2021 BMW G 310GS vs 2022 KTM RC 390

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 BMW G 310GS 2021 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
2022 KTM RC 390 2022 KTM RC 390

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
155 kg / 341.7 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20212022
ColoursGrey/Red/White/Blue, Grey/White/Black, Grey/Yellow-
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 Seat824 mm / 32.4 in
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in-
Ground Clearance-158 mm / 6.2 in
Height1230 mm / 48.2 in (excl. mirrors)-
Length2075 mm / 81.7 in-
Width878 mm / 34.6 in (incl. mirrors)-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight175 kg / 385.8 lbs155 kg / 341.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity11 Litres / 2.9 US gal13.7 Liters / 3.6 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 rpm37 Nm / 27.2 lb-ft
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.1916 HP/kg-
Engine
CO276.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-stroke-
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 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke80 x 62.1 mm89 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio10.9:1-
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid Cooled
EmissionsEuro 5EURO5
Engine LubricationWet sump-
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 InductionEFI with front-intake 42mm throttle bodyBosch Injection
Fuel Reserve1.00 litres / 0.26 US gallons-
IgnitionElectronic-
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 8 Ah, Maintenance free-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc with assist-and-slipper functionPASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
Final DriveZ-ring chain520 X-Ring
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveEndless Z-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub-
Transmission / Drive6-speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel frame with bolted rear frameSteel trellis frame, powder coated and bolt-on subframe
Suspension - Front41mm Upside-down fork, non-adjustableUSD WP APEX 43
Suspension - RearLinkage-free spring-preload adjustable shockWP APEX - Monoshock
Rake26.7°-
Steering Head Angle63.3°66.5 °
Trail98 mm / 3.86 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-
Lighting systemLED headlights-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 300mm disc, 4-piston fixed caliper, radially boltedSingle 320 mm disc 4 piston radial fixed ByBre calliper
Brakes - RearSingle 240mm disc, single-piston floating caliperSingle 230 mm disc 1 piston floating ByBre calliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABSBosch 9.1MP Two Channel ABS (Supermoto ABS)
RimsCast aluminium-
Tyres - Front110/80 - R19110/70 R17
Tyres - Rear150/70 - R17150/60 R17
Wheels-Five spoked
Wheels - FrontCast aluminium, 5-spoke, 2.50 x 19-
Wheels - RearCast aluminium, 5-spoke, 4.0 x 17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2022 KTM RC 390

The 2022 KTM RC 390 edges out the 2021 BMW G 310GS thanks to its more peak power, higher torque, 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

2021 BMW G 310GS - Advantages

  • 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.

2022 KTM RC 390 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 32 kW vs 25 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 37 Nm vs 28 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 155 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.

2021 BMW G 310GS vs 2022 KTM RC 390 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 BMW G 310GS and 2022 KTM RC 390?
The 2021 BMW G 310GS uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2022 KTM RC 390 is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2021 BMW G 310GS or the 2022 KTM RC 390?
The 2022 KTM RC 390 is lighter at 155 kg compared to 175 kg for the 2021 BMW G 310GS - a difference of 20 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2021 BMW G 310GS or the 2022 KTM RC 390?
The 2022 KTM RC 390 produces more peak power at 32 kW, compared to 25 kW for the 2021 BMW G 310GS.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2021 BMW G 310GS or the 2022 KTM RC 390?
The 2022 KTM RC 390 has the lower seat at 824 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 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.
Which should I buy, the 2021 BMW G 310GS or the 2022 KTM RC 390?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 BMW G 310GS has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2022 KTM RC 390 stands out for more peak power and higher torque. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.