390 Duke vs CB300R – if you are confused between these two nakeds, here is a quick spec comparo highlighting the differences. Let’s see which one is more value…
Today, let’s compare two of the flagship naked competitors from each brand, Honda and KTM, and try to understand if the CB300R is a worthy competitor to the king of the segment, the 390 Duke.
Here we go…
390 Duke vs CB300R – COMPARO
Engine –
Every performance figure of 390 Duke is significantly higher than the CB300R.
At 373 cc, the Duke is making whopping 12.3 hp and 9.5 Nm more than the CB300R. The Duke also beats the Jap at fuel capacity. The Austrian can carrying 3.7 L more fuel.
| Name | CB300R | 390 Duke |
| Type | Single -cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 286.01 cc | 373 cc |
| Maximum Power | 30.7 hp @ 9000 RPM | 43 hp @ 9000 RPM |
| Maximum Torque | 27.5 Nm @ 7500 RPM | 37 Nm @ 7000 RPM |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate with assist & slipper system | Wet, multi-plate with slipper system |
| Fuel Capacity | 9.7 L | 13.4 L |
The Chassis and Suspension Set-up –
Both the bikes are carrying fundamentally different chassis. But the main point to note is that the Duke sports WP’s flagship suspension system – Apex.
These suspensions are tried and tested at various motorsport events and have made a reputation of their own. So, clearly the KTM has more sophisticated front and rear suspensions. It is very difficult to make a case for Honda as they have not mentioned which suspension system they are using on the India-spec CB300R.
Furthermore, the ground clearance of Duke is 18 mm more than the CB.
| Name | CB300R | 390 Duke |
| Frame Type | Diamond Type | Steel Trellis |
| Front Suspension | Upside-down | 43 mm WP Apex Upside-down |
| Front Sus. Travel | – | 142 mm |
| Rear Suspension | 7-step adjustable monoshock | WP Apex shocks with preload adjustability |
| Rear Sus. Travel | – | 150 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 157 mm | 185 mm |
Also read: Triumph Tiger 1200 Officially Listed With Accessories On Indian Site; Launch Soon
The Dimensions –
Here, the CB300R has an edge.
The Honda has a shorter wheelbase, seat-height and is lighter than the KTM. Finally, the CB300R gains some traction in this spec comparo…
| Name | CB300R | 390 Duke |
| Wheelbase | 1352 mm | 1357 mm |
| Seat Height | 627 mm | 830 mm |
| Kerb Weight (dry) | 146 kg | 167 kg |
The Brakes and Tyres –
Braking hardware of the Duke is superior with larger rotors at the front and the rear. In terms of numbers, KTM is the one that is higher on paper.
The wheels and tyre profiles are same for both the competitors.
| Name | CB300R | 390 Duke |
| Front Brake | 296 mm Disc | 320 mm four-piston caliper Disc |
| Rear Brake | 220 mm Disc | 230 mm single-piston Disc |
| Front Tyre | 17” – 110/70 | 17” – 110/70 |
| Rear Tyre | 17” – 150/60 | 17” – 150/60 |
Also read: Heads Up: Honda Launches 2022 Africa Twin at 16.01 Lakh; Bookings Open
The Tech –
Tech-wise, the KTM is the clear winner. The Duke 390 is the king of technology in the naked 300 segment and many segments above it as well. From TFT screen loaded with Bluetooth functionality and smartphone connectivity to switchable ABS and ride-by-wire throttle, the Duke 390 has it all.
On the other hand, the CB300R only gets LED lighting and digital LCD instrumentation. There is no Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity tech at all. Kind of disappointing if you ask us.
| Name | CB300R | 390 Duke |
| Instrumentation | All-digital LCD | All-digital TFT |
| ABS | Dual-channel | Dual-channel with Supermoto Mode |
| Lighting | All LED | |
| Mobile Connectivity | No | Yes |
| GPS Navigation | No | Display on TFT screen through app |
| Starter | Electric Start | Electric start |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
The Price –
| Name | CB300R | 390 Duke |
| Price (Ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs. 2.77 Lakh | Rs. 2.87 Lakh |
At similar price bands, the 390 Duke is a much more compelling package for sure. It outdoes the Honda in most of the parameters on paper. At the price tag, apart from Honda’s reliability, a biker definitely would expect more.
The Duke has got more power and torque, which means more fun, better performance, higher top-speed. It has got more tech, better braking hardware, a TFT screen with all connectivity features, modern aggressive looks; there clearly is no contest here – at least on paper.
The KTM 390 Duke is the clear winner and is a much more value for money.
It is very difficult to understand with all the promises of localisation of manufacturing for the new CB300R, why is it still available at such a steep price?? How is Honda able to rationalise such a high price??
