The say has finally arrived and the RC twins are here. Let’s take a quick look at the RC390 and what it goes up against. It costs Rs 2.05 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is pretty much a direct challenge to the Honda CBR 250R, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the Hyosung GT250R.
We’ve put together the essential specifications* of each of these bikes to see how the Gixxer fares against them. *Text in bold signifies segment best.
1. KTM RC390
Displacement: 373.2 cc, single
Power: 43 bhp@9000 rpm
Torque: 3.6 kgm@7000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
Kerb weight: 166 kg
Fuel tank capacity: 10 litres
Wheelbase: 1340 mm
Tyres: 110/70 R17 (front); 150/60 R17 (rear), tubeless
Brakes: Disc (front); Disc (rear)
Suspension: Telescopic upside down forks (front); Monoshock (rear)
Price: Rs 2.05 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
What we like: Mean looks, impressive numbers, top-spec components
What we don’t: Only thing we can think of is that our arms might hurt if we try touring with it. Oh, and we couldn’t find any bungee points on the rear seat.
2. Honda CBR 250R
Displacement: 249 cc, single
Power: 26 bhp@8500 rpm
Torque: 2.3 kgm@7000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
Kerb weight: 167 kg
Fuel tank capacity: 13 litres
Wheelbase: 1367 mm
Tyres: 110/70 R17 (front); 140/70 R17 (rear), tubeless
Brakes: Disc (front); Disc (rear)
Suspension: Telescopic forks (front); Monoshock (rear)
Price: Rs 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
What we like: Comfortable to ride, big bike feel
What we don’t: The CBR doesn’t really want to do one thing really well. It wants to do all things moderately well. It isn’t sporty enough for our liking.
3. Kawasaki Ninja 300
Displacement: 296 cc, parallel twin
Power: 39 bhp@11,000 rpm
Torque: 2.8 kgm@10,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
Kerb weight: 172 kg
Fuel tank capacity: 17 litres
Wheelbase: 1405 mm
Tyres: 110/70 R17 (front); 140/70 R17 (rear), tubeless
Brakes: Disc (front); Disc (rear)
Suspension: Telescopic upside down forks (front); Monoshock (rear)
Price: Rs 3.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
What we like: Looks, riding dynamics
What we don’t: Price, lack of colour options
4. Hyosung GT250R
Displacement: 249 cc, V-twin
Power: 28 bhp@10,000 rpm
Torque: 2.3 kgm@8000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
Kerb weight: 188 kg
Fuel tank capacity: 17 litres
Wheelbase: 1435 mm
Tyres: 110/70 R17 (front); 150/70 R17 (rear), tubeless
Brakes: Disc (front); Disc (rear)
Suspension: Telescopic upside down forks (front); Monoshock (rear)
Price: Rs 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
What we like: Big bike feel
What we don’t: Not powerful enough, doesn’t handle very well, heavy. We’ve got a huge list going…
