Honda CBR500R vs KTM RC 390: Spec Comparison
Is an extra cylinder and more displacement enough for the Honda to trump the KTM?
We’ve recently learned that Honda will be bringing its 500cc lineup, including the fully-faired CBR500R, to India before the end of this financial year. But how does it take on the bike that rules the small-capacity sportsbike segment in India, the KTM RC 390?
Engine & Transmission
|
Specifications |
KTM RC 390 |
Honda CBR500R |
|
Engine |
373.2cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve DOHC engine |
471cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, 8-valve DOHC engine |
|
Power |
45PS |
47.6PS |
|
Torque |
35Nm |
43Nm |
|
Gearbox |
6-speed |
6-speed |
Despite the extra cylinder and a 98cc displacement advantage, the CBR’s twin-cylinder motor only puts out slightly more power than the KTM’s single-pot mill. Torque, however, is a considerable 8Nm higher on the Honda. That being said, the RC has a punchy mid-range while the CBR engine is more linear in power delivery. All this means if you’re on a tight technical circuit, the RC might just be able to hang in there.
Underpinnings
|
Specifications |
KTM RC 390 |
Honda CBR500R |
|
Frame |
Steel-trellis perimeter frame |
Diamond-type |
|
Front suspension |
WP 43mm upside-down fork |
Conventional telescopic fork, preload-adjustable |
|
Rear suspension |
Preload-adjustable monoshock |
Preload-adjustable monoshock |
|
Front brake |
320mm disc, 4-piston caliper |
320mm disc, 4-piston caliper |
|
Rear brake |
230mm disc, single-piston caliper |
240mm disc, single-piston caliper |
|
Front tyre |
110/70-R17 |
120/70ZR-17 |
|
Rear tyre |
150/60-R17 |
160/60-ZR17 |
Though the RC gets an upside-down fork compared to the CBR’s right way up unit, Honda has thrown in preload-adjustability, which will help set up the bike more precisely. The CBR also sports slightly fatter tyres to help put down the power better and a marginally larger rear disc. Though the disc size at the front might be identical, the RC’s 4-piston caliper should theoretically provide better performance to the CBR’s 2-piston unit. To learn more about different kinds of brake calipers, head here.
Dimensions & Weights
|
Specifications |
KTM RC 390 |
Honda CBR500R |
|
Wheelbase |
1,340mm |
1,410mm |
|
Ground clearance |
178.5mm |
130mm |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
9.5-litres |
17.1-litres |
|
Seat height |
820mm |
785mm |
|
Kerb weight |
149kg (dry) |
192kg |
They say extra horsepower is an advantage on the straights but weight savings are an advantage everywhere. It’s here that the RC 390 gains a significant advantage. It’s hard to compare kerb weight to dry weight, but we’re confident the KTM weighs a good 20kg less than the CBR when fully fuelled-up. The Austrian bike also has a significantly shorter wheelbase, which will make it that much more agile when the going gets twisty. That being said, the Honda has a more relaxed riding posture, shorter seat height and larger fuel tank, which makes it a better touring weapon than the RC.
Verdict
There’s a distinct contrast in focus between these two machines. Though the red bike sports the CBR tag, it isn’t really as hardcore as some of its CBR stablemates. It is more of a sports tourer than an all-out sportsbike. The RC, on the other hand, has an almost singular focus on lap-times and performance, making it a scalpel on the racetrack at the cost of road usability. Picking between the two comes down to a matter of personal choice, though it’s hard to see Honda being able to price the CBR anywhere close to the KTM when it arrives.
Zaran Mody
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