Honda CBR400R vs KTM RC 390: Image Comparison

How does the CBR400R compare against its most formidable foe? Find out through these detailed images 

Honda recently launched the 2020 Honda CBR400R in Japan for JPY 8,08,500 which translates to Rs 5,60,685. It not only plugs the gap between the CBR250RR and the CBR500R but also helps Honda take the fight to the KTM RC 390. But how does it compare against its most formidable foe? Let’s find out through these detailed images. 

The CBR400R may not look as menacing as its 250cc sibling, but it sure as hell looks sharp. The only visible cosmetic update for 2020 comes in the form of the new CBR logo on the fairing. It’s the same branding Honda uses on its litre-class CBR1000RR-R. The same can be said about the BS6 KTM RC 390 which gets a new livery for 2020 but remains largely unchanged mechanically.

Also Read: Honda CBR250RR: Bikes We'd Like To See In India

The CBR400R comes with a split LED headlamp and LED indicators while the KTM RC 390 features twin projector headlamps with LED DRLs. 

Same goes for the tail lamp which is an LED unit. Even the RC 390 features an LED tail light but it looks a lot sharper than the Honda.

Having a full-digital instrument console is pretty much the norm these days and is featured in both the CBR400R and the RC 390. The console on the Japanese sportbike reads out gear position, shift indicator, instantaneous and average fuel consumption, and the time. We’d like to point out that the unit on the Honda looks more up-to-date compared to the one on the KTM. 

The CBR400R may be sporty but it isn’t as focused as the RC 390. It uses clip-on handlebars that aren’t as lower set as the RC 390, thus offering a relatively comfortable riding posture suitable for long hauls. Even the footpegs are slightly forward set and lower compared to the RC.

Both bikes come equipped with an adjustable front brake lever. 

The CBR400R is powered by a 399cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled DOHC motor that puts out 46PS at 9000rpm and 38Nm at 7500rpm. That's 2.5PS and 2Nm more than the RC 390 which uses a single-cylinder DOHC motor. Both bikes use a 6-speed transmission with a slip and assist clutch. 

In terms of underpinnings, the CBR400R uses a conventional 41mm telescopic fork and a monoshock that get preload adjustments, while the RC makes use of USD forks and a preload-adjustable monoshock from WP. 

Honda makes use of a steel diamond-type frame while KTM sticks to its patented trellis frame. Braking duties are handled by a 320mm disc up front and a 240mm (230mm on the RC) rear disc. Although, the CBR400R gets petals discs known for better heat dissipation and less brake fade. 

Also Read: Honda CBR500R: All You Need To Know

Unfortunately, the Honda CBR400R is unlikely to make it to Indian shores. Instead, we’ll be getting the CBR500R which is expected to be priced around the Rs 5 lakh mark.