Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 vs KTM 390 Duke: Real-world Performance Comparison
Does the Royal Enfield twin have the capabilities to keep up with the king of the pocket rockets?
Does the Royal Enfield twin have the capabilities to keep up with the king of the pocket rockets?
Even though there have been lots of keyboard warriors on the internet duelling on each brand’s behalf, there is no doubt that Royal Enfield and KTM have changed the dynamics of the motorcycling game in India. KTM did it first by offering mind-boggling performance at an affordable price point. They ruled the market -- that is, until Royal Enfield stepped in last year and delivered the 650 twins at an even more value-for-money price point.
While the specs state one story, the actual on-ground performance is closer than you expect. So, does the Enfield retro roadster have what it takes to actually outrun the KTM street naked? Read on:
Acceleration
|
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 |
KTM 390 Duke |
|
|
0-60kmph |
2.87s |
2.77s |
|
0-100kmph |
6.54s |
5.98s |
The 4PS power advantage that the Interceptor has over the 390 Duke is not enough to counter the drastic weight difference between the two. Ultimately, the lightweight street naked wins it hands down due to its hooligan roots. It just feels livelier of the two as well.
Roll-ons
|
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 |
KTM 390 Duke |
|
|
30-70kmph in 3rd gear |
3.9s |
3.53s |
|
40-80kmph in 4th gear |
4.85s |
4.58s |
You would expect the Interceptor’s torque gains to trump the Duke but yet again mass matters. Both motorcycles pack a strong mid-range but the KTM’s free-revving nature helps it just shoot off into triple-digit speeds in no time.
Braking
|
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 |
KTM 390 Duke |
|
|
100-0kmph |
47.21m |
48.38m |
|
60-0kmph |
16.49m |
17.95m |
Stopping a whole metre short than what we thought to be one of the best braking setups in the affordable performance segment, the Interceptor 650 surely wowed us. Credit goes to the double-H sintered brake pads at both ends which help bring this 200-plus kilo bike to standstill in no time.
Fuel Efficiency
|
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 |
KTM 390 Duke |
|
|
City |
25.93kmpl |
25.7kmpl |
|
Highway |
26.38kmpl |
28.5kmpl |
The 390 does return better fuel efficiency out on the highway. But the difference in range is hardly enough to call it the better option (Duke’s 382km of ideal range vs 362km of the Interceptor). These were controlled speeds. However, in reality we figure that the Interceptor might just do slightly better given its relaxed nature at higher speeds.
User Reviews
Interceptor 650 has been an amazing bike to own. The 650cc parallel twin engine is smooth, powerful and fun to ride specially on highways. The exhaust note is addictive and the bike feel very stable on high speed, overall a great combination of performance, classic looks and riding experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed owning and riding it. Read More