2022 KTM RC 390 vs 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2022 KTM RC 390 2022 KTM RC 390

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
155 kg / 341.7 lbs
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
33.4 kW / 45 hp @10000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
168 kg / 370.3 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20222023
Make ModelKTM RC 390Kawasaki Ninja 400
Dimensions
Seat Height824 mm / 32.4 in785 mm / 30.9 in
Wheelbase-1370 mm / 53.9 in
Ground Clearance158 mm / 6.2 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Height-1120 mm / 44.0 in
Length-1990 mm / 78.3 in
Width-710 mm / 27.9 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight155 kg / 341.7 lbs-
Fuel Capacity13.7 Liters / 3.6 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight-168 kg / 370.3 lbs
Performance
Max Power32 kW / 43 hp @ 9500 rpm33.4 kW / 45 hp @10000 rpm
Max Torque37 Nm / 27.2 lb-ft 37 Nm / 27.3 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm
Engine
Displacement373 cc / 22.7 cu-in 399 cc / 24.3 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke89 x 60 mm70 x 51.8 mm
Compression Ratio-11.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid CooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsEURO5EURO5
Engine ManagementBosch EMS with RBW-
Fuel InductionBosch InjectionDFI with 32mm x 2 throttle bodies
Ignition-TCBI with digital advance
LubricationWet sumpForced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchPASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operatedWet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive520 X-RingChain
Final Drive Ratio-2.929 (41/14)
Gear Ratios-1st 2.929 (41/14) 2nd 2.056 (37/18) 3rd 1.619 (34/21) 4th 1.333 (32/24) 5th 1.154 (30/26) 6th 1.037 (28/27)
Primary Drive Ratios-2.219 (71/32)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel trellis frame, powder coated and bolt-on subframeTrellis, high-tensile steel
Suspension - FrontUSD WP APEX 4341mm Telescopic fork
Suspension - RearWP APEX - MonoshockBottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with adjustable preload
Rake-24.5°
Steering Head Angle66.5 °-
Trail-92 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 320 mm disc 4 piston radial fixed ByBre calliperSingle 310mm semi-floating petal disc. Caliper: Single balanced actuation dual piston
Brakes - RearSingle 230 mm disc 1 piston floating ByBre calliperSingle 220 mm petal disc. Caliper: Dual-piston
ABSBosch 9.1MP Two Channel ABS (Supermoto ABS)Standard
Tyres - Front110/70 R17110/70R17 M/C 54 H
Tyres - Rear150/60 R17150/60R17 M/C 66 H
WheelsFive spoked-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2022 KTM RC 390

The 2022 KTM RC 390 edges out the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, fuel injection, greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2022 KTM RC 390 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 155 kg vs 168 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More ground clearance: 158 mm vs 140 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 785 mm vs 824 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 399 cc vs 373 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2022 KTM RC 390 vs 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2022 KTM RC 390 and 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400?
The 2022 KTM RC 390 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC with finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2022 KTM RC 390 or the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400?
The 2022 KTM RC 390 is lighter at 155 kg compared to 168 kg for the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 - a difference of 13 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2022 KTM RC 390 or the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400?
The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 has the lower seat at 785 mm, making it more accessible. The 2022 KTM RC 390 sits higher at 824 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2022 KTM RC 390 or the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400?
Both are strong choices. The 2022 KTM RC 390 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and fuel injection, while the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 stands out for lower seat height and larger displacement. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.