Chronicling Adventures On Two Stroke
Guide

Ktm 390 Duke Vs Rc: Which Urban Warrior Reigns Supreme?

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his...

What To Know

  • The Duke is a more upright bike, while the RC is a more aggressive bike.
  • The KTM 390 Duke is a naked bike, while the RC is a supersport.
  • The RC also has a more aerodynamic bodywork, a more sophisticated suspension system, and a higher top speed than the Duke.

The KTM 390 Duke and RC are two of the most popular motorcycles in their respective categories. The Duke is a naked bike, while the RC is a supersport. Both bikes share the same engine and chassis, but they have different bodywork, suspension, and ergonomics.

In this blog post, we’ll compare the KTM 390 Duke and RC side-by-side. We’ll cover everything from performance to handling to price. By the end of this post, you’ll know which bike is right for you.

Performance

The KTM 390 Duke and RC have the same engine: a 373cc single-cylinder that produces 43 horsepower and 27 lb-ft of torque. This engine is powerful enough to provide plenty of acceleration and top speed for both bikes.

However, the RC has a slightly higher top speed than the Duke. This is because the RC has a more aerodynamic bodywork that reduces drag.

Handling

The KTM 390 Duke and RC have different handling characteristics. The Duke is a more upright bike, while the RC is a more aggressive bike. This is due to the different ergonomics of the two bikes.

The Duke has a more comfortable riding position, with a taller seat and higher handlebars. This makes it easier to ride for long periods of time.

The RC has a more aggressive riding position, with a lower seat and lower handlebars. This makes it more difficult to ride for long periods of time, but it also gives the rider more control over the bike.

Suspension

The KTM 390 Duke and RC have different suspension systems. The Duke has a more basic suspension system, with a non-adjustable fork and a preload-adjustable shock. The RC has a more sophisticated suspension system, with a fully adjustable fork and a fully adjustable shock.

The RC’s suspension system provides better handling and stability than the Duke’s suspension system. This is especially noticeable when riding on rough roads or at high speeds.

Brakes

The KTM 390 Duke and RC have the same brakes: a single 320mm disc brake in the front and a single 230mm disc brake in the rear. These brakes provide plenty of stopping power for both bikes.

Price

The KTM 390 Duke is less expensive than the RC. The Duke starts at $4,999, while the RC starts at $5,499.

Which Bike Is Right for You?

The KTM 390 Duke and RC are both great motorcycles. The Duke is a good choice for riders who want a comfortable and versatile bike. The RC is a good choice for riders who want a more aggressive and performance-oriented bike.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. This will give you a chance to experience the different handling characteristics and performance of each bike.

Frequently Discussed Topics

What is the difference between the KTM 390 Duke and RC?

The KTM 390 Duke is a naked bike, while the RC is a supersport. The Duke has a more upright riding position, while the RC has a more aggressive riding position. The RC also has a more aerodynamic bodywork, a more sophisticated suspension system, and a higher top speed than the Duke.

Which bike is better for beginners?

The KTM 390 Duke is a better choice for beginners than the RC. The Duke is easier to ride, more comfortable, and less expensive than the RC.

Which bike is faster?

The KTM 390 RC is faster than the Duke. The RC has a more aerodynamic bodywork and a higher top speed than the Duke.

Was this page helpful?

Matthew

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his current Yamaha FZ6, Matthew enjoys tinkering with and upgrading his bikes. He has a keen interest in bike mechanics and regularly shares tips on maintenance and repairs with his readers. Matthew also provides gear and equipment reviews, helping other riders choose the best kit for weekend rides or longer touring trips. Beyond talking motorbikes, Matthew's blog gives readers an insight into his life. He shares stories and photos from motorcycle trips around the UK as well as further afield in Europe. Readers often describe Matthew's writing as both entertaining and inspirational; he aims to fuel the wanderlust of other bikers. Through his passion for two-wheel adventures on all types of roads, Matthew explores the freedom that motorcycling brings. He looks forward to many more years of thrills on two wheels and chronicling his experiences on matthewbikelog.
Back to top button