MotoSpecs

2020 KTM 390 Duke vs 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 KTM 390 Duke 2020 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
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
Year2019 - 202018
Make ModelKTM 390 DukeYamaha YZF-R 3
Dimensions
Seat Height830 mm / 32.7 in779.7 mm / 30.7 in
Wheelbase1357 mm / 53.4 in1379.2 mm / 54.3 in
Ground Clearance185 mm / 7.3 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 Weight149 kg / 328 lbs-
Fuel Capacity13.4 L / 3.5 US gal / 2.9 Imp gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight-169 kg / 373 lbs
Performance
Max Power43.5 hp / 32 kW @ 9500 rpm30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm
Max Torque3.6 kg-m / 35.3 Nm @7000rpm29.6 Nm / 3.0 kg-m @ 9000 rpm
Engine
Displacement373 cc / 22.7 cu-in321 cc / 19.5 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder. DOHC with finger followers, 4 valvesFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke89 x 60 mm68.0 x 44.1mm
Compression Ratio12.6:111.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid CooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionBosch InjectionElectronic Fuel Injection, 32 mm throttle body
IgnitionBosch EMSTCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchPASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operatedWet, multiple-disc coil spring
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4" X RingO-ring chain
Final Drive Ratio15:45-
Primary Drive Ratios30:80-
Transmission / Drive6 SpeedConstant Mesh, 6-speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel trellis frame, powder coatedDelta box
Suspension - FrontWP inverted fork ø 43 mm41mm KYBø telescopic fork
Suspension - RearWP monoshockAdjustable KYB® single shock
Rake-25°
Steering Head Angle66° -
Trail-93.9 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front142 mm / 5.6 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in124.4 mm / 4.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 320 mm disc, 4 piston radial caliperSingle 298mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
ABSBosch 9MB two-channel ABS-
Tyres - Front110/70 -17110/70-17M/C 54H
Tyres - Rear150/60-17140/70-17M/C 66H

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 KTM 390 Duke

The 2020 KTM 390 Duke edges out the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, standard ABS, greater ground clearance, 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

2020 KTM 390 Duke - Advantages

  • Lighter: 149 kg vs 169 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 321 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More ground clearance: 185 mm vs 160 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More front wheel travel: 142 mm vs 130 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2020 KTM 390 Duke vs 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 KTM 390 Duke and 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2020 KTM 390 Duke uses Four stroke, single cylinder. DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2020 KTM 390 Duke or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2020 KTM 390 Duke is lighter at 149 kg compared to 169 kg for the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - a difference of 20 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Does the 2020 KTM 390 Duke or 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 have ABS?
The 2020 KTM 390 Duke is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2020 KTM 390 Duke or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 KTM 390 Duke has the edge in lighter kerb weight and standard ABS, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 offers a compelling alternative. 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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