MotoSpecs

2017 KTM RC 390 vs 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 KTM RC 390 2017 KTM RC 390

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve per cylinder
Power
32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
149 kg / 328.5 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
Year20172018
Make ModelKTM RC 390Yamaha YZF-R 3
Dimensions
Seat Height820 mm / 32.2 in779.7 mm / 30.7 in
Wheelbase1340 mm / 52.7 in1379.2 mm / 54.3 in
Ground Clearance179 mm / 7.0 in160 mm / 6.2 in
Height1267 mm / 49.9 in1 135.3 mm / 44.7 in
Length2002 mm / 78.8 in2090 mm / 82.3 in
Width873 mm / 34.4 in718.8 mm / 28.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight149 kg / 328.5 lbs-
Fuel Capacity10 Liters / 2.64 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight-169 kg / 373 lbs
Performance
Max Power32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm
Max Torque35.3 Nm / 26 lb-ft @7250 rpm29.6 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 Valve per cylinderFour 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
Engine ManagementBosch EMS with RBW-
Fuel InductionBosch InjectionElectronic Fuel Injection, 32 mm throttle body
Ignition-TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
LubricationForced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumpsWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc clutch / mechanically operatedWet, multiple-disc coil spring
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4" X‑RingO-ring chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed Constant Mesh, 6-speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame made from steel, powder-coatedDelta box
Suspension - FrontWP Suspension Up Side Down41mm KYBø telescopic fork
Suspension - RearWP MonoshockAdjustable KYB® single shock
Rake-25°
Steering Head Angle65 ° -
Trail100mm / 3.9 in93.9 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 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
Tyres - Front110/70 R17110/70-17M/C 54H
Tyres - Rear150/60 R17140/70-17M/C 66H

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 KTM RC 390

The 2017 KTM RC 390 edges out the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, greater ground clearance and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 KTM RC 390 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 149 kg vs 169 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: 179 mm vs 160 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • More front wheel travel: 130 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2017 KTM RC 390 vs 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 KTM RC 390 and 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2017 KTM RC 390 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 Valve 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 2017 KTM RC 390 or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2017 KTM RC 390 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.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2017 KTM RC 390 or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 has the larger tank at approximately 14 litres vs 10 litres for the 2017 KTM RC 390. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 233-280 km vs 166-200 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2017 KTM RC 390 or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 KTM RC 390 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and greater ground clearance, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 stands out for larger fuel tank and higher front wheel travel. 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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