KTM RC 390 2018 vs. Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023

KTM RC 390 2018

KTM RC 390 2018

Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023

Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023

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Overview - KTM RC 390 2018 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023

The KTM RC 390 2018 and the Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023 are both supersport motorcycles that offer impressive performance and features. Let's compare their technical specifications and strengths and weaknesses.

In terms of engine and drive train, the KTM RC 390 2018 has a larger bore of 89 mm compared to the Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023's 70 mm. The KTM also has a larger stroke of 60 mm compared to the Ninja's 51.8 mm. However, the Ninja has a slightly higher engine power of 45 HP compared to the RC 390's 44 HP. The torque is also slightly higher in the Ninja at 37 Nm compared to the RC 390's 35 Nm. Both bikes have a compression ratio of around 12.5 and 11.5 respectively. The RC 390 has a single cylinder engine, while the Ninja 400 has a twin-cylinder engine. Both bikes have four valves per cylinder and a displacement of around 373.2 ccm and 399 ccm respectively.

In terms of suspension, the KTM RC 390 2018 features an upside-down telescopic fork in the front, while the Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023 has a telescopic fork. Both bikes have a tubular frame, with the RC 390's frame made of chromium-molybdenum and the Ninja 400's frame made of steel.

KTM RC 390 2018

KTM RC 390 2018

Both bikes have single disk front brakes, but the RC 390 uses radial technology while the Ninja 400 uses petal technology. This difference in brake technology may affect the braking performance and feel of the bikes.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have the same front and rear tire width and diameter. However, the Ninja 400 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1370 mm compared to the RC 390's 1340 mm. The seat height is also lower in the Ninja 400 at 785 mm compared to the RC 390's 820 mm. The kerb weight of the Ninja 400 is higher at 168 kg compared to the RC 390's 147 kg. The Ninja 400 also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 14 liters compared to the RC 390's 10 liters.

Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023

Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023

Now let's consider the strengths and weaknesses of each bike. The KTM RC 390 2018 is praised for its World Championship-ready racing machine capabilities. It offers impressive performance and is designed for those who aspire to be professional racers. However, it may not be suitable for riders who do not have racing aspirations.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023 is praised for its combination of stability and playful handling. It offers a robust and reliable appearance and has a well-controllable engine with a wide usable rev range. The seating position is also considered pleasant. However, the Ninja 400 may have limited space for larger riders.

In conclusion, both the KTM RC 390 2018 and the Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023 are impressive supersport motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The RC 390 is designed for aspiring racers and offers a powerful single-cylinder engine, while the Ninja 400 offers a twin-cylinder engine and a more balanced combination of stability and playful handling. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications KTM RC 390 2018 compared to Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023

KTM RC 390 2018
Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore89 mmBore70 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke51.8 mm
Engine powerEngine power44 HPEngine power45 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpm
TorqueTorque35 NmTorque37 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,250 rpmRpm at Torque8,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio11.5
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders1Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
DisplacementDisplacement373.2 ccmDisplacement399 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork

Chassis

FrameFrameChromium-molybdenumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

TypeTypeSingle diskTypeSingle disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width110 mmFront tyre width110 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,340 mmWheelbase1,370 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height820 mmSeat Height785 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)147 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)168 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity10 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyA2License compliancyA2

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

KTM RC 390 2018

KTM RC 390 2018

If you can afford to pay around 8,500 euros (Germany) or just under 9,000 euros (Austria) for the RC390 R and then have around 11,000 flakes left over for the SSP 300 kit, you will get world championship-ready racing goods. "Ready to Race", the name says it all, really. In this case, "Ready to win the World Championship" would almost be more accurate, because the parts kit is actually so complete and complies with the FIM regulations. KTM is doing everything it can to accommodate all those who are considering a serious entry into the racing world, especially of course all the young hopefuls out there. KTM Customer Racing, I pull my helmet! Bravo!

Never before has it been easier to get hold of a World Championship-ready racing machine.

The realisation that I will probably not become a gifted ring rider.

Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023

Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023

The Ninja 400 offers a lot of riding fun at a manageable price. It offers playful handling without being nervous. The name "Ninja" is a bit of a mouthful, but the range of use is wider than you might think. It rides sportily, but also offers a good riding position for everyday use and touring.

Good combination of stability and playful handling

Robust and reliable appearance

Well controllable engine

Wide usable rev range

Pleasant seating position

Limited space for large pilots

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price KTM RC 390 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400

There are a few key differences between a KTM RC 390 2018 and a Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023. It takes less time to sell a KTM RC 390 with 148 days compared to 165 days for a Kawasaki Ninja 400. Since model year 2014 1000PS.de editors have written 20 reviews for the KTM RC 390 and 9 reviews for the Kawasaki Ninja 400 since model year 2018. The first review for the KTM RC 390 was published on 11/4/2013 and now has more than 23,900 views. This compares to more than 44,300 views for the first review on Kawasaki Ninja 400 published on 11/22/2017.

Price KTM RC 390

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Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Ninja 400

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Current average market prices

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