2018 KTM RC 390 vs 2022 Yamaha R3
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Comments | - | Balanced 50/50 weight distribution. |
| Year | 2018 | - |
| Colours | - | Icon Blue |
| Make Model | KTM RC 390 | - |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | - | 160 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | - | 6.3 inches |
| Seat Height | 820 mm / 32.2 in | 780 mm / 30.7 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1340 mm / 52.7 in | 1380 mm / 54.3 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 179 mm / 7.0 in | - |
| Height | 1267 mm / 49.9 in | 1140 mm / 44.9 in. |
| Length | 2002 mm / 78.8 in | 2090 mm / 82.3 in. |
| Width | 873 mm / 34.4 in | 730 mm / 28.7 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Oil Capacity (l) | - | 2.40 litres |
| Oil Capacity (Quarts) | - | 2.54 US quarts |
| Dry Weight | 149 kg / 328.5 lbs | - |
| Fuel Capacity | 10 Liters / 2.64 US gal | 14.00 litres / 3.70 US gallons |
| Wet Weight | - | 169.0 kg / 372.6 lbs |
| Performance |
| Max Power | 32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 35.3 Nm / 26 lb-ft @7250 rpm | 29.5 Nm (3.0 kgf-m or 21.8 ft.lbs) @ 9000 Revolutions |
| Engine |
| Fuel Control | - | Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
| Engine Type | - | In-line four, four-stroke |
| Displacement (ci) | - | 19.59 cubic inches |
| Displacement (cc) | - | 321.0 cc |
| CO2 | - | 88.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | - | 68.0 x 44.1 mm |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | - | 2.7 x 1.7 inches |
| Displacement | 373 cc / 22.7 cu-in | - |
| Engine Detail | Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder | - |
| Fuel System | - | Injection |
| Bore x Stroke | 89 x 60 mm | - |
| Compression Ratio | 12.6:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid Cooled | - |
| Emissions | - | Euro 5 |
| Engine Lubrication | - | Wet sump |
| Engine Management | Bosch EMS with RBW | - |
| Fuel Consumption | - | 3.80 litres/100 km (26.3 km/l or 61.90 mpg) |
| Fuel Induction | Bosch Injection | - |
| Ignition | - | TCI |
| Lubrication | Forced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps | - |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Valve System | - | 2 |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc clutch / mechanically operated | - |
| Final Drive | Chain 5/8 x 1/4" X‑Ring | Chain (final drive) |
| Gearbox | - | 6-speed |
| Primary Drive | - | Constant mesh |
| Transmission / Drive | 6 Speed | - |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Tubular space frame made from steel, powder-coated | Diamond |
| Suspension - Front | WP Suspension Up Side Down | 37mm KYB inverted front forks |
| Suspension - Rear | WP Monoshock | Swingarm |
| Rake | - | 25.0° |
| Steering Head Angle | 65 ° | - |
| Trail | 100mm / 3.9 in | 95 mm / 3.7 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 120 mm / 4.7 in | 130 mm / 5.1 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 150 mm / 5.9 in | 125 mm / 4.9 in. |
| Electrical Systems |
| Instrumentation | - | Digital multi-function instruments |
| Lighting system | - | LED headlight |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | Single 320 mm disc 4 piston radial caliper | Single disc. Hydraulic. ABS. |
| Brakes - Rear | Single 230 mm disc 1 piston caliper | Single disc. Hydraulic. ABS. |
| Tyres - Front | 110/70 R17 | 110/70-R17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 150/60 R17 | - |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2018 KTM RC 390
The 2018 KTM RC 390 edges out the 2022 Yamaha R3 thanks to its liquid cooling, greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
2018 KTM RC 390 - Advantages
- 🌡️Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
- 🏔️More ground clearance: 179 mm vs 160 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 125 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
2022 Yamaha R3 - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
- 🔄More front wheel travel: 130 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.
2018 KTM RC 390 vs 2022 Yamaha R3 - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2018 KTM RC 390 and 2022 Yamaha R3?
The 2018 KTM RC 390 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder, while the 2022 Yamaha R3 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 KTM RC 390 or the 2022 Yamaha R3?
The 2022 Yamaha R3 has the lower seat at 780 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 should I buy, the 2018 KTM RC 390 or the 2022 Yamaha R3?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 KTM RC 390 has the edge in liquid cooling and greater ground clearance, while the 2022 Yamaha R3 stands out for lower seat height and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.