2017 KTM RC 390 vs 2020 BMW G 310GS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 KTM RC 390 2017 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
149 kg / 328.5 lbs
2020 BMW G 310GS 2020 BMW G 310GS

Sport

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
25 kW / 34 hp @ at 9500
Top Speed
88.9 mph
Weight
175 kg / 385.8 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20172020
Colours-Strato Blue Metallic, Pearl White Metallic, Cosmic Black One
Make ModelKTM RC 390BMW G 310GS
Dimensions
Seat Height820 mm / 32.2 in835 mm / 32.9 in 820 mm / 32.2 in Low Seat 850 mm / 33.5 in Comfort Seat
Wheelbase1340 mm / 52.7 in1420 mm / 55.9 in
Ground Clearance179 mm / 7.0 in-
Height1267 mm / 49.9 in1230 mm / 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)
Length2002 mm / 78.8 in2075 mm / 81.7 in
Width873 mm / 34.4 in878 mm / 34.6 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight149 kg / 328.5 lbs-
Fuel Capacity10 Liters / 2.64 US gal11 Litres / 2.9 US gal
Wet Weight-175 kg / 385.8 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-143.0 km/h / 88.9 mph
Max Power32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm25 kW / 34 hp @ at 9500
Max Torque35.3 Nm / 26 lb-ft @7250 rpm28 Nm / 2.86 kgf-m / 20.7 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm
Engine
CO2-76.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine Type-Single cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement373 cc / 22.7 cu-in313 cc / 19.1 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinderFour stroke, rRearward-canted single-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke89 x 60 mm80 x 62.1 mm
Compression Ratio12.6:110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid CooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-Euro 4
Engine ManagementBosch EMS with RBW-
Exhaust-Single, closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter
Fuel Consumption-3.30 litres/100 km (30.3 km/l or 71.28 mpg)
Fuel InductionBosch InjectionElectronic fuel injection, BMS-E2
Ignition-Electronic
LubricationForced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumpsWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 8 Ah, Maintenance free
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc clutch / mechanically operatedMultiple-discs in oil bath, mechanically operated
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4" X‑RingChain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed Synchromesh 6-speed transmission, integrated in the motor housing
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame made from steel, powder-coatedTubular steel frame with bolted rear frame
Suspension - FrontWP Suspension Up Side Down41mm Upside-down fork
Suspension - RearWP MonoshockSolid die-cast aluminum swingarm, directly hinged monoshock, adjustable preload
Steering Head Angle65 ° 63.3°
Trail100mm / 3.9 in98 mm / 3.86 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in180 mm / 7.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in180 mm / 7.1 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-308 W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 320 mm disc 4 piston radial caliperSingle 300mm disc, 4-piston fixed caliper, radially bolted
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 240mm disc, single-piston floating caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS
Tyres - Front110/70 R17110/80 - R19
Tyres - Rear150/60 R17150/70 - R17
Wheels - Front-Cast aluminium, 5-spoke, 2.50 x 19
Wheels - Rear-Cast aluminium, 5-spoke, 4.0 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 KTM RC 390

The 2017 KTM RC 390 edges out the 2020 BMW G 310GS thanks to its more peak power, lighter kerb weight and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 KTM RC 390 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 32 kW vs 25 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lighter: 149 kg vs 175 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Larger displacement: 373 cc vs 313 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2020 BMW G 310GS - Advantages

  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More rear wheel travel: 180 mm vs 150 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 180 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2017 KTM RC 390 vs 2020 BMW G 310GS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 KTM RC 390 and 2020 BMW G 310GS?
The 2017 KTM RC 390 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder, while the 2020 BMW G 310GS is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2017 KTM RC 390 or the 2020 BMW G 310GS?
The 2017 KTM RC 390 is lighter at 149 kg compared to 175 kg for the 2020 BMW G 310GS - a difference of 26 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2017 KTM RC 390 or the 2020 BMW G 310GS?
The 2017 KTM RC 390 produces more peak power at 32 kW, compared to 25 kW for the 2020 BMW G 310GS.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 KTM RC 390 or the 2020 BMW G 310GS?
The 2017 KTM RC 390 has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 BMW G 310GS sits higher at 835 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2017 KTM RC 390 or 2020 BMW G 310GS have ABS?
The 2020 BMW G 310GS is listed with ABS as standard. The 2017 KTM RC 390 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2017 KTM RC 390 or the 2020 BMW G 310GS?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 KTM RC 390 has the edge in more peak power and lighter kerb weight, while the 2020 BMW G 310GS stands out for standard ABS and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.