Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs KTM RC 390: Image Gallery

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is the replacement for the Ninja 400. Available in India as a CBU import unit, Kawasaki’s latest offering is also quite expensive. At ₹5.24 lakh, why should you choose the Kawasaki Ninja 500 especially when you can have something equally exciting like the KTM RC 390?

Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs KTM RC 390: Engine

The engine configuration is different in both motorcycles. The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is powered by a 451 cc parallel-twin engine, while a 373.33 cc single-cylinder mill does duties in the KTM RC 390. While the LC4c engine in the latter is known for its manic performance and loads of power on offer, the parallel-twin set-up in the Ninja will contribute to a more refined experience. Due to slightly more displacement, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 also produces more power/torque at 45 bhp/ 42.6 Nm. The KTM RC 390 also outputs in a similar ballpark at 42.9 bhp/ 37 Nm.

Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs KTM RC 390: Features

Both get a 5-inch fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity. But the India-spec Kawasaki Ninja 500 is available with an LCD unit, whereas, the KTM RC 390 gets a more premium TFT instrument. Connectivity functionalities are pretty basic in the Ninja 500, but in the RC 390 the options are more. In addition to that, the RC 390 is also available with cornering ABS, Quickshifter, Traction Control, and Supermoto ABS (switches of the ABS for the rear tyre). The Kawasaki Ninja 500 misses out on all these features aside from dual-channel ABS (also available with the KTM RC 390). LED lights are available on both motorcycles.

Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs KTM RC 390: Suspension And Brakes

The s Kawasaki Ninja sports a rather basic 41 mm telescopic fork and gas-charged monoshock with a 7-step preload adjustability. Braking duties are handled by 310 mm and 220 mm front and rear disc brakes. The KTM gets a wider 43 mm upside-down fork and monoshock with 10-step adjustability. Even the disc brakes are larger with the Duke 390 with 320 mm front and 230 mm rear disc brakes. As you can see with an adjustable suspension setup, the KTM clearly has an advantage and will be better suited to varying rider needs. 

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Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs KTM RC 390: Dimension

Both the Kawasaki Ninja 500 and KTM RC 390 are built around a trellis architecture equipping high-tensile and light tubular steel. Yet despite two different engine set-ups, both the KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 500 have nearly identical kerb weights at 172 kg and 171 kg, respectively.

The Ninja 500 also gets a 14-litre fuel tank, while the KTM RC 390 gets a 13.7-litre tank. Getting astride on the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is also easier for its seat height of 785 mm, compared to the KTM RC 390 which has a seat that stands 835 mm off the ground.

Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs KTM RC 390: Conclusion

The Kawasaki Ninja 500 might have a bigger engine and appears fancier. But the KTM RC 390 packs the most value for its money. At ₹3.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it gets a similarly powerful engine (single-cylinder engine), premium suspension components, and more features as well. Apart from the high asking price, even service and spare costs of the Japanese bike will cost a fortune compared to its Austrian rival. So, if you want exclusivity the Kawasaki Ninja 500 will turn heads, while the KTM RC 390 is more than merely appetising with its performance.