New KTM RC 390 takes on its closest rival in the market – Apache RR 310… Who do you think will come up at the top???
Finally, with the official launch of the 2022 KTM RC 390, we can now put the KTM supersport neck-and-neck with its direct rival – TVS Apache RR 310 – to understand which is better, on paper.
Let’s see how the the supersport rivals fare against each other:
- Engine –
If you’re a fan of power & performance, then the RC 390 is the one.
The new RC 390 is making nearly 11 HP & nearly 10 Nm more than the RR 310 at a little lower RPM. These numbers will definitely translate into better performance from the RC when compared directly with the RR.
Even the fuel capacity of the RC is 2.7 L more than the RR, meaning the KTM will cover more distance than the TVS.
| Criteria | RC 390 | Apache RR 310 |
| Type | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, Reversed inclined, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 373 cc | 312.2 cc |
| Maximum Power | 43.5 PS @ 9,000 rpm | 34 HP @ 9,700 RPM |
| Maximum Torque | 37 Nm @ 7,000 RPM | 27.3 Nm @ 7,700 RPM |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate | Wet, multi-plate |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.7 L | 11 L |
- The Chassis and Suspension Set-up –
The frame design are identical in both the rivals. What separates the two is the suspension setup of the two supersports.
The KTM is sporting their race-derived WP Apex suspension which, unfortunately, are still non-adjustable. So, the rider will have to do with how the company have tuned the suspension by default.
However, if you optioned the RR 310 by the TVS’ BTO program, you will get adjustable suspension which will definitely give a major advantage to the bike when it comes to tuned performance best suited to the rider.
| Criteria | RC 390 | Apache RR 310 |
| Frame Type | Steel Trellis | Trellis Frame, Split Chassis |
| Front Suspension | 43 mm WP Apex USD | Inverted Cartridge Telescopic Fork |
| Front Sus. Travel | 120 mm | – |
| Rear Suspension | WP Apex Monoshock | Mono-tube Floating Piston Gas-Assisted Shocks |
| Rear Sus. Travel | 150 mm | – |
| Ground Clearance | 158 mm | 180 mm |
- The Dimensions –
KTM have not shared the wheelbase figures of their new RC 390, so it is difficult to understand how it measures against the Apache RR 310.
The RR 310 will cater to a broader variety of riders, thanks to its 14 mm lower seat-height. Yet, the RC 390 will offer better control & agility as it carries 14 kg less weight than the RR 310.
| Criteria | RC 390 | Apache RR 310 |
| Wheelbase | – | 1365 mm |
| Seat Height | 824 mm | 810 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 160 kg | 174 kg |
- The Brakes and Tyres –
The braking criteria is a complete win for RC 390. Both the front and rear rotors are bigger in th RC which will provide better control and feedback to the rider when he/she decides to push the bike – or in case of emergency, aided by dual-channel & lean-sensitive ABS.
| Criteria | RC 390 | Apache RR 310 |
| Front Brake | 320 mm Single-Disc | 300 mm disc |
| Rear Brake | 230 mm Single-Disc | 240 mm disc |
| Front Tyre | – | 17” – 110/70 |
| Rear Tyre | – | 17” – 150/60 |
- The Miscellaneous –
Here, the competition is really neck-and-neck.
Both the flagship supersport bikes are filled to the brim with the latest of motorcycle technology both manufacturers can offer.
Both the RC 390 and RR 310 sports 5” TFT displays (in different orientations), all-LED lighting setup, Bluetooth connectivity with telephony and turn-by-turn navigation etc.
Yet, both the supersport bikes try to one-up each other by adding something special in their catalogue. The new RC 390 comes with segment-first Traction control & cornering ABS as standard while the RR 310 offers 4-riding modes which control the power output of the bike combined with Race telemetry for the rider.
| Criteria | RC 390 | Apache RR 310 |
| Headlight | LED | LED |
| Tail-light | LED | LED |
| DRLs | LED | LED |
| Instrumentation | 5” Full-colour TFT | 5” Full-colour TFT |
| ABS | Dual-Channel | Dual-channel |
| Mobile Connectivity | Through KTM MyRide | Through SmartXonnect |
| GPS Navigation | Yes | Yes |
| Miscellaneous | Traction Control & Cornering ABS | 4 – Riding Modes & Race Telemetry |
| Starter | Electric | Electric start |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
- The Price –
| Criteria | RC 390 | Apache RR 310 |
| Price | Rs. 3.11 (ex-sh.) | Rs. 2.65 Lakh (ex-sh.) |
This is by far the closest rivalry we have ever witnessed in any of our comparisons.
It appears as if each company has been eyeing the other one and wants to beat them at their own game. The only factors where the RC 390 beats the RR 310 is the power figures and the fuel capacity.
Other than these two factors, both the rivals are very similar to each other in every way. The only deciding factor is the price. Are you willing to give an extra Rs. 45,000/- for a bright Orange supersport making 10 HP & 11 Nm more??
You have to decide..
But, these are just some numbers on the paper. To really understand and specify which of these two is actually better, we have to get our hands on these machines and ride them back-to-back.
Stay Tuned…
