Which is faster, the KTM 390 Duke or the Yamaha MT-03?

The KTM 390 Duke. It carries 0.27 hp per kilo (45 hp, 165 kg wet) against 0.25 hp per kilo for the Yamaha MT-03 (42 hp, 167 kg).

Is the KTM 390 Duke cheaper than the Yamaha MT-03?

The KTM 390 Duke is cheaper at €6,299 list, €600 less than the Yamaha MT-03 at €6,899.

Which is better for shorter riders?

The Yamaha MT-03. Its 780 mm seat is 40 mm lower than the KTM 390 Duke, and at 167 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.

Which has better technology, the 390 Duke or the MT-03?

The KTM 390 Duke, which scores 8.3 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The Yamaha MT-03 counters with phone connectivity.

Which goes further on a tank?

The KTM 390 Duke: 429 km from its 15 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 368 km for the Yamaha MT-03.

Which bike wins overall?

The KTM 390 Duke, scoring 66.6 of 100 against 40.2 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

KTM 390 Duke vs Yamaha MT-03

Two naked bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits.

KTM

390 Duke

66.6

/ 100

Winner

Yamaha

MT-03

40.2

/ 100

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0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

KTM 390 Duke0 km/h

Full specification comparison: KTM 390 Duke versus Yamaha MT-03
Spec	KTM390 Duke	YamahaMT-03
Engine
Engine	Single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC	Parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement	398.7 cc	321 cc
Power	45 hp at 8,500 rpm	42 hp at 10,750 rpm
Torque	39 Nm at 7,000 rpm	29.6 Nm at 9,000 rpm
Power to weight	0.27 hp/kg	0.25 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight	165 kg	167 kg
Front suspension	WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 150 mm	KYB 37 mm inverted, 130 mm
Front adjustability	Compression and rebound	Preload only
Rear suspension	WP APEX monoshock, 150 mm	KYB monoshock, 125 mm
Rear adjustability	Preload and rebound	Preload only
Front brake	320 mm, radial 4-piston	298 mm, axial 2-piston
ABS	Cornering ABS	Standard ABS
Dimensions
Seat height	820 mm	780 mm
Wheelbase	1476 mm	1380 mm
Fuel capacity	15 L	14 L
Claimed consumption	3.5 L/100 km	3.8 L/100 km
Fuel range	429 km	368 km
Ownership
Price	€6,299	€6,899
Service interval	10,000 km	10,000 km
Valve check	20,000 km	42,000 km
Warranty	2 years	2 years
Equipment
Dash	TFT	LCD
Ride modes	Yes	No
Traction control	Yes	No
Quickshifter	Optional	Not available
Cruise control	Not available	Not available
Connectivity	Yes	Yes

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Verdict

The KTM 390 Duke wins this comparison comfortably, 66.6 points to 40.2.

The gap of 26.4 points is built mostly in engine and performance, where the 390 Duke takes 11.4 points out of the MT-03. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the 390 Duke is the quicker machine: 45 hp and 39 Nm moving 165 kg, against 42 hp and 29.6 Nm moving 167 kg for the MT-03. That is 0.27 hp per kilo playing 0.25.

The 390 Duke costs €6,299, which leaves €600 in your pocket against the MT-03 at €6,899. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the 390 Duke and 10,000 km on the MT-03.

Better for city and commuting

KTM 390 Duke

A 820 mm seat, 429 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.

Better for weekend twisties

KTM 390 Duke

45 hp pushing 165 kg with WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

KTM 390 Duke

429 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.

Frequently asked

Which is faster, the KTM 390 Duke or the Yamaha MT-03?: The KTM 390 Duke. It carries 0.27 hp per kilo (45 hp, 165 kg wet) against 0.25 hp per kilo for the Yamaha MT-03 (42 hp, 167 kg).
Is the KTM 390 Duke cheaper than the Yamaha MT-03?: The KTM 390 Duke is cheaper at €6,299 list, €600 less than the Yamaha MT-03 at €6,899.
Which is better for shorter riders?: The Yamaha MT-03. Its 780 mm seat is 40 mm lower than the KTM 390 Duke, and at 167 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the 390 Duke or the MT-03?: The KTM 390 Duke, which scores 8.3 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The Yamaha MT-03 counters with phone connectivity.
Which goes further on a tank?: The KTM 390 Duke: 429 km from its 15 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 368 km for the Yamaha MT-03.
Which bike wins overall?: The KTM 390 Duke, scoring 66.6 of 100 against 40.2 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

Dig into each bike

KTM 390 Duke specs and score Yamaha MT-03 specs and score 390 Duke maintenance costs MT-03 maintenance costs All naked bikes

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