In 12 Pics: Yamaha MT-03 Vs KTM 390 Duke - Differences Explained

Yamaha recently opened the bookings for the MT-03, which means that the KTM 390 Duke, at long last, has a direct rival. So how similar (or different) are the two? Let’s find out…

Engine and performance

First, let’s get the biggest difference out of the way: engine size and configuration. Yes, both get liquid-cooled motors, but while the Duke has a 373.2cc single-cylinder unit making 43.5PS and 37Nm, the MT-03 has a 321cc parallel-twin mill making 42PS and 29.6Nm. Additionally, though both have a six-speed gearbox, the KTM’s quickshifter and slip-and-assist clutch give it the upper hand.  

Visuals

The Yamaha’s design is without doubt muscular, but it pales in comparison with the KTM’s abundance of slashes and cuts. That said, despite the fuel tank on the KTM looking larger, its capacity is about half-a-litre less than the Yamaha’s 14-litre unit. 

Both get LED indicators and taillights, but while the MT-03 has a projector headlight with LED “eyebrow” DRLs (similar to that on the MT-15), the 390 Duke has an all-LED unit. 

• Breaking - Keeway K300N And K300R Get More Affordable

• Upcoming Hero Karizma XMR 210 Spied

• 5 Things To Remember Before Getting Your First Bike

Underpinnings and mechanicals

The chassis on both are vastly different: while the Yamaha gets a diamond-type unit, the KTM has a trellis frame. Additionally, though both get a USD fork and monoshock, the Yamaha’s 37mm unit is a bit slimmer than the KTM’s 43mm unit. Similarly, though the KTM gets 10 steps of preload adjustability to the Yamaha’s 7-step system, the unit on the Yamaha also offers rebound adjustability. This is something the 390 Duke does not get, but the KTM RC 390 does. That said, the updated KTM 390 Duke, set for launch by the end of 2023, may get this feature.  

Next, both bikes get 17-inch alloys, with the front getting identical 110-section tyres, though the rear tyre on the KTM is a 150-section unit, 10mm wider than the 140-section rear on the Yamaha. Besides, the brake disc sizes on the KTM are also uniformly larger, with a 320mm front (as opposed to the Yamaha’s 298mm rotor) and 230mm rear (10mm more than the Yamaha). Also, while the KTM uses a radially mounted caliper up front, the MT-03 has an axially mounted unit.

Features

Another space where the KTM has the Yamaha beaten hollow. As mentioned, the KTM gets a quickshifter, which the Yamaha doesn’t. Next, while the Yamaha sports an LCD instrument console, the KTM has a smartphone-compatible TFT cluster with call and message alerts and music selection, but no navigation. Moreover, the MT-03 has dual-channel ABS and not much else, while the 390 Duke gets three ABS modes (dual-channel, rear switched off or ‘supermoto’, and ABS completely off). 

Price and availability

The KTM 390 Duke is currently on sale, retailing at Rs 2.96,230 (ex-showroom Delhi), the Yamaha MT-03, meanwhile, is slated to launch by July 2023 with a price tag of Rs 3.8 lakh.