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.
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
Touring / long rides
Sporty riding
New rider friendly
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).
All values look the same; turn off the filter.
| 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 |
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2023 KTM RC 390 vs 2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL: listed specifications
The 2023 KTM RC 390 and 2023 KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL differ on the listed specifications: the RC 390 has more displacement, peak power and torque, and a lower listed weight.
Engine displacement
RC 390 has a clearly larger listed engine displacement (400 cc vs 250 cc).
Peak power
RC 390 has a clear listed power advantage (44 hp vs 28 hp).
Torque
RC 390 has a clear listed torque advantage (37 Nm vs 22.6 Nm).
Listed top speed
RC 390 and KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL have very similar listed top speeds (170 km/h vs 172 km/h).
Cooling
Both motorcycles are listed as liquid-cooled.
Weight and seat height
RC 390 is notably lighter on the listed weight (149 kg vs 163 kg). KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL has a lower listed seat height (79.5 cm vs 82.5 cm).
Conclusion
The measurable differences are therefore concentrated in displacement, peak power, torque, weight and seat height, while listed top speed remains relatively close.
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 (107 mph) vs 170 km/h (106 mph) 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 lighter, KTM RC 390 or KAWASAKİ Ninja 250 SL?
KTM RC 390 is lighter at 149 kg vs 163 kg for 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.
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