MotoSpecs

2018 KTM RC 390 vs 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

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
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
Year20182015
Make ModelKTM RC 390Kawasaki Ninja 300
Dimensions
Seat Height820 mm / 32.2 in785 mm / 30.8 in
Wheelbase1340 mm / 52.7 in1405 mm / 55.3 in
Ground Clearance179 mm / 7.0 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Height1267 mm / 49.9 in1110 mm / 43.7 in
Length2002 mm / 78.8 in2015 mm / 79.3 in
Width873 mm / 34.4 in715 mm / 29.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight149 kg / 328.5 lbs-
Fuel Capacity10 Liters / 2.64 US gal17 Litres / 3.8 US gal
Wet Weight-172 kg / 379.1 lbs - ABS 174 kg / 383.6 lbs
Performance
Max Power32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm29.0 kW / 39 hp @ 11000 rpm
Max Torque35.3 Nm / 26 lb-ft @7250 rpm27.0 Nm / 2.8 kg-fm @ 10000 rpm
Engine
Displacement373 cc / 22.7 cu-in296 cc / 18.0 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinderFour stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke89 x 60 mm62 x 49 mm
Compression Ratio12.6:110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid CooledLiquid cooled
Engine ManagementBosch EMS with RBW-
Fuel InductionBosch InjectionFuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valves
Ignition-TCBI with Digital Advance
LubricationForced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumpsForced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc clutch / mechanically operatedWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4" X‑RingChain
Final Drive Ratio-3.000 (42/14)
Gear Ratios-1st 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 Ratios-3.087 (71/23)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame made from steel, powder-coatedTube diamond, steel
Suspension - FrontWP Suspension Up Side Down37 mm Telescopic fork,
Suspension - RearWP MonoshockBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload,
Rake- 27°
Steering Head Angle65 ° -
Trail100mm / 3.9 in93 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in132 mm / 5.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 320 mm disc 4 piston radial caliperSingle 290 mm petal disc Single balanced actuation dual-piston
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 220 mm petal disc Caliper: Dual-piston
Tyres - Front110/70 R17110/70-17 M/C 54S
Tyres - Rear150/60 R17140/70-17 M/C 66S

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 KTM RC 390

The 2018 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

2018 KTM RC 390 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 149 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 - 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.

2018 KTM RC 390 vs 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 KTM RC 390 and 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
The 2018 KTM RC 390 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder, while the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 is powered by Four stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2018 KTM RC 390 or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
The 2018 KTM RC 390 is lighter at 149 kg compared to 172 kg for the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 - a difference of 23 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 KTM RC 390 or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 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.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2018 KTM RC 390 or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 10 litres for the 2018 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 2018 KTM RC 390 or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 KTM RC 390 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and greater ground clearance, while the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 stands out for larger fuel tank and lower seat height. 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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