MotoSpecs

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs 2015 KTM RC 390

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
2015 KTM RC 390 2015 KTM RC 390

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder. DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder
Power
32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
139 kg / 306.4 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20152015
Make ModelKawasaki Ninja 300KTM RC 390
Dimensions
Seat Height785 mm / 30.8 in820 mm / 32.2 in
Wheelbase1405 mm / 55.3 in1340 mm / 52.7 in
Ground Clearance140 mm / 5.5 in179 mm / 7.0 in
Height1110 mm / 43.7 in1267 mm / 49.9 in
Length2015 mm / 79.3 in2002 mm / 78.8 in
Width715 mm / 29.1 in873 mm / 34.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-139 kg / 306.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 3.8 US gal10 Liters / 2.64 US gal
Wet Weight172 kg / 379.1 lbs - ABS 174 kg / 383.6 lbs-
Performance
Max Power29.0 kW / 39 hp @ 11000 rpm32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque27.0 Nm / 2.8 kg-fm @ 10000 rpm3.6 kgm /35.3 Nm @7250rpm
Engine
Displacement296 cc / 18.0 cu-in373 cc / 22.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, single cylinder. DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke62 x 49 mm89 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio10.6:112.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid Cooled
Fuel InductionFuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valvesBosch Injection
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
StarterElectric Electric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet multi-disc clutch / mechanically operated
Final DriveChainChain 5/8 x 1/4" X‑Ring
Final Drive Ratio3.000 (42/14)-
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)-
Primary Drive Ratios3.087 (71/23)30:80
Secondary Drive Ratio-15:45
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTube diamond, steelTubular space frame made from steel, powder-coated
Suspension - Front37 mm Telescopic fork,WP Suspension Up Side Down
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 in100mm / 3.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 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 caliper
Tyres - Front110/70-17 M/C 54S110/70 R17
Tyres - Rear140/70-17 M/C 66S150/60 R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 KTM RC 390

The 2015 KTM RC 390 edges out the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement. 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.
  • Lower seat height: 785 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2015 KTM RC 390 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 139 kg vs 172 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Larger displacement: 373 cc vs 296 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More ground clearance: 179 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.

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs 2015 KTM RC 390 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 and 2015 KTM RC 390?
The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 uses Four stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, 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 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 or the 2015 KTM RC 390?
The 2015 KTM RC 390 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 2015 KTM RC 390?
The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 has the lower seat at 785 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 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 or the 2015 KTM RC 390?
The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 10 litres for the 2015 KTM RC 390. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 283-340 km vs 166-200 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 or the 2015 KTM RC 390?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 has the edge in larger fuel tank and lower seat height, while the 2015 KTM RC 390 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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