Yamaha MT-03 vs KTM 390 Duke Spec Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?

Yamaha has lately launched the MT-03 at Rs 4.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Essentially a naked version of the fully-faired R3, the MT-03 is the brand's first naked motorcycle in the country since the original MT-01. While the high price makes it less accessible than other naked streetfighters like the KTM 390 Duke (Rs 3.11 lakh, ex-showroom), the Yamaha MT-03 is not just almost equally capable owing to its parallel-twin motor with 42bhp but also fits right into the comparison with its intent.

Yamaha MT-03 vs KTM 390 Duke: Engine, Output

At the heart of the Yamaha MT-03 is a 321cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine cranking out 42bhp at 10,750rpm and 29.5Nm of peak torque at 9,000rpm. Transmission duties are handled by a 6-speed unit assisted by a slipper clutch. The third-generation KTM 390 Duke, meanwhile, gets a larger 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. Owing to its larger displacement, the KTM motor has slightly higher output figures – 44bhp and 39Nm. Offered along with a six-speed gearbox is a slipper clutch as well as a quick-shifter. 

Also Read: Yamaha YZF-R3 Launched in India; Check Price, Features, Specs and More

Yamaha MT-03 vs KTM 390 Duke: Suspension, Brakes

In terms of suspension, the Yamaha MT-03 features upside-down forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear. In comparison, the KTM 390 Duke sits on a steel trellis frame, suspended by upside-down front forks with rebound and compression adjustability and a rear mono-shock with preload and rebound adjustability. 

The braking hardware on the MT-03 comprises a 298mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc. The discs come mounted on 17-inch wheels clothed in 110/70 front and 140/70 rear tubeless tyres. Slowing down the 390 Duke is a bigger 320mm/240mm (front/rear) disc brake combination. The Duke rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 110/70 front and 150/60 rear Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres. Both bikes come with dual-channel ABS, with the 390 Duke also featuring Supermoto ABS as standard.

Yamaha MT-03 vs KTM 390 Duke: Styling

In terms of appearance, the naked MT-03 is quite identical to the popular Yamaha MT-15. The MT-03 comes with an aggressive-looking face, featuring muscular bodywork, a projector headlamp with spoilers, and split-style LED DRLs. Other styling bits include an upswept side-mounted exhaust, a wide 14-litre fuel tank, and a slim LED tail lamp. Yamaha offers two colour options – Grey/Cyan Blue and Midnight Black, depending on the availability of stock.

On the other hand, the third-generation 390 Duke gets updates in the form of a redesigned headlamp setup, boomerang-styled DRLs, split-style seats, new tank extensions, and an exposed rear subframe, all giving the bike a more powerful and aggressive appearance than before. The new 390 Duke is available in two colour options – Atlantic Blue and Electronic Orange Metallic. 

Yamaha MT-03 vs KTM 390 Duke: Features, Riding Aids

Features-wise, Yamaha's MT-03 is decently equipped, with an LCD instrument console, LED illumination, and dual-channel ABS. But it misses out on many frills like launch control, traction control, a bi-directional quick-shifter, a TFT display with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, and riding modes, all of which are offered with its close rival – the KTM 390 Duke. 

Also Read: Aprilia RS 457 vs KTM RC 390 Spec Comparison: Which One Should You Pick?

Yamaha MT-03 vs KTM 390 Duke: Price

Available in a single variant, the Yamaha MT-03 is priced at Rs 4.60 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. The relatively high price tag is ascribed to the fact that the MT-03 is imported to India as a completely built-up unit from Indonesia. The bike will be sold through select Blue Square showrooms. The Duke, meanwhile, currently sits at Rs 3.11 lakh (ex-showroom), making it over Rs 1.45 lakh less expensive than the Yamaha.