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Ultimate Showdown: Ktm Rc 390 Vs Ninja 300 – Which One Wins In A Drag Race?

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 KTM RC 390 and Ninja 300 are two of the most popular sportbikes in the market, known for their thrilling performance and agility.
  • In terms of suspension, the RC 390 has a fully adjustable WP front fork and rear monoshock, offering a firm and sporty ride.
  • While the Ninja 300 offers a smoother power delivery and better fuel economy, the RC 390’s overall performance and value make it the better choice for riders seeking an adrenaline-pumping ride.

The KTM RC 390 and Ninja 300 are two of the most popular sportbikes in the market, known for their thrilling performance and agility. In this adrenaline-pumping drag race, we pit these two machines against each other to determine which one reigns supreme on the quarter-mile.

Power and Performance

The KTM RC 390 boasts a single-cylinder, 373cc engine that churns out 43 horsepower and 27 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Ninja 300 features a twin-cylinder, 296cc engine that produces 39 horsepower and 19 lb-ft of torque. While the KTM has a slight edge in horsepower, the Ninja’s twin-cylinder configuration provides smoother power delivery.

Handling and Agility

The KTM RC 390 is renowned for its razor-sharp handling and precise cornering ability. Its lightweight trellis frame and aggressive riding position offer excellent feedback and control. The Ninja 300, while not as sharp as the RC 390, still provides a stable and confidence-inspiring ride. Its trellis frame and well-balanced suspension make it easy to maneuver through tight corners.

Acceleration and Top Speed

In terms of acceleration, the KTM RC 390 takes a slight early lead due to its higher horsepower. However, the Ninja 300’s twin-cylinder engine provides a more linear and sustained acceleration throughout the rev range. As for top speed, the RC 390 has a slight advantage over the Ninja, reaching speeds of up to 115 mph compared to the Ninja’s 112 mph.

Braking and Suspension

Both the KTM RC 390 and Ninja 300 come equipped with excellent braking systems. The RC 390 features 320mm front discs and 230mm rear discs, while the Ninja 300 has 290mm front discs and 220mm rear discs. Both bikes provide ample stopping power and feedback.

In terms of suspension, the RC 390 has a fully adjustable WP front fork and rear monoshock, offering a firm and sporty ride. The Ninja 300 has a non-adjustable front fork and a preload-adjustable rear shock, providing a slightly more compliant ride.

Fuel Economy and Range

The KTM RC 390 has a slightly lower fuel economy than the Ninja 300, averaging around 50 mpg compared to the Ninja’s 55 mpg. However, the RC 390’s larger fuel tank (11 liters) gives it a longer range than the Ninja’s 10-liter tank.

Price and Value

The KTM RC 390 is priced slightly higher than the Ninja 300, with an MSRP of around $5,500 compared to the Ninja’s $5,000. However, the RC 390 comes with a more advanced suspension and braking system, making it a better value for riders who prioritize performance.

Key Points: The Victorious Machine

In this thrilling drag race, the KTM RC 390 emerges as the victor, thanks to its superior horsepower, sharper handling, and higher top speed. While the Ninja 300 offers a smoother power delivery and better fuel economy, the RC 390’s overall performance and value make it the better choice for riders seeking an adrenaline-pumping ride.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which bike has better acceleration?
A: The KTM RC 390 has better acceleration due to its higher horsepower.

Q: Which bike handles better?
A: The KTM RC 390 handles better due to its lightweight trellis frame and aggressive riding position.

Q: Which bike has better braking?
A: Both bikes have excellent braking systems, but the RC 390 has slightly larger front discs.

Q: Which bike is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Ninja 300 is more fuel-efficient, averaging around 55 mpg.

Q: Which bike is more affordable?
A: The Ninja 300 is more affordable, with an MSRP of $5,000 compared to the RC 390’s $5,500.

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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.
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