BMW Motorrad India recently launched its iteration of the TVS Apache RR 310. The new model will now be the most affordable fully-faired motorcycle in the company’s lineup. For now, the G 310 RR is only available in the Indian market. There were a lot of rumours and speculations about what would BMW change for its version of the bike. We all knew the BMW version would demand a premium over the RR 310, and we were not wrong. However, we were wrong about BMW making changes to the bike to justify the price tag.
On the other hand, in today’s comparison is the KTM RC 390. As a part of the 2022 update, KTM made big changes to the bike, including all new ergonomics. The Austrian motorcycle is still the sharpest motorcycle in its class, but the Apache RR 310 has come close in the past. In this specification comparison, we pin the two so you can make an informed buying decision.
The latest RR motorcycle from BMW is available in two variants – Standard & Style Sport. The Standard variant comes with a sticker price of INR 2,85,000 ex-showroom. Meanwhile, the other variant, Style Sport, will set you back by INR 2,99,000 ex-showroom. As for the colour options, the Standard variant is only available in the Black Storm Metallic paint option. While the Style Sport comes in BMW M colours.
On the other hand, KTM’s RC 390 comes only in one variant. The 2022 model of the RC 390 costs INR 3,16,070 ex-showroom. For 2022, the RC 390 gets new colour options. These are – KTM Factory Racing Blue & KTM Orange.
The BMW G 310 RR uses the same mechanicals as the Apache RR 310. Thus, it gets a 312.2cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor. The engine also uses a 4-valve DOHC valvetrain. Like the Apache, it uses a reverse-inclined layout and ram-air intake system. The G 310 RR gets multiple riding modes as well. The engine produces 34 PS at 9,700 rpm in Track and Sport mode. Meanwhile, in the Rain and Urban mode, it makes 25.8 PS at 7,700 rpm. As for the torque figures, the engine makes 27.3 Nm of torque at 7,700 rpm in Track/Sport mode and 25 Nm at 6,700 rpm in Rain/Urban Mode. The gearbox is a 6-speed constant-mesh unit with a slip-and-assist clutch.
On the other hand, powering the 2022 RC 390 is a 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder mill. This is the same as the older RC 390 but gets some tweaks. The motor uses a 4-valve DOHC setup like the BMW. For 2022, KTM also increased the air box size by 40 per cent. This results in a better overall rideability and better torque delivery. The motor makes 43.5 PS of power at 9,000 rpm and 37 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Like the G 310 RR, the RC 390 also gets a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch. Additionally, it also comes with a bi-directional quickshifter.
The suspension setup of the BMW G 310 RR is identical to the Apache RR 310. Thus, it gets the same suspension setup tuned by KYB. At the front, it gets 41 mm cartridge-type upside-down forks with 140 mm of travel. At the back, it uses a central monoshock with 119 mm of travel. As for the braking hardware, the G 310 RR uses a 300 mm disc with a 4-piston radially-mounted calliper at the front. At the rear, it uses a 240 mm disc and a single-piston floating calliper. Unlike the Apache RR 310, the G 310 RR uses conventional discs.
On the other hand, the KTM RC 390 uses WP APEX suspension at both ends. At the front, it uses 43 mm cartridge-type upside-down forks. Meanwhile, the rear gets a pre-load adjustable monoshock. As for the brakes, the front gets a single 320 mm disc with a 4-piston radially-mounted calliper. At the back, it uses a 230 mm disc with a single-piston floating calliper.
The BMW G 310 RR measures 2,001 mm in length, 767 mm in width and 1,135 mm in height. Meanwhile, the wheelbase of the G 310 RR is 1,365 mm. The fuel tank capacity of the G 310 RR is 11 litres. The seat height of the bike is 811 mm, and it tips the scales at 174 kg.
At the same time, the KTM RC 390 is longer, narrower and shorter than the G 310 RR. The RC 390 measures 2,145 mm in length, 760 mm in width and has a height of 830 mm. The 1,340 mm wheelbase, however, is shorter than the G 310 RR. The seat height of the RC 390 is 824 mm, and it weighs 172 kg.
Also Read: 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Vs. KTM RC 390 – Price & Specification Comparison