The Yamaha MT-03 has been on the top of the list for many enthusiasts and Yamaha has been teasing us by showcasing the motorcycles at many events. However, going by the reports, Yamaha is interested in launching the MT-03 in India later this year, and when it does, it will rival one key motorcycle, the KTM 390 Duke.
The 390 Duke also saw a complete update, from its chassis to suspension and its engine, which is now larger and makes more power. So how does the upcoming Yamaha MT-03 compare against the 2024 KTM 390 Duke? Let’s find out.
Yamaha MT-03 vs KTM 390 Duke: Design and platform
The Yamaha MT-03 is built around a diamond-type tubular frame and gets a long asymmetrical swingarm which Yamaha says makes the MT-03 handle better. The motorcycle draws inspiration from its larger MT siblings and gets a sculpted fuel tank, swept-back foot pegs, and minimal bodywork, while it sports a side-mounted exhaust.
The new KTM 390 Duke is all new, as it gets a new trellis frame, an aluminium subframe, and a new swing arm. On the design front, the 390 Duke looks much sharper with extended tank shrouds, a new headlight design and an underbelly exhaust. KTM has taken measures to make the Duke lighter and handle better.
Yamaha MT-03 vs KTM 390 Duke: Equipment and features
The Yamaha MT-03 gets USD forks, a monoshock at the rear, 17-inch wheels, disc brakes at both ends with ABS, an LCD instrument panel, LED lighting, and could possibly get traction control when it is launched here. The MT-03 does not get riding modes and the front suspension is non-adjustable.
The new 390 Duke gets all the bells and whistles such as adjustable front and rear suspension, 17-inch wheels, disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS, traction control, lean-sensitive ABS, three ride modes, launch control, a bidirectional quickshifter, and a 5-inch TFT instrument console. Comparatively, the 390 Duke is well-equipped.
Yamaha MT-03 vs KTM 390 Duke: Engine specifications
The Yamaha MT-03 is powered by a parallel twin engine while the 390 Duke gets a single-cylinder engine. Both motorcycles have different specifications, however, both are liquid-cooled motors.
| Specifications | MT-03 | 390 Duke |
| Displacement | 321cc, parallel-twin | 399cc, single |
| Power | 41.4bhp | 45.3bhp |
| Torque | 29.6Nm | 39Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
The spec sheet shows that the 390 Duke has a displacement advantage over the MT-03, while it also makes more power and torque. The new engine on the KTM 390 Duke is quick, and it’s also been tuned in such a way that it rides well in city conditions as well.
Yamaha MT-03 vs KTM 390 Duke: So which one?
The Yamaha MT-03’s launch is awaited by many as the engine was the same unit that powered the R3 in India. The engine is smooth, rev-happy, and extremely refined. However, the KTM’s engine is simply more powerful.
For someone looking to buy either of the motorcycles, we strongly recommend test riding both before choosing as they are two different characters. However, if we were to pick one, it would be the KTM 390 Duke as it is a much better proposition owing to the equipment and performance it offers.