KTM RC390

[xxaarraa]

Looks kinda like a 1980s superhero bike (ala robocop, streethawk, etc.)



http://www.ktm.com/supersport/rc-390...l#.VBApmWRdWQs

http://www.zigwheels.com/news-featur...n-india/19658/

[Paul_E_D]

All I can say is it better be as fast as a Ninjette. Otherwise, DOA.

[TrackRat]

I thought this was old news? The only question left was would it make it to the US?

[Jim]

doesn't look like it would crash very well

[xxaarraa]

doesn't look like it would crash very well

How do you make a determination on crash worthiness?

[Paul_E_D]

How do you make a determination on crash worthiness?

Looks like it would crash very well to me. Light weight and a stout frame. No silly wings on the gas tank. Bombs away!

[scottieducati]

It's the base for spec racing in Germany already. This will wipe the floor with the CBR250 and Ninja 300. Steel frames crash better than aluminum, not to mention the Moto3 folks finding out twin-spar alloy frames don't like the heavy vibes from a thumper motor.

[Jim]

How do you make a determination on crash worthiness?

the exhaust hanger and the subframe just doesnt look very it would handle a couple flips in the grass. could be wrong, but that's my first impression at the photo.

[Paul_E_D]

The trellis subframe is like a bridge. You could give an elephant a ride on the back!

I'd put a high pipe on it, but that long steel hanger could be straightened many times.

[Paul_E_D]

It's the base for spec racing in Germany already. This will wipe the floor with the CBR250 and Ninja 300.

I'll believe that when I see it. Singles always struggle next to multis of similar displacement.

[GingahNinjah]

Should be LRRS 300 Class legal too as the rules state up to 390cc. just have to have it added to the list of approved bikes

[scottieducati]

I'll believe that when I see it. Singles always struggle next to multis of similar displacement.

This one has 44 HP and purportedly has an unexpectedly nice top end. The difference is really in the chassis though, you get much, much better running gear on the KTM.

[Kurlon]

This one has 44 HP and purportedly has an unexpectedly nice top end. The difference is really in the chassis though, you get much, much better running gear on the KTM.

Same motor/tune as the Duke 390, touch heavier than the Duke, and the Duke is about dead even with a Ninjette 300 in a drag race. Vids already showing up online.

[B440]

The trellis subframe is like a bridge. You could give an elephant a ride on the back!

I'd put a high pipe on it, but that long steel hanger could be straightened many times.

[R7]

The trellis subframe is like a bridge. You could give an elephant a ride on the back!

From an engineering point of view, a truss..or trellis is very strong as far as holding weight, but at the same time is very weak when exposed to shock force ex, a crash

I'll say the same thing about this new KTM as I said in the thread last year when the first pics surfaced, the headlights make me want to puke. Such a good looking bike, such an ugly face to look at. Does KTM and BMW use the same design team?

[gixxer72]

From an engineering point of view, a truss..or trellis is very strong as far as holding weight, but at the same time is very weak when exposed to shock force ex, a crash
:

Interesting, please elaborate. I could see a truss having issues with transverse impact, but so would a spar oriented vertically like most motorcycle frames...

[xxaarraa]

Interesting, please elaborate. I could see a truss having issues with transverse impact, but so would a spar oriented vertically like most motorcycle frames...

I have no idea what he said but since he said "transverse impact" I have to agree with him.

[Jason P.]

i still kind of want one.

they are coming to the US though in recent articles.

[csmutty]

It doesn't have Pirellis. I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole.

[boosten lebaron]

Saw this little guy last night. I'm gonna go look at it today and see if I can get it.
Ktm 390 vs yzf125r


I don't know why it's upside. Can't seem to fix it.

By the way, I'm living in london now so I don't have to for it to come to the US.

[South of Heaven]

Seems like a great bike but from the reviews I've read it seems as though the front suspension is not adjustable but it has a cheap price tag so that's forgiven. Here's a good vid of the RC390 losing the front end at Modena.

http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/09/10...st-ride-video/

[Sidavong]

It looks much better in track trim I must say.

[Jason P.]

All the reviews rave about it. Blowing my mind the more I read the more buying it seems plausible. Goddamn it.

Wonder how long the aftermarket segment will take to start pumping out parts.

[boosten lebaron]

If it's anything like it's big brother the market will be slow and very pricey.

[boosten lebaron]

I did manage to beat on this thing a little yesterday as the bike shopping continues. Not something I was looking for but it was handed to me so I said whatever. I can see where a 390 motor in this chassis would be a fun city bike. It would suck for cruising though.