MotoSpecs

2018 KTM 390 Duke vs 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 KTM 390 Duke 2018 KTM 390 Duke

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder. DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves
Power
43.5 hp / 32 kW @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
149 kg / 328 lbs
2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

Sport

Engine
Four stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
29.0 kW / 39 hp @ 11000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
172 kg / 379.1 lbs - ABS 174 kg / 383.6 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2017 - 182015
Make ModelKTM 390 DukeKawasaki Ninja 300
Dimensions
Seat Height830 mm / 32.7 in785 mm / 30.8 in
Wheelbase1357 mm / 53.4 in1405 mm / 55.3 in
Ground Clearance185 mm / 7.3 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Height-1110 mm / 43.7 in
Length-2015 mm / 79.3 in
Width-715 mm / 29.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight149 kg / 328 lbs-
Fuel Capacity13.4 L / 3.5 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal17 Litres / 3.8 US gal
Wet Weight-172 kg / 379.1 lbs - ABS 174 kg / 383.6 lbs
Performance
Max Power43.5 hp / 32 kW @ 9500 rpm29.0 kW / 39 hp @ 11000 rpm
Max Torque3.6 kg-m / 35.3 Nm @7000rpm27.0 Nm / 2.8 kg-fm @ 10000 rpm
Engine
Displacement373 cc / 22.7 cu-in296 cc / 18.0 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder. DOHC with finger followers, 4 valvesFour stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke89 x 60 mm62 x 49 mm
Compression Ratio12.6:110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid CooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionBosch InjectionFuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valves
IgnitionBosch EMSTCBI with Digital Advance
LubricationWet sumpForced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchPASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operatedWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4" X RingChain
Final Drive Ratio15:453.000 (42/14)
Gear Ratios-1st 2.714 (38/14) 2nd 1.789 (34/19) 3rd 1.409 (31/22) 4th 1.160 (29/25) 5th 1.000 (27/27) 6th 0.893 (25/28)
Primary Drive Ratios30:803.087 (71/23)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel trellis frame, powder coatedTube diamond, steel
Suspension - FrontWP inverted fork ø 43 mm37 mm Telescopic fork,
Suspension - RearWP monoshockBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload,
Rake- 27°
Steering Head Angle66° -
Trail-93 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front142 mm / 5.6 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in132 mm / 5.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 320 mm disc, 4 piston radial caliperSingle 290 mm petal disc Single balanced actuation dual-piston
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 220 mm petal disc Caliper: Dual-piston
ABSBosch 9MB two-channel ABS-
Tyres - Front110/70 -17110/70-17 M/C 54S
Tyres - Rear150/60-17140/70-17 M/C 66S

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 KTM 390 Duke

The 2018 KTM 390 Duke edges out the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, standard ABS, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 KTM 390 Duke - Advantages

  • Lighter: 149 kg vs 172 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • Larger displacement: 373 cc vs 296 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More ground clearance: 185 mm vs 140 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 132 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 142 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 785 mm vs 830 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2018 KTM 390 Duke vs 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 KTM 390 Duke and 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
The 2018 KTM 390 Duke uses Four stroke, single cylinder. DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves, while the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 is powered by Four stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2018 KTM 390 Duke or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
The 2018 KTM 390 Duke is lighter at 149 kg compared to 172 kg for the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 - a difference of 23 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 KTM 390 Duke or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 has the lower seat at 785 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 KTM 390 Duke sits higher at 830 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2018 KTM 390 Duke or 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 have ABS?
The 2018 KTM 390 Duke is listed with ABS as standard. The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2018 KTM 390 Duke or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 KTM 390 Duke has the edge in lighter kerb weight and standard ABS, while the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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