Battle of the beasts: yamaha r3 vs ktm rc 390 engage in a fierce on-track showdown
What To Know
- On paper, the KTM RC 390 has a slight edge in power, but the Yamaha R3 is lighter, so the power-to-weight ratio is very similar.
- Both bikes handle well, but the KTM RC 390 has a more aggressive riding position and a shorter wheelbase, which makes it more nimble in the corners.
- The KTM RC 390 has a more advanced TFT instrument panel with a gear indicator, a tachometer, a speedometer, a lap timer, and a shift light.
The Yamaha R3 and KTM RC 390 are two of the most popular sportbikes on the market, and for good reason. Both bikes offer a great combination of performance, handling, and affordability. But which bike is better for track racing? That’s what we’re going to find out in this head-to-head comparison.
Performance
The Yamaha R3 is powered by a 321cc parallel-twin engine that produces 42 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque. The KTM RC 390 is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder engine that produces 44 horsepower and 26 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the KTM RC 390 has a slight edge in power, but the Yamaha R3 is lighter, so the power-to-weight ratio is very similar. In real-world testing, both bikes are very close in terms of acceleration and top speed.
Handling
The Yamaha R3 has a more traditional sportbike chassis with a steel frame and a 41mm inverted fork. The KTM RC 390 has a more aggressive chassis with a trellis frame and a 43mm inverted fork.
Both bikes handle well, but the KTM RC 390 has a more aggressive riding position and a shorter wheelbase, which makes it more nimble in the corners. The Yamaha R3 is more stable at high speeds, but it’s not as quick in the corners.
Brakes
The Yamaha R3 has a single 298mm front brake rotor and a 220mm rear brake rotor. The KTM RC 390 has a dual 320mm front brake rotor and a 230mm rear brake rotor.
The KTM RC 390 has better brakes than the Yamaha R3. The dual front brake rotors provide more stopping power, and the larger rear brake rotor helps to prevent rear-wheel lockup.
Suspension
The Yamaha R3 has a non-adjustable 41mm inverted fork and a preload-adjustable rear shock. The KTM RC 390 has a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork and a preload- and rebound-adjustable rear shock.
The KTM RC 390 has better suspension than the Yamaha R3. The fully adjustable suspension allows you to fine-tune the bike to your riding style and the track conditions.
Electronics
The Yamaha R3 has a basic LCD instrument panel with a gear indicator, a tachometer, and a speedometer. The KTM RC 390 has a more advanced TFT instrument panel with a gear indicator, a tachometer, a speedometer, a lap timer, and a shift light.
The KTM RC 390 has better electronics than the Yamaha R3. The TFT instrument panel is more informative and the lap timer and shift light are useful features for track riding.
Price
The Yamaha R3 has a starting price of $5,299. The KTM RC 390 has a starting price of $5,499.
The KTM RC 390 is slightly more expensive than the Yamaha R3, but it offers more features and better performance.
Which Bike is Better for Track Racing?
The KTM RC 390 is the better bike for track racing. It has more power, better brakes, better suspension, and better electronics than the Yamaha R3. The KTM RC 390 is also more nimble in the corners, which makes it easier to ride fast on a track.
The Verdict
The Yamaha R3 is a great bike for beginner and intermediate riders. It’s affordable, easy to ride, and fun to ride on the track. The KTM RC 390 is a better bike for experienced riders who want to ride fast on the track. It’s more powerful, has better brakes, and has better suspension than the Yamaha R3.
Alternatives to the Yamaha R3 and KTM RC 390
If you’re looking for a bike that’s similar to the Yamaha R3 and KTM RC 390, but you want something different, here are a few alternatives:
- Kawasaki Ninja 400
- Honda CBR500R
- Suzuki GSX-R600
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: What is the difference between the Yamaha R3 and the KTM RC 390?
A: The Yamaha R3 is a more traditional sportbike with a steel frame and a 41mm inverted fork. The KTM RC 390 has a more aggressive chassis with a trellis frame and a 43mm inverted fork. The KTM RC 390 also has more power, better brakes, and better suspension than the Yamaha R3.
Q: Which bike is faster, the Yamaha R3 or the KTM RC 390?
A: The KTM RC 390 is slightly faster than the Yamaha R3. It has more power and a better power-to-weight ratio.
Q: Which bike is better for track racing, the Yamaha R3 or the KTM RC 390?
A: The KTM RC 390 is the better bike for track racing. It has more power, better brakes, better suspension, and better electronics than the Yamaha R3.