Only 38 KTM 390 Duke And 390 Adventures Sold In February 2022
- Mar 27, 2022
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Honda has recently launched its 2021 CB400F in China, which now gets a few cosmetic updates. However, the sub-400cc naked segment is ruled by the renowned KTM 390 Duke. Over the course of its existence, it has always reigned supreme over its rivals. Can it do the same against the new CB400F? Well, here’s how they fare on paper:
Engine
Specifications |
Honda CB400F |
KTM 390 Duke |
Engine |
399cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine |
373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine |
Power |
45PS @ 9000rpm |
43PS @ 9000rpm |
Torque |
37Nm @ 7500rpm |
37Nm @ 7000pm |
Gearbox |
6-speed |
6-speed |
The 390 Duke has always had an upper hand in the performance aspect. But it seems like it has finally found its match. The CB400F not only makes 2PS more than the Duke, but it also features a lower compression ratio and an extra cylinder. These would make it smoother and more linear on the go. Not to forget, there’s also Honda’s reliability factor, something which KTM is usually discounted for.
Nevertheless, the 390 Duke’s peak torque kicks in 500rpm earlier, which would make it quicker off the line. Also, judging from the claimed efficiency figures, the 390 Duke is 2kmpl more fuel efficient than the CB400F.
Underpinnings
Specifications |
Honda CB400F |
KTM 390 Duke |
Frame |
Diamond |
Steel Trellis |
Front suspension |
Telescopic Fork |
USD Fork |
Rear suspension |
Monoshock |
Monoshock |
Front brake |
Disc |
Disc |
Rear brake |
Disc |
Disc |
Front tyre |
120/70-17 |
110/70-17 |
Rear tyre |
160/60-17 |
150/60-17 |
On the underpinnings front, both bikes are pretty closely matched. But the 390 Duke has the more modern components between the two. For instance, it features a tweaked trellis frame with a bolt-on subframe while the Honda CB400F gets a conventional diamond frame. The same goes for the suspension as the Duke packs a modern USD fork while the Honda makes do with a conventional telescopic unit.
Both bikes feature single disc brakes at both ends. While Honda hasn’t revealed the disc sizes of the CB400F, we think this is the same setup as the BS6 CB500X, which we found quite impressive when we rode it. The 390 Duke is no slouch too, thanks to its sintered brake pads and big 320mm disc up front.
Where the CB400F has a slight edge over the 390 Duke is in terms of tyre size. It gets wider tyres compared to the Duke, enhancing cornering clearance, straight line stability, and even giving it a big bike persona.
Dimensions
Specifications |
Honda CB400F |
KTM 390 Duke |
Wheelbase |
1416mm |
1357mm |
Ground clearance |
156mm |
185mm |
Fuel tank capacity |
16-litres |
13.5-litres |
Seat height |
790mm |
830mm |
Weight |
188kg (kerb) |
167kg (dry) |
Judging from the photos, the CB400F seems larger than the Duke. And this is backed up by the CB400F’s bigger fuel tank and longer wheelbase. The CB400F is also more accessible for shorter riders, thanks to its lower 790mm seat height (as opposed to the 830mm saddle on the KTM).
However, thanks to a significantly shorter wheelbase and more ground clearance, the 390 Duke would be more agile in tight spaces and glide over bigger bumps more easily, thus making it more suitable for our bumpy narrow roads.
Features
Honda CB400F |
KTM 390 Duke |
|
TFT Instrument Cluster |
No |
Yes |
Slipper Clutch |
Yes |
Yes |
Switchable ABS |
No |
Yes |
LED illumination |
Yes |
Yes |
Smartphone Connectivity |
No |
Yes |
Quickshifter |
No |
Yes |
This is where the KTM 390 Duke truly prevails over the Honda CB400F. With features like a TFT instrument cluster, smartphone connectivity, switchable ABS, and even a quickshifter, the 390 Duke is miles ahead of the CB400F.
Don’t get us wrong, the CB400F does get all the necessary equipment like a slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, a fully digital instrument cluster, and LED lighting all around. But it just falls short when compared to the KTM.
Price & Verdict
Honda CB400F |
KTM 390 Duke |
Rs 4.25 lakh (Chinese price) |
Rs 2.87 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) |
The 2021 CB400F retails for Rs 4.25 lakh in China while the BS6 390 Duke retails at Rs 2.87 lakh in India. This makes it the more value-for-money offering between the two, considering all the tech on offer.
Nevertheless, there’s no denying the CB400F is closely matched and better in some aspects than the Duke on paper. However, the CB400F is purpose-built for the Japanese and Chinese markets to keep their license norms in check, so it won’t make it to Indian shores. What will arrive in India, though, is the bigger CB500F. But whether that will sweep the floor with it or not is something we’ll have to wait to find out.
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