Benda Asura 400 vs KTM 390 Duke BS6: Image Comparison

We compare the Chinese 400cc naked against the segment leader

Chinese bikemaker Benda has revealed all details about its Asura 400 and boy does it impress! It gets a parallel-twin motor and ample performance to match its racy looks. We compare the naked motorcycle against the current segment leader, the KTM 390 Duke BS6 via a set of detailed images. Let's start with the looks first. 

The Benda Asura 400 has muscular proportions and looks more like a 650cc naked motorcycle. In comparison, the KTM 390 Duke BS6 has a sharper lines and a slimmer bodywork. The BS6 version's bodywork remains unchanged but now comes in an understated yet premium looking paint scheme. 

Also read: Benda Asura 400: Picture Gallery

Both motorcycles get a central ridge separating the headlamp into two. Both feature LED headlamps, LED tail lamps and LED turn indicators. 

The Benda Asura 400 gets a stubby looking tailpiece with the tail lamp, turn indicators and number plate holder mounted over the rear tyre. In comparison, the KTM 390 Duke BS6 gets a conventional-looking tail section with the twin grab rails sitting flush with the rear seat. Another striking aspect of the Asura 400's design is the single-sided swingarm!

Where most motorcycles like the 390 Duke have the instrument console mounted ahead of the handlebar, the Benda Asura 400's instrument console is mounted behind the handlebar and closer to the rider. Both get TFT colour displays but the KTM's console looks more premium. 

The Benda Asura 400 gets a 398cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor that delivers 36.7PS and 32Nm of torque. While the numbers are similar to 300cc bikes like the BMW G 310 R and Honda CB300R; the KTM 390 Duke BS6 offers 43.5PS and 37Nm from its 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor.  

Benda claims the Asura 400 can accelerate from 0-100kmph in under 7 seconds. While that makes it quicker than the BMW G 310 R which in our tests clocked a 0-100kmph time of 7.47 seconds, the KTM 390 Duke BS6 should be quicker. The BS4-compliant KTM 390 Duke we tested did the 0-100kmph run in 5.22 seconds and given that the KTM 390 BS6 makes the same power and torque, we expect it to post similar acceleration figures. Benda claims a fuel efficiency of around 32kmpl for the Asura 400. With its 16-litre fuel tank, the motorcycle should theoretically offer a range of around 510km. Under our tests, the BS4 KTM 390 Duke offered a combined range of 27.1kmpl. With its 13.4-litre fuel tank, the motorcycle should offer a range of around 363km. 

Both the Benda Asura 400 and KTM 390 Duke BS6 get a trellis frame setup and upside-down front forks. However, while the 390 Duke BS6 has a double-sided cast aluminium swingarm, the Asura 400 gets a single-sided unit. 

The Benda Asura 400 gets twin discs with radially-mounted callipers up front and a single disc at the rear with dual-channel ABS. Given the motorcycle's engine capacity, the underpinnings seem like overkill. The KTM 390 Duke BS6 gets a single 320mm ByBre disc with a radial caliper at front and a 230mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. 

The Benda Asura 400 retails for 29,800 yuan (Rs 3.21 lakh) for the higher-specced variant in China. The KTM 390 Duke BS6 meanwhile is made in India and costs Rs 2.53 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Given its high pricing and Benda not having a presence here, we do not expect the Asura 400 to be launched in India anytime soon.