Guys, I remember going to the KTM showroom to buy a RC 390.. I then realized, watching a ninja 300 on video, doesn't do it justice. It looks so much prettier in person. Sadly, (for me) it was the other way around for the KTM RC 390. It looks so gorgeous in videos... but in person.. welll.... the NINJA really kills it. I was so set on buying the RC 390, until i saw both of them standing together.... Ninja is really a different league in looks. It looks like 600cc bike. Looks aside, the NINJA also has a 17 litre tank and the SUPER smooth twin parallel twin- which in my opinion is worth the extra 1.6 lacs in itself. Seriously, sit on it and cruise around in low speeds is equally satisfying to revving it.. the RC 390 sounds so loud even when it goes by. Now for obvious reasons, 390 owners and potential buyers will want to defend it. And yes it has its advantages.. For the ignorant people that are comparing these guys to Powerdrift and condescending them... Obviously powerdrift is bloody amazing. But they're always politically correct, by leaving the choice to you. Give these guys credit for choosing the winner.... with the obvious incoming hate from RC owners. A bike is something you're gonna carry with you for a long time.. and it's a considerable investment. I personally would recommend pushing your investment and getting the smoother Ninja if you are in a dilemma to buy a 300 cc plus bike. I promise you the twin cylinder is ROYALE treatment. I really stopped using my car, except when I have company. If I'm alone, my ninja is my number one vehicle. Going on midnight rides on my Ninja whenever i can, has become a lifestyle really... It is so satisfying! So, if you're wondering if the extra 1.6 lacs is worth it? In my biased humble opinion, the answer is an orgasmic YES. For new bike enthusiasts, do yourself a favour and experience that parallel twin... That smoothness makes me love it so much!
ghostfreezeable thanks buddy for understanding us. The problem is, many are judging these bikes on paper, without even riding the Kawasaki. One needs to ride both to really know what they are missing out on the KTM, the level of smoothness is an entirely different level, even the way the parallel-twin pulls at high speeds is something.The Kawasaki Ninja 300's design is inspired from the ZX-10R and it does end up looking like a 1000cc bike.We ourselves have a few KTMs in our team but whether we are owners or not, the fact is, the Ninja 300 is the better bike.
Awesome review motorbeam !! A huge thumbs up. I totally agree with the points brought out in this review. A year back i was torn between the RC390 and Ninja 300. I stretched my budget and went for the Japanese beauty. And what a motorcycle it has been !!!! We all know the Ninja's got supermodel looks and imposing road presence. But the bike is much more than just that. What is really impressive is its easy going, calm and composed nature. It's versatile and you can easily do a Kashmir-Kanyakumari on it without worrying about aching wrists or leaking gaskets. There are zero vibrations on this machine. And the 13000 rpm redline means you have a lot of room to play around and the needle won't be bouncing off every now and then. There are a few cons too. The biggest negative of the Ninja is that it attracts a lot of attention because of its looks, colour and exclusivity. You can't park it everywhere unless you don't mind random people meddling with your 4.5 lakh rupee motorbike.
Michael Hunter, this is a review done in India with respect to the Indian market. Kawasaki doesn't offer ABS on the Ninja 300 in India, not even as an option.
+MotorBeam 'so in a sportsbike shootout sound and comfort wins over power handling nd pricing...well in that case why not spend a little more and get a harley
clash ott you are wrong.. its not only about comfort, its about practicality.. there are hardly 3 or 4 race tracks in india.. and 3 of them are in so poor condition that you have to change your tires every 10k kms.. so my point is, people buy this bike for city or highway runs mostly, and in that space ninja 300 is better in every aspect.. push the ninja to 10k rpm, it is more fun than any bike under 5 lakh rs.
MotorBeam dont just judge a bike just by ABS......many other features are also there....better focus more on them & you would get more subscribers dumbass 😂
MotorBeam, nice comparison review. Good Job! I have never owned a Ninja 300 nor have I ridden one but have ridden pillion! So many people talking about ABS have a valid point but that doesn't mean the brakes on the Ninja are Crap! Yes they do lock once in a while but they have enough stopping power. Many claim that the Ride quality is better on the Ninja and I guess it is! It most certainly is better built and has a better note compared to the RC. Coming to the comparo, many here have quoted "1.6 Lakhs extra for a bike with no ABS, green paint and pathetic tyres". First of all if Price is a major concern, this review makes no sense to you! You should be better off with a review of the RC390 alone. Ninja 300 is a better bike because of these major reasons- 1) Twin Cylinder 2) Better ride quality 3) Better heat management Extra 70-80K for this is definitely justified! But considering the fact that it isn't manufactured here, the etra 1.6L is justified to some extent. So stop cribbing! Hayabusa is better than RC390 and that is a fact. now people argue that Hayabusa is priced so high and still doesn't come with projector headlamps so RC390 is better(just a random example, pardon me). I own an RC390(January 2015 model) and it lights up my face every time I see it or Ride it. There is a lot of heat generated in this severe Bangalore Traffic but my bike has never stalled due to overheating (its still in run-in period). The Radiator sound is really annoying but I have gotten used to it. KTM has improved a few things on this bike. There are a few vibes but then for a person who won't ride a Ninja every other day, the vibes don't even come into picture. Sure there is ABS but I don't like the fact that the rear brakes are absolutely useless (I do understand that its front heavy but still...). The bike is just amazing but has its downsides (nothing major though). So the RC390 is the "Value For Money", "Bang for the Buck" bike but not a premium/luxury bike like the Ninja 300. The RC is more focused on Tarmac alone and Ninja rides slightly better on other surfaces. So RC390 doesn't lose to the Ninja 300 and Vice-Versa! Its just a matter of preference and Budget. Either bike will put a big fat smile on your face but the Ninja 300 edges past the RC390, only slightly!
Nishanth Reddy very well said buddy. You kept the facts fair and square. One does end up paying more for certain things, the Ninja 300 currently has no real competition but when the Yamaha R3 arrives, we will redo a comparison between the YZF and the Ninja.What mileage are you getting on your RC 390, we have a Duke 390, returns between 24-28 km/l.
MotorBeam i've been getting just about the same. But some empty stretches when I do around 75 in 6th for a few minutes, the display shows around 40 and I'm pretty sure it is quite accurate. But yes, reserve to reserve I get somewhere between 26kmpl(only city riding)
LMAO..!! So let me get this straight.. One is faster, Sharper, Handles better, has better tyres and tech, costs Rs.160000 less.. but it loses to the other because it has softer seats and is painted green..!!! LOL..!! Now that is not stupid at all.. Kudos Motorbeam.!!
You missed many other points. Please don't judge these bikes on paper, ride them in the real world and you will know why the Ninja 300 won. 1) You can't maintain high speeds on the KTM it tires you out, the Ninja 300 doesn't. 2) You can't ride the RC 390 in the city because it heats to a point where the engine shuts off and the bike won't start till it cools. 3) The fan is working over time on the KTM, it's very loud and irritating. 4) Quality of parts on the Ninja 300 is way superior. We have seen multiple RC 390's gear lever break just like that. 5) The RC 390 is very stiff, the Ninja 300's ride quality is terrific. 6) The Ninja 300 sounds way better, it also is more refined, there is no heating issue, in-gear acceleration is much better than the RC, it redlines higher and the gearbox is smoother, it also has a slipper clutch. 7) Ninja 300 has a higher top speed. 8) Ninja 300 can be ridden in the city and there is no issue like in the KTM. The Kawasaki can also become a tourer, it haas bunjee hooks to tie your luggage. The Ninja can also do track days. That said, it costs a lot but without doubt, it's a better bike of the two. However, we ourselves ride KTMs on a daily basis because cost plays a major role for you and me, Kawasaki needs to reduce the price of the Ninja 300 and should also offer ABS as standard.
MotorBeam This is what makes PowerDrift better than you guys any day. They're not bias.You're like a 10 year old. Fighting with every Jack,Harry and Dick. May be you're stating the fact,but you guys lose your class if you comment like a 10 year old,if you have any. Grow up! responding to the comment below, "KTM IS LIKE A GIRLFRIEND AND NINJA IS LIKE A WIFE"? ? LOL!!!! Dude or Dudes. one advice,stop commenting. :/ And what do you want? A motorcycle or a fucking caravan? Good God!! The RC is a fucking entry level sportbike for fucks sake.
Alias Skaria Dude, with all the fancy writeup there. All I can gather from your post is that you are a show off.Period. You are one of those who were repeatedly bullied in schools and college(if ever you went that far with studies, which i doubt with your SUPER COOL profane language) Anyways, coming to the point. You got to respect somebody for the work they are doing and treat more rationally. Learn to be good to others. There is no harm in these guys replying to each and every post. Time wasted to type this 2mins.
MotorBeam RC 390 is racing class and Ninja is more of a cruiser class. Please don't compare them just tell the differences that would be much appreciated.
Good job man ! I have KTM RC 200 , and it's just a week old , will u recommend any modification - like changing the windscreen , or applying red bull stickers or anything?? @motorbeam
Appreciate the effort in making videos like this one, but "Ninja is a better bike if you can afford it" doesn't make sense IMO. The Ninja costs around 70% more than the KTM. If you're willing to pay more, you will get better stuff. No brainer. Similarly you can compare Ninja 300 and Z800 and say, Ninja 300 is a good bike but Z800 is better if you're willing to pay more. All that said, Ninja still falls behind in many things even after paying that premium. If one wants a sport tourer, it's better to go all the way and get a Ninja 650 that has enough torque in the lower end which makes touring effortless. All these are coming from a big fan of the Ninja series(myself).
bellicromanx just search in international motorcycle websites, the KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 300 are direct competitors so it's a fair match. And you are spot on, better to stretch budget a bit and get the Ninja 650 over the Ninja 300.
Excellent video Motorbeam, kudos!! Your view on a better bike of the two can be contradictory but as per my rating of the so many Indian bike review/comparo vids, you set a good standard esp with your great riders and video quality, look forwards to more such videos from you, I am subscribing, liking , sharing and joining your fan base :) well done!!
Better name your channel as Ninja beam......I think that guy is a fan of Kawasaki......He missed one point that is the RC390 is more safest to ride than the Ninja 300.....
+dheraj kotla Are you kidding me? Safest to ride?Lol.Most of the accidents in india are happened on an RC 390. I suppose Ninja 300 is the safer one here.
wow dont listen to these kiddies below whom are raging about nonsense. i find this review extremely professional and relevant with no bias, quality of which i find is world class. wannabe racers will always be wannabe racers and have this illusion that the world is a racetrack smh. keep it up!
i see you like ninja more. that's why say is better . KTM has better torque, ciclistic, handling and ktm is much better in sharp curve. think KTM is better bike.
Mithun Swain i forgat betterbrake and bcs is agressive allaround much more good looking!! KTM is sexy (even when is in supermoto or cross version, most sexyest bikes) . ninja is a race replica
The ninja 300 has ABS option! You'd better study these two motorcycle before doing the review! Next time compare same bikes such as cbr 300, yzf 300 r-3 and ninja zx3r!
1.6 lakh more...still almost same(if not less)....doesnt deserve the praise. P.S: I am a subscriber and love to watch ur videos but this time it felt too leaned towards the ninja.
+ABIR SUR because ninja 300 is a great bike. yeah I agree, price wise, ninja is like two KTMs but trust me KTM is worst in city, it has a tough suspension, and riding position, your pinion's weight will strain your wrist a lot. It's made one and only for the track, its not totally a package you can use it everyday.
I own a RC i know how it feels. True its track oriented bike and wrist hurts a lot with pillion ride but then again the ride quality throttle response makes it legit...
Yup! 390 has a mad throttle response, 200 has a refined feel with good throttle response, imagine that feel with a bigger package, that's ninja 300. I agree ninja looks like a clown to many of us, even to me it looked like that for many years, before I took a ride on it. I would say its because of its funny green colored body :D but it's a great machine. I would give the credits to its twin cylinder, it makes the riding quality so much refined, and it doesn't feel hot at all while riding through the city, they have a excellent heat dissipation system on it. Great for city and highway riding. But RCs are the perfect racing tools, I have ever driven after the R15, it feels so confident on the corners for a track, or ghat roads.
Hello friend,ur video is really helpful...I need a 150cc bike with long lasting & average maintenance & average milage..is pulsar 150 normal model is best choice or something else.?
I still opt for the rc390., I am not gonna use a fully faired 300cc plus bike for touring or commuting., I will use it for weekend rides and track days., the rc excels on the track than ninja and even in a crash I spend less on a rc than in a ninja
It's 2021 , should I go for RC 390 or Ninja 300 ? Or should I go for something else ? P. S : I'm looking for used motorcycle. My age is just 22 , I'm an experienced rider , I own FZ V2.0 Suggest me.
Awesome review. I wish some of the American motorcycle reviewers would thrash bikes around like you guys did. Hopefully someone will be able to a comparison test soon between the Ninja, RC 390 and R3.
TheModelguy82 we will certainly do a comparison test with the RC 390, Ninja 300 and the Yamaha R3 but we are still awaiting the Yam, it's yet to be launched in India.
a bike which can hit 200kmph and is without ABS , how could you even suggest putting 4lakhs into such a bike , the brakes lock at high speed, paying 4laks and risking your life not worth anything on tht bike . please go for KTM.
i owned ninja prior to buying rc390... i feel your review is biased...as i feel rc is better in most of the segments than ninja apart from engine refinement... heating is not really a big issue as ninja also gets heated in heavy traffic...so i am used to it... ninja is really heavy bike and not at all agile...its breaking sucks big time...it has less power... on the other hand all rc cannot do is...that bike is really pain to ride if u go on tour above 250kms...(ninja also is painful to ride over 350kms is what my exp is) and top of everything...i bought ninja after r15...and that bike (ninja) was a big let down... rc390 is better any day....than ninja...plus u pay almost 1.85 lacs less...on road price...which makes it win win situation...
and you said ride them before you say anything... i owned 3 bikes so far..r15 ninja and rc390...i will certainly keep ninja on last...its just 300 cc bike with lots of weight lots of bulky feeling...less grip while breaking hard...and less agile... the only good thing about it is...it sounds better...thats it... nothing against ninja...rc is just better...!!!!
The narration and the review man ! i lol'd hard ... just saying ... if your're gonna more of such videos... the game really needs to step up with a massive change ... not against it .. but IMO could've been a 100 times better with the riders you had ;) and i fucking love the way rc390 looks ... IMO it also sounds better ... the comparision was really stupid .. no offense ... cheers
As a 1at time rider. I'm looking to buy my 1st starter bike. Been looking at the Kawasaki 300 & the ktm rc390? Questions are: 1.Parts availability in the U.S. at a motorcycle shop & DIY repairs? 2.just all around best starter bike? 3.would a Kawasaki/Yamaha motorcycle store & repair shop repair a ktm rc390? 4. Ktm rc390 & ktm Duke 390? Other than the flairings , what's the difference? I'm 5'4" 130lbs. I won't be racing & zipping thru traffic as I'm looking for a death wish. I'll be using it as a daily driver (when not raining) I'd like that power & speed if I need it just on standy & ready at the twist of the throttle. I like doing my own repairs as much as I can saves money & I'll be learning about bikes. I'm liking hard the ktm rc390. Any info would help. Thanks u
I have test ridden both these motorcycles and finally bought KTM RC390 last month and I'm loving it... ninja has smoother parallel twin motor and slipper clutch but RC390 has ABS+metzeler sportec m5+43.5Bhp+35Nm of torque and this insaaaaaaaaaaaaane acceleration @1.6 lakh rupees less anyway who wants a motorcycle to be sane and tame? its that wild rush and madness thats motorcycling is all about and of course safe at the same time which RC390 delivers at an affordabe price.
Right now you have bought the RC 390, so you are saying all this. After 6 month, your thoughts are surely going to change because 0-100 km/hr will keep you happy only for sometime and this isn't any assumption, we too have a KTM Duke 390, it's a rocket, a whole load of fun but there are issues which you will come to know with time. Besides, we can guarantee you, you haven't ridden the Ninja 300 because its redline gives more rush than KTMs.
MotorBeam the main reason i dropped the idea of buying ninja 300 was the lack of abs even as an option. i want a bike to have enough stopping power without the worry of locking up and skidding that reaches 170+ speed in no time. and yes the ninja might have good top end power but it simply cant match the initial pick up and mid range of the RC390. also the tyres of RC have way more grip and control than ninja which is much more costly than RC390.
MotorBeam the kind of package KTM is offering at that price is just awsome, never saw any other bike in India with this kind of a deal. the price kawasaki is asking for ninja, we expect it to be a lot better than it is presently.
ABS makes a lot of difference in choice. Also after riding a single cylinder bike for about 5 years u will want the refinement of a parallel twin. period
+MotorBeam im planning to get RC 390.....but right now im confused either to buy ninja 300 or rc 390, because im 6 feet tall, will i look funny on rc 390 ???
guys,the ninja 300 is similar to the Apple iPhones in terms of specs,looks and Performance ...and the Ktm RC 390 is similar to samsung phones in terms of specs,looks and performance...i will sure go for the Ninja 300..one cannot decide which bike is better based on the specs...use it and u will find all the difference :)
I have ridden r3, ninja 300 but I choose rc390 because of it's raw and pure racing capabilities the best ever racing motorcycle. I can't compromise on power, stability, braking. I love RC 😍 and I always does it has the racing heart. It's beautiful for me and lots of racers around the world. Raw and pure performance 💓
"You guys should have mentioned after the service and parts availability of the Ninja as well. which comes with a hefty price tag and waiting period as well."
MotorBeam I'm your big fan Motorbeam! Could you fulfill one of my request ? Could you one good drag race between the RC200 and the R15 ! We all know who will win here but I wanna see how far or close will the R15 be to the RC200. If possible get one R15 with the daytona kit and racing ecu.
