KTM Duke 390 vs Honda CBR400R: Spec to spec comparison

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?