2020 KTM RC 390 vs 2022 Yamaha R3

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 KTM RC 390 2020 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
2022 Yamaha R3 2022 Yamaha R3

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
372.6 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Balanced 50/50 weight distribution.
Year2020-
Colours-Icon Blue
Make ModelKTM RC 390-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-160 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.3 inches
Seat Height820 mm / 32.2 in780 mm / 30.7 in.
Wheelbase1340 mm / 52.7 in1380 mm / 54.3 in.
Ground Clearance179 mm / 7.0 in-
Height1267 mm / 49.9 in1140 mm / 44.9 in.
Length2002 mm / 78.8 in2090 mm / 82.3 in.
Width873 mm / 34.4 in730 mm / 28.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-2.40 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-2.54 US quarts
Dry Weight149 kg / 328.5 lbs-
Fuel Capacity10 Liters / 2.64 US gal14.00 litres / 3.70 US gallons
Wet Weight-169.0 kg / 372.6 lbs
Performance
Max Power32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm-
Max Torque35.3 Nm / 26 lb-ft @7250 rpm29.5 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
Displacement373 cc / 22.7 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke89 x 60 mm-
Compression Ratio12.6:111.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid Cooled-
Emissions-Euro 5
Engine Lubrication-Wet sump
Engine ManagementBosch EMS with RBW-
Fuel Consumption-3.80 litres/100 km (26.3 km/l or 61.90 mpg)
Fuel InductionBosch Injection-
Ignition-TCI
LubricationForced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-2
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc clutch / mechanically operated-
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4" X‑RingChain   (final drive)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Constant mesh
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame made from steel, powder-coatedDiamond
Suspension - FrontWP Suspension Up Side Down37mm KYB inverted front forks
Suspension - RearWP MonoshockSwingarm
Rake-25.0°
Steering Head Angle65 ° -
Trail100mm / 3.9 in95 mm / 3.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in125 mm / 4.9 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Digital multi-function instruments
Lighting system-LED headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 320 mm disc 4 piston radial caliperSingle disc. Hydraulic. ABS.
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle disc. Hydraulic. ABS.
Tyres - Front110/70 R17110/70-R17
Tyres - Rear150/60 R17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 KTM RC 390

The 2020 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

2020 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.

2020 KTM RC 390 vs 2022 Yamaha R3 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 KTM RC 390 and 2022 Yamaha R3?
The 2020 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 2020 KTM RC 390 or the 2022 Yamaha R3?
The 2022 Yamaha R3 has the lower seat at 780 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 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 2020 KTM RC 390 or the 2022 Yamaha R3?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 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.