So, it’s going to be a tough choice to make if you were looking for a quarter-litre motorcycle.
As the manufactures realize the need for mid-size sportsbikes, more and more 250cc – 300cc motorcycles are being introduced. Today we look at the KTM’s RC390 go and the Kawasaki’s Ninja 300 pitted against the soon to be introduced Yamaha YZF-R3.
We all know that the KTM RC390 is the most explosive of the lot when it comes to performance. But, we also know that the Kawasaki Ninja 300 has ruled the segment for decades and is now facing the heat. Yamaha set itself a benchmark with their very own YZF-R15, but the YZF-R3 is expected to be a little less racy, and suit daily commutes better.
Let’s have a quick comparo of these three machines:
| KTM RC 390 | Kawasaki Ninja 300 | Yamaha YZF R3 | |
| Displacement | 375 cc | 296 cc | 321 cc |
| No. of cylinders | Single-Cylinder | Twin-Cylinder | Twin-Cylinder |
| Engine cooling | Liquid Cooling | Liquid Cooling | Liquid Cooling |
| Max power | 43 BHP | 39 BHP | 41.4 BHP |
| Max torque | 35 NM | 27 NM | 26.9 NM |
| Gearbox | 6-Speed | 6-Speed | 6-Speed |
| Brakes | Front and rear disc | Front and rear disc | Front and rear disc |
| Weight | 160 KG | 172 KG | 169 KG |
| Fuel capacity | 9.5 liters | 17 liters | 14 liters |
| Suspension | Upside down front & Rear monoshock | Front telescopic & Rear monoshock | Front telescopic & Rear monoshock |
| Tyres | Metzelers | IRC | MRF / Michelin |
| Instrumentation | Full digital | Full digital | Full digital |