KTM RC 390 vs KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL

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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
KTM RC 390
87 pts
KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL
13 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

Best fit here
KTM RC 390
57.2 pts
KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL
41.8 pts

Touring / long rides

Best fit here
KTM RC 390
51.8 pts
KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL
50.8 pts

Sporty riding

Best fit here
KTM RC 390
79.9 pts
KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL
44 pts

New rider friendly

KTM RC 390
22.7 pts
Best fit here
KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL
65.9 pts

Seat height (cm)

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

  • KTM RC 390 82.5 cm Tallest seat here
  • KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL 79.5 cm Lowest seat here

Spread in this comparison: about 3 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 28 hp (KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL) up to 44 hp (KTM RC 390).
  • Torque spans 22.6 Nm (KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL) up to 37 Nm (KTM RC 390).
  • Weight spans 149 kg (KTM RC 390) to 163 kg (KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL).
  • Displacement spans 250 cc (KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL) to 400 cc (KTM RC 390).
Specification KTM RC 390 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL
Brand KTM KAWASAKI
Model KTM RC 390 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL
Engine size 400cc 250cc
Power 44hp 28hp
Torque 37nm. 22.6nm.
Cylinders / valves Single cylinder, 4 valves Single cylinder, 4 valves
Weight 149kg 163kg
Front brake Four-piston radial fixed calliper, brake disc Single-sided, dual-piston, single semi-floating ø310 mm petal disc
Rear brake Single-piston floating calliper, brake disc ø220 mm petal disc, Dual-piston
Seat height (cm) 82.5cm 79.5cm
Front tyre 110/70 R17 110/70-17M/C 54H
Rear tyre 150/60 R17 140/70-17M/C 66H
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension WP APEX 43 ø41 mm telescopic fork, 120 mm
Rear suspension WP APEX - Monoshock Bottom-link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with adjustable spring preload, 130 mm
Motorcycle type Supersport Supersport
Top speed 170km/h 172km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 13.7 L – 3.5 L/100km 14 L – 4 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $7564 $4000
Brand price lists View KTM price list View KAWASAKI price list
Extra features

-TFT Display, slipper clutch

Opinions

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2023 KTM RC 390 vs 2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL: Which One is Better for You?

2023 KTM RC 390 and 2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL offer comparable performance in terms of engine capacity, but usage preferences and driving styles could influence the choice. Additionally, 2023 KTM RC 390, with its 44hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.

1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance

2023 KTM RC 390 and 2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL are close in engine capacity. 2023 KTM RC 390, with its 400cc, provides slightly better performance, while 2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL, with its 250cc, offers a more economical and balanced option.2023 KTM RC 390, with its 400cc engine capacity, is ideal for users seeking high performance and acceleration. It is ideal for intermediate users in urban areas and short distances.

2. Torque Power

2023 KTM RC 390, with its 37Nm torque, delivers powerful performance. A high torque value ensures superior acceleration and advantage on steep inclines. 2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL, with its 22.6Nm torque, offers a more balanced ride for city use. 2023 KTM RC 390 is ideal for users requiring rapid acceleration. This torque value provides economical and sufficient power for city use.

3. Top Speed

2023 KTM RC 390 (Süpersport) and 2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL (Süpersport) deliver the same performance with a maximum speed of 170 km/h. In this case, it would be more logical to base your decision on the type of motorcycle and other features rather than speed.

4. Cooling System

2023 KTM RC 390 features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.

5. Design and Comfort

2023 KTM RC 390 and 2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL 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.2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL, with a seat height of 79.5cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.

Conclusion

2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2023 KTM RC 390 and 2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL offer comparable performance in terms of engine capacity. 2023 KTM RC 390, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2023 KTM RC 390 and 2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL deliver identical top speed performance. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL 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 KTM RC 390 vs KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL?

KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL is listed at 172 km/h vs 170 km/h for KTM RC 390.

Which has more horsepower, KTM RC 390 or KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL?

KTM RC 390 has 44 hp compared with 28 hp on the KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL.

Which is better, KTM RC 390 or KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL?

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.