1985 Honda NS 400R vs 2015 KTM RC 390
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 1985 | 2015 |
| Make Model | Honda NS 400R | KTM RC 390 |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 780 mm / 30 in | 820 mm / 32.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 1385 mm / 54.5 in | 1340 mm / 52.7 in |
| Ground Clearance | - | 179 mm / 7.0 in |
| Height | 1150 mm / 45.2 in | 1267 mm / 49.9 in |
| Length | 2065 mm / 81.2 in | 2002 mm / 78.8 in |
| Width | 720 mm / 28.3 in | 873 mm / 34.4 in |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 163 kg / 259.3 lbs | 139 kg / 306.4 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 Litres / 5.02 US gal | 10 Liters / 2.64 US gal |
| Wet Weight | 183 kg / 403.4 lbs | - |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 202 km/h / 125.5 mph | - |
| Max Power | 72 hp / 52.5 kW @ 9500 rpm | 32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm |
| Max Power - Rear Tyre | 59 hp @ 8500 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 5.1 kgf-m @ 8000 rpm | 3.6 kgm /35.3 Nm @7250rpm |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 13.03 sec / 164.2 km/h | - |
| Engine |
| Stroke | 2 | - |
| Fuel Control | Membrane | - |
| Engine Type | V3 | - |
| Displacement | 387 cc / 23.6 cu-in | 373 cc / 22.7 cu-in |
| Engine Detail | Two stroke, 90°V-three cylinder, reed valve | Four stroke, single cylinder. DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder |
| Bore x Stroke | 57 x 50.6 mm | 89 x 60 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 6.7:1 | 12.6:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled | Liquid Cooled |
| Fuel Consumption | 30 mpg | - |
| Fuel Induction | 3x 26mm Keihin carburetors | Bosch Injection |
| Ignition | CDI | Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment |
| Lubrication | - | Forced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps |
| Starter | Kick | Electric |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | - | Wet multi-disc clutch / mechanically operated |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain 5/8 x 1/4" X‑Ring |
| Gear Ratios | 1st 2.500 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.333 / 4th 1.111 / 5th 0.965 / 6th 0.866 | - |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | - |
| Primary Drive Ratios | - | 30:80 |
| Secondary Drive Ratio | - | 15:45 |
| Transmission / Drive | 6 speed | 5 Speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Double cradle | Tubular space frame made from steel, powder-coated |
| Suspension - Front | Air assisted forks. adjustable anti-dive | WP Suspension Up Side Down |
| Suspension - Rear | Pro-link adjustable preload | WP Monoshock |
| Steering Head Angle | - | 65 ° |
| Trail | - | 100mm / 3.9 in |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 120 mm / 4.7 in | 120 mm / 4.7 in |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 100 mm / 3.9 in | 150 mm / 5.9 in |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | 2x 256mm discs 2 piston calipers | Single 300 mm disc 4 piston radial caliper |
| Brakes - Rear | Single 220mm disc 2 piston caliper | Single 230 mm disc 1 piston caliper |
| Tyres - Front | 100/90 -16 | 110/70 R17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 110/90 -17 | 150/60 R17 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 1985 Honda NS 400R and the 2015 KTM RC 390 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.
Key Differences
1985 Honda NS 400R - Advantages
- ⚡More power: Produces 72 hp vs 32 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
- ⛽Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
- 📏Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
2015 KTM RC 390 - Advantages
- ⚖️Lighter: 139 kg vs 183 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
- 🔧Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 100 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
1985 Honda NS 400R vs 2015 KTM RC 390 - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1985 Honda NS 400R and 2015 KTM RC 390?
The 1985 Honda NS 400R uses V3, while the 2015 KTM RC 390 is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder. DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2015 KTM RC 390?
The 2015 KTM RC 390 is lighter at 139 kg compared to 183 kg for the 1985 Honda NS 400R - a difference of 44 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2015 KTM RC 390?
The 1985 Honda NS 400R produces more peak power at 72 hp, compared to 32 kW for the 2015 KTM RC 390.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2015 KTM RC 390?
The 1985 Honda NS 400R has the lower seat at 780 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 KTM RC 390 sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2015 KTM RC 390?
The 1985 Honda NS 400R has the larger tank at approximately 19 litres vs 10 litres for the 2015 KTM RC 390. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 316-380 km vs 166-200 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2015 KTM RC 390?
Both are strong choices. The 1985 Honda NS 400R has the edge in more peak power and larger fuel tank, while the 2015 KTM RC 390 stands out for lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.