RE Interceptor 650 and KTM 390 Duke are put through their paces in dyno. Here’s a complete rundown of what happened at the test
Royal Enfield 650 Twins do not have direct rivals in India but the price point makes them compete against KTM 390 Duke, RC 390 and other models. These performance bikes come with similar power output as Continental GT and Interceptor but the latter has displacement advantage.
Dyno is not so popular in India as they are very expensive machines but most of the performance shops in abroad has it, which help them to find out exactly how much power does the engine produces and sometimes it may differ from the claimed figure of manufacturer as there will be some loss of power before it reaches the wheel.
Cycle World has posted dyno test of both Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and KTM Duke 390. According to RE, the 648 cc parallel, the twin-cylinder engine produces 47.65 hp of power at 7,250 rpm and 52 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm. The Dyno test reveals that that power stands at 44.36 hp at slightly lower 6,840 rpm and 51.91 Nm at 5,100 rpm.
The power drop is expected as it will be either higher or lower than the official figures most of the time. KTM 390 Duke is powered by 373 cc liquid cooled single cylinder fuel injected engine producing 43.5 hp of power at 9,500 rpm and 35 Nm of torque. In Dyno, the 390 Duke puts out 41.21 hp at 8,640 rpm and 36.47 at 6,860 rpm.
The Dyno test has confirmed that 650 Twins (both Interceptor and Continental has exactly the same engine without any changes) produce more power than 390 Duke, but the power loss is slightly higher on the R.E. The Duke has a massive advantage over 650 twins in the power-to-weight ratio.
The Interceptor 650 tips the scale at 212 kgs compared to just 163 kgs of 390 Duke. In outright performance, the Duke will lead with a big margin and in handling also, KTM pulls ahead as the company has given trellis frame with advanced suspension components like an upside down forks and mono suspension, which is tuned for handling.
But the 650 Twins offer more comfort than 390 Duke and for touring it is better suited. Both these bikes are targeted at different customers as people who are looking for performance bike will always go for 390 Duke and 650 twins for who want more comfort with cruising abilities.