2020 BMW G 310GS vs 2020 KTM RC 390

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 BMW G 310GS 2020 BMW G 310GS

Sport

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
25 kW / 34 hp @ at 9500
Top Speed
88.9 mph
Weight
175 kg / 385.8 lbs
2020 KTM RC 390 2020 KTM RC 390

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder
Power
32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
149 kg / 328.5 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20202020
ColoursStrato Blue Metallic, Pearl White Metallic, Cosmic Black One-
Make ModelBMW G 310GSKTM RC 390
Dimensions
Seat Height835 mm / 32.9 in 820 mm / 32.2 in Low Seat 850 mm / 33.5 in Comfort Seat820 mm / 32.2 in
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in1340 mm / 52.7 in
Ground Clearance-179 mm / 7.0 in
Height1230 mm / 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)1267 mm / 49.9 in
Length2075 mm / 81.7 in2002 mm / 78.8 in
Width878 mm / 34.6 in (incl. mirrors)873 mm / 34.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-149 kg / 328.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity11 Litres / 2.9 US gal10 Liters / 2.64 US gal
Wet Weight175 kg / 385.8 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed143.0 km/h / 88.9 mph-
Max Power25 kW / 34 hp @ at 950032 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque28 Nm / 2.86 kgf-m / 20.7 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm35.3 Nm / 26 lb-ft @7250 rpm
Engine
CO276.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-stroke-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement313 cc / 19.1 cu-in373 cc / 22.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, rRearward-canted single-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valvesFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke80 x 62.1 mm89 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio10.6:112.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid Cooled
EmissionsEuro 4-
Engine Management-Bosch EMS with RBW
ExhaustSingle, closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption3.30 litres/100 km (30.3 km/l or 71.28 mpg)-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection, BMS-E2Bosch Injection
IgnitionElectronic-
LubricationWet sumpForced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 8 Ah, Maintenance free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple-discs in oil bath, mechanically operatedWet multi-disc clutch / mechanically operated
Final DriveChainChain 5/8 x 1/4" X‑Ring
Transmission / DriveSynchromesh 6-speed transmission, integrated in the motor housing6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel frame with bolted rear frameTubular space frame made from steel, powder-coated
Suspension - Front41mm Upside-down forkWP Suspension Up Side Down
Suspension - RearSolid die-cast aluminum swingarm, directly hinged monoshock, adjustable preloadWP Monoshock
Steering Head Angle63.3°65 °
Trail98 mm / 3.86 in100mm / 3.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front180 mm / 7.1 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear180 mm / 7.1 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator308 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 300mm disc, 4-piston fixed caliper, radially boltedSingle 320 mm disc 4 piston radial caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 240mm disc, single-piston floating caliperSingle 230 mm disc 1 piston caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS-
Tyres - Front110/80 - R19110/70 R17
Tyres - Rear150/70 - R17150/60 R17
Wheels - FrontCast aluminium, 5-spoke, 2.50 x 19-
Wheels - RearCast aluminium, 5-spoke, 4.0 x 17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 KTM RC 390

The 2020 KTM RC 390 edges out the 2020 BMW G 310GS thanks to its more peak power, lighter kerb weight and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2020 BMW G 310GS - Advantages

  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More rear wheel travel: 180 mm vs 150 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 180 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2020 KTM RC 390 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 32 kW vs 25 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lighter: 149 kg vs 175 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Larger displacement: 373 cc vs 313 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2020 BMW G 310GS vs 2020 KTM RC 390 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 BMW G 310GS and 2020 KTM RC 390?
The 2020 BMW G 310GS uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2020 KTM RC 390 is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2020 BMW G 310GS or the 2020 KTM RC 390?
The 2020 KTM RC 390 is lighter at 149 kg compared to 175 kg for the 2020 BMW G 310GS - a difference of 26 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2020 BMW G 310GS or the 2020 KTM RC 390?
The 2020 KTM RC 390 produces more peak power at 32 kW, compared to 25 kW for the 2020 BMW G 310GS.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 BMW G 310GS or the 2020 KTM RC 390?
The 2020 KTM RC 390 has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 BMW G 310GS sits higher at 835 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2020 BMW G 310GS or 2020 KTM RC 390 have ABS?
The 2020 BMW G 310GS is listed with ABS as standard. The 2020 KTM RC 390 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2020 BMW G 310GS or the 2020 KTM RC 390?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 BMW G 310GS has the edge in standard ABS and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2020 KTM RC 390 stands out for more peak power and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.