2021 KTM 390 Duke vs 2023 Yamaha YZF-R 3

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 KTM 390 Duke 2021 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
2023 Yamaha YZF-R 3 2023 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
170 kg / 374.7 lbs ABS
Full Specifications
General
Year20212023
Make ModelKTM 390 DukeYamaha YZF-R3
Dimensions
Seat Height830 mm / 32.7 in780 mm / 30.7 in
Wheelbase1357 mm / 53.4 in1379.2 mm / 54.3 in
Ground Clearance175 mm / 6.8 in160 mm / 6.2 in
Height-1140 mm / 44.9 in
Length-2090 mm / 82.3 in
Width-729 mm / 28.7 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight149 kg / 328 lbs-
Fuel Capacity13.4 Litres / 3.5 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight-170 kg / 374.7 lbs ABS
Performance
Max Power43.5 hp / 32 kW @ 9500 rpm30.9 kW / 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm
Max Torque37 Nm / 27.2 lb-ft @ 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
EmissionsEURO5EURO5
Fuel InductionBosch InjectionElectronic Fuel Injection, 32 mm throttle body
IgnitionBosch EMS with RBWTCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically actuatedWet, multiple-disc coil spring
Final DriveChain 520-X RingO-ring chain
Transmission / Drive6 SpeedConstant Mesh, 6-speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel trellis frame, powder coatedDelta box
Suspension - Front43mm WP APEX 4337 mm USD Inverted telescopic fork
Suspension - RearWP APEX - MonoshockMonocross single Kayaba shock, adjustable preload
Rake-25°
Steering Head Angle65° -
Trail-93.9 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front142 mm / 5.6 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in125mm / 4.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 320 mm disc, 4 piston radial fixed caliperSingle 298mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc, 1 piston floating caliperSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
ABSBosch 9.1MP Two Channel ABS (Supermoto ABS)Standard
Tyres - Front110/70 -17110/70-17M/C 54H
Tyres - Rear150/60-17140/70-17M/C 66H
Wheels-10-spoke cast aluminum wheels

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 KTM 390 Duke

The 2021 KTM 390 Duke edges out the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R 3 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, 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

2021 KTM 390 Duke - Advantages

  • Lighter: 149 kg vs 170 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Larger displacement: 373 cc vs 321 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More ground clearance: 175 mm vs 160 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 125mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 142 mm vs 130 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2023 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 830 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2021 KTM 390 Duke vs 2023 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 KTM 390 Duke and 2023 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2021 KTM 390 Duke uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves, while the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R 3 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2021 KTM 390 Duke or the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2021 KTM 390 Duke is lighter at 149 kg compared to 170 kg for the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - a difference of 21 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2021 KTM 390 Duke or the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R 3 has the lower seat at 780 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 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.
Which should I buy, the 2021 KTM 390 Duke or the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 KTM 390 Duke has the edge in lighter kerb weight and greater ground clearance, while the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R 3 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.