2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs KTM RC 390

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Scores, summary & seat (optional) Estimates and auto text from specs — open if you want them.

Technical score (estimate)

Weighted mix of power, torque, power-to-weight, top speed and lighter weight within this comparison only. Not a real-world verdict — riding style and roads matter.

Top on paper
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500
53 pts
KTM RC 390
47 pts

Usage fit (estimate)

Rough scores for city riding, touring, sporty riding and new riders — mix of specs and bike category. Same caveats as the technical score: traffic, skill and tyres matter.

City / commute

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500
28.7 pts
Best fit here
KTM RC 390
70.2 pts

Touring / long rides

Best fit here
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500
88.3 pts
KTM RC 390
14.3 pts

Sporty riding

Best fit here
2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500
77.8 pts
KTM RC 390
46.1 pts

New rider friendly

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500
24.8 pts
Best fit here
KTM RC 390
63.8 pts

Seat height (cm)

Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.

  • 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 78.5 cm Lowest seat here
  • KTM RC 390 82.5 cm Tallest seat here

Spread in this comparison: about 4 cm.

Rough guide: comfortable flat-foot reach often needs inseam roughly in the same ballpark as seat height (varies a lot by ergonomics).

Auto summary from specs

Generated from the numbers in the comparison — not a review.

  • Power spans 44 hp (KTM RC 390) up to 52 hp (2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500).
  • Torque spans 37 Nm (KTM RC 390) up to 42.6 Nm (2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500).
  • Weight spans 149 kg (KTM RC 390) to 184 kg (2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500).
  • Displacement spans 400 cc (KTM RC 390) to 500 cc (2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500).

Reader votes so far — total 2: 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 (1); KTM RC 390 (1).

Specification Kawasaki Ninja 500 KTM RC 390
Brand KAWASAKI KTM
Model Kawasaki Ninja 500 KTM RC 390
Engine size 500cc 400cc
Power 52hp 44hp
Torque 42.6nm. 37nm.
Cylinders / valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves Single cylinder, 4 valves
Weight 184kg 149kg
Front brake Single disc with balanced actuation dual pistons Four-piston radial fixed calliper, brake disc
Rear brake Ø220mm Double piston Single-piston floating calliper, brake disc
Seat height (cm) 78.5cm 82.5cm
Front tyre 110/70R17 M/K 54H 110/70 R17
Rear tyre 150/60R17 M/K 66H 150/60 R17
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension Ø41mm WP APEX 43
Rear suspension Uni-Trak with lower link, gas-charged shock and spring preload adjustability WP APEX - Monoshock
Motorcycle type Supersport Supersport
Top speed 200km/h 170km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 14 L – 3.8 L/100km 13.7 L – 3.5 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $5299 $7564
Brand price lists View KAWASAKI price list View KTM price list
Extra features

-TFT Display, slipper clutch

Opinions

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2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs 2023 KTM RC 390: Which One is Better for You?

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 and 2023 KTM RC 390 are very similar in terms of engine capacity and power. In this case, design, driving comfort, and personal preferences may take precedence. Additionally, 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500, with its 52hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.

1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 and 2023 KTM RC 390 have almost identical engine capacities, offering similar performance. In this case, design, driving comfort, and other features will play a more significant role in your choice.2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500, with its 500cc engine capacity, is ideal for users seeking high performance and acceleration. Experienced riders may prefer it for long-distance journeys.

2. Torque Power

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 and 2023 KTM RC 390 offer similar performance in terms of torque values. 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500, with its 42.6Nm, provides slightly better traction power, which can be advantageous in situations requiring rapid acceleration. 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 is ideal for users requiring rapid acceleration. This torque value provides economical and sufficient power for city use.

3. Top Speed

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500, as a Süpersport, can reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h. This speed feature can be considered an extra advantage for a motorcycle of this type. 2023 KTM RC 390, as a Süpersport, offers a lower maximum speed of 170 km/h, but this does not overshadow its other features.

4. Cooling System

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2023 KTM RC 390 offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.

5. Design and Comfort

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 and 2023 KTM RC 390 are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2023 KTM RC 390, with a seat height of 82.5cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500, with a seat height of 78.5cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.

Conclusion

2023 KTM RC 390 emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 and 2023 KTM RC 390 have nearly identical engine capacities. 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 and 2023 KTM RC 390 offer very similar performance in terms of torque. 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500, with a top speed of 200 km/h, stands out for speed enthusiasts. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2023 KTM RC 390 stands out in terms of technical specifications and overall performance. However, depending on your riding preferences and usage needs, both models offer unique advantages.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of Kawasaki Ninja 500 vs KTM RC 390?

Kawasaki Ninja 500 is listed at 200 km/h vs 170 km/h for KTM RC 390.

Which has more horsepower, Kawasaki Ninja 500 or KTM RC 390?

Kawasaki Ninja 500 has 52 hp compared with 44 hp on the KTM RC 390.

Which is better, Kawasaki Ninja 500 or KTM RC 390?

It depends on your riding style. Compare top speed, weight, fuel use and price in the table on this page, then vote for the bike you prefer.