Honda CBR400R vs KTM RC 390: Battle Of The Small Sportbikes
- by Team Zigwheels
- Dec 15, 2021
- | Views: 24670
Both the CBR400R and the RC 390 have been heavily updated for 2022. Here’s how they stack up now
The Honda CBR400R might be a Japan-only bike but with its 2022 update, it’s become quite impressive. So much so that we can’t help but wonder how it stacks up against the overhauled 2022 KTM RC 390. Wondering the same thing? Well, here’s a paper-based comparo, setting things straight between the two.
Engine
Specifications |
Honda CBR400R |
KTM RC 390 |
Engine |
399cc, twin-cylinder engine |
373cc, single-cylinder engine |
Power |
46PS @ 9000rpm |
43.5PS |
Torque |
38Nm @ 7500rpm |
37Nm |
Gearbox |
6-speed |
6-speed |
Both bikes remain mechanically unchanged for 2022. And it’s advantage CBR400R here, thanks to its higher peak power and torque figures. Not to forget, Honda’s twin-cylinder engines are globally lauded for their buttery smooth nature and high levels of refinement.
Nevertheless, it takes nothing away from the RC 390. It might feature a smaller, single-cylinder engine but it’s only 2.5PS and 1Nm behind the CBR400R’s output. And for 2022, the RC 390 gets a new engine map and a 40 percent larger airbox, which should bump up its top speed and let it breathe more freely, thus bringing it very close to the CBR’s performance.
Underpinnings
Specifications |
Honda CBR400R |
KTM RC 390 |
Frame |
Diamond |
Trellis |
Front suspension |
Showa 41mm USD |
WP Apex 43mm USD |
Rear suspension |
Monoshock |
Monoshock |
Front brake |
Twin disc |
320mm single disc |
Rear brake |
Disc |
230mm disc |
Front tyre |
120/70-R17 |
110/70-R17 |
Rear tyre |
160/60-R17 |
150/60-R17 |
In its latest update, the Honda CBR400R has gained a new Showa Separate Function fork and twin disc brakes up front. And this brings it right up there with the 2022 KTM RC 390. While the RC 390 does away with a single disc brake and slimmer tyres, the CBR400R packs twin discs up front and wider tyres, thus making it a close fight here.
Giving the edge to the RC 390, though, are the lighter wheels, which we experienced on the new RC 200. These lighter wheels bring an added level of sharpness to the RC’s package, which should be great for track usage.
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Dimensions
Specifications |
Honda CBR400R |
KTM RC 390 |
Wheelbase |
1410mm |
- |
Ground clearance |
130mm |
158mm |
Fuel tank capacity |
17 litres |
13.7 litres |
Seat height |
785mm |
824mm |
Weight |
192kg (kerb) |
155kg (dry) |
Again, a close match. Let’s dive into each bike’s forte. The lower seat height and larger fuel tank will definitely help the Honda edge out the KTM on the highway. Having said that, the CBR is quite a lot heavier and surprisingly, has less ground clearance than the RC 390. Yes, the RC 390’s seat height is a bit on the taller side but it shouldn’t be that much of a bother for the average Indian rider.
Features
Honda CBR400R |
KTM RC 390 |
|
Digital instrument cluster |
Yes (LCD) |
Yes (TFT) |
Connectivity |
No |
Yes |
Quickshifter |
No |
Yes |
Traction control |
No |
Yes |
Supermoto ABS |
No |
Yes |
Slipper clutch |
Yes |
Yes |
LED lights |
Yes |
Yes |
Adjustable levers |
Yes |
Yes |
Adjustable fork |
Yes |
Yes |
As you can see, the KTM RC 390 reigns supreme here, thanks to bits like a quickshifter, electronics, a TFT instrument cluster (with connectivity), and supermoto ABS -- all of which are absent on the CBR400R.
The CBR400R does get the basics on point, though, and offers a handful of usable features we certainly appreciate.
However, the clear-cut winner here is the RC 390.
Verdict
If there’s one thing we learnt from this comparo, it’s that both these bikes are super capable and likable. Features aside, the CBR400R comes very close to the RC 390 in most categories, and we’d certainly want to take it home. But since the CBR400R is limited to the Japanese market, it looks like we’ll have to make do with the ‘22 KTM RC 390. And that’s not a bad thing at all, is it?
User Comments
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David3 Feb 2022