When it comes to choosing the right adventure motorcycle, there are many options available on the market today. Two popular choices for beginner riders and advanced riders alike are the Honda CRF 300 Rally and the KTM 390 Adventure.
In this article, we will compare these two motorcycles and discuss their key features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make a decision on your next or first adventure motorcycle.
Introduction: CRF 300 Rally and KTM 390 Adventure
The Honda CRF 300 Rally and KTM 390 Adventure are two popular adventure motorcycles designed for off-road and on-road riding. Both bikes offer a range of features and capabilities suited for riders looking to explore the great outdoors or commute on city streets.
While the CRF 300 Rally is known for its lightweight and efficient design, the KTM 390 Adventure is revered for its powerful engine and advanced electronics package. In this comparison, we will explore the pros and cons of each bike to help you decide which adventure motorcycle is best for your needs.
First, let’s take a look at the specs of both motorcycles, then we’ll proceed to compare and conclude on which adventure motorcycle you should choose for your need:
| Features | Honda CRF 300 Rally | KTM 390 Adventure |
| Engine | 286cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder | 373cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder |
| Power | 27.3 hp @ 8,500 RPM | 43.5 hp @ 9,000 RPM |
| Torque | 19.6 lb-ft @ 6,500 RPM | 26.2 lb-ft @ 7,000 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Fuel System | Fuel injection | Fuel injection |
| Suspension | Front: 43mm inverted fork, Rear: Pro-Link | Front: WP Apex 43, Rear: WP Apex shock absorber |
| Brakes | Front: 296mm disc, Rear: 220mm disc | Front: 320mm disc, Rear: 230mm disc |
| ABS | Yes (rear-wheel only) | Yes (switchable) |
| Wheel Size | Front: 21 inches, Rear: 18 inches | Front: 19 inches, Rear: 17 inches |
| Tire Size | Front: 80/100-21, Rear: 120/80-18 | Front: 100/90-19, Rear: 130/80-17 |
| Seat Height | 34.7 inches | 33.6 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 10.7 inches | 7.3 inches |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.4 gallons | 3.6 gallons |
| Weight | 333 pounds | 379 pounds |
Now that we know about what the specs of both these adventure motorcycles are, let’s compare them in terms of design, styling, performance, features, comfort, ergonomics, price, and maintenance.
Design and Styling:
The Honda CRF 300 Rally is a compact and nimble motorcycle that is designed for adventure riding. It features a slim and agile frame, with a high-mounted exhaust that gives it a rugged and aggressive look. The bike also comes with high-quality plastic bodywork that is designed to withstand the rigors of off-road riding.
The KTM 390 Adventure, on the other hand, has a more aggressive and sporty design that is inspired by the brand’s racing heritage. It features a sharp and angular frame, with a sleek and aerodynamic bodywork that is designed to cut through the air. The bike also comes with a high-mounted exhaust and a sharp-looking headlight that gives it a menacing appearance.
In terms of styling, both motorcycles have their own unique design elements that appeal to different riders. The Honda CRF 300 Rally has a more traditional and understated look that is suitable for riders who prefer a more classic adventure motorcycle. The KTM 390 Adventure, on the other hand, has a more modern and sporty design that is perfect for riders who want a motorcycle that stands out from the crowd.
Performance:
When it comes to performance, the Honda CRF 300 Rally and the KTM 390 Adventure are both capable motorcycles that offer a good balance of power and agility. The CRF 300 Rally is powered by a 286cc single-cylinder engine that produces around 24 horsepower and 22.6 Nm of torque. The bike comes with a six-speed transmission and has a top speed of around 100 km/h.
The KTM 390 Adventure, on the other hand, is powered by a 373.2cc single-cylinder engine that produces around 44 horsepower and 37 Nm of torque. The bike comes with a six-speed transmission and has a top speed of around 160 km/h.
Both motorcycles have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to performance. The Honda CRF 300 Rally is a great option for riders who want a motorcycle that is easy to handle and has a low seat height. The bike is perfect for off-road riding, thanks to its slim and agile frame and its long-travel suspension.
The KTM 390 Adventure, on the other hand, is a great option for riders who want a motorcycle that is more powerful and has a higher top speed. The bike’s larger engine gives it more acceleration and allows it to reach higher speeds on the highway. The 390 Adventure also comes with a more advanced suspension system that is designed to handle rough off-road terrain.
In terms of overall performance, the KTM 390 Adventure has a slight edge over the Honda CRF 300 Rally. The 390 Adventure’s larger engine and more advanced suspension system give it a performance advantage, especially on the highway and on rough off-road terrain. However, the CRF 300 Rally is still a capable motorcycle that is perfect for riders who want a nimble and agile adventure bike.
Features:
Both the Honda CRF 300 Rally and the KTM 390 Adventure come with a range of features that are designed to enhance their performance and comfort. The CRF 300 Rally comes with a digital instrument cluster that displays important information such as speed, RPM, and fuel level. The bike also comes with a high-quality headlight that provides excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
The KTM 390 Adventure also comes with a digital instrument cluster that displays important information such as speed, RPM, and fuel level. The bike also comes with a TFT display that allows riders to access a range of features, including navigation, phone connectivity, and music playback. The 390 Adventure also comes with a high-quality headlight and a set of LED turn signals that improve visibility and safety.
In terms of features, the KTM 390 Adventure has a slight advantage over the Honda CRF 300 Rally. The 390 Adventure’s TFT display and connectivity features add a level of convenience and technology that is not available on the CRF 300 Rally. However, both motorcycles come with a good range of features that are designed to enhance the riding experience.
Ergonomics and Comfort:
Ergonomics and comfort are important factors to consider when choosing an adventure motorcycle. The Honda CRF 300 Rally and the KTM 390 Adventure are both designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience, but they have different ergonomic layouts that suit different riders.
The CRF 300 Rally has a more upright and relaxed riding position that is ideal for off-road riding. The bike’s handlebars are positioned high and wide, which allows riders to maintain a comfortable and relaxed posture. The bike’s saddle is also well-padded and provides good support for long rides.
The KTM 390 Adventure has a more aggressive and sporty riding position that is better suited to on-road riding. The bike’s handlebars are positioned lower and closer to the rider, which gives the rider more control and improves handling. The bike’s saddle is also well-padded and provides good support for long rides.
In terms of ergonomics and comfort, both motorcycles are well-suited to their intended riding environments. The Honda CRF 300 Rally is a great option for riders who want a more relaxed and upright riding position, while the KTM 390 Adventure is a great option for riders who prefer a more aggressive and sporty riding position.
Price and Maintenance:
When it comes to price and maintenance, the Honda CRF 300 Rally and the KTM 390 Adventure are both relatively affordable motorcycles that are easy to maintain. The CRF 300 Rally has a starting price of around $5,599, while the KTM 390 Adventure has a starting price of around $5,999. Both motorcycles come with a two-year limited warranty, and they are available at authorized dealerships across the country.
In terms of maintenance, both motorcycles are relatively easy to maintain and they require regular service intervals to keep them running smoothly. The CRF 300 Rally has a recommended service interval of every 600 miles, while the KTM 390 Adventure has a recommended service interval of every 800 miles. Both motorcycles require regular oil changes and regular checks of the brake pads, tires, and other vital components.
Overall, the Honda CRF 300 Rally and the KTM 390 Adventure are both good value for money and they are easy to maintain.
Pros and Cons of CRF 300 Rally and KTM 390 Adventure
The CRF 300 Rally and the KTM 390 Adventure have their unique pros and cons. Here are some pros and cons of both the motorcycle listed below:
| CRF 300 Rally | KTM 390 Adventure |
| Pros | Pros |
| Lightweight and efficient engine | Powerful and responsive engine |
| Long travel and adjustable suspension | High-quality WP suspension system |
| More Comfortable on Rough Terrain | Excellent off-road performance |
| Affordable price | Great performance on highways and smooth roads |
| Reliable on Long run | Advance electronics |
| Cons | Cons |
| Smaller fuel tank compared to some competitors | More expensive than some competitors |
| Less comfortable on highways compared to larger adventure bikes | Heavier than the Honda CRF 300 Rally |
| Higher Seat Height | Expensive to Maintain |
| Not as powerful or responsive as some competitors | Not reliable in the Long run |
| May not be ideal for experienced riders who want more power and features | Have more Vibrations compared to CRF 300 Rally |
Which adventure motorcycle will be better for you?
In conclusion, the Honda CRF 300 Rally and the KTM 390 Adventure are both excellent adventure motorcycles that offer a good balance of performance, features, and comfort. The CRF 300 Rally is a great option for riders who want a compact and agile motorcycle that is perfect for off-road riding, while the KTM 390 Adventure is a great option for riders who want a more powerful and sporty motorcycle that is better suited to on-road riding. Ultimately, the choice between these two motorcycles will depend on the individual rider’s needs and preferences.