India’s entry-level supersport segment is heating up again in 2025, as Kawasaki’s newly launched Ninja 500 squares off against KTM’s long-standing contender, the RC 390. With both motorcycles aimed at riders seeking performance, aggressive styling, and city-track duality, this head-to-head brings fresh energy into the under-500cc segment.
While the RC 390 has established itself as a favorite among young Indian bikers over the years, Kawasaki’s move to replace the Ninja 400 with the more powerful Ninja 500 brings an all-new dynamic to this space. The question now is: which one delivers a better ride, tech, and value for India’s evolving performance-bike audience?
Design: Aggressive vs Aerodynamic
Both bikes flaunt sporty aesthetics, but they cater to slightly different tastes. The KTM RC 390 remains sharp and aggressive, featuring a race-oriented fairing, LED headlamps, and an edgy stance. It’s loud in terms of both design and character, making it a head-turner on urban roads.
The Kawasaki Ninja 500, on the other hand, brings a more mature supersport silhouette. With smoother fairing lines, larger proportions, and Ninja ZX-inspired cues, it carries an international sportbike appeal. While not as loud as the RC in terms of looks, it demands attention through its size and premium finish.
Engine and Performance
This is where things get interesting. The Ninja 500 comes with a newly developed 451cc parallel-twin engine, producing around 45 hp, tuned for a broader torque curve and better rideability. Its twin-cylinder nature offers smoother acceleration and refined top-end cruising, which can appeal to highway riders and tourers.
The RC 390 uses a single-cylinder, 373cc engine producing 43.5 hp, with a focus on aggressive low-end punch and quicker throttle response. While it lacks the smoothness of a twin, it makes up for it with raw engagement—ideal for track days or fast cornering.
Despite slightly lower displacement, the RC 390’s lighter kerb weight keeps the competition tight. Riders choosing between the two will be weighing twin-cylinder smoothness against single-cylinder aggression.
Features and Technology
The RC 390 is well-equipped with premium features like ride-by-wire, cornering ABS, traction control, and a fully digital TFT display with smartphone connectivity. It even has adjustable front forks, something rarely seen in this price bracket.
The Ninja 500, while slightly more conservative in tech, offers assist and slipper clutch, LED lighting, and a semi-digital instrument cluster. Globally, Kawasaki has kept it simple, and the Indian variant is expected to follow the same pattern to maintain pricing competitiveness.
If tech thrills matter, the RC 390 clearly leads here. But for those who prefer simplicity and long-term reliability, the Ninja still makes a strong case.
Ride and Usability
On city roads and occasional highways, the Ninja 500 promises better comfort with its more relaxed riding triangle. Its wider seat, calmer engine, and better heat management make it a more everyday-friendly bike.
The RC 390, however, has a focused riding stance—great for the track but not ideal for traffic snarls or long-distance touring. It demands more from the rider, which can be exciting or exhausting, depending on use.
Price and Value
The KTM RC 390 is priced at around ₹3.18 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a strong value for those chasing features and aggressive performance. The Kawasaki Ninja 500 is expected to launch in India soon at a premium—possibly between ₹5.2 lakh and ₹5.5 lakh (ex-showroom). While it may seem like a big jump, Kawasaki will bank on its twin-cylinder refinement and global appeal.
Also read: Harley’s Next Big India-Built Motorcycle Likely a 350cc Entry Model – Internal Leak Suggests
Verdict: Different Bikes for Different Riders
This battle doesn’t have a clear winner—it depends on what the rider seeks.
If you want cutting-edge tech, track-focused ergonomics, and value for money, the KTM RC 390 stays unbeatable in its category. But if you crave refined twin-cylinder performance, smoother power delivery, and a bike that can tour with ease, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 makes a compelling new entry.
For India’s young biking enthusiasts, this face-off brings the best of both worlds—European tech meets Japanese reliability. And that makes the 2025 entry-supersport war one of the most exciting rivalries to watch this year.
