Battle Of Nakeds – 390 Duke vs CB300R: SPEC COMPARO

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. 

NameCB300R390 Duke
TypeSingle -cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooledSingle-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled
Displacement286.01 cc373 cc
Maximum Power30.7 hp @ 9000 RPM43 hp @ 9000 RPM
Maximum Torque27.5 Nm @ 7500 RPM37 Nm @ 7000 RPM
Gearbox6-speed 6-speed
ClutchWet, multi-plate with assist & slipper systemWet, multi-plate with slipper system
Fuel Capacity9.7 L13.4 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.

NameCB300R390 Duke
Frame TypeDiamond Type Steel Trellis 
Front SuspensionUpside-down43 mm WP Apex Upside-down
Front Sus. Travel142 mm
Rear Suspension7-step adjustable monoshockWP 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… 

390 Duke vs CB300R
NameCB300R390 Duke
Wheelbase1352 mm 1357 mm
Seat Height 627 mm830 mm
Kerb Weight (dry)146 kg167 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. 

NameCB300R390 Duke
Front Brake296 mm Disc320 mm four-piston caliper Disc
Rear Brake220 mm Disc230 mm single-piston Disc
Front Tyre17” – 110/7017” – 110/70
Rear Tyre17” – 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. 

NameCB300R390 Duke
Instrumentation All-digital LCDAll-digital TFT
ABSDual-channelDual-channel with Supermoto Mode
LightingAll LED
Mobile ConnectivityNoYes
GPS NavigationNoDisplay on TFT screen through app
StarterElectric StartElectric start
Final DriveChainChain
390 Duke vs CB300R

The Price – 

NameCB300R390 Duke
Price (Ex-showroom, Delhi)Rs. 2.77 LakhRs. 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??