Yamaha R2 vs. KTM RC 390 vs. Kawasaki Ninja 500: Complete Comparison

The Yamaha R2 is a recently launched bike in August 2026. The other two bikes—KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 500—also compete with the Yamaha R2 in engine performance, chassis control, braking and speed control, acceleration, and more.

In this blog, let us make a complete comparison covering the Yamaha R2 vs. KTM RC 390 vs. Kawasaki Ninja 500 elaborately. Helping you get started here:

1. Engine Capacity:

For a Yamaha R2 vs. KTM RC 390, here are the engine capacities we shall consider. In the Yamaha R2, the brand-new Yamaha R2 has a 204 CC liquid-cooled engine with a DOHC 4-valve. Whereas the KTM RC 390 has a 373 CC liquid-cooled engine that operates on a single DOHC valve. 

For a Yamaha R2 vs. Kawasaki Ninja 500 engine comparison, the Yamaha R2 operates on a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, while the Kawasaki model shares a 451-CC parallel twin DOHC setup. 

2. Power Capacity Of Bikes:

The Yamaha R2 has a power capacity of 26.5 PS at 10,000 rpm. With respect to the KTM RC 390, the power capacity measures 43.5 PS at 9000 rpm, and for the Kawasaki Ninja 500, it is 45.4 PS at 9000 rpm. In a nutshell, we have covered the Yamaha R2 comparison with the other two bikes for power output. 

3. Torque Capacity:

The Yamaha R2 enjoys a torque capacity of 19.1 Nm, while the figures are 37 Nm at 7000 rpm for the KTM RC 390 and 42.6 Nm for the Kawasaki Ninja 500, respectively. Here, we have covered the Yamaha R2 comparison with the other two bikes on torque capabilities. 

4. Yamaha R2 Features And Mileage Comparison:

Let us look at other Yamaha R2 Features and mileage comparisons with the KTM RC 390 vs. the Kawasaki Ninja 500:

• The display for a Yamaha R2 comprises a 5-inch color TFT with Bluetooth and navigation. For the KTM RC 390, the display features a color TFT, Bluetooth, and a lap timer. For the Kawasaki Ninja 500, the display is a negative LCD with a blue tooth and rideology feature.

• The seat for a Yamaha R2 is sporty compared to the adjacent recliner of the Yamaha R15. For the KTM RC 390, the seat height measures 835 mm, and for the Kawasaki Ninja 500, the seat height measures 785 mm. 

• The fuel tank for the Yamaha R2 is 12 liters. For the KTM RC 390, the fuel tank is 13.7 liters, and for the Kawasaki Ninja 500, the fuel tank is 14 liters.

• The real-time mileage for the Yamaha R2 is 35 km per liter of fuel. For the KTM RC 390, the mileage ranges between 26 and 29 kmpl, and for the Kawasaki Ninja 500, the mileage is between 21 and 26 kmpl.

5. Yamaha R2 Price Comparison:

When you have a look at the Yamaha R2 price comparison with the other two bikes, here are the figures that are involved. 

The Yamaha R2’s showroom price is INR 2.30 to 2.53 lakhs. The sports bike comparison in India is significantly evident, as this is the first bike that is priced at INR 2.3 lakhs, while the quickshifter Yamaha R2 is priced at INR 2.4 lakhs, and the custom-made Yamaha R2-M is priced at 2.53 lakhs. 

The KTM RC 390 is priced at INR 3.33 lakhs, and the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is priced at 5.76 lakhs. In this segment, you have learned the overall points of difference covering the Yamaha R2 vs. the KTM RC 390 vs. the Kawasaki Ninja 500. 

Having seen the design, mileage, and performance features of the Yamaha R2 vs. the KTM RC 390 vs. the Kawasaki Ninja 500, let us deep dive into how each of the bikes performs on the roads. Helping you understand further.

How Does Each Bike Perform On The Roads: Comparison Features Discussed

Let us have a quick rundown of how each of these bikes performs on roads wherein it truly counts:

1. City Riding:

The Yamaha R2 is the best for city-based riding as compared to the KTM RC 390 and the Kawasaki Ninja 500. This is primarily because of the R2’s lightweight chassis and sleek engine design that accelerates its performance on traffic-filled roads. The R2 is lighter than the other two bikes by at least 22 kgs, and this is why it gives better mileage of 35 kmpl, which is the highest of the three. 

The Ninja is the 2nd best performer on city-based roads due to a softer torque and the low-inclined seat adjustment that makes it convenient and hassle-free to ride on city-based roads. However, you may resent riding the KTM RC 390 on city roads.

2. Highway And Touring:

As the Ninja 500 is characterized by twin-cylinder ergonomics, this bike offers the smoothest and gliding rides on highways and expressways. For highways or expressways, the RC 390 is also very good, as it manages triple-digit speeds easily. The R2 Quickshifter is great for long drives.  

3. Track Day Riding:

The RC 390 has a great suspension setup and a lap timer that makes the bike great for performance tracking on all kinds of roads. The Yamaha R2 is the 2nd most brilliant bike, making it versatile for riding on all types of roads because of its quickshift gear and lightweight chassis, and it weighs lighter at 149 kg compared to the RC 390 and Ninja. The Ninja, however, lacks electronic features and only suits a specific type of highway riding. 

Conclusion:

We have seen the design and performance features and given you a real-time comparison covering the Yamaha R2 vs. the KTM RC 390 vs. the Kawasaki Ninja 500. We have also touched upon how each of these bikes performs on track roads, highways, and city roads.

At Perfect Riders, you can avail brand-new Yamaha R2 bikes at great prices. Log in to our website at https://perfectriders.in/.

Contact us by telephone; our number is +91 8497816000, and we would be more than glad to assist you further.

Frequently Asked Questions or FAQs:

1. Which of the three offers gives you the best value for money?

A. For city-based driving, the Yamaha R2 is the best, and you get good value for the money spent. The KTM RC 390 works best on suspension gears and is best for expressway roads. The Kawasaki, with its gliding gear-shifting capabilities, you would love to ride on highway roads or long roads.

2. Which bike offers the best mileage for city roads?

A. The Yamaha R2 is lighter than the KTM RC 390 and the Kawasaki Ninja 500 by 22 kg and has an inbuilt lightweight chassis. So, the Yamaha R2 is easier to manage on city roads compared to the other two bikes, and it offers a mileage of 35 kmpl, which is higher than the other two variants.

3. What are the three types of Yamaha R2 bikes?

A. These are the three types of Yamaha R2 bikes:

• Yamaha R2 Sporty Model
• Yamaha Quick Shifter for Highway Riding and
•  The Yamaha R2-M is a custom-made bike with elevated suspension gears.