ninja 300 stands out as the only example. Despite being slightly less powerful than the KTM and having less torque than the TVS, the Ninja 300 offers more refinement and even a better sound than those two.
Price comparison between KTM RC 390 and rivals in 2022
| Price | |||
| KTM RC 390 | TVS Apache RR 310 | Kawasaki Ninja 300 | |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 3.14 lakh | Rs 2.65 lakh* | Rs 3.37 lakh |
* Apache RR 310 price doesn’t include the BTO kits
The now-expensive KTM RC 390 has risen significantly in price from its previous price of Rs 3.14 lakh. Although it undercuts the Ninja 300, it gets a completely new design, more features, and mechanical updates.
In spite of being the oldest competitor here, the Kawasaki remains the most expensive. Ninja 300’s twin-cylinder engine separates it from the competition, but its equipment and performance levels fall short of the other two. In terms of features, it is also now a bit outdated and cannot compete with the other two.
Here, TVS Apache RR 310 offers the best value for money. The RR 310 is still more affordable than the KTM 310 even with the BTO Dynamic (Rs 12,000) and Race (Rs 5,000) kits – which bring in adjustable suspension, lowered clip-ons, and raised footpegs.
Also Read: KTM Introduced New KTM 390 Adventure at Rs 3.35 Lakh
On the spec sheet, these three bikes compare similarly to each other: the new KTM RC 390, TVS Apache RR 310, and Kawasaki Ninja 300.
What supersport motorcycle would you pick out of these? Comment below.
