KTM 390 Duke vs TVS Apache RTR 310: Detailed Comparison

The KTM 390 Duke and TVS Apache RTR 310 have a fierce competition between them. The 350cc KTM 390 Duke received is now more closely priced to the Apache, than the 399cc Duke. This has made the choice between them even more difficult. Both bikes are well-equipped, powerful, and are quite fun. In that sense, you won’t go wrong with either of them. However, if you want to understand them both in detail before you make your decision, read on: 

Price & Variants

• Things are still quite the same with the RTR 310 in terms of its price. The base variant sounds like good value for your money but it’s a bit bare bones. The excellent TVS quickshifter is something you should definitely get, and that isn’t available on the base variant. 

• And as you start adding bits like the quickshifter, the dynamic kit, the BTO kit, the price starts inching towards the Duke. 

• The 390 Duke, meanwhile, keeps things simple. It carries a slightly higher price tag (than the lower RTR variants) but the bike offers adjustable suspension and the quickshifter as standard. No confusion for the buyer and those are 2 excellent things to have. 

• The Apache RTR 310 wins this round, for being the more affordable bike

Dimensions & Design 

• There’s not much difference in the bikes’ dimensions. They’re both compact, agile, and light motorcycles. That said, they’re both also large enough for them to feel like big, expensive bikes. 

• Even in their design languages, none of the bikes are conventionally good looking and if you don’t like sharp, edgy designs, there’s a chance that you won’t like either. 

• The 390 Duke is sharp through and through, with big tank extensions, an aggressive LED headlight and a design language that’s in line with the bigger Dukes, the 990 Duke and the 1390 Super Duke. 

• The Apache RTR 310 looks sharp too, especially with its aggressively styled headlight unit. And it’s quite functional as well, for this LED headlight is one of the best we’ve used in recent times, lighting up roads wonderfully well. 

Features & Safety

• On paper, both bikes are close in terms of features. They both have the basics: dual-channel cornering ABS, traction control, TFT console, launch control, etc. 

• But inspect closer and there’s a difference. The 390 Duke gets a quickshifter as standard while you have to pay extra for that on the Apache. However, the one on the RTR is slightly better than the one on the KTM. 

• Next, the KTM 390 Duke even has adjustable suspension as standard, while that is something you’ll have to pay for on the Apache RTR 310. 

Engines

• With its bigger engine, the 390 Duke makes more power and torque than the Apache. It also delivers the extra performance in a smoother and more exciting way. It has a beautifully strong mid range and the bike surges ahead with a lovely sense of excitement. 

• While the RTR 310 is also punchy, the engine is still on the vibey side. Rev it out and you will start feeling the buzz and it’s not exactly as peaceful as the 390 Duke. 

• Even while sitting at 100kmph in 6th gear out on the highway, the RTR 310 doesn’t feel quite as relaxed as the 390 Duke, making the KTM bike the better tourer of the two. 

• In terms of city riding, the RTR 310 is marginally better thanks to its torquey mid range. That said, the 390 Duke is right behind it, because with its latest update, the bike has a lot of punch in the mid range as well.

BikeDekho Says

Like we said earlier, you won’t really go wrong with either of the bikes.

The Duke is quite more powerful, has a lot of features, and looks sharp. But its performance can feel a bit of a handful to some. The Duke has only one variant, which makes the choice easy. 

The Apache, on the other hand, feels comparatively friendlier. Its lower starting price makes it more suitable for someone who is on a tight budget and can do with lesser features. As you go up the variant range, you get more customization options with the BTO kits – something that makes it stand apart from the Duke.  

Comparison With Other Rivals 

KTM 390 Duke vs Triumph Speed 400 -  The Speed 400 looks more conventionally pretty while having more easygoing performance for the mature crowd. But if you’re chasing outright fun, get the Duke. 

KTM 390 Duke vs Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 - The Guerrilla 450’s tiny tank means it’s more of a city commuter, while the Duke 390 can commute and handle highways quite well. 

KTM 390 Duke vs 350cc Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z - The NS400Z is a great first bike especially at its price point. But if you’re someone more experienced looking for something sharper and more fun, get the Duke.

KTM 390 Duke vs Triumph Tracker 400 - Searching for outright excitement? Get the 390 Duke. Looking for something more easygoing and attractive to look at? Get the Tracker 400. 

KTM 390 Duke Same Price Other Options - If you think the new KTM 390 Duke is too expensive, here are five bikes you can buy instead.