2018 KTM RC 390 vs 2020 BMW G 310R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 KTM RC 390 2018 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 310R 2020 BMW G 310R

Sport

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
25 kW / 34 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
88.9 mph
Weight
158.5 kg / 349 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20182020
Colours-HP Motorsport, Cosmic Black, Racing Red
Make ModelKTM RC 390BMW G 310R
Dimensions
Seat Height820 mm / 32.2 in785 mm / 30.9 in
Wheelbase1340 mm / 52.7 in1374 mm / 54.1 in
Ground Clearance179 mm / 7.0 in-
Height1267 mm / 49.9 in1080 mm / 42.5 in.
Length2002 mm / 78.8 in1988 mm / 78.3 in
Width873 mm / 34.4 in896 mm / 35.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight149 kg / 328.5 lbs158.5 kg / 349.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity10 Liters / 2.64 US gal11 Litres / 2.9 US gal
Wet Weight-158.5 kg / 349 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-143.0 km/h / 88.9 mph
Max Power32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm25 kW / 34 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque35.3 Nm / 26 lb-ft @7250 rpm28 Nm / 20.7 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.2115 HP/kg
Engine
CO2-77.3 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 cylinderSingle cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke89 x 60 mm80 x 62 mm
Compression Ratio12.6:110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid CooledLiquid Cooled
Emissions-Euro 4
Engine ManagementBosch EMS with RBW-
Exhaust valve diameter-27.2 mm
Fuel Consumption-3.33 litres/100 km (30.0 km/l or 70.64 mpg)
Fuel InductionBosch InjectionBMS-E2
LubricationForced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve Diameter (Intake)-33.5 mm
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12V, 8 Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc clutch / mechanically operatedWet multi-plate
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4" X‑RingChain, O-ring
Gear Ratios-1st 3.000 / 2 nd 2.063 / 3rd 1.588 / 4th 10286 / 5th 1.095 / 6th 0.955:1
Primary Drive Ratios-3.083:1
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6-Speed, constant-mesh
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame made from steel, powder-coatedTubular steel frame in grid structure with bolt-on rear frame
Suspension - FrontWP Suspension Up Side Down41mm Telescopic fork
Suspension - RearWP MonoshockAluminium swinging arm in conjunction with a directly mounted spring strut
Steering Head Angle65 ° 64.9°
Trail100mm / 3.9 in102.3 mm / 4.02 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in131 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-330W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 320 mm disc 4 piston radial caliperSingle 300mm disc
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 240mm disc
ABS-Standard
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-4.0 x 17
Tyres - Front110/70 R17110/70 R17
Tyres - Rear150/60 R17150/60 R17
Wheels-5-Spoke, light alloy die-cast

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 KTM RC 390

The 2018 KTM RC 390 edges out the 2020 BMW G 310R thanks to its more peak power, fuel injection, 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

2018 KTM RC 390 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 32 kW vs 25 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Larger displacement: 373 cc vs 313 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 131 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2020 BMW G 310R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 785 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 KTM RC 390 vs 2020 BMW G 310R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 KTM RC 390 and 2020 BMW G 310R?
The 2018 KTM RC 390 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder, while the 2020 BMW G 310R is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which has more power, the 2018 KTM RC 390 or the 2020 BMW G 310R?
The 2018 KTM RC 390 produces more peak power at 32 kW, compared to 25 kW for the 2020 BMW G 310R.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 KTM RC 390 or the 2020 BMW G 310R?
The 2020 BMW G 310R has the lower seat at 785 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 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.
Does the 2018 KTM RC 390 or 2020 BMW G 310R have ABS?
The 2020 BMW G 310R is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 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 2018 KTM RC 390 or the 2020 BMW G 310R?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 KTM RC 390 has the edge in more peak power and fuel injection, while the 2020 BMW G 310R stands out for lower seat height and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.