KTM Duke 390 vs Honda CBR400R
With the KTM Duke 390 already confirmed for launch and the Honda CBR400R slated to hit our shores this year alongwith the other two 400s, we decided to stack the KTM Duke 390 against the Honda CBR400R on the specifications chart.
| KTM Duke 390 | Honda CBR400R | |
| Engine model type | Single Cylinder 4 stroke DOHC 4 valve water-cooled |
Parallel Twin 4 stroke DOHC 4 valve water-cooled |
| Total displacement | 373.2cc | 399cc |
| Bore × stroke (mm) | 89.0 x 60.0 | 67.0 × 56.6 |
| Compression ratio | 12.9: 1 | 11.0: 1 |
| Maximum power | 44ps @ 9500 rpm | 46ps @ 9500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 35nm @ 7250 rpm | 37nm @ 7500 rpm |
| Power to weight ratio | 316.5 ps/ tonne | 252.74 ps/ tonne |
| Fuel supply | Bosch EFI | Honda PGM-FI |
| Ignition | Self-start, Bosch EMS83 | Self-start, Full transistor battery ignition with Honda Ignition Security System (H.I.S.S.) chip encoded keys |
| Cockpit | Fully Digital | Fully Digital |
| Clutch type | Wet multi-plate with coil springs | Wet multi-plate with coil springs |
| Gearbox | 6 Speed | 6 Speed |
| Final drive | X-Ring sealed chain | O-Ring sealed chain |
| Suspension front | 43mm WP spec’d Inverted | 41mm Conventional telescopic |
| Suspension rear | Direct linked monoshock with ten position spring preload |
Pro-Link monoshock with nine-position spring preload adjustability |
| Swingarm | Pin-jointed die-cast aluminium | Steel square pipe |
| Frame type | Trellis | Diamond |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 170 | 140 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1367 | 1410 |
| Seat height (mm) | 800 | 785 |
| Tyres front | 110/70 ZR 17M/C | 120/70 ZR 17M/C |
| Tyres Rear | 150/60 ZR 17M/C | 160/60 ZR 17M/C |
| Brakes Front | Single 300mm Single Disc with four piston caliper |
Single 320mm Single Petal Disc with twin piston caliper |
| Brakes Rear | Single 230mm Single Disc with single piston caliper |
Single 240mm Single Petal Disc with single piston caliper |
| ABS | Yes | Yes, Combined ABS |
| Fuel tank capacity | 11 litres | 15 litres |
| Fuel consumption | Not specified | 39.7 kpl (under standard test conditions with speed constant at 60 kph) |
| Minimum turning radius | Not specified | 2.7 metres |
| Dry Weight (kgs) | 139 (dry weight) | 182 (dry weight)- 194 (curb weight) |
| Top speed | 160 kph estimated | Not specified |
Let us draw a rough estimate on the performance front of the two motorcycles.
The 0-100 acceleration figures of the KTM Duke 390 have been estimated at close to the 6 seconds mark- thanks to the following video posted by Austrian Online Motorcycle Magazine 1000 ps. Top speed has already been estimated in the region of 160 kph by journalists.
Though the acceleration and top figures of the Honda CBR400R aren’t out yet, one could roughly estimate by taking the CBR500R as a reference which cranks out 46.9 bhp (47.6 ps) vis-a-vis the CBR400R which pumps 46ps (45.4 bhp). Surprisingly the difference in cubic capacity hasn’t spelt any difference in weight. A closer comparison between the two indicate differences in stroke i.e. 66.8mm (CBR500R) and 56.6mm (CBR400R) and compression ratio at 10.7:1 and 11.0:1 respectively. And though the gear ratios of the CBR400R have been revealed by Honda, the figures of the CBR500R are nowhere to be seen. But still going ahead for the sake of estimation of the performance the CBR400R would pack in, here are a couple of video that indicate the 0-100 kph and top speeds of the Honda CBR500R.
0-100 kph
Dyno tested top speed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsUw5ekmS5Q
In case it hasn’t been easy for you to calculate, here are the snapshots and you may draw your performance calculations:
0-100 kph (5 seconds approx)
Dyno tested top-speed (191 kph)
Won’t be out of place to state that numbers ticking on the dyno change dramatically in real world conditions- the bike isn’t facing any wind drag in the video 😉
In conclusion, the performance graph of the CBR400R is still a secret and though many would put the Honda down, more particularly on the power-to-weight ratio- but looking at the CBR500R references, the Honda with its quick spinning parallel twin might manage to put up a good fight against the Orange Mantis.
Pricing is going to play an extremely crucial role. Assuming that if the performances of both the motorcycles are on par with each other, what premium would you pay for the CBR over the Duke if you’d wish to go for the Honda? Or it’s just the Duke for you, and the CBR400R just doesn’t matter?