KTM RC 390 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400: Image Comparison

Which of these two supersports has more of the wow factor? Let’s find out in these images

The sub-400cc supersport segment in India has seen two new heavyweights being launched over the past couple of months. While we awaited the arrival of the KTM RC 390 for quite some time, Kawasaki did surprise us by bringing back the Ninja 400. 

While these two supersports are quite evenly matched on paper in terms of performance, the KTM RC 390 is priced Rs 1,85,078 lower than its Japanese counterpart. This is a huge price difference, mainly due to the fact that the Ninja 400 is available through the CKD route. Hence, is the Ninja 400 relevant with this price tag? Let’s find out through an image comparison.

The design language of both these bikes are completely different, with the Ninja 400 featuring a sharp face housing and aggressive twin LED headlight. This edgy look extends into the side panels, further complimented by a chiseled muscular fuel tank. The bulb turn indicators are embedded into the lower front profile of the side panels.

The RC 390 on the other hand showcases a more rounded design language, with a large rounded front section coupled with simple curved side panels. The new headlight design resembles the current design on all KTM bikes. The tank too is more rounded, which blends well with the overall look of the bike. The front LED turn indicators are fused with the DRLs that extend through the perimeter of the fascia.

The RC 390 is powered by a 373cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder engine developing 43.5PS and 37Nm mated to a six-speed gearbox. It also features a 40 percent bigger airbox, which claims to help improve torque delivery.

The Ninja 400 on the other hand is propelled by a 399cc, liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine making 45PS and 37Nm, also mated to a six-speed gearbox. It gets an updated slip-and-assist clutch that Kawasaki claims has 20 percent lighter lever action than before.

Underpinnings on the RC 390 include a 43mm WP Apex inverted fork and a single-piston WP monoshock with five-step preload and rebound adjustability. The Ninja 400 gets a 41mm Kayaba-sourced telescopic fork along with a preload-adjustable monoshock. Both these bikes do not get adjustable front suspensions – a big disappointment considering their premiumness.

Braking duties on the RC 390 are carried out by 320mm and 230mm discs at the front and rear, equipped with ByBre calipers. The Ninja 400 is anchored by the 286mm semi-floating petal front disc and 193mm petal rear disc. Both the bikes sit on 17-inch wheels wrapped with 110/70 and 150/60 tyres at the front and rear respectively.

KTM has worked on reducing the kerb weight of the new RC 390, as it now weighs 172kg. However, the Ninja 400 tips the scale at 168kg. It also features a slightly bigger 14-litre fuel tank when compared to the 13.7-litre fuel tank on the RC 390.

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The KTM RC 390 is priced at Rs 3,13,922, ex-showroom Delhi, while the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is priced at Rs 4,99,000, ex-showroom Delhi. Both these bikes also rival the TVS Apache RR 310, which offers more track-focussed hardware and costs only Rs 2,65,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). The upcoming BMW G 310 RR will also soon heat up this segment once launched.