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Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The ZX25R’s suspension is a bit more sophisticated than the RC 390’s, but both bikes provide a comfortable and controlled ride.
  • The ZX25R has a more powerful engine and more sophisticated suspension, but the RC 390 is more affordable and more agile.
  • The ZX25R is more powerful and has more sophisticated suspension, but the RC 390 is more affordable and more agile.

The Kawasaki ZX25R and KTM RC 390 are two of the most popular quarter-liter supersport bikes on the market today. Both bikes offer a thrilling riding experience, but they have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Kawasaki ZX25R vs KTM RC 390 to help you decide which bike is right for you.

Engine and Performance

The Kawasaki ZX25R is powered by a 249cc inline-four engine that produces 49 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque. The KTM RC 390 is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder engine that produces 43 horsepower and 26 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the ZX25R has the advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the RC 390’s single-cylinder engine is lighter and more compact, which gives it a better power-to-weight ratio. This means that the RC 390 actually feels faster and more responsive than the ZX25R, especially at low speeds.

At higher speeds, the ZX25R’s inline-four engine gives it a smoother and more refined power delivery. The RC 390’s single-cylinder engine can be a bit more vibey at high RPMs, but it still provides plenty of power for spirited riding.

Handling and Suspension

The Kawasaki ZX25R and KTM RC 390 are both very capable handling bikes. The ZX25R has a slightly more aggressive riding position than the RC 390, but both bikes are comfortable enough for long rides.

The ZX25R has a slightly longer wheelbase than the RC 390, which gives it a bit more stability at high speeds. However, the RC 390’s shorter wheelbase makes it more agile and easier to maneuver in tight corners.

Both bikes have adjustable suspension, so you can fine-tune the handling to your liking. The ZX25R’s suspension is a bit more sophisticated than the RC 390’s, but both bikes provide a comfortable and controlled ride.

Brakes and Safety Features

The Kawasaki ZX25R and KTM RC 390 both have excellent brakes. The ZX25R has dual 310mm discs up front and a single 220mm disc in the rear. The RC 390 has a single 320mm disc up front and a single 230mm disc in the rear.

Both bikes also have ABS as standard equipment. The ZX25R’s ABS system is more sophisticated than the RC 390’s, but both systems provide excellent stopping power.

Price and Value

The Kawasaki ZX25R is priced at $5,999, while the KTM RC 390 is priced at $5,499. Both bikes offer a lot of value for the money, but the RC 390 is the more affordable option.

Which Bike Is Right for You?

The Kawasaki ZX25R and KTM RC 390 are both excellent quarter-liter supersport bikes. The ZX25R has a more powerful engine and more sophisticated suspension, but the RC 390 is more affordable and more agile.

Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a bike with the most power and performance, the ZX25R is the better choice. If you’re looking for a bike that’s more affordable and more agile, the RC 390 is the better choice.

Key Points: The Final Verdict

The Kawasaki ZX25R and KTM RC 390 are two of the best quarter-liter supersport bikes on the market today. Both bikes offer a thrilling riding experience, but they have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The ZX25R is more powerful and has more sophisticated suspension, but the RC 390 is more affordable and more agile. Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Q: Which bike is faster, the Kawasaki ZX25R or the KTM RC 390?

A: On paper, the ZX25R is faster, but the RC 390’s lighter weight and better power-to-weight ratio make it feel faster in real-world riding conditions.

Q: Which bike has better handling, the Kawasaki ZX25R or the KTM RC 390?

A: Both bikes have excellent handling, but the RC 390 is slightly more agile, while the ZX25R is slightly more stable at high speeds.

Q: Which bike has better brakes, the Kawasaki ZX25R or the KTM RC 390?

A: Both bikes have excellent brakes, but the ZX25R’s ABS system is more sophisticated.

Q: Which bike is more affordable, the Kawasaki ZX25R or the KTM RC 390?

A: The KTM RC 390 is the more affordable bike, with a price of $5,499 compared to $5,999 for the ZX25R.

Q: Which bike is better for beginners, the Kawasaki ZX25R or the KTM RC 390?

A: The KTM RC 390 is the better choice for beginners, as it is more affordable, more agile, and easier to ride.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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