Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs Rivals: Specs, Features, and Value Compared

Kawasaki has given the Ninja 300 a minor cosmetic refresh for 2025, keeping its core formula largely unchanged. But how does this ageing twin-cylinder sportbike stack up against its key rivals—the Yamaha YZF-R3 and the KTM RC 390? Let’s take a closer look at how these entry-level sportbikes compare on paper.

Contents hide

1 Engine & Performance: Twin Smoothness vs Single-Cylinder Punch

2 Weight & Dimensions: Manageability vs Mass

3 Suspension, Tyres & Brakes: Modern vs Dated Hardware

4 Features: RC 390 Takes the Tech Crown

5 Price & Value: KTM Offers the Most Bang for Your Buck

6 Final Word

Engine & Performance: Twin Smoothness vs Single-Cylinder Punch

Specification	Kawasaki Ninja 300	Yamaha YZF-R3	KTM RC 390
Engine	296cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled	321cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled	373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Power	39hp @ 11,000rpm	42hp @ 10,750rpm	43.5hp @ 9,000rpm
Torque	26.1Nm @ 10,000rpm	29.5Nm @ 9,000rpm	37Nm @ 7,000rpm
Gearbox	6-speed	6-speed	6-speed
Power-to-weight ratio	217.88 hp/tonne	248.52 hp/tonne	252.91 hp/tonne

While the Ninja 300 delivers the least power, it still provides a refined, high-revving twin-cylinder experience that some riders prefer. The Yamaha R3 follows a similar formula but with slightly better numbers. Meanwhile, the KTM RC 390 stands out with its larger single-cylinder engine that offers the most power and torque, delivered much lower in the rev range, making it feel more immediate and aggressive. However, its engine character is notably more raw and buzzy compared to the smoother twins.

Weight & Dimensions: Manageability vs Mass

Specification	Kawasaki Ninja 300	Yamaha YZF-R3	KTM RC 390
Kerb Weight	179kg	169kg	172kg
Seat Height	780mm	780mm	835mm
Ground Clearance	140mm	160mm	153mm
Fuel Tank	17 litres	14 litres	13.7 litres
Wheelbase	1405mm	1380mm	1347mm

The Ninja is the heaviest here, though it compensates with the largest fuel tank. Its low seat height makes it accessible for shorter riders, a trait it shares with the R3. The KTM, in contrast, has a taller stance, which may be a concern for newer or shorter riders. Additionally, the Ninja’s ground clearance is the lowest—something to be mindful of on rough or uneven Indian roads.

Suspension, Tyres & Brakes: Modern vs Dated Hardware

Specification	Kawasaki Ninja 300	Yamaha YZF-R3	KTM RC 390
Suspension (F/R)	Telescopic fork / Monoshock	USD fork / Monoshock	USD fork / Monoshock
Tyres (F/R)	110/70-17 / 140/70-17	110/70-R17 / 140/70-R17	110/70-R17 / 150/60-R17
Brakes (F/R)	290mm / 220mm discs	298mm / 220mm discs	320mm / 230mm discs

The Ninja 300’s suspension and braking setup feels dated by today’s standards, featuring conventional forks and bias-ply tyres. The R3 upgrades to a USD fork and radial tyres, while the RC 390 leads the trio with high-end components like a radial front caliper, larger discs, and more suspension adjustability. The KTM also benefits from a wider rear tyre for improved grip.

Features: RC 390 Takes the Tech Crown

The KTM RC 390 easily outpaces both rivals in terms of features. It comes equipped with a colour TFT display, traction control, a bidirectional quickshifter, and switchable ABS—tech rarely found in this segment. The Yamaha R3 feels bare in comparison and doesn’t even offer a slipper clutch in the India-spec version. Kawasaki’s latest update to the Ninja 300 only brings revised projector headlights and a taller windscreen—most of the bike remains unchanged from its original form over a decade ago.

Price & Value: KTM Offers the Most Bang for Your Buck

Model	Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi)
Kawasaki Ninja 300	Rs 3.43 lakh
Yamaha YZF-R3	Rs 3.60 lakh
KTM RC 390	Rs 3.23 lakh

Despite being the most feature-loaded, the KTM RC 390 is also the most affordable, making it a compelling option for riders looking for performance and technology at a reasonable price. For those prioritising smoothness, refinement, and a parallel-twin character, the Ninja 300 and R3 are the logical picks, though both come at a premium—and without the modern hardware or electronics of the KTM.

Final Word

While the KTM RC 390 shines as the most value-packed and performance-oriented machine, the Ninja 300 and Yamaha R3 still hold strong appeal for those seeking a smoother, more refined twin-cylinder ride. However, it’s clear the Ninja 300 is starting to show its age in terms of hardware and features. The R3 offers a slightly more modern alternative, albeit at a higher cost.

As a footnote, the Aprilia RS 457 might also interest you if you’re considering a twin-cylinder bike, but it’s priced considerably higher at Rs 4.20 lakh and has recently been reported to suffer from some engine-related issues.

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