We compared both naked-streetfighters on paper and here’s how it turned out
KTM recently launched the updated 390 Duke in India, priced at Rs 2,95,000 . The Austrian streetfighter directly rivals the Japanese Yamaha MT-03, priced at Rs 3,49,900 (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi), in the sub-400cc segment. We compared both the bikes, on paper, and here’s how it turned out:
Design:
Both bikes are fundamentally different in design but are built for the same purpose. The KTM 390 Duke gets massive tank extensions with sharp bodylines giving it a sporty and aggressive look. While the Yamaha MT-03 gets air-scoops on its fuel tank giving it a more muscular look.
The 390 Duke is offered in three colour schemes: Electronic Orange, Atlantic Blue and Ebony Black. While the MT-03 is offered in just two colour schemes: Midnight Black and Midnight Cyan. We personally find the 390 Duke’s Ebony Black colour scheme the most attractive.
Engine:
The 2025 390 Duke is powered by a 398.63cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 46PS at 8,500rpm and 39Nm at 6,500rpm. The Yamaha MT-03 is powered by a 321cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine producing 42PS at 10,750rpm and 29.5Nm at 9,000rpm.
Both the bikes are paired with a six-speed gearboxes but the 390 Duke is equipped with a slip-and-assist clutch and a bidirectional quickshifter. The KTM 390 Duke makes more power but the Yamaha MT-03’s parallel-twin motor offers much smoother power delivery.
Underpinnings:
The KTM 390 Duke gets a fully adjustable 43mm WP Apex inverted fork and a monoshock with 10-step preload and 5-step rebound adjustability while the MT-03 gets a 37mm inverted fork and a monoshock with preload adjustability. Both the streetfighters get 17-inch alloy wheels with a 110-section front tyre. At the rear, the 390 Duke gets a 150-section tyre while the MT-03 gets a 140-section tyre.
The 390 Duke gets a 320mm front and 240mm rear disc brake, weighs 168kg (kerb) and gets a ground clearance of 183mm. The Duke gets a seat height of 800mm and can be increased to 820mm with an accessory seat. On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-03 gets a 298mm front and a 220mm rear disc brake, weighs 167kg (kerb) and gets a ground clearance of 160mm. The MT-03 gets a seat height of just 780mm, which is 20mm lower than that of the 390 Duke, thus making the Japanese bike more accessible for shorter riders.
Features:
The KTM 390 Duke is loaded with features like a 5-inch bonded glass TFT display with smartphone connectivity, traction control, dual-channel switchable ABS, cornering ABS, launch control, and ride modes (Street and Rain) along with a dedicated track mode too. It also gets an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for advanced features like cornering ABS and cornering traction control.
The MT-03 on the other hand isn’t feature rich and gets just basic features like dual-channel ABS and an LCD instrument cluster. Both the bikes get all-LED lighting setups though.
Verdict:
The 2025 Duke, with a price tag of Rs 2,95,000, provides immense value-for-money with the equipment it offers. The Duke, despite being a single-cylinder bike produces more power, and more torque than the Yamaha MT-03 and also offers more features while being more affordable at the same time. he Yamaha MT-03’s parallel-twin engine will definitely offer more refinement and smoother power delivery but its price tag of Rs 3,49,900 (all prices ex-showroom Delhi) is quite hefty for what it offers.
If you are in the market for a naked streetfighter with manic performance, advanced features more commonly seen in big bikes and an affordable price tag, then the KTM 390 Duke is the one for you. If you want a sub-350cc streetfighter for its smooth, parallel-twin performance and are willing to look past the expensive price tag, then the Yamaha MT-03 is the one you can consider for your next purchase.
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