MotoSpecs

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs 2016 KTM 390 Duke

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

Sport

Engine
Four stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
29.0 kW / 39 hp @ 11000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
172 kg / 379.1 lbs - ABS 174 kg / 383.6 lbs
2016 KTM 390 Duke 2016 KTM 390 Duke

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
32 kW / 43.5 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
139 kg / 306 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20152015 - 16
Make ModelKawasaki Ninja 300KTM 390 Duke
Dimensions
Seat Height785 mm / 30.8 in800 mm / 31.4 in
Wheelbase1405 mm / 55.3 in1367 mm / 53.8 in
Ground Clearance140 mm / 5.5 in172 mm / 6.8 in
Height1110 mm / 43.7 in-
Length2015 mm / 79.3 in-
Width715 mm / 29.1 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-139 kg / 306 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 3.8 US gal11 L / 2.9 US gal / 2.4 Imp gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-335 kg / 739 lbs
Oil Capacity-1.6 L / 1.7 US qt / 1.4 Imp qt, SAE 15W/50
Wet Weight172 kg / 379.1 lbs - ABS 174 kg / 383.6 lbs-
Performance
Max Power29.0 kW / 39 hp @ 11000 rpm32 kW / 43.5 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque27.0 Nm / 2.8 kg-fm @ 10000 rpm35.3 Nm / 3.6 kg-m / 26 ft-lb @7000rpm
Engine
Displacement296 cc / 18.0 cu-in373.4 cc / 22.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke62 x 49 mm89 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio10.6:112.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid Cooled
Fuel InductionFuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valvesBosch electronically controlled injection
Fuel Reserve-1.5 L / 1.6 US qt / 1.3 Imp qt
IgnitionTCBI with Digital Advance Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
LubricationForced lubrication, wet sumpForced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps
Spark Plug-Bosch VR 5 NE
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-FTZ-9, 12V 8Ah, maintenance free
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Final DriveChainChain 5/8 x 1/4" X Ring
Final Drive Ratio3.000 (42/14)15:45
Gear Ratios1st 2.714 (38/14) 2nd 1.789 (34/19) 3rd 1.409 (31/22) 4th 1.160 (29/25) 5th 1.000 (27/27) 6th 0.893 (25/28)1st 12:32 / 2nd 14:26 / 3rd 19:27 / 4th 21:24 / t5th 23:22 / 6th 25:21
Primary Drive Ratios3.087 (71/23)30:80
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed, claw shifted
Chassis
Frame TypeTube diamond, steelSteel trellis
Suspension - Front37 mm Telescopic fork,WP inverted fork ø 43 mm
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload,WP monoshock
Rake 27°-
Steering Head Angle-65°
Trail93 mm / 3.6 in100 mm / 3.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear132 mm / 5.1 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 290 mm petal disc Single balanced actuation dual-pistonSingle 300 mm disc, 4 piston radial caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm petal disc Caliper: Dual-pistonSingle 230 mm disc, 1 piston floating caliper
Tyres - Front110/70-17 M/C 54S110/70 - ZR17 M/C 54W TL, Metzeler SPORTEC MS
Tyres - Rear140/70-17 M/C 66S150/70 - ZR17 M/C 66W TL, Metzeler SPORTEC MS

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 KTM 390 Duke

The 2016 KTM 390 Duke edges out the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.

2016 KTM 390 Duke - Advantages

  • Lighter: 139 kg vs 172 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More ground clearance: 172 mm vs 140 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 132 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs 2016 KTM 390 Duke - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 and 2016 KTM 390 Duke?
The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 uses Four stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2016 KTM 390 Duke is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 or the 2016 KTM 390 Duke?
The 2016 KTM 390 Duke is lighter at 139 kg compared to 172 kg for the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 - a difference of 33 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 or the 2016 KTM 390 Duke?
The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 has the lower seat at 785 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 KTM 390 Duke sits higher at 800 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 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 or the 2016 KTM 390 Duke?
The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 11 litres for the 2016 KTM 390 Duke. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 283-340 km vs 183-220 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 or the 2016 KTM 390 Duke?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 has the edge in larger fuel tank, while the 2016 KTM 390 Duke stands out for lighter kerb weight and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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