MotoSpecs

2016 KTM 390 Duke vs 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
Year2015 - 162015
Make ModelKTM 390 DukeKawasaki Ninja 300
Dimensions
Seat Height800 mm / 31.4 in785 mm / 30.8 in
Wheelbase1367 mm / 53.8 in1405 mm / 55.3 in
Ground Clearance172 mm / 6.8 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Height-1110 mm / 43.7 in
Length-2015 mm / 79.3 in
Width-715 mm / 29.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight139 kg / 306 lbs-
Fuel Capacity11 L / 2.9 US gal / 2.4 Imp gal17 Litres / 3.8 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR335 kg / 739 lbs-
Oil Capacity1.6 L / 1.7 US qt / 1.4 Imp qt, SAE 15W/50-
Wet Weight-172 kg / 379.1 lbs - ABS 174 kg / 383.6 lbs
Performance
Max Power32 kW / 43.5 hp @ 9500 rpm29.0 kW / 39 hp @ 11000 rpm
Max Torque35.3 Nm / 3.6 kg-m / 26 ft-lb @7000rpm27.0 Nm / 2.8 kg-fm @ 10000 rpm
Engine
Displacement373.4 cc / 22.7 cu-in296 cc / 18.0 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke89 x 60 mm62 x 49 mm
Compression Ratio12.8:110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid CooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionBosch electronically controlled injectionFuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valves
Fuel Reserve1.5 L / 1.6 US qt / 1.3 Imp qt-
IgnitionContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustmentTCBI with Digital Advance
LubricationForced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumpsForced lubrication, wet sump
Spark PlugBosch VR 5 NE-
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery CapacityFTZ-9, 12V 8Ah, maintenance free-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulicsWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4" X RingChain
Final Drive Ratio15:453.000 (42/14)
Gear Ratios1st 12:32 / 2nd 14:26 / 3rd 19:27 / 4th 21:24 / t5th 23:22 / 6th 25:211st 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 Ratios30:80 3.087 (71/23)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed, claw shifted6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel trellisTube diamond, steel
Suspension - FrontWP inverted fork ø 43 mm37 mm Telescopic fork,
Suspension - RearWP monoshockBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload,
Rake- 27°
Steering Head Angle65° -
Trail100 mm / 3.8 in93 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in132 mm / 5.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 300 mm disc, 4 piston radial caliperSingle 290 mm petal disc Single balanced actuation dual-piston
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc, 1 piston floating caliperSingle 220 mm petal disc Caliper: Dual-piston
Tyres - Front110/70 - ZR17 M/C 54W TL, Metzeler SPORTEC MS110/70-17 M/C 54S
Tyres - Rear150/70 - ZR17 M/C 66W TL, Metzeler SPORTEC MS140/70-17 M/C 66S

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

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 - Advantages

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

2016 KTM 390 Duke vs 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 KTM 390 Duke and 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
The 2016 KTM 390 Duke uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 is powered by Four stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2016 KTM 390 Duke or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
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 2016 KTM 390 Duke or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
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 2016 KTM 390 Duke or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
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 2016 KTM 390 Duke or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 KTM 390 Duke has the edge in lighter kerb weight and greater ground clearance, while the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 stands out for larger fuel tank. 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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