Both bikes actually boast similar power-to-weight ratios, which makes things really interesting in a straight line
The KTM 390 Duke has enjoyed the title of the ‘Fastest Sub-400cc Naked In India’ for years now.
However, for 2022, Honda has re-introduced the CB300R with a couple of interesting updates, including a bump in peak power.
So, can the new CB300R make life difficult for the 390 Duke in a straight line? Well, here’s a drag race between the two bikes answering this very question.
The Competitors
The first contender here is the BS6 CB300R which makes 31.1PS and 27.5Nm from its 296cc engine
On one side of the spectrum, we have the updated Honda CB300R. It uses the same 296cc, single-cylinder engine as before, but the motor has now been tweaked to meet BS6 norms. More importantly, it churns out 31.1PS and 27.5Nm, 0.7PS and 0.1Nm more than before.
Going against it is the KTM 390 Duke which churns out 43.5PS and 37Nm from its bigger 373cc motor
Going against the CB is the popular KTM 390 Duke, which employs a bigger 373cc, single-cylinder engine, putting out 43.5PS and 37Nm.
It’s worth noting, however, that even though the Duke is substantially more powerful, both bikes have identical power-to-weight ratios, thanks to the CB300R’s impressive curb weight of just 146kg, which is 20kg less than the 390 Duke.
BS6 Honda CB300R vs KTM 390 Duke Drag Race
In race one, both riders get off the line well but it’s the Honda CB300R that stays marginally in front
Getting right into it, as soon as the race starts, it’s actually the Honda CB300R that gets a marginal jump on the more powerful 390 Duke.
This slight advantage only stays in place till just 85kmph, though, post which the 390 Duke’s power advantage comes into play, ultimately giving it the win.
After which, the Duke’s power advantage comes into play and it wins once again
For the next race, the riders swap seats and go at it once again. This time, it’s much closer than before with both bikes almost side-by-side till 85-90kmph. Post this, the KTM 390 Duke again edges ahead and wins twice in a row.
Where things get super interesting, though, is in the roll-on race. Swipe up to find out what happens.
Later in the video, the riders also attempt a sort of roll-on race where the Honda CB300R keeps up with the 390 Duke till almost 125kmph, only to lose out in the top end.
What Did We Learn?
Well, simply that, even though the Honda CB300R is a fast and likable motorcycle, it’s still not faster than the KTM 390 Duke.
Watch the full video here:
Keyword: Has The Honda CB300R BS6 Become Quick Enough To Beat The KTM 390 Duke?