Kawasaki Ninja 400 Vs KTM RC390 - Best Beginner Sportbike in 2023?

[@rccmrccrawlermods4517]

Great review! Gotta say l am 67, been riding for 54 years and had a 2016 390rc and loved it... Am going to get the 2023 KTM for sure!

[@babymetalenjoyer]

19 year old beginner here. I'll probably go for one aswell. Just tested the 125cc version today, great handling.

[@tone-em1lv]

Ive been riding for 20+ years and i down sized to the rc because i wanted a corner flicker, and ita amazing at that. The only dissapointment with both these bikes is the 40hp, the last 400 i owned was a 89 fzr400, 30 years ago they came out with 65hp, why are modern 400s so tame? That being said ive already collected a couple of tickets so probably not a bad thing lol

[@babymetalenjoyer]

@@tone-em1lv well, it's mostly due to European license regulations. With an A2 license you can ride bikes up to 48 hp. (also those limited from up to 95 hp) This license is available from 18 years of age. The "full bike license" (A) is available from 24 years only.

[@-lucas-3854]

@@tone-em1lv also ​​⁠​​⁠another reason is because of the emissions regulations!

[@SaaduMia]

Take the 390s headlight area out, put orange vinyl wrap, put it back. And it’s the most gorgeous out of the two

[@robertrishel3685]

Just bought two, brand new RC390’s (2023 models) for me and my son. It’s his first road bike and I gave up riding nearly 15 years ago. I LOVE it, so much fun. I have always liked small, lightweight bikes and this thing is a real good time. It has rekindled my love of motorcycles; I grew up racing motocross, and have club road raced, competed in observed trials and generally tried nearly every genre of motorcycle competition in my life. They’re great little bikes and terrific platforms for teaching. Really happy to be riding again and sharing it with my youngest son and his older brothers.

[@NoName-te7vo]

That swingarm on Ninja 400 looks like 150 CC budget bike.

[@MrEiniweini]

That was a great head to head. I like the adjustable bar height idea on the 390, I would have to see how that works. Ergonomics would be key for me in choosing between those two.

[@spurgeproductions128]

Hello! Just stumbled across your channel and OMG tysm for everything. Your relaxed narration and presentation of exactly the points i need to hear is legendary. Much love from WA.

[@Kwackajack]

Glad you found the channel mate, appreciate the kind words!

[@malachigibson6535]

I love the rc 390 front, looks like something off of halo

[@dextergill7222]

Get the Kawasaki if you prefer green and the KTM if you prefer orange

[@torturetuesday5191]

I literally bought the RC 390 because I loved the front end. It looks like something off a UFO. I absolutely love the look of the RC 390. The Ninja looks pretty good too though.

[@rykerson]

Thanks for this - and your other - great reviews. Really helpful in selecting a bike.

[@mxtt8830]

Gotta be said, the 400 seating position is comfy but looks so goofy ! The rc390 looks so much more aggressive with its track focussed uncomfortable seating. Worth it in my opinion!

[@glenndonbayno3879]

This Review help me to choose the best bike in this category, So KTM RC 390 for Me.

[@Diemerstein]

Here is what was not mentioned in this review. The Ninja 400 is a ECU neutered bike which allows it to be sold in many countries as a beginner bike, the RC390 is not. You can take out the ECU on the Ninja and have the ECU remapped to bring it up to Japanese intended specs, this will gain the Ninja about 25% more performance overall. Currently the Ninja is limited to 120Mph, with an ECU flash, you'll get 135Mph top speed and far more aggressive acceleration in all gears, this brings it to near the Ninja 650 range, all for about $300. While there is a ECU flash available for the RC390, all it does however is only allows it to reeve to 10,500 RPM.

[@rizen3467]

Is this a legal mod assuming you have the right drivers license for a bike in that power class?

[@Diemerstein]

@@rizen3467 As far as I know it is legal, but if you assume for a moment it isn't, who would be policing this?

[@rizen3467]

@@Diemerstein yeah true

[@brianbelcher7279]

Is it already unrestricted in the countries where it has 49 HP?

[@4fkka]

hey jack! great video, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would love to hear your thoughts on the 400 against Honda's cbr500r. 😊

[@ziting5756]

Amazing comparison !

[@rmcfadde1]

great review! i have a hayabusa (overkill lol) but picked up a 2019 rc390 on a deal i couldn't pass up....absolutely love that little sucker. Other than the tiny gas tank, no complaints.

[@danlombardi1797]

Nice to read this, I had an 03 and an 08 Hayabusa and sold them years ago… looking into these two “mini” bikes and wondered if I’d be bored with the lack of power, but the fun factor in the turns seems like it would make up for it.

[@rmcfadde1]

@@danlombardi1797 yes, no comparison to the busa's...........but the RC390 will get the job done.

[@brandonwasson1124]

Would love to see a ninja 400 vs cf moto 450ss vs honda cbr 500r

[@alexv5581]

I test rode both. There's no question which is the better sports bike (rc390). If you're looking for an all around bike ? ninja 400, a sporty fun track toy ? rc 390.

[@vali69]

My only concern with the ktm is reliability. But eh, when I get to the stage of actually buying I'll see what's going to be in my budget, if it is I might go for it over the ninja 400. If I'll have to go for something cheaper I'll get an older r3.

[@sensei249]

I think they are reliable. Maybe not in the past, but they have up their game in recent years.

[@robertwerner7577]

I’ve had my rc for 7 years and 9000 miles later it’s never had an issue

[@vali69]

@@robertwerner7577 under 15000km? Seems low for a bike you've had for 7 years. I've seen a few rc390's from 2018 or 2019 on 2nd hand marketplaces having double that.

[@zorendisto8775]

Ktm is reliable😊

[@vali69]

@@zorendisto8775 well I hope so, the rc390 goes for pretty decent prices second hand compared to the ninja 300, let alone the 400.

[@Bido11561]

Is the 2022 and 2023 rc390 the same or is there a difference between those two years?

[@heyitsluno]

Had a Svartpilen 401, basically just a Husqvarna variant of the RC 390, and it was really nice. For street use only, would have to recommend it much more than either of these options. Get all the features of the 390, but for about $7,300 AUD. Quickshifter was smoother and engine seemed to be tuned a bit richer. Reliability stuff isn't that much of an issue anymore, have refined things much more since 2018. Been interested in doing track stuff though, so probably looking at the 390 now :)

[@tonytasker489]

I'm not to sure about the KTM styling, it just doesn't do it for me. I much prefer the Kwak. Yes, the Kwak could do with an upgrade on the styling, but as they say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". What's your thoughts on what they could do?

[@Kwackajack]

Refine the exhaust to make it smaller and sleeker, like the 650's. Give it a tad more adjustable suspension or even go with upside down forks, and put on the dash from the rest of the lineup. I'd be more than happy with that

[@dannyb8416]

and redesign the front end to look more zx10 like

[@lackofinterest7605]

@@dannyb8416 there needs to be some sort of distinction. if you want a zx front buy a zx

[@potentialdead]

Actually firstly I hated rc 390 design but in time fell in love and now I owned that and fell in love more. Rc 390 is a great motocycle the only negative thing it would be better if it has 2 cylinders with a better sound

[@rivercityrambler7751]

If it had 2 cylinders it would lose low end and midrange tourque.

[@JorgeGonzalez-ei6ft]

Yehh, good bikes. And your right. RD does win with its new model. kawasaki needs to fully revolutionise its ninja range

[@robertrossi9374]

Nice review Kjack..... how's that shoulder of yours going?

[@Kwackajack]

Progress is slow, hating the sling. Just trying to stay busy, thanks for checking in!

[@joshuaespinoza6331]

Both are amazing! Ktm has a bit nore torque coming out corners. Ridong modes on the ktm is what sold me! But DAMN I LOVE THAT NINJA 400 LOOK. 😮

[@sapphire5857]

Hi there, have you ridden both, or only the Kawa?

[@grahamyoung622]

Any comments re the comfort of the RC390 seat after an hour or two of riding? I saw a recent owners review which stated that the seat was pretty hard and his butt was aching after about 30 minutes or so.

[@ColoradoKid32]

Try riding a bicycle 120 miles…. It can’t be worse than a bike seat

[@enrikbardhi8934]

I got the rc 125 which has the same seat and let me tell you mate the seat doesn't bother me at all. Same with comfort. I'm 5ft6 and felt at home after a few rides. Done 9 hourse on it none stop.

[@joshuaespinoza6331]

What year is that ktm please and thanks?

[@tanmaykamble2806]

hey bro, im new to biking (doing it since a year). whats your thoughts on buying the z900 for my first bike?

[@MrEiniweini]

z900 is a lot of bike for a 1st bike. Bikes like the Ninja400 and KTM390 are entry level because they give you space to learn to control the bike. Throttle control and power delivery will be your biggest issues for the first few years of riding. The z900 won't forgive mistakes. Consider a 90 degree turn from a stop sign into the closest lane on a wet road. If you give it too much throttle you will lose the rear wheel and drop the bike. On a dry road you risk "whiskey throttling" the bike which will project you across the lane and into oncoming traffic. Still, I am not the one you asked.

[@Kwackajack]

As the other gent has already mentioned, a Z900 is a terrific bike but it is a LOT of bike. For your first I'd recommend something smaller and lighter to get acquainted to the roads. Either of these two would be perfect, as would an R3. You COULD get a z900, but you'd have to be extremely careful with all the power that it has.

[@tanmaykamble2806]

@@Kwackajack thanks so much for the reply. What about the z650? would that be a good choice? its LAMS as well

[@user-fk9vm6no5i]

​@@tanmaykamble2806 get an r1 dont be silly

[@ricklepick5829]

​​@@tanmaykamble2806you'll be fine starting on a z650 or ninja 650. Especially if it's a 2023 as they have traction control. However if twisty sport style riding is your goal the 400s are better as where the 650 is more of a sport touring setup imo

[@thefallenwatermelon3495]

i want the ninja 400, but its impossible to find it used in denmark, the rc 390 is way easier to find for a good price, and for reference, the ninja 400 new costs 13k USD i denmark

[@williamlu4394]

The Ninja 400 is a touring naked with fairings not designed to be pushed unless you don't care about your insurance premium. The RC 390 is almost a pure bred track toy. Totally different rigidity in chassis. Test rode an RC the other day and the suspension is simultaneously stiffer and more comfortable; upgrading the Ninja would cost at least 1k forks and shock which removes it from the equation especially given the RC's lean sensitive TC and ABS.

[@monkeydust100]

Whats KTM's reliability like? I like the RC 390 but not sure if they have issues.

[@vindictive999]

r u gonna do a vid on the ninja 400 4 cylinder?

[@Kwackajack]

What should I compare it to? There isn't really anything else like it on the market

[@luvluv5632]

So it’s pretty much the same bike it really comes down to which one you like verses specs

[@thereal-stl_slim]

2024 KTM fuelx pro, powertronic ECU with quickshift, full acropovic exhaust, 16t front sprocket custom front spoiler tuned at 60+ to the rear wheel. KTM all day

[@1976gerbel]

Well, I think the RC has a better electronic package with cornering ABS, traction control, TFT display. And its cheaper.

[@gmanlimitedanderson-0drisc211]

On paper the RC might have better suspension ect but i think having ridden both its the ninja all day for me

[@sametdemirel708]

i have a 2023 rc 390 and 890 smt. i love KTM

[@igit_7296]

Tough call. The KTM is pretty much a better bike. I like the ninja more. These tiny bikes are more about looks; their performance, at best, is meh anyway.

[@rivercityrambler7751]

More rider skill than anything. I had zero problem staying glued to a Duke 890R on the mountain roads on a 390 Duke. Only place he pulled were long straights. In the tight twisty stuff the smaller bikes are weapons due to their weight and ability to transition quickly. I have around 4 decades of riding, many track days, and owned so many bikes of various diplacements I can't remember all of them.

[@giovanhagar]

The Ninja is more comfortable and reliable. Japanese quality is the best. I like the analog tachometer on the Ninja. The 390 has cheap bolts on the engine covers and blows head gaskets.

[@OneLovePsych]

KTM is supreme. 99% of YT agrees, it’s not even close.

[@wetland3010]

Still loving my Ninja 400 KRT. Like it so much I bought one for the wife. Hers is red. Fantastic satisfying bikes. Thanks for the great comparison. PS. Neither of us would cope with the seat height of the KTM. It is tall.

[@den2ofoz]

rc90 is just too heighty. So, the 400 is a clear winner for me. And the mid upright position too.

[@sahilbalmiki813]

KTM RC is love ❤

[@Shyguy327]

Didn’t think the R3 a beginner bike ?

[@sander1406]

It is a begginer bike

[@Shyguy327]

@@sander1406 it was a question in relation why it wasn’t included in the video “(you) didn’t think the R3 was a beginner bike ?” Considering the video is titled “best beginner bike in 2023”

[@Shyguy327]

(You) was referring to kwackajack not yourself*

[@Kwackajack]

I have a video on the channel directly comparing the Ninja 400 to the R3 already if you’d like to check that out. It was made before the new KTM was released

[@user-tu5sz7ip1d]

why not, powertrain is pretty much the same as kawa 400 and ktm 390

[@jachins580]

Even though the Ninja didn't come out on the top, it'll always be No. 1 in my books... Same here😊

[@Kwackajack]

🥲

[@crabelol]

I think the older gen rc390s look much nicer than the new one

[@torturetuesday5191]

I think the old ktms are very ugly compared to this one. This version is stunning in my opinion.

[@bfarm44]

The Kawasaki is the better of the two for the average rider. The KTM will not last as long or be as reliable and that’s where my money goes as much as I prefer that orange and blue KTM. Long years of experience and a box full of failed KTM parts will keep me from purchasing another one

[@heyitsluno]

Have you owned one built recently (newer than 2018)? Never had an issue with my Husqvarna Svartpilen 401.

[@rivercityrambler7751]

The newer KTMs are pretty bulletproof. Gen 1 390 had issues. They have been addressed.

[@sqlb3rn]

Your opinions on the reliability of the ninja 400 seem pretty irrelevant given it's a brand new model less than a year old and you don't own one.

[@waltsmith6515]

​@@sqlb3rnyour mixing up ninja with zx4 r

[@sqlb3rn]

Instead of a $9k ninja 400 I would save another thousand and get the 636. RC390 all day for $6k budget

[@waltsmith6515]

Your mixing up ninja with zx4 r

[@stevie9361]

Ride that ninja on the track an you'll see it's just a city bike. That rc is couple seconds faster on the track. Their top speeds to is bs. On paper it can say all it wants to about going 115mph, but in real life it don't. You need good long stretch of road, or a good down hill. These bikes like to live 50 to 80mph.

[@cranky1812]

As owner of 2 RC 390s (2016), i would never sell them and I'll be making one of them into a full track motorcycle. I would never buy Ninja 400 (fake ninja) but i would buy the new Ninja zx4rr.

[@PetSounds38]

All the guys who prefer ninja never tried the RC.

[@rivercityrambler7751]

The 4RR is $13,000 out the door. You have to be smoking bat Guana to pay that much for a 400. Just spend a little more and get a 6R rat would stomp the 400 regardless of what you do to it.

[@cranky1812]

@@rivercityrambler7751 it's not always about the engine size. I also have Suzuki GSX 750 but having a inline 4 cylinder 400 would be great just like having a 250 inline 4 cylinder is also amazing.

[@rivercityrambler7751]

@@cranky1812 over 4 decades of riding and many many track days. I would smoke a 400RR on a 15yr old R6. I've owned everything from a 390 Duke, to liter bikes, to a 2017 H2.

[@cranky1812]

@@rivercityrambler7751 ok, good for you. Still a 400 cc inline 4 cylinder is great motorcycle to have especially on a street.

[@rolanddiaz1974]

Cfmoto 450 sr is the new king ninja 400 is left behind his power against cfmoto 450 sr

[@RT22-pb2pp]

I am 60 ridden since I was 6 on little dirt bikes. For once drop this beginner bike bs. The only true beginner bike is 80cc and under if you are beginning at 10yrs old or under. If you are starting riding in teens.or 20s or 30s etc you are looking at totally different bikes. In my mind and know it will never happen but NO RIDER should start on street just to.many dangers. Dirt no traffic no steel guard rails no concrete. Learn to ride at slower speeds so death is not less likely. Fastest dirt bikes 30 to 45 mph I'd flying on a dirt track not counting flat track but moto x style riding trail and woods riding. I crashed more times than you can count.in dirt from yamaha 60 to kx500. Kx500 yes can kill you easy lol.but in dirt you learn the skills in a pretty safe way slower dirt or grass to fall on. My.only serious I jury was at 18 55mph on street car hit me almost lost my right leg. 2 yrs in cast 8 operations to save leg pins plates the whole 9 yards. So drop beginner bike bs please a 400 ninja can top 100mph and sorry uys 90% of riders are not skunked enough to say they can.pysh it to its limits safely.or reasonably safe. I have zx6 as long as I have ridden and with pro race classes and local racing in 20s it is more bike than I need on street. When zx4rr start selling g used you can bet I am getting one when I can spend a decent price for one. Be safe and have fun but remember even simple crash kills on bikes so stay aware and limit risks but enjoy the ride.😊

[@yohaan9]

I think the fact a single cylinder is being compared with a parallel is a W too. But of course the Ninja takes the win here :)

[@Lol-op8jb]

Wrong

[@yohaan9]

@@Lol-op8jb ?

[@LNVACVAC]

Would buy the KTM if the colour wasn't awful.

[@heyitsluno]

Agreed. Wish there was an SE variant like the white Ninja 400.

[@PavanGangal-m5v]

Fantastic bike ninja 400

[@yongseng4743]

In the bends, Rc will dominate ninja. In the open, i will love to take the ninja

[@commentertherealone]

CFMOTO 450SS

[@thebrowns5337]

Just one minute in and dude is asking for a like!? It might be a dud video - let me watch it and then decide. Tubers get obsessed with thumbs up.

[@sander1406]

All theese comments are just kawa fanboys and its no wonder when the Chanel name is kawajack💀

[@Kwackajack]

I am a Kawi fanboy, through and through. But I literally say the KTM takes the win here

[@3thndv155]

And Yammie Noob is a Yamaha fanboy. Go figure. Who really cares. People can have their preferences.

[@XeonRc]

Ninja hands down ! Hate the front design of the RC390 ruins the look of the whole bike.

[@ol1mar]

tbh I kinda like the cyclops look of the RC390 but even then if you look at it from literally any other angle than head on it looks far better than the ninja 400 imo

[@sensei249]

​@@ol1mar yeah from other angles i don't think there's anyone to match rc's design.

[@freeman10000]

Yep! The RC390, in MY opinion looks a bit like a hat full of ars......s. Gimmie the Ninja any day

[@alexv5581]

Hell no, the better sports bike is easily the rc390. I buy a bike to ride, not to state at.

[@joshuaespinoza6331]

You gonna pick one bike over the other because of looks?

[@JawareBhagu]

Condom bike seilansar ki petti pagal kotalli 50000 best anna

[@TheGrandmaMoses]

Well, both are so similar that there is basically only one problem: One is green and you cannot get it without green, one is orange and you cannot get it without orange. God it is so unnerving to not think about buying the best in the class because they put brand identity above what the customer, in this case me, wants - which would be more color schemes and one pure black one of both of them. I'll get my license in like 3 weeks, maybe they'll come up with something not green and orange until then, although I highly doubt it! And then it's gonna be the boring Honda 500 choice, all because those two in the video and the Duke 390 don't come in adult colours AT ALL. Just imagine, "I'm BMW and from now on I will only sell silver cars. No blue, no red, no black. Just silver." Ridiculous.

[@Kwackajack]

Not sure where you're located but here in Aus you can get a new all black Ninja 400 for a few hundred dollars less than the KRT model

[@TheGrandmaMoses]

@@Kwackajack Thanks for the answer, I double checked and over here in Germany for 2023 there seem to be only two different paint jobs available with one being called 'grey' and the other 'KRT edition', judging from the german Kawasaki page. I saw a rather black 400 somewhere on the Internet, but even it had green accents everywhere. It could also be that the 'grey' is the new 'all black' Ninja you spoke of - again, just a lot of poison green accents definitely suited for a younger man. Also, in this video right here, there is a purely black and white one - but I've never seen that on any sales site, so it has to be some special limited livery or something, right? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGXZdp6gfMyGhK8

[@user-fk9vm6no5i]

​@@TheGrandmaMoses you can paint your bike pink if thats more your cup of tea or your case probably monster energy

[@TheGrandmaMoses]

@@user-fk9vm6no5i Wow, just so witty and clever. I'll tell my kids about your little funny, they are going to be delighted with the sheer quality of the thing. The 'ole self-upvote' just rounds out your impression perfectly! Thanks for engaging in the conversation with all the mindful advice you had to offer! See you around!

[@heyitsluno]

There's a white Ninja 400 called the SE. Looks amazing, just not sure if it's sold where you live.

[@ogarzabello]

Stop the cliches: It is more fun to ride a fast moto (or car) FAST!

[@vindictive999]

sorry not what i aSked just a vid maybe ?

[@thurein4491]

ktm design fail very bad

[@chicalitrece9409]

Kawasaki for sure for mi ❤️Suzuki 750

[@dakotaolivier3609]

i will say i’ve never say on a ninja but the ktm feels like garbage to sit on