Motorcycle USA 2015 Entry Level Shootout

kdogg2077 · May 24th, 2015, 07:10 AM

Here's another comparison of the RC390, Cbr300, Ninja 300 and the R3. I don't think this was already posted.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/9/2567...-Shootout.aspx

I agree with their pick for number 1. So many choices nowadays!

cbinker · May 24th, 2015, 07:48 AM

I am willing to bet that Yamaha put some money into this "shootout"

Motofool · May 24th, 2015, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdogg2077

........... So many choices nowadays!

capt_bugaloo · May 24th, 2015, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbinker

I am willing to bet that Yamaha put some money into this "shootout"

... or maybe the Yamaha really was the best of the bunch?

I like my little Ninja, but that doesn't mean I can't admit that other bikes can be better.

Alex · May 24th, 2015, 11:55 AM

Yep. It's also good that there is so much interest in this segment, that many different folks are doing comparison tests like this. Sometimes it is hard to relate the results, though. There are other recent reviews of the R3 calling the suspension and brakes a big let-down compared to expectations and its peers (like the Kawi); while this review thought that it was clearly superior.

cbinker · May 24th, 2015, 12:00 PM

This review was decided by rider preference, i do find it odd that all preferred the Yamaha.

kdogg2077 · May 24th, 2015, 12:18 PM

I think the reason you see so many reviewers divided is that these are all good bikes with only a few small things that seperate them. You really can't go wrong with the Ninja 300, CBR300, R3 or the KTM.

Which is great for riders.

jkv45 · May 24th, 2015, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbinker

This review was decided by rider preference, i do find it odd that all preferred the Yamaha.

The latest MotorCyclist has a comparison also, but chose the KTM siting poor suspension (extra soft rear shock mostly) of the Yamaha.

They felt each had its pluses and minuses, and the best choice depends on what you want to focus on.

I've ridden a KTM, and it was OK, but I wasn't as thrilled as I thought I might be. I would like to ride the Yamaha.

Zaph42 · May 24th, 2015, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Yep. It's also good that there is so much interest in this segment, that many different folks are doing comparison tests like this. Sometimes it is hard to relate the results, though. There are other recent reviews of the R3 calling the suspension and brakes a big let-down compared to expectations and its peers (like the Kawi); while this review thought that it was clearly superior.

The big problem I see with the R3 (and the KTM too) is that they are direct link suspension in the rear. In other words, the rear shock bolts directly to the swingarm, and doesn't use a pivot plate. That is generally cheaping out on suspension. The CBR and N300 use linkage plates and will generally be the better handling bikes overall.

The rising rate of the rear shock can't be controlled as well without a linkage to control the rising rate curve, if you guys know what I mean.

Somchai · May 24th, 2015, 06:00 PM

For me interesting to read in an american test is the following sentence:
"Ironically, having ABS off brought the KTM to a stop more quickly than with it on. In 60-0 mph testing, the RC390 reached full stop in 148.2 feet without the aid of ABS, and 151.7 feet with the system on."
By the way this is what the deutsche TÜV, Bosch, BMW, Mercedes and all the others in Deutschland say since the beginning of ABS

Alex · May 24th, 2015, 06:36 PM

It's what every test says everywhere, even in America, except for this one. It is a bit of a head-scratcher.

sparky80 · May 25th, 2015, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbinker

This review was decided by rider preference, i do find it odd that all preferred the Yamaha.

Odd that they all think it's the best bike? I'd prefer the Yamaha over all of them too and only ridden my ninja 300. It's a thing of beauty and Yamaha knows how to make a great bike.

cbinker · May 25th, 2015, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Somchai

For me interesting to read in an american test is the following sentence:
"Ironically, having ABS off brought the KTM to a stop more quickly than with it on. In 60-0 mph testing, the RC390 reached full stop in 148.2 feet without the aid of ABS, and 151.7 feet with the system on."
By the way this is what the deutsche TÜV, Bosch, BMW, Mercedes and all the others in Deutschland say since the beginning of ABS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

It's what every test says everywhere, even in America, except for this one. It is a bit of a head-scratcher.

I actually think that these bikes really don't have enough braking power for abs to be effective. not that it would help a new rider, but a well conditioned rider knowing the limits could out brake the abs.

Sirref · May 25th, 2015, 08:15 PM

^ seconded, I've activated my abs several times at the track recently and I know I wasn't braking as hard as I can on my pregen 250

no rear wheel lifts for me

anyone know if the N300 abs can be disabled temporarily? I like having it on the street but it gets in the way at the track

May 24th, 2015, 07:10 AM	#1
kdogg2077 ninjette.org sage Name: Alex Location: Ebensburg, PA Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529	Motorcycle USA 2015 Entry Level Shootout Here's another comparison of the RC390, Cbr300, Ninja 300 and the R3. I don't think this was already posted. http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/9/2567...-Shootout.aspx I agree with their pick for number 1. So many choices nowadays! __________________________________________________ "Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine."
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

May 24th, 2015, 07:48 AM	#2
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	I am willing to bet that Yamaha put some money into this "shootout" __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

May 24th, 2015, 11:55 AM	#5
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Yep. It's also good that there is so much interest in this segment, that many different folks are doing comparison tests like this. Sometimes it is hard to relate the results, though. There are other recent reviews of the R3 calling the suspension and brakes a big let-down compared to expectations and its peers (like the Kawi); while this review thought that it was clearly superior. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

May 24th, 2015, 12:00 PM	#6
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	This review was decided by rider preference, i do find it odd that all preferred the Yamaha. __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

May 24th, 2015, 12:18 PM	#7
kdogg2077 ninjette.org sage Name: Alex Location: Ebensburg, PA Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529	I think the reason you see so many reviewers divided is that these are all good bikes with only a few small things that seperate them. You really can't go wrong with the Ninja 300, CBR300, R3 or the KTM. Which is great for riders. __________________________________________________ "Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine."

May 24th, 2015, 06:00 PM	#10
Somchai Freedom for Germany Location: This World Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R-FI Posts: A lot.	For me interesting to read in an american test is the following sentence: "Ironically, having ABS off brought the KTM to a stop more quickly than with it on. In 60-0 mph testing, the RC390 reached full stop in 148.2 feet without the aid of ABS, and 151.7 feet with the system on." By the way this is what the deutsche TÜV, Bosch, BMW, Mercedes and all the others in Deutschland say since the beginning of ABS
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

May 24th, 2015, 06:36 PM	#11
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	It's what every test says everywhere, even in America, except for this one. It is a bit of a head-scratcher. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

May 25th, 2015, 08:15 PM	#14
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	^ seconded, I've activated my abs several times at the track recently and I know I wasn't braking as hard as I can on my pregen 250 no rear wheel lifts for me anyone know if the N300 abs can be disabled temporarily? I like having it on the street but it gets in the way at the track __________________________________________________ I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see?

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