DSK Benelli 302R vs Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs Yamaha YZF-R3 vs KTM RC 390–Spec Comparison

The 300cc performance segment is one of the best segment of motorcycles for enthusiasts looking to have some two-wheeled fun on Indian roads. The bikes in this segment have usable power without being too overwhelming, and at the same time they are much lighter on the pocket when compared to full-blown litre-class bikes and even middleweights. Also read: 5 Most Affordable Faired Motorcycles In India

DSK Motowheels is all set to introduce their first faired motorcycle in India, the Benelli 302R, in July. So, let’s see how it fares against its competition on paper!

Engine and Performance:

The DSK Benelli 302R is powered by a 300cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with dual overhead camshafts. The powerplant outputs 38PS of power at 10000 rpm and 27.4Nm of peak torque at 9000 rpm. A 6-speed transmission transfers the power to the rear wheel with the help of a chain drive. It is unknown whether the India-spec bike will come with a slipper clutch or not and we will have to wait till the launch for a clearer picture.

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 uses a 296cc DOHC parallel-twin motor which punches out 39PS of power at 11000rpm and 27Nm of torque at 10000rpm. This motor is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch. Slipper clutch reduces the rear wheel hop while downshifting aggressively. Kawasaki claims that the clutch lever feel in the 2017 Ninja 300 is 25 per cent lighter compared to the Ninja 250R.

A 321cc liquid-cooled inline twin-cylinder engine does duty in the Yamaha YZF-R3. The engine comes with a counterbalancer for added refinement and forged pistons and offset cylinder for reduced friction. The bike makes 42PS of power at 10750rpm and 29.6Nm of torque at 9000rpm, and the power is channelled to the rear wheel by a 6-speed transmission. Slipper clutch has been given a miss in order to keep the costs in check. 

KTM’s track tool, the RC 390, employs a 373.2cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with modern ride-by-wire technology which results in smoother throttle response. The powerplant makes a massive 43.5PS of power and 36Nm of torque and is coupled to a 6-speed slip-assisted gearbox. Among the four, the RC 390 has the highest engine capacity and, despite having one cylinder less, makes the highest amount of power and torque. KTM- 1, Rest- 0, don’t you agree?

Cycle Parts And Features:

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The Benelli 302R is built on a steel-tube trellis frame with the steering head and the swingarm pivot directly linked for optimum stability and agility. The frame is suspended by inverted forks at the front and monoshock with adjustable preload at the rear. The alloy wheels are likely to be wrapped with Metzelers and braking duties are taken care by ABS-enabled dual 260mm petal discs at the front and a single 240mm petal disc at the rear. The fuel tank capacity stands at 14 litres, which should ensure reasonable range for touring as well.

The Kawasaki Ninja 300’s engine is nestled in a diamond type steel frame which is suspended on 37mm telescopic forks at the front and an Uni-Trak gas-charged monoshock at the rear with 5-way adjustable preload. The front wheel uses a single 290mm petal disc while the rear uses a 220mm petal disc. Due to cost constraints, the bike misses out on inverted forks and, more importantly, ABS. The wheels are shod with IRC tyres and the fuel tank capacity stands at a generous 17 litres. This makes the Ninja 300 a good choice for touring, notwithstanding the lack of ABS.

The Yamaha YZF-R3 uses a steel diamond type frame with the engine as the stressed member. The front end is suspended on KYB telescopic forks while the rear uses a KYB monoshock with 7-step preload adjustment. The bike is anchored by a single disc brake on both ends and ABS is missed out due to, you know, costs. The wheels are wrapped with MRF tyres to ensure longer life at the expense of outright grip. The fuel tank is capable of holding 14 litres of juice and the neutral riding position will also help in touring.

The KTM RC 390 is the most track-focussed bike in this comparison. The steel trellis frame is suspended on 43mm WP upside down forks at the front and a WP monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are taken care by 320mm disc at the front and 230mm disc at the rear, and the brakes are equipped with ABS as well. The wheels are shod with Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres which offer the best balance between gecko-like grip and durability. With aggressive ergonomics and a puny fuel tank of 10 litres, the RC 390 is best suited for short rides and track days.

Pricing:

The DSK Benelli 302R is expected to retail around Rs 4 lakh while the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is priced at Rs 3.64 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. The Yamaha YZF-R3 is currently not available in the market due to BS-IV upgradation. The bike has been included in this comparison because Yamaha will relaunch the BS-IV-compliant R3 by late 2017. At a mouth-watering ex-showroom price of Rs 2.25 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi, the RC 390 is apt for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for cheap thrills (pun intended). Sure, the RC with its committed riding position may not be touring-friendly as the other three bikes are, but it will definitely put a smile on your face at the weekend ghat roadtrip or the race track! The RC 390 is perfect for a lifestyle of “Eat, braap, break, fix, repeat”, I say!