TVS Apache RTR 310 vs 2024 KTM 390 Duke vs Triumph Speed 400: Specification Comparison

The last few months have seen three major launches from prominent manufacturers in the sub-400cc segment. Triumph got the ball rolling with the Speed 400 in the month of July. TVS launched its first 310cc streetfighter a couple of weeks back and then shortly after, KTM launched the all-new manic 390 Duke in India.

But this begs the question “How do these three bikes fare against each other, on paper?”.

Engine

Specifications	TVS Apache RTR 310	2024 KTM 390 Duke	Triumph Speed 400
Engine	312cc, reverse-inclined, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine	398cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine	398cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine
Power	35.6PS @ 9,700rpm (Sport, Track & SuperMoto mode), 27.1PS @ 7,500rpm (Urban & Rain mode)	46PS @ 8,500rpm	40PS @ 8,000rpm
Torque	28.7Nm @ 9,700rpm (Sport, Track & SuperMoto mode), 27.3Nm @ 7,500rpm (Urban & Rain mode)	39Nm @ 6,500rpm	37.5Nm @ 6,500rpm
Gearbox	6-speed	6-speed	6-speed

The all-new KTM 390 Duke is the most powerful bike among the three with the highest power and torque figures, as seen above. For an enthusiast who’s looking for the best performance-oriented experience in the sub-400cc segment, then the 390 Duke ticks all the boxes. 

The RTR 310 eekes out 35.6PS from a 310cc motor and redlines at 9,7000rpm, which means it will be very rev-happy. But, the Speed 400 gets a bigger motor and delivers higher power and torque figures at a cheaper price point. 

Also, both the 390 Duke and the Apache RTR 310 get a quickshifter while the Speed 400 doesn’t. But in the RTR 310, it is also only available with a premium of about Rs 15,000 over the base variant while it is available as standard in the 390 Duke. Also the RTR 310’s base variant is itself Rs 9,900 costlier than the Speed 400 and with the quickshifter, it becomes dearer by about Rs 24,900.

Underpinnings

All three bikes are pretty similar in terms of their suspension and brake setup with the 390 Duke getting a slightly larger disc at the front which will give it better stopping power. Also, the 390 Duke and the Speed 400 get thicker forks than the RTR 310 which will help in absorbing bumps more efficiently. 

As standard, the 390 Duke gets rebound/compression adjustability at the front and rebound/preload adjustability at the rear while the Speed 400 and the RTR 310 get preload adjustability at the rear. The Apache RTR 310 does get a fully-adjustable front and preload/rebound rear suspension setup but it is only available as part of the Dynamic Kit that’ll cost you an extra Rs 18,000. 

The KTM 390 Duke comes equipped with H-rated Metzeler M5s while the Speed 400 comes equipped with W-rated Apollo H1s. The TVS Apache RTR 310, on the other hand, comes equipped with Michelin Road 5 tyres which offers superior grip than the Metzelers and the Apollos.

Dimensions

Features

In stock form, the all-new KTM 390 Duke is the most feature-rich bike among the three with three ride modes, dual-channel ABS, cornering ABS, supermoto mode, cruise control, launch control and Bluetooth connectivity with music control, incoming calls alerts and turn-by-turn navigation. 

But if you add the Dynamic Pro Kit in the TVS Apache RTR 310, then the streetfighter gets equipped with an extensive list of features like 6-axis IMU for cornering ABS, cornering traction control, cornering cruise control, wheelie control, slope dependent braking control and rear-wheel lift off protection. The Dynamic Pro Kit also adds a climate controlled rider’s seat with three levels of heating and cooling options. But the impressive list of features cost a premium of Rs 22,000 over the standard bike.

Price & Verdict

(all prices ex-showroom)

The TVS Apache RTR 310’s base variant doesn’t come with a quickshifter. Adding that will cost you an additional Rs 15,000. The adjustable suspension setup, tyre pressure monitoring system and brass coated chain are available under the Dynamic Kit which comes at a premium of Rs 18,000 and the Dynamic Pro Kit on top of that will set you back an additional Rs 22,000. So, the fully-kitted out TVS Apache RTR 310 with all the bells and whistles will cost you Rs 3.04 lakh, which is only about Rs 6,000 cheaper than the all-new KTM 390 Duke. 

The KTM 390 Duke is the costliest among all the three bikes but its Rs 3.10 lakh price tag is justifiable because it offers the best performance along with an extensive list of features as standard. The Triumph Speed 400 provides great value for money for the level of performance it offers along with a decent list of features, if not impressive, at a very affordable price tag. 

For an enthusiast looking for a performance-oriented bike under Rs 2.5 lakh, then the base variant of the TVS Apache RTR 310 will be a good option. But for those craving pure performance, the new KTM 390 Duke is by far the best sub-400cc Indian bike you can buy right now.