KTM RC390 Leaked to world...from Canada!

[CafeRay]

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Many Japanese bikes suffered from second rate suspension and brakes, they have always used suspension that "looked" like more functional units. This is where the European bikes typically differ. They seem chronically under-dampened.
I don't get it, people buy new bikes, immediately drop big bucks on shocks and cartridges, pipes, than call more expensive factory bikes that already have that quality setup, by proper engineers, a rip off.

The KTM200 in Malaysia is the equivalent of $6200 CDN, the 390 is just a bigger bore (I think).

Pretty sure the 390 would run rings around the FZR 400 on a track.

 

[nfq]

Many Japanese bikes suffered from second rate suspension and brakes, they have always used suspension that "looked" like more functional units. This is where the European bikes typically differ. They seem chronically under-dampened.
I don't get it, people buy new bikes, immediately drop big bucks on shocks and cartridges, pipes, than call more expensive factory bikes that already have that quality setup, by proper engineers, a rip off.

The KTM200 in Malaysia is the equivalent of $6200 CDN, the 390 is just a bigger bore (I think).

Pretty sure the 390 would run rings around the FZR 400 on a track.

^^ This. First bike I didn't have to swap out fork springs was on a Duc. There's a reason they cost so much and it's not just the pretty brunette that poses with it for the posters. That helps.

 

[inreb]

Top notch suspension and brakes usually aren't on offer for regular bikes, they usually come only on higher tuned bikes. My regular ride only has 50hp. The suspension and brakes I have to solve myself. I'm not bitter about it. Beats taking an expensive, well suspended 160hp bike, and detuning. That would be like resurfacing your driveway, retardit.

 

[Sunspark]

I don't get it, people buy new bikes, immediately drop big bucks on shocks and cartridges, pipes, than call more expensive factory bikes that already have that quality setup, by proper engineers, a rip off.

Sounds like people who buy Civics and then begin buying pieces to sort of make it more like an Acura except with a giant rear spoiler on their front wheel drive vehicles.

Spending money on accessories has been shown to be addictive.

 

[Brian P]

Pretty sure the 390 would run rings around the FZR 400 on a track.

A stock-for-stock comparison would be tough ... because any stock FZR today has 24 years of age and mileage on its adjustable-preload-only rear shock that wasn't very good to begin with, and a stock FZR now has a rear rim size that you can't get good tires for. Keep in mind that the FZR400 in particular was a revelation when it came out, and it took until 1999 for Yamaha to make another production bike that handled as well straight out of the box.

But modded-for-modded ... do whatever you want to a KTM390 but stay stock displacement and redline, and I'm pretty sure I'll be able to beat it with my roadrace FZR400. I've had a good many motards give me fits on the racetrack ... but they've all been larger displacement. The KTM has a smidge less weight (probably both stock and modded) but less power, less torque, single-disk brake. My particular FZR has a solution for the oddball rear wheel/tire size.

Don't get me wrong ... I think the KTM RC390 looks fantastic and I find it hard to find an excuse to not buy one, other than already having too many other bikes. I would take that in a second over a Ninja 300 or a CBR 250/300/500 even if it costs somewhat more.

My guess is $7995 ...

 

[Dresden]

^ +1

I think this bike will be priced appropriately at $7,995 as well. From the spec sheet, it seems a better bike than the CBR500RR. I think the top 20% of the people considering the CBR500RR will move to the RC390 instead.

A race-y bike, super light and flickable, ample 400cc engine for the streets and looks to boot. Perfect SS bike for the street and occasional track day IMO. Especially for those with <5 years riding experience.

I hope they sell like hotcakes so I can pick one up a used one as a second bike down the road.

 

[N3WMAN]

Pretty sure the 390 would run rings around the FZR 400 on a track.

If we're talking about a race prepped FZR, then I doubt it. It would be a competitive race.

I rode my 440 supermoto against Brian P's FZR400 at GBM and got left behind. In the infield I was able to keep pace, but the FZR has the legs on the straights and I could never make it back up in the infield. Past 120km/h the thumper just falls on it's face, whereas the FZR gets into the power and pulls away.

^^ This. First bike I didn't have to swap out fork springs was on a Duc. There's a reason they cost so much and it's not just the pretty brunette that poses with it for the posters. That helps.

Fork springs isn't really a good indicators of good quality OEM suspension. Having the correct springs for your weight on a stock bike is pure luck of the draw.

 

[Crashtest]

Can you drag the knee with a 150 tire? Or do you need 180+?


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You can drag footpegs with a 150. The bigger tire size would just make it turn slower anyway. Why would you want that?

 

[Sunspark]

The terrible tires on my bike are Cheng Shin.

Front is 90/90-18M/C 51S
Rear is 110/90-18M/C 61S

Can I drag elbow with these without appearing in fallen riders forum? ?

 

[Newblet]

This turned out to be a really good thread. I would consider purchasing one of these bikes if the parts were quality and the bike was an OK price.

I chose to buy a CBR 125r 3 summers ago, use it as a commuter, and stick with it until 25 to purchase some sort of 'big bike'. However, after my brother has bought and loaned me some of his bikes over the past few years ranging from 500cc to 1000CC, I actually like lower displacement bikes and enjoy my 125 and have enjoyed almost 30,000km out of it so far.

Now, that being said I cannot deny that a 1000 is an absolute blast to twist the throttle on. So it's nice every once in a while to ride a 1000 if you know someone who has one. But for me the gas mileage and insurance right now isn't worth it. I enjoy the slow, rip it through every gear, good gas mileage, flickable disguised scooter for now.

 

[daught]

You can drag footpegs with a 150. The bigger tire size would just make it turn slower anyway. Why would you want that?

I guess the pegs are mounted really low.


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[Macs]

So cool!

 

[yyz]

This bike is made in India. So there is no reason why it shouldn't be cheap.

But I doubt it will be as reliable as a Japanese bike.

 

[RetroGrouch]

Made in India? Okay I retract my price estimate.

 

[mxs]

You should .... 690 is sold for 10K here (and that bike is fully made and assembled in Austria) .... If you look at price differences between 690 and 390 naked bikes in Europe, you can easily predict where it will fall here. It will not be accurate due to unknown volumes estimates and whether here or in US, but enough to guess.

I'll do the math for you. Based on one Euro country pricing the avg. difference between 690 and 390 (both non-R naked models) is 3700CAD .... That includes all taxes you'd pay in Europe s well. So, that means that 390 naked should sell here for around 7K CAD (MSRP). Will RC390 command higher price than Duke390? (Not much solid info on pricing in Europe yet) Probably it will, due to the extra fairing and other parts.

FYI, Duke 390 is partially made and assembled in India factory, however every 390 is shipped to Austria for a quality control first before it's distributed worldwide. Perhaps precaution with the early runs ....

 

[mxs]

Don't get me wrong ... I think the KTM RC390 looks fantastic and I find it hard to find an excuse to not buy one, other than already having too many other bikes. I would take that in a second over a Ninja 300 or a CBR 250/300/500 even if it costs somewhat more.

My guess is $7995 ...

Totally agree. RC390 could only give you hard time at something very tight ... everywhere else your 400 would pull away.

The price is probably not too far off, although I am thinking higher end.

 

[Crashtest]

I guess the pegs are mounted really low.


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aprilia RS250. So, no. You should try extricating yourself from the NA mindset of "need big tires and 1000cc or it's a beginner bike".

WTF size do you think all the 125 and 250 GP bikes ran on?

As mentioned a bit earlier in this thread, smaller displacement bikes are just as much if not more fun, at least it's useable power and more fun in the corners.

 

[daught]

aprilia RS250. So, no. You should try extricating yourself from the NA mindset of "need big tires and 1000cc or it's a beginner bike".

WTF size do you think all the 125 and 250 GP bikes ran on?

As mentioned a bit earlier in this thread, smaller displacement bikes are just as much if not more fun, at least it's useable power and more fun in the corners.

Stop making excuses for your moped. My mountain bike has bigger tires than your bike. LOL there is no such thing as 125 and 250 GP. Why would there be one, when a bicycle race would be faster?


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[Crashtest]

Stop making excuses for your moped. My mountain bike has bigger tires than your bike. LOL there is no such thing as 125 and 250 GP. Why would there be one, when a bicycle race would be faster?


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You're either trolling or just an idiot. Not sure which, to be honest.

 

[Iceman]

If it comes with the usual ktm goodies, it'll be pricey. In 2010, a exc530 redbull edition cost 10500 sticker price. Ktm uses very high quality components. Try to compare a dr650 to a 625/690 out of the box. They are high maintenance because they are high performance. Take the ktm 350 for a rip, I don't think the rc390 is going to give up anything to an fzr400. I used to own a drz, I think the liming factor there is gearing, they sign off pretty early on the road.
Either way, with my budget I'll likely be shopping for a 2003ish 600ss, not a 10k ultra light. Lol
Having said that, I rode my friends fzr in 1988 and I remember being pretty excited about it!

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