The just-unveiled 2024 KTM 390 Duke is like a Taylor Swift concert. Flashy, filled with pizzaz, and borderline explicit to stand out from its contemporaries. Whereas the Yamaha MT-03 is like an Imagine Dragon concert. It’s relatively simple and less exciting, but still gets the basics right for an unforgettable experience.
So just as you’d compare the two before splurging on concert tickets, there’s a high chance you’d end up pitting the 390 Duke and MT-03 against each other prior to buying an entry-level naked. Now, while we can’t suggest which concert you should attend, we can surely make your life a little easier by comparing the two nakeds on paper. Ready? Let’s go!
2024 KTM 390 Duke vs Yamaha MT-03 - Performance
The 390 Duke and MT-03 have some stark differences in their engine architecture. The former has a high-compression single-cylinder setup, while the latter opts for an eased-out parallel-twin construction. As a result, there’s a noteworthy performance contrast.
The 390 Duke Has More Power And Torque Than The MT-03
The Duke promises a sizable seven-pound-feet advantage, alongside two extra horsepower than the MT-03. This means the KTM should be faster off the line and in terms of top speed, too. Its power kicks in a lot earlier in the rev range too (a key characteristic of single-cylinder engines), thus ensuring better tractability than the Yamaha.
The MT-03 Is Much Lighter Than The 390 Duke
The MT-03 does claw back points, though. Credit here goes to its 373-pound curb weight, expected to be 10 pounds less than its rival. It also ensures a comparable power-to-weight ratio, even though the KTM is more powerful.
| Specification | KTM 390 Duke | Yamaha MT-03 |
| Engine | 399cc, single-cylinder | 321cc, twin-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 44 horsepower (at 8,500 RPM) | 41.5 horsepower (at 10,750 RPM) |
| Torque | 28.7 pound-feet (at 7,000 RPM) | 21.4 pound-feet (at 9,000 RPM) |
| Transmission | Six-speed | Six-speed |
| Compression ratio | NA | 11.2:1 |
| Weight | ~385 pounds (363 pounds dry plus 3.7 gallons of gas) | 373 pounds (wet) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 0.114-HP/pound | 0.111-HP/pound |
2024 KTM 390 Duke vs Yamaha MT-03 - Underpinnings And Dimensions
The 390 Duke Has Better Underpinnings Than The MT-03
The MT-03 checks the right boxes here. USD forks, monoshock, 17-inch wheels, and single disc brakes are all good enough for all your riding needs. But the KTM is simply in a different league. Not only does it possess beefier forks and disc brakes, but you also get adjustability at each end to enhance the ride experience. There’s more suspension travel on the KTM as well.
The MT-03 Is More Accessible Than The 390 Duke
The only pro for the Yamaha, meanwhile, is its 30.7-inch seat height. It’s a lot lower than the KTM, which makes it better suited for short riders. Plus, the lower weight means slow speed or parking lot movements would require less effort.
| Specification | KTM 390 Duke | Yamaha MT-03 |
| Chassis | Trellis with cast aluminum subframe | Diamond |
| Front suspension | 43 mm WP Apex forks (adjustable) | 37 mm KYB forks (non-adjustable) |
| Rear suspension | WP monoshock (rebound and preload adjustable) | Monoshock (preload adjustable) |
| Suspension travel (F/R) | 5.9/5.9 inches | 5.11/4.9 inches |
| Wheel size (F/R) | 17 inches | 17 inches |
| Tire size (F/R) | 110/150-section | 110/140-section |
| Brake size (F/R) | 320/240 mm | 298/220 mm |
| Wheelbase | 53.4 inches | 54.3 inches |
| Seat height | 32.2 inches | 30.7 inches |
2024 KTM 390 Duke vs Yamaha MT-03 - Features
This is where the 390 lands its biggest punch. It has a long list of features the MT-03 simply can’t match, such as ride modes, traction control, ride-by-wire, and a TFT. Now, you might argue rider aids are insignificant on such bikes, but extra safety is always welcome.
| Feature | KTM 390 Duke | Yamaha MT-03 |
| Traction control | Yes | No |
| Ride modes | Yes | No |
| Instrument cluster | 5-inch TFT | LCD |
| Display modes | Yes | No |
| Launch control | Yes | No |
| Ride-by-wire | Yes | No |
| Slipper clutch | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| All-LED lights | Yes | Yes |
2024 KTM 390 Duke vs Yamaha MT-03 - Final Thoughts
Considering all the above deets, there’s no denying the 2024 KTM 390 Duke has everything to beat the MT-03. But there’s one place where the tables turn–pricing. You see, Yamaha sells the MT-03 for just $4,999, making it one of the most affordable bikes in its class. This is already $900 less than the 2023 390 Duke, and the price difference will only become larger when the new model arrives in the States. Plus, KTM USA is yet to announce the timeline for the new Duke’s launch. So if you want value for your money and care little about flamboyance, we suggest you get Imagine Dragon tickets. Get it?