Honda CB300R vs KTM 390 Duke: Competition Check

The Honda CB300R has been launched in India and awaiting its arrival is the KTM 390 Duke. In this competition check we see how the bikes stack up against each other. 

Design 

The Honda CB300R and KTM 390 Duke are both street bikes. However, their styling is worlds apart from each other. While Honda has taken the modern-retro path with the CB300R, KTM has opted for a combative design for the 390 Duke. It gets sharp lines all-around its bodywork and offers a slightly leaned forward riding posture that compliments its character. The CB300R, on the other hand is more subtle and gets a sculpted tank, round headlamp and minimalistic styling overall.

Features

Honda has equipped the CB300R with a full-digital display that shows the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and clock. It also gets a dual-channel ABS system with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that evenly distributes brake force on both ends. The KTM 390 Duke sports a switchable ABS system with a ‘supermoto mode’ that can turn the ABS off to the rear-wheel. Furthermore, it also gets a full-colour TFT dash that connects to smartphones via Bluetooth. Both motorcycles come equipped with LED lighting for the headlamp, turn signals and tail lamp. 

Engine

Powering the CB300R is a 286cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that generates 30bhp of power and 27.5Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the 390 Duke’s 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine pumps out 42.9bhp and 37Nm. While both the bikes come mated to a six-speed transmission, the 390 Duke benefits from a slipper clutch.  However, the CB300R gains an advantage in terms of weight. At 147kg wet, the bike is 16kg lighter than the KTM 390 Duke which tips the scale at 163kg.

Cycle Parts

The bikes ride on 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends along with monoshock suspension at the rear. However, the KTM uses beefier 43mm inverted front forks as compared to the 41mm inverted forks on the CB300R. As for braking, the CB300R uses a 296mm disc for the front and a 220mm disc at the rear. The KTM 390 Duke thanks to its higher engine capacity and power needs better braking hardware and uses a 320mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc.

Pricing

Honda has put a price tag of Rs 2.41 lakhs on the CB300R. The KTM 390 Duke retails at Rs 2.43 lakhs and with its additional power and features continue to hold its value-for-money title.  

All prices ex-showroom, Mumbai