Pulsar 375 vs KTM RC 390: Which one will you choose?

What will you be game for? An affordable performer or a true-blue track machine?

While the home grown company Bajaj Auto is all set to launch its new flagship bike -- Pulsar 375 in India, its Austrian partner KTM is also ready with the all-new RC 390. Both the bikes are entry level track machines with full body fairing.

Bajaj has done it already when it launched its naked sport bike Pulsar 200NS, which was technically inspired by the KTM Duke 200. With its affordable pricing and good performance, the 200NS is performing quite well in the market. The Duke 200 is also getting good numbers in India.

Now, both the companies are again going to launch bikes in similar category. So, it will be interesting to see which bike attracts buyers, we did a small comparison to find out which bike makes more sense.

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Style

Both the bikes will sport full body cowling with all the racing category features like clip-on handle-bars, split seat, front and rear disk brakes and a leaning forward riding posture.

KTM has already unveiled its RC 390 at the 2013 EICMA. It uses the light weight space tubular frame, 10 spoke alloy wheels, under belly exhaust and muscular fuel tank of Duke 390 with stylish body fairing inspired by its elder sibling RC8 R.

The bike features very unique twin projector headlamps, which is looking great with this bike.

Bajaj Pulsar 375 has not been unveiled yet by the company, the spy shots of the bike gives a clear description about its appearance. The bike has been styled like typical Japanese racing bikes, which reflects in its body fairing and twin headlamps with a big visor. Other styling cues and frame are taken from Pulsar 200NS including fuel tank, handle-bars, instrument console, wheels etc.

It uses a shorter exhaust, which gives it a perfect track machine look.

So far, the RC 390 is looking like a more attractive bike, but we are still waiting for the Pulsar 375's clear images.

Power and performance

Both the bikes will come with a 375cc, 4-stroke, liquid cooled single cylinder engine with electronic fuel injections tuned to deliver different power outputs. Both the engines will use 4-valve technology, which provides better scavenging and thus improved efficiency.

Engine used with KTM RC 390 also powers its naked version Duke 390, so the performance of the engine is already tested on roads. The power mill has been tuned well. Thus it feels refined and churns out a maximum power of 43bhp. The bike gives a quick response on throttle, which gives excellent pick-up.

Bajaj Pulsar 375 will come with an all new engine and is expected to use Triple-Spark technology used in 200NS. This technology improves the combustion process, which results in better efficiency and power and also reduces emission. As this engine is being introduced for the first time, we can't say anything clearly. However, on the basis of its previous range, it is supposed to deliver a good performance.

Riding and handling

Both the brands are popular for their bike's handling and stability. However, KTM bikes gives a little extra riding fun with their compact design and more attached riding position. Both bikes use clip-on handle-bars, rigid aluminium swing-arm with single shock suspension, front and rear disc brakes with their aerodynamic body for improved stability and control at high speeds.

KTM RC 390 has a compact design with a light weight chassis, making it easier to manoeuvre. It uses 43mm inverted WP telescopic forks at the front, while single shock WP suspension EM with aluminium swing-arm at the rear, which performs quite good. The bike has been designed for leaning forward seating position like other track machines.

ABS will be the standard feature in the bike, to protect it from skidding.

Bajaj Pulsar 375 will come with slightly larger dimensions over the KTM bike, which gives more stable ride. Handling might be not as good as RC 390, but better than others in the market.

The conventional telescopic forks used at the front and the rear receives a mono-shock suspension on aluminium swing-arm, similar to the naked Pulsar. Scoops at the tank for thigh support provides better confidence during the ride. The bike might come with ABS or it might be offered as an optional feature with the bike.

Price and brand value

If the KTM is a leading brand in the European market, Bajaj is among the top manufacturers of India. Both the bikes will be manufactured at the same Chakan facility of Bajaj. However, price is a major aspect that determines success or failure of a motorcycle in India.

KTM is expected to price the RC 390 at Rs 2.25 lakh in India, while Bajaj can offer its Pulsar 375 between Rs 1.7-1.8 lakh.

Verdict

Both bikes are looking phenomenal and will give a tough competition to each other. Where KTM is giving a little extra power with some extra features, Bajaj will offer its bike at a lower cost with more affordable maintenance.

So, what will you be game for? An affordable performer or a true-blue track machine?