Adding to the stable: a Ninja 300 ABS or RC390?

[CZroe]

To be honest, I really only wanted a Ninja 300 for ABS, though the small displacement increase is a benefit I wouldn't complain about. I like the previous generations better in every other way, including style. The similarities with the EX250F and EX250J that I already have (with their obvious synergies) and the extra displacement bump was enough to get me to start planning on buying one eventually... until I saw the RC390. Now I'm torn.

I never thought I'd want a thumper, but reading the comparisons of the RC390 to the R3 and Ninja 300 makes it seem like they don't even notice. Perhaps that's the extra 75cc so it doesn't suffer at the top end? I dunno. If so, that would give it a notable advantage at the low end (extra torque) that I don't see much mention of.

Now, those comparisons are made in a vacuum as if you were shopping for your only bike or, at the very least, they wouldn't assume that you are looking for the best complement to another small-displacement bike. I have multiple EX250 bikes and adding a similar 300 doesn't change much other than a small bump in HP and ABS.

From what I hear, one-bangers are uncomfortable for commuting and, at low displacements at least, are less suitable for higher speeds. Thinking about it that way, it probably has an advantage for short jaunts around town on surface streets and the Ninjette would be the perfect complement for longer, higher-speed, highway/Interstate rides.

So, from the perspective of adding another bike for incrementally higher displacement and ABS, which would you guys suggest as the better option?

[Brother Michigan]

The RC390 has much more aggressive ergonomics, so that's something to consider if you really want something "different" from your existing 250s.

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by Brother Michigan

The RC390 has much more aggressive ergonomics, so that's something to consider if you really want something "different" from your existing 250s.

I do, but I think I've already achieved a lot of that that on one of my bikes with shorter dog bones to raise the tail, rearset adjusters, and clip-ons.

That trellis frame, the headlight projectors, the upside-down forks, etc are still mesmerizing me for purely cosmetic reasons. I also would like something that I don't see on the street every day. Those are petty reasons to want it, so I'm looking for more reasoned bullet points from you guys before I bite the bullet on either bike.

[Somchai]

What I would look for -> WEIGHT
RC 390 - 340 lbs
R3 - 368 lbs
Ninja 300 - 383 lbs
(all wet weight)
After I lowered the weight of my 2-fiddy by 17.5 lbs it's much more fun.

[Sirref]

Think of fuel range as well, out of the four (incl. r3 and cbr300r) the 300 has the best range and the 390 has the worst range. If you ride distance or don't like gas stations the 300 is the way to go. Not that the 390 has bad gas mileage, it's just that the tank is literally half the size.

That said I'd get the 390, but that's so I could race it as it's allowed in the same class as the 300 and is the faster bike at the track, when in full race trim from ktm.

[liberpolly]

Originally Posted by Brother Michigan

The RC390 has much more aggressive ergonomics, so that's something to consider if you really want something "different" from your existing 250s.

The Duke is not that aggressive.

[tfkrocks]

The RC390 comes of as more of a track toy for me whereas the Ninja 300 is better for the street. Depends on what you plan to do with the new bike.

Originally Posted by liberpolly

The Duke is not that aggressive.

But the RC390 isn't the Duke 390 so how is this relevant?

[liberpolly]

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

The RC390 comes of as more of a track toy for me whereas the Ninja 300 is better for the street. Depends on what you plan to do with the new bike.



But the RC390 isn't the Duke 390 so how is this relevant?

What's the difference between two, except the riding position and fairing?

[tfkrocks]

Because sometimes the styling matters to people?

[ninja250r81]

how about old school zx2r, zxr400 as a race prepped road registered bike.

learner legal bikes are going to 400cc soon anyway

[ForceofWill]

Originally Posted by ninja250r81

how about old school zx2r, zxr400 as a race prepped road registered bike.

learner legal bikes are going to 400cc soon anyway

US Learner Legal Bike

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

Because sometimes the styling matters to people?

Yep. Only thing I dislike about the RC390's styling is the blinkers and mirrors.

Originally Posted by ninja250r81

how about old school zx2r, zxr400 as a race prepped road registered bike.

learner legal bikes are going to 400cc soon anyway

Functionally, neither of those bikes exist in the USA. I had a ZXR400-based avatar pic for years.

[oblivion007]

if the CP blue isn't a race bike then the RC390 but I would go the duke myself.

[cbinker]

i would go with the RC, but i want to use that for racing.

[Hero Danny]

Just to help visualize.


I know you really wanted ABS. But to tell you the truth, I really don't think you'd need it. But I understand why you'd want it. I'd consider the R3 if I were you. But if you had to choose between the ninja 300 and KTM. Then i'd probably go with the 300 unless you were doing the track, then I'd go KTM.

[sharky nrk]

RC390

No reason to own a 250 and a 300

[Bigballsofpaint]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

RC390

No reason to own a 250 and a 300

Thats how i feel, if im selling the 250 then ill buy a 300. If im keeping the 250 then ill get a 390 ( i wouldnt want the R3 anyway )

or maybe ill buy an 848.....wait whaT?

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

Thats how i feel, if im selling the 250 then ill buy a 300. If im keeping the 250 then ill get a 390 ( i wouldnt want the R3 anyway )

or maybe ill buy an 848.....wait whaT?

Can't find a good enough deal on a 300 or make good enough money on the 250 to justify or I would have made the switch myself already.

[Bigballsofpaint]

Im not going to sell my 250 though, i was just throwing that out there. Ive got too much time, money and mainly emotional attachment to it since it was my first bike.

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

Im not going to sell my 250 though, i was just throwing that out there. Ive got too much time, money and mainly emotional attachment to it since it was my first bike.

well since I have two of them and neither were my first bike - I could part with one without too many tears lol


although I say that but I HATE the idea of selling any of my bikes lol