Yamaha R3 vs Benelli 302R vs TVS Apache RR 310 vs KTM RC 390 vs Kawasaki Ninja 300: Spec Comparison

The level of competition in the entry-level sportbike segment has increased with the re-entry of the new Yamaha R3. In its revised avatar, the R3 looks promising enough to offer sleepless nights to its rivals. Let’s take a look at what it has in store for the buyers.


ENGINE

Powering the refreshed Yamaha R3 is the new BSIV-compliant 321cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces 42PS of max power and 29.6Nm of peak torque at 9,000rpm, coupled with a 6-speed gearbox.

Next up, the Benelli 302R packs a 300cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that puts out 38PS of peak power at 10,000rpm and 27.4Nm of peak torque at 9,000rpm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

Gaining a slight edge over the Benelli 302R is the Kawasaki Ninja 300, with a 296cc DOHC parallel-twin engine that produces 39PS of power and 27Nm of torque.

The TVS Apache RR 310 gets a 312cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine sourced from the BMW G 310 R. Its power and torque figures are rated at 34PS and 27.3Nm respectively.

KTM RC 390

The most powerful among the lot is the KTM RC 390, with a 375cc BS-IV compliant, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that churns out a max power of 43.5PS and torque of 36Nm.

FEATURES

The Yamaha R3 features the same digi-analogue instrument console as seen on its predecessor. Clip-on handlebars are the same as well. ABS is a standard feature on the updated R3; however, slipper clutch and ride-by-wire throttle remain absent. The headlamp gets halogens just like the Ninja 300. LED headlamps still haven’t been considered by Yamaha.

The Benelli 302R also misses out on LED headlamps but gets LED DRLs along with a halogen headlamp. There is a semi-digital instrument console for essential readouts and a switchable ABS as standard for improved braking.

The KTM RC 390 comes with the same headlamp unit and LCD display as on the previous-gen model. It gets LED DRLs and an LED tail light from the older model too. The KTM RC 390 is the first-in-segment bike to get ride-by-wire throttle. For quick downshifting, it gets a slipper clutch and ECVAP (Evaporative Emission Control System) for fuel loss prevention. ABS is part of its standard offerings list.

TVS Apache RR 310

Unlike the other bikes here, the TVS Apache RR 310 gets a twin bi-LED headlamp. The rear gets an LED tail light too. It gets a fully digital instrument console too, placed vertically in a unique fashion. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard.

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is the least powerful contender of all. It neither gets LED headlamps nor an LED tail light. ABS is also missing. What it gets is the semi-digital instrument console for essential info and an assist and slipper clutch for quick downshifts.

UNDERPINNINGS

The Yamaha R3 uses a steel diamond frame that lends it rigidity and strength. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and a monoshock absorber at the rear. It tips the scale at 173kg (kerb), making it lighter than the Benelli 302R (198kg kerb) and 3kg heavier than its predecessor.

The TVS Apache RR 310 (169.5kg kerb) and the KTM RC 390 (170kg kerb) are slightly lighter than the Yamaha R3. Braking is via 298mm front and 220mm rear disc brakes. A saddle height of 780mm makes it easier for riders to climb on and off the bike. Unlike the previously fitted MRF tyres, the new Yamaha R3 gets lighter Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres (110/70 front and 140/70 rear). This imparts more grip and makes the bike an even better handler.

Benelli 302R

The heaviest of the lot is the Benelli 302R. It is bolted on a steel trellis frame and suspended on 41mm inverted telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. It comes with narrower Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres and an option to upgrade to the TNT 300’s Pirelli tyres for improved grip and balance. Braking is courtesy dual 260mm front discs and a 240mm rear disc. The saddle sits 785mm high, making it a good option for shorter Indian riders.

The TVS Apache RR 310 utilizes the same BMW G 310 R’s trellis frame but modified for a sporty riding posture. It is equipped with KYB inverted forks at the front and a monoshock unit with adjustable preload at the rear. Handling and control are its highlighting points, courtesy its light frame and compact engine placement. For braking, it gets 300mm and 240mm petal discs at the front and rear respectively. The bike rides on grippy Michelin Pilot Sport tyres (110/70 front and 150/60 rear). The saddle sits quite high at 810mm.

The KTM RC 390 sits on a lightweight trellis frame like its predecessor and weighs just 170kg (kerb), so it's no wonder why it performs exceptionally well. It is suspended on WP USD front forks and a monoshock unit at the back. The bike is brought to halt via a 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc. It rides on Metzeler tyres (110/70 front and 150/60 rear).

Kawasaki Ninja 300

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 gets a steel diamond frame, which is quite rigid. The suspension unit comprises 37mm telescopic front forks and a gas-charged monoshock unit with adjustable preload at the rear. It gets a combination of petal discs at the front as well as at the rear (290mm front and 220mm rear). The tyres shod to the 17-inch alloy wheels (IRC tyres, 110/70 front and 140/70 rear) are not the most desirable ones, but good enough to take on Indian roads. The saddle sits 785mm high.

PRICING AND VERDICT

The KTM RC 390 carries a price tag of Rs 2.29 lakh. The Yamaha R3 and the Benelli 302R have an identical price tag of Rs 3.48 lakh. The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is the most expensive of the lot at Rs 3.60 lakh whereas the TVS Apache RR 310 is the cheapest, with a price of Rs 2.05 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom Delhi).

Yamaha YZF-R3

While the KTM RC 390 offers the best value, it is the new R3 that tugs at our heartstrings. It not only packs a powerful parallel-twin motor but comes equipped with some of the top-spec features. It is exciting enough on the track and can adapt to urban conditions quite brilliantly as well. It is this duality of purpose that has the Yamaha R3 as our pick of the lot.

Content: BikeDekho.com