KTM RC 390 vs Kawasaki Ninja 500: Price, Power and Specs
The RC 390 and Ninja 500 differ in engine layout, published output, weight, seat height and price. This comparison focuses on those measurable differences and the exact Philippine model records.
Decision matrix
Which one fits which rider?
This is scenario scoring, not a universal winner. Each row uses the same transparent MotoIndex decision factors with a different rider/use profile.
Heavy city traffic
Favors lower weight, automatic transmission, rider-fit starting point and efficient daily use.
44RC 390
Ninja 500 leads7-point gap on this profile
51Ninja 500
Lower / easier bike
Favors lower published seat height and curb weight for a 30-inch inseam starting point.
46RC 390
Ninja 500 leads11-point gap on this profile
57Ninja 500
Performance
Favors recorded output, power-to-weight ratio and ABS listing.
73RC 390
Close callWithin 2 points on this profile
72Ninja 500
Longer rides
Favors fuel-tank capacity, touring-oriented category context and ABS listing.
62RC 390
RC 390 leads3-point gap on this profile
59Ninja 500
Passenger + luggage
Adds passenger and luggage context while keeping fit, road and ownership factors visible.
59RC 390
Close callWithin 2 points on this profile
57Ninja 500
Use your own priorities instead.Set budget, inseam, traffic, passenger, luggage and monthly ownership limits in the finder.
Open personalized finderAt a glance
Quick comparison
| Specification | RC 390 | Ninja 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | ₱335,000 | ₱353,800 |
| Engine | 373 cc | 451 cc |
| Power | 43.5 hp | 51.3 hp |
| Weight | 170 kg | 170 kg |
| Seat | 824 mm | 785 mm |
| Tank | 13.7 L | 14 L |
| ABS / brakes | Cornering ABS with Supermoto mode | Brake package varies; anti-lock equipment not asserted for this model-level record |
Calculated from current records
Key differences
RC 390 starts ₱18,800 lower in the current observed-price records.
Both list 170 kg curb weight.
Ninja 500 has a 39 mm lower published seat.
Ninja 500 lists 7.8 hp more.
Ninja 500 carries 0.3 L more fuel capacity.
RC 390 has 13 mm more published ground clearance.
Where verified
Current variants and prices
KTM RC 390
₱335,000
No verified multi-variant matrix is stored yet; the model-level observed price is shown instead.
Kawasaki Ninja 500
₱353,800
No verified multi-variant matrix is stored yet; the model-level observed price is shown instead.
Different values are highlightedto make trade-offs easier to scan.
| Specification | KTMRC 390 | KawasakiNinja 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Price & market | ||
| Observed market priceObserved range from checked sources; not an average. | ₱335,000 | ₱353,800 |
| Checked price sources | Model source only | Model source only |
| Verified variants | No verified trim matrix yet | No verified trim matrix yet |
| Generation | 2022 model in current Philippine catalog | Current |
| Market status | Current | Current |
| Engine & performance | ||
| Engine displacement | 373 cc | 451 cc |
| Power | 43.5 hp | 51.3 hp |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 42.6 Nm |
| Power-to-weightDerived from published power and curb weight. | 25.6 hp / 100 kg | 30.2 hp / 100 kg |
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Size & everyday fit | ||
| Curb weight | 170 kg | 170 kg |
| Seat height | 824 mm | 785 mm |
| Ground clearance | 158 mm | 145 mm |
| Category | Sport bike | Sport bike |
| Fuel & range | ||
| Fuel tank | 13.7 L | 14 L |
| Published fuel economyPublished figures may use different test conditions. | — | — |
| Theoretical tank rangeFuel economy × tank capacity; not a real-world range promise. | — | — |
| Tires & braking | ||
| Front tire | 110/70 ZR17 | 110/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 150/60 ZR17 | 150/60-17 |
| Brakes / ABS | Cornering ABS with Supermoto mode | Brake package varies; anti-lock equipment not asserted for this model-level record |
| Colors & verification | ||
| Colors listed | Blue · Orange | — |
| Primary source | KTM Philippines official RC 390 model page and technical specification | Kawasaki Philippines current Ninja 500 model and MSRP page |
| Specification checked | 2026-09-09 | 2026-08-25 |
| Market price checked | 2026-09-09 | See checked price sources |
Use the individual model pages for the underlying source links and dated checks. A highlighted difference is not automatically a winner; the better value depends on your use case.
Buyer questions
What the differences mean
Price
RC 390 is currently ₱335,000; Ninja 500 is ₱353,800. These are dated observed records, not a promise of dealer inventory or final transaction price.
Engine and output
RC 390 lists 373 cc, 43.5 hp and 37 Nm; Ninja 500 lists 451 cc, 51.3 hp and 42.6 Nm. Output figures are compared on paper only; gearing and test methods are not normalized here.
Torque
The current MotoIndex records compare RC 390 and Ninja 500 using dated prices and published specifications. Where the requested field is not normalized for both motorcycles, the page says so rather than filling the gap with an unsupported claim.
Curb weight
Curb weight: both records list 170 kg. Lower published weight can be relevant at parking and low speeds, but does not by itself prove easier handling.
Seat height
Seat height: Ninja 500 is 39 mm lower than RC 390. Seat width, suspension sag, rider proportions and footwear also affect actual ground reach.
Fuel tank
RC 390 lists a 13.7 L tank; Ninja 500 lists 14 L. MotoIndex does not yet have directly comparable published fuel-economy figures for both records.
Tires
RC 390 lists 110/70 ZR17 front / 150/60 ZR17 rear. Ninja 500 lists 110/70-17 front / 150/60-17 rear. Wheel and tire sizes are specifications, not a standalone handling score.
ABS and braking
RC 390: Cornering ABS with Supermoto mode. Ninja 500: Brake package varies; anti-lock equipment not asserted for this model-level record. Variant-specific equipment can differ, so check the exact variant and the linked model sources before buying.
Rider-fit considerations
The current MotoIndex records compare RC 390 and Ninja 500 using dated prices and published specifications. Where the requested field is not normalized for both motorcycles, the page says so rather than filling the gap with an unsupported claim.
No generic score
Which one should you choose?
Choose RC 390 if
- ₱18,800 lower observed starting price
- 13 mm more ground clearance
Choose Ninja 500 if
- 7.8 hp more published power
- 5.6 Nm more published torque
- 39 mm lower published seat
- 0.3 L larger fuel tank
These are factual advantages from the current model records, not an overall score or universal winner.
How MotoIndex compares these motorcycles
MotoIndex compares current Philippine-market motorcycle records using observed prices and published specifications. Differences shown on this page are calculated from the current records. Variant-specific equipment may differ. A numerical lead is not automatically a better motorcycle for every rider.
Last specification checks: RC 390 2026-09-09; Ninja 500 2026-08-25. Price checks: 2026-09-09; 2026-08-25.
FAQs
Which is cheaper?
RC 390 has the lower observed starting price: ₱335,000 versus ₱353,800.
Which makes more power?
Ninja 500 lists more power on paper: 51.3 hp versus 43.5 hp. This does not prove real-world acceleration or top speed.
Which is lighter?
Both list 170 kg curb weight.
Which has the lower seat?
Ninja 500 has the lower published seat by 39 mm.
How do the braking packages differ?
RC 390: Cornering ABS with Supermoto mode. Ninja 500: Brake package varies; anti-lock equipment not asserted for this model-level record. Exact trim equipment can differ.