2025 TVS Apache RTR 310 Vs KTM 390 Duke: Image Comparison

What would you prefer for the same price: more power or features?

TVS has packed the 2025 Apache RTR 310 with features seen on much more expensive bikes. But then, despite having a smaller engine, it costs almost the same as the KTM Duke 390. Let’s compare:

Price

The fully loaded 2025 TVS Apache RTR 310 BTO 2/Dynamic Pro Kit comes in at Rs 2,85,000 (ex-showroom Delhi, introductory for a limited time) - which will later rise to Rs 2,95,000. And, the KTM 390 Duke is priced at Rs 2,96,670 (ex-showroom Delhi) - that’s hardly any price gap between the two. 

Design

The 2025 TVS Apache RTR 310 looks like a proper (Ducati) streetfighter with sharp lines, an exposed frame and subframe, a split headlamp setup, and muscular tank extensions. This along with the transparent clutch cover, knuckle guards, rear tyre hugger mounted indicators and number plate, BTO 2 kit with the unique ’Sepang Blue’ colour (optional) - the bike is sure to grab attention.

Meanwhile, the KTM Duke 390 is as mean, and as sharp as the RTR 310, but looks distinct enough. The headlight with the DRLs on either side as separate pieces give it a unique look. With the exposed orange frame and subframe, the overall aggressive stance - it surely does turn heads, especially in the Electronic Orange paint.

Engine

The TVS Apache RTR 310 uses a 312.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine making 35.6PS at 9,700rpm and 28.7Nm at 6,650rpm. You get a bi-directional quickshifter, slip-and-assist clutch, and 5 riding modes: Rain, Urban, Sport, Track, and SuperMoto.

The KTM bike has a larger and more powerful 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor producing 46PS at 8,500rpm and 39Nm at 6,500rpm. It also gets a 6-speed gearbox, bi-directional quickshifter, and 3 ride modes: Street, Rain, Track. The KTM is in a different league in terms of raw power and torque: 10.4PS and 10.3Nm more than the RTR, making it the better option for those who love high-speed highway rides.

Underpinnings

The TVS bike has a trellis frame, aluminium subframe, 300mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes,  17-inch alloys, and Michelin Road 5 radial tubeless tyres (110-section front, 150 rear). It has a 169kg kerb weight, 11-litre fuel tank, 800mm seat height, and 180mm ground clearance. The BTO pack adds adjustable foot pegs, a brass-coated chain, and fully adjustable KYB suspension at both ends: a 43mm inverted fork, monoshock.

The KTM 390 Duke also has a trellis frame, aluminium subframe, 800mm seat height, 240mm rear disc, 17-inch alloy wheels, 110-section front and 150 section rear tyre - both radial, tubeless, and Apollo Alpha H1s. But, it has a bigger 320mm front disc and 15-litre fuel tank, 1kg lower kerb weight at 168kg, and 3mm higher ground clearance at 183mm. The Duke also has fully adjustable suspension from WP Apex: a 43mm inverted fork and monoshock.

Features

With the Dynamic Pro Kit, the TVS Apache bike adds a host of electric rider aids like: cornering ABS, cornering traction control, cornering cruise control, launch Control, keyless Ignition, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Other standard features on TVS’ new bike are cruise control, traction control, engine braking control, rear wheel lift protection, adjustable brake/clutch levers, 5-inch TFT console with Bluetooth (Navigation, Calls, Music, GoPro control), sequential turn indicators, and the smart adaptive LED headlamp (brightness and intensity increase as the speed increases).

The 390 Duke also gets cornering ABS, traction control, launch Control, all-LED lighting, adjustable brake/clutch levers, and a 5-inch TFT console with smartphone connectivity (Navigation, Calls, and Music). The KTM was also very recently updated with the addition of cruise control. While the KTM has a pretty impressive set of features, the Apache is much better with an even longer list of goodies.

Verdict

Choose the 2025 TVS Apache RTR 310 if you want a bike with reasonable performance but with high-end features that no one else offers at this price and segment. Or, choose the KTM Duke 390 if your main goal is maximum performance, without compromising much on features. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make and depends on your personal preferences - for which the best bike is.