KTM RC390!!!!!

[ninjamunky85]

Originally Posted by alex.s

when does it come to USA?

My dealer said march, I think. He's been taking orders for the 390's for a while now. Says he expects to sell a lot of them.

[alex.s]

anyone know what the holdup getting to usa is? emission controls? test standards? production setup?

[thisisbenji]

Well I sat on one today, I think I'm going to take the plunge back into a small displacement machine. I'm purchasing a home in june, so I'll be looking to get one after that.

I wasn't too sold on the triple setup and you can tell that it's a budget bike, but I'm really looking forward to having something lightweight again.

Here's a photo of myself on the cup bike.


Here's the cup bike by itself.


One more photo of the standard road going bike.


The rear seat is really cool on the road bike, it looks like it has a cowl but it's really a soft foam seat.

[rollo19]

Looks sweet! Thanks for posting!

[csmith12]

These are growing on me more and more...

[Sirref]

You and me both, I'm starting to like it more than the r3 as a track weapon. Aesthetically I've loved it for a while

[thisisbenji]

I found the part numbers for the upgraded WP suspension today.



So I figure.... Bike + Suspension + Exhaust + Tax = $10,000

[subxero]

unfortunately WP isn't known for the best suspension and KTM seems to be married to them

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by subxero

unfortunately WP isn't known for the best suspension and KTM seems to be married to them

Not even close to true anymore ...... take a look at Moto3 and Moto2 grid now

[sharky nrk]

[sharky nrk]

[Somchai]

Originally Posted by subxero

unfortunately WP isn't known for the best suspension...

This might be valid in the US only but it is not the case in Europe.
Please take a look over the edge of the plate sometimes

[subxero]

could be true, perhaps they got their **** together for the road/race bikes.

In the offroad world they still suck

not to mention this whole thing

[thisisbenji]

At any rate, even if WP Suspension isn't the best of the best. Is there a better option for the Ninja 300 or perhaps the upcoming R3?

[JosueDG]

Very nice looking ... I recently sold my bike and have been looking around.

[JustRidin]

Gosh this makes me want to buy a small bike again even more than I already do. And here I am taking a look at an R6 tomorrow. Maybe I'll rethink that.

[psych0hans]

Hi guys, wish me luck, if all goes well, I'll be taking Posession of a almost new RC 390 all wrapped up in carbon wrap and with an aftermarket exhaust, k&n filter and hids...

[Somchai]

Originally Posted by psych0hans

Hi guys, wish me luck, if all goes well, I'll be taking Posession of a almost new RC 390 all wrapped up in carbon wrap and with an aftermarket exhaust, k&n filter and hids...

Wow Hans, I do - good luck for that beauty

Question: Is this the Akrapovic exhaust?
For the 390 Duke you get a full-exhaust from Akrapovic with another mapping which makes 5 hp more. http://www.gear4motorcycles.co.uk/?i=692202

[subxero]

Originally Posted by psych0hans

Hi guys, wish me luck, if all goes well, I'll be taking Posession of a almost new RC 390 all wrapped up in carbon wrap and with an aftermarket exhaust, k&n filter and hids...

Only if a full in depth write up ensues after you put some miles on her and feel her out

[kdogg2077]

Originally Posted by psych0hans

Hi guys, wish me luck, if all goes well, I'll be taking Posession of a almost new RC 390 all wrapped up in carbon wrap and with an aftermarket exhaust, k&n filter and hids...

Moar pics!!!

[Ducati999]

Originally Posted by psych0hans

Hi guys, wish me luck, if all goes well, I'll be taking Posession of a almost new RC 390 all wrapped up in carbon wrap and with an aftermarket exhaust, k&n filter and hids...

Hans,
That bike looks awsome! Good luck with the purchase and we are all waiting for you to give us you opinion of the new ride (provided you get it). Cant wait to hear a really unbiased opinion on the bike and an honest comparison form a 250 rider! Cant wait and congratulations

[psych0hans]

Bike sold to someone else...

[Ducati999]

Originally Posted by psych0hans

Bike sold to someone else...

Sorry to hear that but there is always another better bike anyways! Good luck

[bruce71198]

I have 2 racebikes on order with the hopes of getting 1. if they both come in I'll be broke. Dealer said they will be here in April.

[Bubba]

I was at the Toronto bike show last week.

The RC390 got a LOT of attention, but the dealer admitted they had sold their allocation already (likely not true). Fit and finish is really top notch, but the price is a bit high for a single from India (in fact, all KTMS are overpriced for what they are).

Yamaha had lots of R3s, again, fit and finish is no different that the expensive bikes, but the lack of ABS is a real problem, because you know they will add ABS in 2016 and kill the value of the bike. But, it's $1300 cheaper than the RC390 in Canada.

Already, I'm reading the next RC390 will have a slipper clutch and 20 minor design changes.

The Ninja 300 is still a front runner, except for the UGLY cartoonish graphics of the 2015 SE bikes, puke.

[choneofakind]

And I still disagree that a lack of ABS is even a problem.

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

And I still disagree that a lack of ABS is even a problem.

That depends on how long you have survived without it! Newer riders seem to really want it.

Not a deal-breaker for me either, but Bubba has a good point. Maybe I'll wait until next year and pick up one of the non-ABS models for cheap...

[allanoue]

Originally Posted by Somchai

A friend send me this info http://blog.ktm.com/deutsch-fertigun...-kleinserie-2/

Take a look at the data:
1 cylinder
250 cc
50 hp
82 kg = 181 lbs

$70,000 to approved buyers only. I will only see it on TV

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by allanoue

$70,000 to approved buyers only. I will only see it on TV

The craziest thing about that is that it's not a bad deal considering what you're getting, assuming you can pay that of course.

Not in the cards for me though. As much as I'd love to whip one of those around. Lightweight bikes are super fun.

[subxero]

180 lbs is pretty ridiculous and so is $70k

Wonder what it would cost to build a knock off lightweight gp bike?

(thinking out loud)

used complete aluminum frame, swingarm $600ish? make & model to be determined
high end suspension bits all around $3k ish
high end lightweight wheels $3k ish
misc parts, anything but actual engine, things lik carbs or FI, chain sprockets, pipes, blah blah blah lets just say $3k, think that would be more than enough
Carbon fiber bits $1.5k ?? IDK?
aluminum and Ti axles, bolts and nuts all around where they work ~$2k?...sure
decent brakes and rotor bits, lines ect $900 ish
tires $300 ish
donor motor (ktm 350 exc-f) 6spd, 45hp stock $6k ? off newer model used bike? price could vary a good bit.
Motor work $2k - should cover decent engine work & mods and maybe a gearing change and get you well over 50ponies with little trouble

Thinking those are the biggies

Grand total = $22,300

Sure that could be lowered if you find some good deals on things, but regardless stuff adds up quick . Wonder what you could get it to weigh in at though

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by subxero

180 lbs is pretty ridiculous and so is $70k

Wonder what it would cost to build a knock off lightweight gp bike?

(thinking out loud)

used complete aluminum frame, swingarm $600ish? make & model to be determined
high end suspension bits all around $3k ish
high end lightweight wheels $3k ish
misc parts, anything but actual engine, things lik carbs or FI, chain sprockets, pipes, blah blah blah lets just say $3k, think that would be more than enough
Carbon fiber bits $1.5k ?? IDK?
aluminum and Ti axles, bolts and nuts all around where they work ~$2k?...sure
decent brakes and rotor bits, lines ect $900 ish
tires $300 ish
donor motor (ktm 350 exc-f) 6spd, 45hp stock $6k ? off newer model used bike? price could vary a good bit.
Motor work $2k - should cover decent engine work & mods and maybe a gearing change and get you well over 50ponies with little trouble

Thinking those are the biggies

Grand total = $22,300

Sure that could be lowered if you find some good deals on things, but regardless stuff adds up quick . Wonder what you could get it to weigh in at though

Just buy the NRS250R from Honda for $25K, if you can find someone to sell you one.

[sharky nrk]

Cheapest "best" option is to buy a older late 90s two stroke Honda or Yamaha and shove a MX motor in it. RS125 with 250 MX power (Moriwaki essentially) or RS250 with a 450 powerplant. Your never going to find a production frame as a donor that matches a purpose built GP frame ........ EVER.

That is essentially my dream bike. One of these days I am going to make it happen.

[subxero]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

Cheapest "best" option is to buy a older late 90s two stroke Honda or Yamaha and shove a MX motor in it. RS125 with 250 MX power (Moriwaki essentially) or RS250 with a 450 powerplant. Your never going to find a production frame as a donor that matches a purpose built GP frame ........ EVER.

That is essentially my dream bike. One of these days I am going to make it happen.

thinking that would be a step in the wrong direction, RS250 stock makes as much power as a 450mx probably more, weight of engine wouldn't be much different since the 250 is a twin 2t and the 450 is single 4t. A little bit of work and cash and the rs can put out closer to 70 ponies pretty cheap, and more if you have a deep pocket, a 450 thumper even with tons of expensive mods will have a hard time coming close to touching that.

rs250 cup bikes can be had for $3500 - $6k depending on condition, even that being said, with all the high end upgrades mentioned earlier that will still put you well into the high teens when all is said and done.

If we are going all out i suppose you can always pay someone to make you a frame for a few more $K RS250 would be a good donor frame though, maybe a little to bulky though, those things are damn near indestructible

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by subxero

thinking that would be a step in the wrong direction, RS250 stock makes as much power as a 450mx probably more, weight of engine wouldn't be much different since the 250 is a twin 2t and the 450 is single 4t. A little bit of work and cash and the rs can put out closer to 70 ponies pretty cheap, and more if you have a deep pocket, a 450 thumper even with tons of expensive mods will have a hard time coming close to touching that.

rs250 cup bikes can be had for $3500 - $6k depending on condition, even that being said, with all the high end upgrades mentioned earlier that will still put you well into the high teens when all is said and done.

If we are going all out i suppose you can always pay someone to make you a frame for a few more $K RS250 would be a good donor frame though, maybe a little to bulky though, those things are damn near indestructible

No doubt a RS250R would be a performance giant and likely better than any 450 swap. The issue is the availability and cost of the parts to keep the 250 smoker running like a top. New parts are big money and harder and harder to come by lately. Rebuilds on 2T GP bike are a frequent requirement, there-in lies that actual issue. Also forgive my lack of clarity, I was referring to the Honda RS125R and RS250R racebikes, or also equivalent TZ versions for the Yami fans - not the RS250 Cup/Street bikes from Aprilia.

[subxero]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

No doubt a RS250R would be a performance giant and likely better than any 450 swap. The issue is the availability and cost of the parts to keep the 250 smoker running like a top. New parts are big money and harder and harder to come by lately. Rebuilds on 2T GP bike are a frequent requirement, there-in lies that actual issue. Also forgive my lack of clarity, I was referring to the Honda RS125R and RS250R racebikes, or also equivalent TZ versions for the Yami fans - not the RS250 Cup/Street bikes from Aprilia.

gotcha, yeah, the yamy and honda 2t's are far more rare and put out a little more power than the aprilia bikes, i would never have the heart to do much more than a few thrill laps a few times a year on one though, the rest of the time it would sit in my living room

Rebuilds on 4t mx motors are pretty frequent, far more frequent than any streetbike 4t. your are looking at pistons rings every 30 hours, always keeping an eye on the cylinders and god forbid something breaks, even one valve can send you over $1k in rebuild costs pretty quick.

The aprilia rs250 is not on the same level as the Japanese 2t's but it could be a good compromise, more affordable, parts much more available, still super fun and light

[Aufitt]

After having sold the Ninja and waiting for my R3 to arrive Im reduced to going to watch Trakdayz and help out until Im back on track.

One (fast) rider has done much sorting of his new RC and has it flying around top 250P/300P race times and we are hoping to include the 375cc and 321cc bikes into 300P as the season pans out.

I declined a ride until we can do back to back testing vs the R3 to return the favour.

This is his sexy little RC390, in the flesh its smaller than it looks in the marketing blurbs as its narrow and sporty. sitting on it feels like you have room to move even for tall riders. He's done some testing and made some changes and fabricated some of his own parts.







He rides it hard and they are putting out around 36-37rwhp vs the R3's 38.5 on dyno's, so should be nothing in it and loads of fun.

[subxero]

^ does the Aussie bike have restrictions on it? 37 ponies seems low. and does your track friend have problems with the belly pan dragging?

[Aufitt]

Originally Posted by subxero

^ does the Aussie bike have restrictions on it? 37 ponies seems low. and does your track friend have problems with the belly pan dragging?

No, its just ktm's 44hp claims are high, rear wheel hp is all that matters,
its the same engine as the Duke 390.
He's raised the revlimiter which helps and played with different fuel management and exhausts (stock exh was best)

Having trouble with the rear shock falling through the stroke (ie scraping same as the tests say) , but that's the nature of a progressive shock instead of linkage.

I bag the hell out of KTM's but i'll admit its the sexiest little thing Ive seen.
Hopefully we'll be worlds first to get them back to back tested on track, but USA looks like its getting the R3 a bit sooner.

[Aufitt]

Its also only $8500Au on the road, not the $9500 on road as first sources said in NSW,
unless my state has less on road costs (about $500)

So slim is what I like, similar to the 2011-2013 cbr250 in size and feel. the 2015 cbr300 seems to have got fatter in the seat and tank.

[subxero]

I guess i overlooked that it had the PDS rear suspension. I am not a fan of it off road but figure it would be completely different for on road riding and could be pretty good but i have never rode a streetbike with that set up.

Either way it is a quick way to save a few lbs