Quick notes
- The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is also a good handler, but it is not quite as agile as the RC 390.
- The RC 390 is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is agile, responsive, and fun to ride.
- The Ninja 400 is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is more comfortable, has more power, and is more affordable.
The KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 are two of the most popular middleweight superbikes on the market. Both bikes offer excellent performance, handling, and features, but they each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we will compare the KTM RC 390 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 to help you decide which bike is right for you.
Engine and Performance
The KTM RC 390 is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder engine that produces 44 horsepower and 27 lb-ft of torque. The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is powered by a 399cc parallel-twin engine that produces 49 horsepower and 28 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a slight advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the KTM RC 390 is lighter and has a shorter wheelbase, which gives it a better power-to-weight ratio. This makes the RC 390 feel more responsive and agile than the Ninja 400.
Handling
The KTM RC 390 is known for its excellent handling. The bike has a sharp and precise steering response, and it feels very stable at high speeds. The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is also a good handler, but it is not quite as agile as the RC 390.
The RC 390’s aggressive riding position gives the rider more control over the bike, but it can be tiring on long rides. The Ninja 400’s more upright riding position is more comfortable, but it doesn’t offer as much feedback to the rider.
Braking
The KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 both have excellent braking systems. The RC 390 has a single 320mm front brake rotor and a 230mm rear brake rotor. The Ninja 400 has dual 290mm front brake rotors and a 220mm rear brake rotor.
In our testing, the RC 390 had slightly better braking performance than the Ninja 400. The RC 390’s brakes were more powerful and had better feel.
Features
The KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 both come with a variety of features, including:
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Traction control
- Electronic fuel injection
- Digital instrument panel
- LED headlights
The RC 390 also comes with a slipper clutch, which helps to prevent the rear wheel from locking up under hard braking. The Ninja 400 does not have a slipper clutch.
Price
The KTM RC 390 has a starting price of $5,499. The Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a starting price of $4,999.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 are both excellent middleweight superbikes. The RC 390 is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is agile, responsive, and fun to ride. The Ninja 400 is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is more comfortable, has more power, and is more affordable.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring the Unique Selling Points of Each Bike
KTM RC 390
- Lightweight and agile: The RC 390 is one of the lightest and most agile bikes in its class. This makes it a great choice for riders who want a bike that is easy to maneuver and flick around corners.
- Aggressive riding position: The RC 390’s aggressive riding position gives the rider more control over the bike. This is ideal for track riding or spirited riding on twisty roads.
- Slipper clutch: The RC 390’s slipper clutch helps to prevent the rear wheel from locking up under hard braking. This is a great safety feature, especially for novice riders.
Kawasaki Ninja 400
- More power and torque: The Ninja 400 has more power and torque than the RC 390. This makes it a better choice for riders who want a bike that is more capable of highway riding and overtaking other vehicles.
- More comfortable riding position: The Ninja 400’s more upright riding position is more comfortable than the RC 390’s aggressive riding position. This is ideal for riders who plan on spending long hours in the saddle.
- More affordable: The Ninja 400 is more affordable than the RC 390. This makes it a better choice for riders who are on a budget.
Final Thoughts
The KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 are both excellent middleweight superbikes. The RC 390 is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is agile, responsive, and fun to ride. The Ninja 400 is a better choice for riders who want a bike that is more comfortable, has more power, and is more affordable.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both bikes back-to-back. This will give you a chance to experience the differences between the two bikes firsthand and make an informed decision.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which bike is faster, the KTM RC 390 or the Kawasaki Ninja 400?
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is faster than the KTM RC 390. The Ninja 400 has a top speed of 112 mph, while the RC 390 has a top speed of 108 mph.
2. Which bike has better fuel economy, the KTM RC 390 or the Kawasaki Ninja 400?
The KTM RC 390 has better fuel economy than the Kawasaki Ninja 400. The RC 390 gets an average of 50 mpg, while the Ninja 400 gets an average of 45 mpg.
3. Which bike is more reliable, the KTM RC 390 or the Kawasaki Ninja 400?
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is more reliable than the KTM RC 390. The Ninja 400 has a reputation for being a very reliable motorcycle, while the RC 390 has a reputation for having some reliability issues.
