2022 Honda CBR400R vs 2022 KTM RC 390: Photo Comparison

Honda’s updated supersport bike has received mechanical updates, whereas the KTM has been completely revised for 2022

Last week, Honda launched the 2022 CBR400R in Japan. It received some crucial updates in the underpinnings department while being cosmetically the same. And not too long ago, the 2022 KTM RC 390 was also unveiled overseas, with a complete revamp  in the cosmetic as well as mechanical aspects. So, we’ve compared the two supersports in these detailed visuals. 

Styling wise, the 2022 Honda CBR400R looks identical to its bigger sibling, the CBR650R. The split LED headlight appears quite neat and aggressive. Overall, the butch bodywork is appealing. On the other hand, the 2022 KTM RC 390 looks a bit docile compared to the CBR400R and also when pegged against its previous generation. However, the new LED headlight flanked by the boomerang-like turn indicators and the new sleeker bodywork is a welcome change. 

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The CBR400R is powered by a 399cc liquid-cooled inline-twin motor with the output rated at 46PS and 38Nm. Meanwhile, the RC 390 is powered by a 373cc liquid-cooled single cylinder motor. It claims to dish out 43.5PS and 37Nm. Both bikes get a 6-speed gearbox. It also gets traction control and a quickshifter. 

Honda continues to employ the fully digital LCD instrument cluster on the latest iteration of the CBR400R. It packs a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel level readout, gear position indicator, engine temperature bar and time. However, it misses out on smartphone connectivity, 

On the other hand, KTM has equipped the RC 390 with a new full-colour TFT display (resembling the unit on the 390 Duke), with smartphone compatibility as well. 

The CBR400R uses a diamond-type steel chassis suspended on a new Showa SFF-BP (separate function fork-big piston) and a monoshock. Meanwhile, the KTM RC 390 gets a trellis frame with a bolt-on subframe. It’s sprung on an adjustable WP Apex 43mm front fork (India-spec bike likely to get a non-adjustable unit) and WP Apex monoshock. 

Honda has also updated the CBR400R’s braking hardware for 2022. It now gets twin 320mm front discs and a 240mm rear unit. The RC gets a 320mm single front disc and a 230mm rear unit. Both bikes get dual-channel ABS. 

The 2022 Honda CBR400R tips the scales at 192kg and the 2022 KTM RC 390 weighs in at 160kg (without fuel). Meanwhile, the CBR’s 785mm seat height is significantly more manageable for riders of all sizes than the 824mm seat on the RC. 

However, the CBR400R’s 17.17-litre fuel tank is 3.47 litres larger than the RC 390’s 13.7-litre unit. This, coupled with the relaxed ergonomics make the CBR400R a slightly better tourer than the RC 390. However, the Austrian supersport bike also gets an adjustable handlebar. 

In Japan, the 2022 Honda CBR400R is priced at JPY 8,41,500 (around Rs 5.61 lakh, excluding taxes), but it won’t be launched in India, though Honda could bring in the CBR500R next year. On the other hand,, the 2022 KTM RC 390 is set forits India debut perhaps in January ’22 itself, and is expected to retail at Rs 2.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).