Chinese bikemaker CFMoto has shaken hands with Bengaluru-based AMW Motorcycles in lieu of expanding its reach to a majority of audience across India. The models like the CF Moto 250NK, 650NK and the 650MT had earlier been witnessed performing test runs on the streets of Hyderabad. Another bike namely the 400NK has also been reported testing lately in the country. In its naked category, it will go up against the likes of rivals such as the KTM 390 Duke, BMW G310R and the Benelli TNT 300. But what is the reason behind comparing the 400NK and the TNT 300 twin-cylinder motorcycles against the single cylinder bikes here? It’s power figures, the KTM 390 Duke beside being a single-cylinder bike, churns out power figures similar to the 400NK.
The CFMoto, on the other hand, is comparatively low in power, so we expect it to be priced competitively as the baby Beemer. Besides being with different capabilities, let’s find out how this Chinese opponent will stack up against its rivals on paper. The 400NK consists biggest displacement among all, still the power and torque generation from the powertrain is lower than the KTM 390 Duke. However, with the two cylinders in the mechanism, the 400NK considered being less vibey and smooth on the go. Also, the heat dissipation will also be much better than the single-cylinder 390 Duke. The BMW G 310 R packs a tuned engine for a punchy mid-range and quick in-gear accelerations which sports quick overtakes. All in all, it’s a perfect city dweller.
On the other hand, the engine specs of the Benelli TNT 300 with power output are almost similar to the 400NK. However, most of the power developed in the top rev range, while in low torque it gets a lot slower. The gearbox transmission on all the bikes is a 6-speed unit, while the KTM 390 Duke is only one get benefited with the addition of a slipper clutch.
The suspension setup on the KTM 390 Duke is on the stiffer side to sport the bike’s razor-sharp handling. However, the presence of separate function upside-down forks (S.F.F), makes the bike manage small undulations fairly well. The braking setup is impressive with sintered brake pads which offer better bite and feel. In addition to this, the‘Supermoto mode’ with the allowance of switching off the rear ABS add more fun to the riding. The KTM Duke 390 weighs just 149kg (dry) and has a tall seat with 830mm height could be an issue for shorter riders. Other than this, the small fuel tank of capacity 13.4-litre for this bike with a thirsty motor could make you visit the fuel station quite often.
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The BMW G 310 R, however, glides over speed breakers and bumps but it doesn't mean the bike is not a great city dweller. It weighs 158.5kg which sports in handling prowess and make it easier to manoeuvre in the parking lot. It comes with the standard seat height of 785mm that’s a boon for short riders. While the seat height options of 770mm and 800mm are provided as optional. It gets a fuel tank of 11-litres that is the smallest in the comparison.
With the kerb weight of 185kg, the Benelli TNT 300 is the second heaviest motorcycle in the comparison. Due to its weight, the bike needs a lot of effort to chuck into or out of the corners. That said, its braking setup offers impressive braking with a great bite, good feel provided from the dual channel ABS as standard. While the riding ergonomics of the bike are comfortable and favourable for daily commutes and long hauls. And the availability of a 16-litre fuel tank allows staying on the road for a long time. The seat heights sets at the second low in the comparison from BMW G 310 R at 795mm.
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The CFMoto is the heaviest in all with the kerb weight of 206kg. In lieu of managing this bike, one has to change his ways to handle it both in city traffic and while pushing it into corners. The 400NK gets twin discs at the front and single disc at the rear which offers precise braking along with the chunky tyres. It has the largest fuel tank among all with the tank capacity of 17-litres. While the seat height of 815mm is approachable for almost all height riders.
Price and Verdict:
Tagged with an affordable price tag, the 390 Duke is an outright performer with a lot of features and powerful engine. While the BMW G 310 R is a reliable offering from the renowned brand. the Benelli, on the other hand, would win your heart neither by its performance nor with handling, but if any find the inline-two cylinder howl fascinating, he could consider the bike. the CFMoto 400NK gives the feel of a big bike with adequate power output. Besides, it looks bloody damm attractive there’s no second thought in it.