2016 KTM 390 Duke vs 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 KTM 390 Duke 2016 KTM 390 Duke

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
32 kW / 43.5 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
139 kg / 306 lbs
2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
169 kg / 373 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2015 - 162018
Make ModelKTM 390 DukeYamaha YZF-R 3
Dimensions
Seat Height800 mm / 31.4 in779.7 mm / 30.7 in
Wheelbase1367 mm / 53.8 in1379.2 mm / 54.3 in
Ground Clearance172 mm / 6.8 in160 mm / 6.2 in
Height-1 135.3 mm / 44.7 in
Length-2090 mm / 82.3 in
Width-718.8 mm / 28.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight139 kg / 306 lbs-
Fuel Capacity11 L / 2.9 US gal / 2.4 Imp gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR335 kg / 739 lbs-
Oil Capacity1.6 L / 1.7 US qt / 1.4 Imp qt, SAE 15W/50-
Wet Weight-169 kg / 373 lbs
Performance
Max Power32 kW / 43.5 hp @ 9500 rpm30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm
Max Torque35.3 Nm / 3.6 kg-m / 26 ft-lb @7000rpm29.6 Nm / 3.0 kg-m @ 9000 rpm
Engine
Displacement373.4 cc / 22.7 cu-in321 cc / 19.5 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke89 x 60 mm68.0 x 44.1mm
Compression Ratio12.8:111.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid CooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionBosch electronically controlled injectionElectronic Fuel Injection, 32 mm throttle body
Fuel Reserve1.5 L / 1.6 US qt / 1.3 Imp qt-
IgnitionContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustmentTCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
LubricationForced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumpsWet sump
Spark PlugBosch VR 5 NE-
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery CapacityFTZ-9, 12V 8Ah, maintenance free-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulicsWet, multiple-disc coil spring
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4" X RingO-ring chain
Final Drive Ratio15:45-
Gear Ratios1st 12:32 / 2nd 14:26 / 3rd 19:27 / 4th 21:24 / t5th 23:22 / 6th 25:21-
Primary Drive Ratios30:80 -
Transmission / Drive6 Speed, claw shiftedConstant Mesh, 6-speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel trellisDelta box
Suspension - FrontWP inverted fork ø 43 mm41mm KYBø telescopic fork
Suspension - RearWP monoshockAdjustable KYB® single shock
Rake-25°
Steering Head Angle65° -
Trail100 mm / 3.8 in93.9 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in124.4 mm / 4.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 300 mm disc, 4 piston radial caliperSingle 298mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc, 1 piston floating caliperSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front110/70 - ZR17 M/C 54W TL, Metzeler SPORTEC MS110/70-17M/C 54H
Tyres - Rear150/70 - ZR17 M/C 66W TL, Metzeler SPORTEC MS140/70-17M/C 66H

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 KTM 390 Duke

The 2016 KTM 390 Duke edges out the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, greater ground clearance and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 KTM 390 Duke - Advantages

  • Lighter: 139 kg vs 169 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More ground clearance: 172 mm vs 160 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 130 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.

2016 KTM 390 Duke vs 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 KTM 390 Duke and 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2016 KTM 390 Duke uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2016 KTM 390 Duke or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2016 KTM 390 Duke is lighter at 139 kg compared to 169 kg for the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - a difference of 30 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2016 KTM 390 Duke or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 has the larger tank at approximately 14 litres vs 11 litres for the 2016 KTM 390 Duke. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 233-280 km vs 183-220 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2016 KTM 390 Duke or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 KTM 390 Duke has the edge in lighter kerb weight and greater ground clearance, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 stands out for larger fuel tank. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.